When they marched from the village the following day, they left two dead men behind them. Malek, the young soldier, was burried in the ground, and his killer, hanged between two houses. Murder in the ranks, spilling the blood of your brothers in arms, was unforgiven. The fact that they were marching to fight a civil war remained unsaid. Life was full of hypocrisies like that, Veran thought, watching the hanging body as they disappeared in the fog.

To keep the peace, Ozren changed marching formations and camp order. The weight to keep the men together fell on Ozren’s shoulders now after his general’s blunder. Soldiers could put aside their differences, but most of these men were no soldiers. They were farmers, blacksmiths, shepherds, and bakers. People whose religion gave them a much-needed light, whether they were pagans or followed the dead god.

Veran wasn’t himself after that night. He kept staring into the fog, asking the scouts to check yet another tree that looked like a man to him. He spoke about the beasts in the mist, but no one else saw them. A wave of snickers and whispers ran through the ranks each time he rode off into the forest to pursue a foe who wasn’t there. The day before they reached Rhana, Ozren approached him.

“How are you feeling today, general? You seem a little bothered.”

“I’m as good as I can be, sir. Making sure we’re not followed or surprised again.”

“Again… I see. You’re keeping a close eye on our surroundings?”

“After the other night, I have to. I saw them, Ozren. I looked like a child compared to those things. They were huge.”

“I understand your worries. Who knows what happened there? I will follow the advice you gave me before we left and put Bron at the head of the battalion. You will lead the scouts to see what’s going on out there.”

“But I have to watch over you, sire. Bron’s a good man, but he doesn’t have the experience that I do. What if someone else was on watch, and he didn’t see the ambushers?”

“He’s going to do fine. I need you to watch over the perimeter. Only you could do that.”

“Are you trying to sideline me, Ozren? Trying to get rid of me? I know what I saw!”

“Then why did the scouts not find anything?”

“I don’t know. They must’ve covered their tracks. They had those monsters with them. Who knows what else they’re capable of.”

“The men are worried about you Veran. I’m worried about you.”

“Sire, I’m fully capable of fulfilling my duties.”

“I don’t think so, and it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have pushed you into this. Once we reach Rhana, you’ll get your well-deserved rest. I should’ve listened to you, Veran. You should’ve stayed home.”

“But I need to lead the men!”

“Bron will lead them, and I’ll lead my men into battle. That’s not up for debate anymore. It hurts me to see you like this, my friend. But you’ve given us everything you can already. There’s enough tension in the group as it is. Tales of phantoms and monsters will only make it worse. I’ll announce the change when we get to the city. We’ll tell the others you were stricken by some illness. It will give them some peace of mind.”

Veran faced Ozren’s lashing with dignity. He didn’t argue more than necessary, he didn’t complain, and he didn’t show anger or despair. He did what he did best.

“Yes, sir.” - he agreed.