The Girl Who Bore the Flame Ring

Chapter 45: The Girl Changed, the Boy Did?Not

Autumn finally reached the tumultuous Libelikan continent. On Amil’s orders, with supplies supplemented by the harvest, 120 000 men set out towards western Bahar. Sallied forth were more than just Baharan soldiers as Ribeldam, the eastern provinces, and the capital were all participating. The fight was not only to destroy the liberation front, but also had orders to crush the governor general’s office, and retake the traitorous Coimbra. Emperor Amil was camped in the rear and the army was run by Field Commander Falid Alain. The conditions were all set for what would clearly be an easy victory.

The commonwealth, on the other hand, had also set out to meet the imperial army under the command of Governor General Noel Bosheit. They were prepared to set up camp in the Altvear plains and ambush the imperial army. Siden of Gemb and Elgar of the unified Coimbra had sent reinforcements along with Giv and Karmbeeth, who had seen a lessening of pressure from the empire. As a result, they had accumulated 100 000 men; more than initially forecast. The empire brought 120 000; the Commonwealth 100 000. The largest battle since the first unification under the Horsheido Empire was about to begin. The curtains rolled back for the battle on the Altvear plains.

Entrusted with the front lines, Falid stretched out the meandering formation from north to south, set on preparing a war of attrition. Opposing troops moved under Noel’s directions to match them, stretching both armies out in straight lines upon the planes to face each other down. Noel’s fears did not play out as the Black Sun Cavalry did not immediately launch a devastating assault as the empire was not willing to commit to such a risk. Falid had suggested striking a crippling blow right away, but Amil had rejected it for he feared losing his prized Black Sun Cavalry so soon. The two commanders repeatedly sent out skirmishers to avoid significant losses. If such large formations were to move, openings would be revealed that, if exploited, could prove to become a fatal wound.

The armies continued to exchange blows like fencers cutting and parrying. A buildup and attack by the right flank once set about would be quickly opposed. On the front lines, the rear ranks were forced onward to fill the gaps, but such minor engagements would not bring an end to the battle. Falid’s cavalry would be ambushed if they attempted to target the supply wagons, and Noel’s ambush force would be harried by the imperial archers if they pursued too far, and so the front lines ebbed and flowed. There had been Gembi officers of a simple mind to fight honourably and directly, but Noel had rejected that at once in favour of a war of attrition. The first to move was at the disadvantage for the moment as the enemy troops lying in wait would be able to respond. Each side whittled away at the enemy resolve. The excruciating fight continued for a month. Amil and Siden had been working over plans to break the deadlock, but neither Noel nor Falid would move yet. They observed the armies by telescope day after day, searching the men, weighing their fatigue and morale, but they both sensed that an opportunity was approaching. The matter of where to move, or where to make the enemy move would decide the victor. Both commanders pushed their concentration to the limits in search of the decisive moment.

As the second month began, Noel decided to move first; to finally begin the operation they had prepared and trained for.

“Move the governor general’s headquarters to the front lines, and construct a fort as a launching point. The guard and the workers will be handpicked by Riglette. The rest of my personal troops will be temporarily divided among the other divisions.”

Noel abruptly stated countless incomprehensible things in the war council, and Siden and Elgar voiced their surprise. Their objective was to wait for an opportunity and take the enemy there; the tactic that the former Sun Emperor Bergis had prided himself upon.

“What are you saying? I haven’t heard of a plan to construct an offensive fort. Even if we can complete it safely, it won’t provide much tactical advantage.”

While it was defensive, it was different from a castle. While it may have affected morale, when weighing the risks, Siden’s opinion was correct.

“That’s probably right, it’s like you are asking to be attacked.”

“If you know that, rethink this. You are the symbol of the Commonwealth as our governor general. On the off chance you get captured, morale will plummet. If you mean to provoke them, there are other ways.”

“It’s as Sir Siden says! There’s no reason to transfer you to the front!”

“That’s why I have to go. If we put out high quality bait, the beast that’s caught the scent will have no choice but to come.”

“I can see what you’re saying, but if it fails, it’ll be the cause of our collapse. Firstly, we should restrict what the black sun cavalry can strike. If I was the imperial commander I would sacrifice other troops in search of a use for them. By no means should we allow them to get involved… Noel, please think carefully.”

