chapter 16

Chapter Sixteen

During that time, a state of confusion and anticipation spread as six volunteers had gone on a patrol to scout one of the observation points in Kiftar and hadn't returned for two days. We were then called to line up at the camp's courtyard in front of the flag.

A wooden box was placed before us, and Sobaker ascended it, flanked by several officers. We saluted and then stood at ease in unison. Sobaker clasped his hands behind his back and spoke in a relaxed tone, different from his usual firm voice:

"It seems what we feared has happened. The ten men from the last patrol won't be coming back."

The crowd stirred with unease, and some whispers spread. Sobaker continued:

"This can only mean one thing: the observation point located on the main road between our camp and the capital on one side, and situated at the start of Kiftar's hills on the road leading to Kraden and then to Krakgh on the other side, is no longer in our hands. Do you know what that means? Yes, there's a chance we might lose control of the two villages, the sector we've been assigned to, which would mean the potential failure of our mission and the reason for our arrival here. But we won't allow that to happen. It seems we are approaching a decisive military operation to regain control of what we've lost."

He then descended from his stand and began walking between us:

"But I must be honest with you... Recently, the Union has intervened as an unofficial ally, exploiting the chaos and current situation. And it seems that due to our lack of tanks and air support, we will have to participate with them this time for the sake of their equipment."

Surprise was evident on many faces, including Boris, who looked shocked, yet his face almost lit up with excitement. I also noticed the paleness on Nikolai's face. A thirty-something volunteer asked Sobaker in a formal manner, with his head held high:

"Why doesn't Sukania send us tanks instead of the Union?"

"Sukania is occupied with the northern part of your country, man... Alright, men, prepare and get ready. We'll move out in a day. Dismissed."

As Sobaker and the officers left after we saluted, the crowd dispersed, and murmurs of complaints and grumbling spread. That's when Nikolai took my hand and pulled me along with him, his face showing clear signs of distress. He carefully eyed everyone around us in the camp before saying:

"Come with me."

"Where to?"

He gripped my hand and led me behind one of the barracks. It was the first time I had seen Nikolai so anxious.

"What's wrong, brother?" I asked.

He replied, "Adam."

"Yes?"

I don't know why, but my heart started pounding.

"I need to apologize to you for something."

"Apologize? For what?"

He fell silent, looking worried. I had always known Nikolai to be reserved, speaking little, and I often had to insist for him to tell me things when curiosity got the better of me. He took a breath and said, "But first, you must promise me you won't tell that hothead."

"Brother, you know I'm a grave of secrets."

"...."

"Alright... speak."

He said, "The Union has been part of the Gagan operations this entire time."

"Really?!... Yes, I was surprised too by what Sobaker said."

(Actually, I already knew this and wasn't surprised at all. Boris had proven it to me many times.)

Nikolai continued, "Yes... they've been providing air support all along."

"Ah... I see."

He then added hesitantly, "And there's something else."

"I assume you owe me an apology."

Boris's voice came from the corner of the wall.

"Ah, damn it," Nikolai groaned, placing his hands on his hips. I remained silent as Boris, triumphant and with a victorious look, continued:

"It seems I was right all along... Why are you both so quiet? Doesn't this deserve some praise for me?"

"It's a hidden truth. Why would we praise you for that?" Nikolai protested.

"Come on, bookworm... doesn't what you read say that apologies are important?"

"Yes, and I already apologized to Adam."

"Whatever, keep your apology to yourself, but tell me, what did you mean by something else?"

As Nikolai tried to turn and leave, avoiding Boris's question, I grabbed his hand. He turned to me, frowning in surprise.

"Nikolai, brother, I know it's hard to trust others... but I want you to tell both of us why Makar called you."

"But Adam..." He looked at me as I smiled warmly.

"Damn, you two sound like a couple," Boris interrupted. We both shouted at him:

"No!"

He laughed and added, "Alright, are you going to tell us?"

I released Nikolai's hand as he sighed and stared at the sky for a moment.

"There are some details about the major operation that's coming, along with the Union forces that will support us."

We stayed silent, then I asked, "Is that why Sobaker called you?"

"No, the matter was directly from Makar himself... He told me the operation would happen... and they need me to write a speech to help the volunteers understand the situation. I've actually been helping them with speeches and letters for a while."

"Those scoundrels... You're going to use the religious rhetoric again?" Boris retorted with disgust. But Nikolai, reaching his limit, shot back:

"Shut up, tobacco seller... Do you want them to simply tell dozens of volunteers they'll be fighting alongside the Union just like that?"

Boris stared at Nikolai, and I expected him to punch him, but he said instead:

"Didn't they just do that?"

"It was the only option available... No one knew the Union had been here all along."

"Then suffer the consequences of your lies."

He turned and walked toward the camp.

"If the others find out, it'll destroy us and the camp. We need to stop him!"

Boris, overhearing, turned back and said:

"I'm not a blabbermouth like you, you pampered fool."

Nikolai looked at him with a look of contempt but said nothing. I tried to calm him:

"See, Boris is a man of his word. We can trust him."

But Nikolai didn't respond.