The camp quieted as night settled over Boreas. The flames of the campfire burned low their embers glowing like scattered suns. Soldiers moved in hushed groups, their voices low as if afraid it would break the calm
Finley walked through the rows of tents with a slow and elegant stride. The mission details running methodically through his mind. The northern pass, the fang clan, the sky skiff. But it was the the children who were really on his mind.
He found them around a small fire pit the younger girl was already sleeping covered by different coats. The other girl was carefully eating a stew a soldier had left them earlier he. The boy was sitting up right, alert despite the weary look he wore on his face. He was prodding the the fire with a small stick.
Finley stopped just a few paces away. The boy noticed instantly. A sort of instinct very few soldier could ever attain on the battlefield.
"There is no need to stand guard over them all the time" Finley said
The boy stared him dead in the eye and said "Yes I do"
Finley just sighed slightly as he lowered himself on the ground to join them. His exosuit was the only other noise apart from the soft hiss of the campfire as the three sat in complete silence.
"My name" Finley started without tearing his eyes away from the embers of the campfire "is Captain Finley Corval, may I ask for your names" turning his head to the older girl who was carefully observing him with golden eyes.
"Mercy" she said with an elegance to her voice "And this here is our cousin, little Millie"
She gestured to the younger girl who was sleeping nearby, her bubble-gum pink hair peeking out under all the coats.
"I'll be taking you all to the northern sea tomorrow to get you evacuated safely"
"We're leaving Boreas?"
"Yes"
"But why not let us go with the main group"
Finley thought for a second considering how much of the truth he wanted to tell the young girl.
"Because you matter" he eventually said
Mercy looked at him sceptically raising an eyebrow. The boy on the other side snorted slightly just enough for Finley to glance at him.
The wind shifted, carrying the distant howl of a hellhound. Both of the kids looked towards the sound not a trace of fear on their face.
Finley's eyes narrowed. "Hellhounds have been moving towards the frontlines. They won't breach the front lines or reach the wall tonight, but we move at dawn for a reason."
"Are they chasing us" Mercy asked
"They can try"
"Promise?" a small quiet voice broke the silence. Millie's small child like face peeked out from the coats.
Finley met her gaze. Her eyes ancient in a way no child's should ever be. He felt the unspoken trust she place on him like a mantle
"Promise"
Finley stood up brushing the dirt and frost off his clothing "Get some rest. We leave before first light"
As he was about to walk to his tent, he turned around and looked at the boy.
"By the way I never got your name"
The boy stared at him with his eyes of ancient gold.
"My name is Kavok. Kavok V Raleigh"