Siden was highly insistent, but Noel shook her head.

Noel was more harsh than usual, “It’s fine. If I move, they will. Without a doubt. That’s where we win or lose. As the current supreme commander, at least allow me this much.”

In reality, Siden had also been thinking of how to break the stalemate. None of them had been so risky as hers, but they had been all searching to create an edge.

“Even if we lure them out, we can’t ambush them halfheartedly. The black sun cavalry are to be feared… have you any plans for that?”

Noel nodded cooly in response to Siden’s stated concerns.

She spoke in hushed tones, “Of course. It’s fine to leave that troublesome Falid and his black sun cavalry to me. I’m the supreme commander right now, eh? And everybody is watching and waiting for an opportunity. When they see a chink in the armour, they have to move.”

Noel had intended to take to the vanguard and entice the enemy from the start, but at great opposition from her allies, she had requited her position. Just as Siden had earlier, they would assuredly wonder why she would have such a dangerous opinion. If she had still forced her way through, there may have opened a fissure in her allies’ cooperation. She had learned as much from the previous Coimbra-Baharan war. Proof was needed to convince people.

Therefore Noel had waited; had pushed her allies and enemies alike to the brink with a war of attrition that merely whittled away manpower and strength. The observations that decided the time to move was now had been of ally and enemy alike: both sides had begun to complain. In such a situation, Noel could cause a disturbance by dangerously moving her headquarters to the front, and simultaneously building a fort. It would guarantee Falid to move, even if he knew it was a trap, he had to respond to Noel’s provocation. Lack of movement would not only cause him to be labeled a coward, but also was likely to lower morale in disappointment.

Noel then turned to Barbas and issued orders to drive the point home, “Barbas, take the dragoons to repeatedly strike the enemy’s central camp. Maintain a range from which you know you can fall back. Don’t overdo it!”

“Roger that! Leave it to the White Ant Bloc. Hehe, looks like we got the best job!”

“I’m going to say it again, Barbas: Don’t overdo it. The goal is not to deal a crushing blow, but to pull them forward. Remember what you are supposed to do.”

“I perfectly understand without you telling me twice! Please leave it to me, Governor General, your excellency!”

Noel gave a small nod upon hearing Barbas’ reply. While hesitant, Siden and Gemb came to accept her plot, and no further objections arose. All that remained was for the enemy to make his move, but Falid firmly refused to move. After three days and nights of the White Ant Bloc’s provocation, Falid had still prohibited movement. The soldiers of the commonwealth jeered and blew bugles as they threw fire and shrapnel upon them, enraging Rebecca and the others in the centre, but he continued to order them to remain on standby.

“Why hold us back!? Won’t we gain momentum by butchering those fuckers!? Why do we have to turtle up!? Didn’t you also say we have the advantage in cavalry, bro!?!?”

“That’s what they want us to do. There’s no reason to respond to such obvious provocation.”

“I can’t accept that! On the continent we always won! We even beat that fiend bitch once. There’s no reason to be worried!”

“Do not disturb the formation. Stand down!”

Rebecca kicked aside a nearby chair and returned to her formation. It wasn’t as though Falid couldn’t understand her feelings as she walked away disgusted, and the other soldiers were most likely impatient as well. The enemy clearly wanted him to move, and that was why they had launched night raid after night raid in provocation, apparently having pushed the Black Sun Cavalry, and the soldiers only physically strengthened in operation Dawn to their limits.

I can’t just sit here forever. If I don’t do something, morale will suffer.

He was waiting for the enemy to lower their guard. He couldn’t allow Noel’s fort to finish construction. It wouldn’t make much of a difference, but it would take the wind out of the sails of the imperial troops. He could see that there was a trap. If he had to sacrifice troops to stop them, he would, but Falid was holding off on that. Amil had requested that he set appropriate troops to the matter at once, and it was the first time that Falid had ignored Amil’s direct orders.

I can fully understand his majesty’s thought process, but I want to avoid being the one who captures Noel, if at all possible. I would just like to speak with her one more…

Noticing a report had come in from a red stained messenger, he looked up to the sky: red. The sun was setting. At that moment, Falid heard the sound of a terrific explosion followed by screams and the trumpet signals of an advance.

“What’s this!? I never ordered an attack!! Who’s responsible for this!?”

