Her Graceful War Song

Carissa hadn't expected Barrett to recognize her at a glance. Still, it didn't trouble her much. As long as her grandfather and uncles were not here, her identity was safe.

She took Violet and the others to a different area, hastening the task of tending to the fallen soldiers' bodies.

By midnight, seven large pits were filled. Once they were covered, the soldiers gathered silently to pay their respects. Some wept quietly, while others bore heavy sorrow in their hearts, and some were filled with fierce anger.

Otis ordered everyone to rest, while he stayed behind to count the troops and record the fallen in the official death register. The men left one after another, speaking very little.

Carissa walked ahead of Barrett and Aurora, but could hear their low conversation behind her.

"That's the lady you asked to marry? Are you sure? Why would a lady of such noble birth be on the battlefield?"

"No mistake. That's her."

Aurora sneered. "And why are you looking so gloomy? She refused your proposal and clearly doesn't think much of you. Yet here you are, looking all heartbroken."

"It's not like that," Barrett replied, his voice tinged with anger. "So many of our comrades have fallen. How can I not be sad?"

Listening to them, Carissa felt that something was off. As far as she remembered, Barrett and Aurora were supposed to have fallen for each other at Victory Pass. By now, he should have been completely drawn to her bold and unconventional nature.

But no matter their story, Carissa's own mission was to prevent the tragedy at Fawnrun City.

Barrett and Aurora were still talking behind her, and the latter was clearly displeased.

"Both you and I are officers of rank, yet here we are burying the dead. Such tasks should fall to the logistic soldiers," Aurora complained.

"Where do you think the logistic soldiers are? Weren't they all sent to the front lines too?" Barrett whispered. "Please just stop talking, okay?"

"Victory Pass doesn't have enough troops, and we're clearly outmatched. How are we supposed to win this? The court should've sent more reinforcements," said Aurora.

Violet nudged Carissa. "You really know them? How?"

"Just by chance. Not well enough to say I truly know them. Let's not mind them. Come on, let's go," Carissa answered.

They quickened their pace back to the barracks. Once inside, they collapsed onto the wooden bunks, exhaustion crashing over them like a tidal wave. Each tried to clear their mind of all thoughts, focusing only on getting a good rest.

Tomorrow's battle would demand everything of them.

At Stormwatch Keep, Wyatt spoke excitedly to his brothers about the young soldier he had seen that day.

"Though he's a bit small in stature, his skills are exceptional and his courage unmatched. He took down countless enemies and even saved me a few times. I don't know whose command he's under, but I'm definitely bringing him into my vanguard if I see him tomorrow," he said, assuming the person was a man.

Upon hearing of the small stature and great skill, Wade guessed who the soldier likely was. He glanced toward the door, relieved their father was not present. If Dominic learned that Carissa had joined the army and that Wade had helped her register under a false name, the older man might be furious enough to strike him down.

"War is no place for reckless courage. On the battlefield, being too skilled can be dangerous. It makes you a target for attacks. You can't just show off blindly," Wade said sternly.

"You didn't see him in action," Wyatt

said with a wave of his hand,

dismissing the claim. "He's highly skilled but also cautious and quick to sense danger. He can even е predict which direction the enemy's blade will come from. He slayed many without getting so much as a scratch on himself. He's a natural warrior! If we train him well, he could really achieve great things."

Wallace, who was listening eagerly, chimed in: "Is he really such a prodigy? Then,

we must definitely train him well."

"If you knew who she truly was, you'd never let her fight," Wade muttered under

his breath, then turned and strode toward the door.

"Where are you going? I haven't finished. Also, what were you mumbling about?" Wyatt called after him.

"I'm going to see Dad," Wade replied as he left briskly.

Before dawn the next day, the soldiers were given their daily rations. They ate

quickly, strapped on their armor, and took up their weapons.

They weren't going to wait for the Westhaven army to attack. This time, they were taking the initiative to strike first.noveldrama