Arash Gets A Second Promotion.

 Commander Adu refused Arash to help in treating her injury because she didn't want him to find out she was a girl. Arash was seriously worried about commander Adu but he couldn't do anything since she refused. By the time Cyrus was done dealing with the assassins who infiltrated the refugees, it was already dark. He came into commander Adu's tent breathing heavily, because he was running all the way from the stable where the horses were kept. He expected to see that commander Adu's secret had been discovered but he calmed down when he saw her lying on the bed untouched and Arash was pacing to and fro in the tent. 

You are finally back, Arash said holding Cyrus's shoulders. Commander refused to summon a doctor to treat his injury. He insisted on waiting for you to come back.

Commander, Cyrus saluted. 

How was it? She asked.

The assassin who infiltrated the refugees and bribed some others have been caught, Cyrus explained. We have no casualties. 

What about the refugees?

They have detoured. I sent some men to accompany them.

What is important now is to treat the injury, Arash in chipped in. This could wait for later.

Then he walked towards commander Adu.

Wait let me help you take off your armor, he said and stretched forth his hands to touch her.

She hit his hand away and Cyrus rushed to stand in between them.

Arash, what are you doing? Cyrus asked in a flustered tone.

I want to help him remove his armour, he needs immediate treatment, Arash explained.

It's none of your business! Cyrus said and used his head in gesturing him to leave. I will attend to it myself.

Don't worry yourself let me help you, you don't need to thank me, he said and tried to reach out to the armour again.

Hey! It's okay. Staff Cyrus can help me, commander Adu said. You can leave now to go and rest. 

Okay, since you insist, Arash said. Then I'm leaving. Medicine! He said pointing to a first aid box on the table before leaving.

After he left, Cyrus went to close the door of the tent and sighed in relief. 

 Outside, Arash was doing something similarly to thanking ancestors. He put three stone together on the floor, as if setting up an alter.

Arash! Arash!

Hearing the voices calling his name, he immediately got up and kicked the stones off the setting he placed them, then he rushed out of the corner he was staying and met them. 

You are smart, one said. How did you know there were assassins among the refugees?

It's simple, he replied. I escaped from a war when I was little, so I know what refugees are like. They have a look of pain and despair.

Really?

Yes. How can a refugee have those bright eyes? He asked.

You are really amazing, they praised him. 

 In the tent, Cyrus had just finished helping Adlin attend to her injury. She dressed back as normal, hiding every detail that could make one recognize her as a girl.

Adlin, are you feeling better? Cyrus asked as he washed the towel he used in cleaning the injury.

Yes, I'm better, she answered.

Arash was just... He touched you too many times. That's ridiculous.

He doesn't who I am, the one who doesn't know is innocent. Besides he saved me. He has contributed a lot.

She remembered when the assassin wanted to deliver a second strike and he saved her before it happened. If not it could have been very deadly, she may have not survived it. 

Adlin, I killed someone today, Cyrus said looking sad. Today was his first time, using his martial arts skills to kill somebody. 

Yes, She replied. Were you afraid?

Yes.

Me too.

Since we were little, we studied military books and tactics but I didn't realize fighting with our lives was like this. Do you remember what father once said? He said a benevolent man doesn't lead the army. I didn't understand before, but now I see. Look at Arash, he was decisive today on the battlefield. Maybe people like him were born to be on the battlefield. 

 At dawn, Arash was busy feeding forage to the horses at the stable when Adlin walked up to him.

Arash!

He turned around and saw her.

Commander! He saluted.

Who are you? She asked.

He smiled and said "group leader of Mezhou city army".

I mean your real identity! She hammered on the point. Camping, taming of horses and fighting. You were so good at all of them. Tell me honestly, what did you do before you came to Mezhou city. 

He waited for a while before answering;

A thief! He said as he went down the memory lane.

 At the time, the war between two countries have lasted for over ten years. I stayed among the refugees and living was like hell. There were times my food got snatched from me and if I dare to complain, I will be beaten to a pulp.

 One day, some soldiers infiltrated the village as bandits and after the robbery, they took every young male in the village and forced us to learn how to fight against others. Once on a mission, they killed people for the sake of getting a half bag of soyabean. To me, that wasn't what real men was supposed to do, I escaped and came to Mezhou city. Later I saw they were recruiting people into the army, so I joined. And here I am.

After listening to his story, she was impressed. At least he decided to take the right turn in life.

Thank you for saving me, she said.

Oh! It's nothing. After all, it's the duty of every soldier to protect the commander, he said while laughing. 

From now on, you are the great leader.

Huh? Just a small promotion? He asked.

What? Are you not satisfied?

You said that I was capable. Of course it's not enough.

How arrogant!

One day when I become a general and meet the emperor, I want to ask him "why do you fight a war?"

For the sake of the country and the people, Commander Adu replied.

Okay. As the great leader, I want to go for patrol.

He stood up, ready to leave . 

Hey wait I am going too, she said.

Why? This role is for newcomers.

It's fine she answered. It's my first time, I'm also a newcomer too. Although I have been familiar with military books, I have no experience.

She then took the lead and went for the patrol and Arash followed behind.