Return of the Beasts

After Sir Edward took over control of the army, the overall situation progressed rather smoothly. There were no major attacks happening to the walls. Occasionally some flying beasts showed up and harassed the patrol teams and soldiers, but quickly as they arrived they retreated.

Walking on top of the walls, James felt the freezing breeze in his bones. Today was colder compared to previous days. Thinking about this, James realized that it was currently the peak of the winter. He was halfway done with his time in Hermes. Thinking about his journey back already, James could only pray and wish that the remaining time would pass by quickly.

As a smoking cup appeared in front of James he heard, "You look like you're about to freeze on the sport. Drink this to warm you up!" Looking at the direction of the voice, he saw that it was Francis. Taking the cup, James took a sip. In this cold weather, the warm mead is one of the only things that warmed the soldiers up.

Looking back to Francis, James thanked him for the drink. As the mead poured down trough his throat, James could feel his body start to warm up. Thanks to his actions in the first day, James gained a good friend.

As James finished his drink, he spoke up, "You know, I am grateful that I saved you on the first day. Because of that, we have formed up a destructive team. If we continue like this, I am sure that we will survive to the end and go back home with many achievements."

Nodding at what James said Francis could not help himself from forming up a smile. Replying happily he said, "Hahaha, yes that is true. I hope that besides the prestige we also gain a lot of money. I heard that the church is rather rich and that they give out handsome rewards." Finishing up his own drink, Francis continued, "So let's continue this work and gain even more renown and rewards."

The atmosphere was rather lively. Even the other patrol teams they passed were jealous about the situation they were in. Some of the surrounding soldiers also joined up with them from time to time to join in the pleasant conversation that was going on. This helped the overall situation on top of the wall. Stories were passed down through the conversations.

…

As the patrol time came to an end, James walked one last time to the edge of the wall to enjoy the scenery. Looking at the distance, he saw the beautiful mountains and the valley that they formed. The whole scene was filled in a beautiful white blanket.

Enjoying the scenery one last time, James noticed some disturbance in the distance. Surprised by this he concentrated at the location, yet it looked all blurry. Not sure what it could be he called out, "Francis, wait come back!" As Francis came back with displeasure, James continued, "Look over there can you see what it is?"

Looking at the distance, Francis also noticed the blur. By this time, it moved in closer so it was clearer what it could be. There was a group of flying beasts coming towards them. With displeasure Francis said, "Well, I am surly damned. We were about to end our patrol." Looking at James he said, "Did you have to drag me into this? Couldn't you just leave directly with me?"

Laughing at this, James looked back at the incoming spot. As he was observing the beasts getting closer, he noticed also disturbance on the ground. There was a group of rather large beasts walking towards them. Pointing at the ground, James said with a smile, "Well, you were talking about getting more achievements. Well, I think you are in luck. Look over there, the hybrids have returned."

…