“My apologies! Sergeant Rebecca’s party is leading the assault! She is furiously pursuing the enemy cavalry!”

“That idiot’s gone and done it!”

Falid cast the report aside, but quickly changed his mind. This might have been a surprisingly good chance. The enemy may have been lulled into a sense of security and struck too deep. If that was the case, it was the time to move. Falid closed one eye and thought hard about what he should do; about what would be best for the empire and for himself. If he went, he could lead the Black Sun Cavalry through the enemy cavalry and assault Noel’s headquarters. On the off chance it was a trap, he could kick about a few soldiers, and a large number of soldiers could be occupied by the Black Sun Cavalry which would allow him to return alive. Above all…

Noel is inviting me over. This may be my last chance to speak with her, and that means I have to go.

Falid’s thoughts pulled slightly away from the long war of attrition, prioritising his own opinions over Amil’s orders, his real self coming to the forefront. If he went personally, he would be able to directly talk to her; a decision best not made under normal circumstances. The voice inside him that was loyal to the emperor was screaming at him to stop that it might be a trap. Amil had ordered him not to waste the Black Sun Cavalry. A supreme commander was not to be reckless or show off his own valour, but Falid cast aside the warnings, choosing to accept Noel’s invitation. It was the first time in his life that Falid moved on his own volition.

“All right, we follow after Rebecca’s party! Our objective is the headquarters of Noel of the Commonwealth! Sound the bugle to send the Black Sun Cavalry to the front!!”

“Yes sir! Everyone, sally forth! Don’t leave a rebel standing!”

“Yeah!!”

A low blast rang out across the battlefield as the Black Sun Cavalry began to move. Racing across the red plains, they approached the base of the fort with vigor. It was still a long way from completion, with logs and other building materials left lying about. It wasn’t enough to disrupt the cavalry. Falid gripped his spear amid his Black Sun Cavalry, bearing the flag of the empire of the sun. His target was the audacious Commonwealth flag. With the white dyed red in the sunset, it almost seemed to be a monochrome scarlet flag.

“I won’t let you approach Sir Noel!”

“Out of my way!!”

The infantry clashed with the cavalry to obstruct them. Perhaps the enemy was exhausted, or unusually slow, for in an instant he had hewn threw dozens of them.

“Advance! Our one target is Noel! Take her, and we win the war! Show these rebels the might of the Black Sun Cavalry!”

“Huzzah!”

They brandished their spears at Falid’s encouragement. A distant explosion could be heard, and flames were spotted where Rebecca had run.

At Noel’s headquarters, the position of the Black Sun Cavalry was confirmed via telescope. They could likely reach her without taking many more casualties.

“Your excellency, Sir Barbas has died in battle. He was using explosives to draw in the enemy.”

“Transfer command of the White Ant Bloc to Gorn.”

“Yes sir!”

Barbas had likely made the decision knowing that night raids alone weren’t provoking the enemy, and so had opted for a more dangerous method at dusk. He had pulled in the enemy cavalry, even the black sun cavalry, but at the cost of his life as he had been unable to retreat. Somewhere deep down, Noel may have known that with Barbas in charge, it would have come to this, but she had no other choice. She wanted to cry, but she bore it with a severe expression; crying would only weaken her. A commander could not cry.

“Your excellency…”

“Yeah, we have things to do before we grieve. Send messengers to Riglette and Kai. Once it’s begun, instruct them to show no mercy. If they are half-hearted it will all be fruitless. Leave the rest to Siden and the young master.”

Noel rose with her bident in hand, and entrusted the warhammer at her side to the messenger.

“Your excellency, this…”

“Yeah. If I don’t lighten up a bit, I won’t win. I’d hate to lose it, so hold on to it a bit, okay?”

Putting in its place a dagger on her belt, Noel lay in wait. The sky was a deep red sunset, but the slight haze was probably more than just her imagination.

The Black Sun Cavalry continued its thrust. Falid wielded his spear from his horse, ending a commonwealth soldier who fell with blood leaking from his lips. No matter how elite they were, they should have been able to fight back a little more. The enemy was Noel the fiend and her soldiers. These men were much weaker than the ones at Yavits.

There’s some kind of trick at play here.

