The Greatest Reward Given

So many years had passed since Iegor had left his home. Constantly dreaming of the day when he would see his wife and child again. Now that day had arrived soon than expected. Nevertheless, he was grateful. It didn't mean just he alone would be able to see his family, but his company would as well. Yet not everyone was pleased about the situation.

" Promoted you say! ", Augustus replied, his crooked smile quickly fading from his face and becoming a look of confusion.

" Yes. Reinforcements from the capital have been sent, once they have arrived. My company is to return. " Iegor replied, Keeping his eyes fixed upon the parchment.

" I see " Augustus replied, sounding most displeased about the hold notion.

Augustus was of the Royal line, Yet had no authority over Iegor for they both held the same stature. He Knew if Iegor was to be promoted, That would quickly change just not in his favor. The thought alone was disturbing to Augustus, It was a feeling that didn't last.

" Well Iegor, why not leave right now ?", Augustus replied quickly recovering his frame of mind. " A few hundred of my men can hold the fort till they arrived ".

" Are you sure Augustus ?", Iegor replied shock by his offer. "The fort's defenses are quite low from our last battle ".

" As you said Iegor, we're all friends here ", Augustus grunted as he dismounted his horse, " To show my faith I will even allow General Pyanna to accompany you. After all, you do have injured soldiers. I am sure her all-seeing eyes would get you there safely ".

" Hmmm, An intriguing offer " Iegor replied.

" But I would ask That Draco, Fyeon, and their kind remain with me. To compensate. I am losing one of my best who is worth a thousand men. You do understand of cost" Augustus replied his crooked smile returning more crooked than ever.

" I had planned on Draco and Fyeon meeting the King to strengthen our alliance, and now would be a good time to do so " Iegor replied, having had the offered roll around in his head " but I do see your point, we are more than capable to defend our selves, but I would rather not sustain any more casualties. Yet it's not up to me. What say you Draco, Fyeon ?".

" I am eager to meet your King Iegor . I would see with my own eyes just what kind of man he is" Fyeon replied, with a more relaxed tone " But I would allow two of my Nemean to stay behind ".

" As will I. I too will allow two of my own to remain " Draco Uttered. " I too wish to meet your King "

" There you have it, Augustus. I do believe that more than balances the scale " Iegor replied as he stood up before sheathing his from the ground, to extend his hand to confirm the agreement.

Augustus took Iegor's hand, but a displeasing look was pasted plain as day upon his face even more so by hesitation to take Iegor's hand but as a good actor he took it and crack a displeasing smile. Iegor was no fool. He knew fully well Augustus only parted with his men and General only so he could have Draco and Fyeon. The question is, why?

Iegor was ordered back to the capital, and he had many wounded soldiers that needed proper treatment, with General Pyanna's help that task would be assured. Whatever Augustus was planning. Iegor could do nothing, even though he hated the idea of Draco and Fyeon's people being with Augustus. He would have to deal with it another time. With a simple Command.

" Make ready, We leaving within the hour ".

Iegor's company began to make preparations for the road. Iegor looks back to Augustus to exchange a last bit of words. Words he believed had to be said.

" Everyone here is my family Augustus, so I expect them to be returned to me unharmed " Iegor uttered in a firm tone.

Augustus gave a sight smile then turned away and made his way back to his steed, his cape caught yet again in the wind, moving slowly back and forth as he made his way. Once he upon his horse. He tightens his reigns and looks back at Iegor to give a reply.

" We're at War Iegor. I can't be held accountable for every casualty " Augustus Uttered sarcastically, before riding off.

" He's a sly one, that Augustus" Draco uttered.

" Agreed, The stench of his deception lingers heavily in the air with that one. Do you truly trust him Iegor? ", Fyeon uttered.

" Not as much as a slack of horse shit, that's why I have two good pairs of eyes keeping an eye on him ", Iegor replied through a delighted smile.

" I should've known. Why else would you allow our kin to go with him so easily ", Draco replied.

" Hahaha, Iegor you never cease to amaze " Fyeon replied trying to contain his laughter.

" Speaking of which, welcome General Pyanna it's great to have you with us again ". Iegor replied.

" It's Great to be back Lord Commander " Pyanna replied as she dismounted her horse. " We have much to discuss ".

" Agreed, but we can discuss it on the road, and besides am sure there are others who await your audience " Iegor replied as he exchanged looks with Eric and Peirrim.

Pyanna seemingly empty of emotions approaches Eric and Peirrim. She turns her sights to her little brother, she was barely able to recognize him with his height now towering her like a mountain from whence she last saw him three years ago. Nevertheless, she knew it was him and place a hand upon his cheek with a graceful smile. It was a jester Peirrim fully welcomed as he hugged his sister tightly. He loved his sister more than anyone else to him she is the only family he has ever known. Pyanna then turns her eyes and it met Eric's. They both gazed upon each other as if they were seeing a distant memory. The war had kept many loved ones apart, Pyanna and Eric were no exception.

" You have gotten fat " Pyanna replied emptily of emotions.

" After all this time, that is the first thing... ". Eric quickly replied but was cut short, Pyanna didn't allow him to finish. She had given in to her emotions, and kiss him as if it was the last and the first time she had seen him. Eric too had fallen victim, bringing the Raven-haired beauty closer to him.

" What's this! The coward and hero General are a pair ", Fyeon replied shock at what he was seeing.

" Eric is no coward Fyeon, He simply values his life so he can make it back to her. She is his wife " Iegor replied starring at the two from a distance. " But not just Eric, they both wish to survive for their young daughter back home ".

" The desire to live for the ones you love, that's truly honorable, maybe I have misjudged the man " Fyeon replied.

" It seems you have Fyeon " Draco uttered, "But tell me Iegor if your watch full eyes are here?, How would you know of Augustus's movements ".

" Draco you wound me " Iegor replied sarcastically " Pyanna is only but one eye, not the hold set ".

" Then who's other? " Fyeon uttered.

" Why your last dance partner Fyeon " Iegor replied through a sly smile gracing his face.