Falid had a bad premonition, but to order a retreat amid an apparently successful push would be the pinnacle of foolishness. They had learned once that weak attacks were to be avoided, and so Falid had always done so. The cavalry pushed through the soldiers, entering into the fort. Instead of hiding behind the wooden walls, the commonwealth soldiers took up their swords and charged. In the centre of the bailey was published the twin-hammer banner. It was the headquarters of Noel, Governor General of the Commonwealth Army. From inside came Noel; slowly, and with a smile.

In that instant, a large number of flaming arrows came flying into the fort. Falid rushed to knock them aside with his spear, as did the other Black Sun Cavalry. Such an attack wouldn’t be enough to finish them. In fact, the only victims were the commonwealth soldiers, who caught fire, no, burst into flames upon being struck with the arrows, becoming human torches as their own bodies fueled the fires one by one. The fire spread to the walls, the goods, and even the corpses. The force of the flames was unnatural.

“W-what’s going on!?”

“S-stop, stay back!”

In the confusion, Falid heard the screams of the Black Sun Cavalry. The burning commonwealth soldiers were grasping the Black Sun Cavalry with smiles. Perhaps by use of oil, the flame quickly spread to the Black Sun Cavalrymen, engulfing them in the pillars of fire. Even near the headquarters, the scene was repeated: spooked horses threw their riders, who were grabbed by the blazing commonwealth men, spreading the flames. Man after man that Falid had personally trained, died with unutterably horrific screams. Now that he was paying attention, he saw that the fort had concealed a ring of flames. Walls and bodies were used to complete the flaming barriers which roared on, reaching the sky.

“What is this? Noel, what have you…”

“Fire. I thought, ‘it really is the best.\'”

“Surrounding yourself in flames is insane.”

“You want sanity in a war?”

“No, but this is clearly a mistake. You ordered your own men to die!”

“Yup that’s it. Hey, isn’t it mysterious how they’re all so glad to die? We used that sort of medicine, so they don’t feel the pain. I’m sure you’ve seen it before.”

It was probably the censugrass that Amil was so worried about, the vile plant that spread like a disease through the empire. Aside from causing hallucinations, it could also numb the senses and remove pain, though that caused some to harm themselves to the point of death.

“Is that what a commander should do? You… you’ve thrown away your own companions?”

“I’m a commander. I have to minimise casualties. Above all, I have to succeed. In fact, even if we didn’t do this, these men would have died just the same.”

“They would have died?”

“Yup, their guts are all rotted out because of that disease you brought back from the continent. So, I gave them a choice. If they cooperate with me, I’ll look after their families, and they will be entered into house Bosheit. Just like that and they gladly volunteered. Ahaha, I might be a little happy with all the family members I’ve just gained.”

Noel looked proud as she brushed off the falling ash. She had gotten the heretical tactic approved, and her face showed no shadow of doubt or regret.

“Just to draw us in… you’ve come up with a plan using so many deaths and yourself as bait…”

“Your black sun cavalry are the soldiers of death, aren’t they? So it’s unfair on both sides. And so here we are in the centre of this flame ring made with their lives. This is my ‘flame ring’ stratagem, thought up specifically to burn you all to death. Aren’t monsters weak to fire?”

“Flame ring…”

The fort created a ring of flames fueled onward by human lives. The men of the commonwealth, and the black sun cavalry were immolated, leaving only the two monsters of Operation Daybreak.

“All that’s left is to settle our differences. I may be fine dying here, but you might not.”

She brandished her bident, and Falid quickly readied his spear. The flames weren’t going to calm down, likely fueled by the combustion stones said to be used at Carness. No, that didn’t seem to be all, Falid sensed some other power was involved.

“Did you intend to go down with me from the start? You can’t run either with flames like that.”

“I learned that I have to be resolved to die when drawing the sword on my own friend. That’s why I’m here too. It’s been a while, number 8.”

“Hahaa, what so you knew? In that case, it’d have been fine for you to just drop by. You saw my letter right, number 13?”

Falid revealed a bitter smile.

“Didn’t I tell you I couldn’t go?”

She had even told him to meet her on the battlefield. Thinking back, that was one of her invitations, perhaps having intended to hint that he couldn’t just speak to her.

“Even so… I wanted to meet you. I thought that if you remembered me, we might have some other road we could take.”

In reality it would be difficult, no, if she was caught, or… Falid smirked to himself, finally realising why she hadn’t come.

“I’m really sorry. We’re friends, but enemies. You’re in the empire, I’m in the Commonwealth, and neither of us can switch. Isn’t that right, General Falid?”

He had entreated her many times when she was on Willa island specifically because he hadn’t wanted it to come to this.

“Why did this happen? It didn’t have to be this way. The truth is, everyone should be happy. That’s why I fought so hard, but nobody seems happy at all. Why?”

Falid had worked hard like his teachers had taught him. There was no mistake in the word of the emperor. Everything should have gone well. Noel gave a troubled smile, the nostalgic face momentarily fascinating Falid.

“You’re the general of the imperial army, after all. You’d better work hard. I think it’s really amazing. Anybody’d be glad to have the position.”

“You really think? Don’t they all hate me? I mean, I’m the only one beside Amil…”

“It’s fine, nobody’s mad at you. They’re praising all that hard work you’ve done.”

“Haha, when you say it, it sounds so believable.”

“I mean, that’s cause it’s true. I think they’ve all been watching us this whole time.”

Falid felt some levity at her words. Deep down he had always harboured feelings of guilt as the only survivor; the unfulfilled promise. Just how much would he be saved if what she said was true?

“I’ve been running hard without rest until now, believing that serving Lord Amil would bring everyone happiness, but it didn’t go well. Was I mistaken? Where? Governor General Noel, you wouldn’t happen to know, would you?”

Falid loosened his expression, and Noel shrugged in response.

“I think that our objectives were probably the same, but we just took different roads at some point. I bet it was just bad luck, so it couldn’t be helped.”

“Yeah, that may be. It’s really sad, but such is the way of the world.”

Both eyes closed, after a deep breath, he glared at Noel, prepared to kill. While she did have her bident ready, she wasn’t about to murder him.

“I don’t need to die for Lord Amil. I’ll take you here, and escape. As long as I survive, no matter how near death, Lord Amil will win the battle. Once you, their hero, are dead, the scales will tip in favour of the empire.”

“As the governor general of the Commonwealth, I don’t intend to lose either. I cannot let you get away. There are others who can be a governor general, but with you gone, the whole imperial army will collapse, and with the head gone, the augmentation of operation dawn will be crippled. The black sun cavalry won’t be able to be maintained. Even if we kill each other, it’ll be my win, so I’ll have you die right here.”

In the midst of that blazing purgatory, Falid and Noel faced off against each other with their specialized weapons. Falid could feel the heat scorching his skin. Any longer and his body wouldn’t bear it. Falid hardened his will to kill his former friend, companion, and the woman he loved.

I can’t lose, no matter what, I can’t lose!!

He would kill Noel and take her head to Amil. With the death of the hero of the commonwealth, the death of their symbol, morale would plummet. If that was capitalized upon with a full assault, they would rout. The crossroads of fate were right there in that moment.

“Here I come, number 13!!”

At the crackle of a nearby flame, Falid cut through the hot air as he charged toward Noel. He could see all of her movements, and she couldn’t follow his. Her spear could never reach him. Just like all their practice matches, just like their last combat, Falid would be victorious.

In three paces he would be in striking range, and Noel’s bident hadn’t been prepared. Two paces away and she hadn’t moved; one pace, and she hadn’t moved.

Within striking distance, Noel dropped her bident for some reason. Did she intend to surrender now, of all times? Falid was already attacking, and he could only move on. There was no stopping him now.

But, is this really okay?

“Hrrrgh!!”

Falid cast aside his idle thoughts, planting his feet, and twisting his body to send out his best thrust. It was a thrust that had swiftly ended countless foes. The point of his spear found the flesh of its prey. Blood splattered across the surroundings.

“-Khh, ghhhhn…”

He coughed blood, his body heavy, legs shaking. For some reason, he couldn’t put strength in his arms. Furthermore, he felt the sting of burning. Looking down, he saw Noel’s left hand held the dagger that had pierced his side. It had gone through a gap in his armour, penetrating deeply, destroying several vital organs. It was a fatal wound, wreaking havoc inside his body. It was incredibly similar to the tactic that Falid had used at Yavits pass, the difference being that Noel had gone so far as to receive a strike to draw him in and deliver one of her own. His spear had clearly pierced her shoulder, dying her armour and hair even further red. His target, however, had been her heart, and somehow, he had missed. Why had that happened? Perhaps at the very end, he had been soft. Noel’s arm wrapped around his back, and her left hand drove the dagger further in. The wound clearly had stopping power. If he wanted to resist, he could have. He had enough strength to bring her down with him, but he did not. Falid wrapped his own arms around her in an embrace; an embrace covered in blood, but one that still made him glad.

“Did you know… I would hesitate?”

“I’m really sorry. This was all I could think of. I couldn’t beat you in a fair fight since you’re more skilled.”

“Ha… haha… w-well said, 13.”

Falid collapsed on top of Noel. There fallen, the two rolled apart to face the sky.

“Is this that promise you made?”

“Yup. It wasn’t pretty, but I thought we’d fight it out. Sorry for being unfair.”

She had promised to take up the sword for Amil, and also that they would fight together. She hadn’t worked for Amil’s victory, but for his defeat. It was obvious sophistry, but Falid didn’t have the mind to be angry, only that it was inevitable with number 13.

“Heh, you’re so stubborn about the strangest things. That’s why the teachers were always mad at you.”

“Is, is that so?”

“That’s right. You’re an obstinate one.”

They each gave a pained smile.

“So this match is a draw, eh?”

Noel’s breath was also becoming shallow as the flames approached. The two would be swallowed soon enough. Thinking about it, their talk may have been a stalling tactic, to ensure he died, but Falid couldn’t care less. They had been able to have a proper talk in the end, and he didn’t feel so bad about their deaths anymore.

“If we can’t tell who won, it’s fine to say I lost… You’re even less fair than before… no, I should say you’re stronger.”

“I studied a lot. I talked to all sorts of people. There were fun things and painful things that I got to experience.”

“Is that how it was?” Falid spoke from the heart, “I’m really jealous. Well, it’s been that way since even back then.”

The only things he had studied had been about war, but Noel had likely experienced a whole range of studies. He wondered how she had lived so freely. Ever since the time in that church, she had been free.

“Death by fire is pretty hot after all. I though that before, though.”

“Haha, even, even though it’s your own plan… I should be the one saying that having been burnt by you twice.”

“That’s true. I might be regretting things a little right now.”

“Haha, that’s so like you.”

Falid laughed in amazement, spraying blood on Noel’s face.

“Will everyone forgive me? That’ll end it all, though.”

“Don’t worry. It’s not over. It isn’t over at all… I won’t let it end.”

Falid mustered all his willpower to stand, took up Noel’s bident, and threw it at the flames as hard as he could. The outer wall of the fort broke, creating a visible crack through which he could see a female knight calling Noel’s name. Once he had confirmed the direction, he pulled Noel up by the arm.

“What are you doing?”

“Isn’t that your friend? Get going. I’ll wait for you with everyone else.”

“No, 8, I’m coming…”

“Adieu, 13, no… Governor General Noel Bosheit. I’d like to meet again once you’re released from duty. At that point, the empire and the commonwealth won’t matter.”

Falid mustered all his might, all the force he had left to live, and threw Noel toward the gap. Noel’s body made a disjointed sound when he threw her, but he would have her bear that much. She could live with a few fractured bones. Then she could bear all their hopes and dreams; Falid’s too. Falid felt a little regret as he let go of the treasure in his hands, even as he died, but he had already resigned himself to the good that lay therein.

“I’m… tired, but I wonder why it doesn’t hurt?”

Falid collapsed once more, having thrown away his strength. He knew the flames were enveloping him. It wouldn’t be strange to scream with the burns, but he didn’t feel anything in particular. He had some luck at the very end, it seemed. That was good, at least. He looked to the twilight sky, wreathed in flames, or so he had attempted to do, but he couldn’t see anymore.

An apology to Amil flashed through his mind, but he had done his best, and he felt he would be forgiven. Falid couldn’t decide what was correct, or what he should do, and he didn’t want to. He didn’t want any regrets.

“The… flame ring, eh? Haha, that’s really not fair. I mean, I never…”

A smile leaked out as he was engulfed in the blaze. The last thing to cross his mind was an image of Noel’s elated face after her victory.

Author’s Note:

Noel and Falid’s objective was the same, but their lifestyles became polar opposite.