Nedim was trying to meditate outside the barracks on the fourth tier. It was difficult, with the sounds of yelling and crying all around him. Opening his eyes revealed the glow of dozens of fires throughout the city.
The barracks had been turned into a makeshift infirmary.
Inside, Janah cried out as Kadir tightened a bandage around her arm. “Oww!”
Kadir grabbed an herbal leaf and placed it over another cut. “It's not that bad, you crybaby.”
“Shut up.” Janah frowned. “This hurts. I don't see you with a bunch of cuts and bruises.”
“That's because I don't fight like I've got something to prove,” Kadir said. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were enjoying all of this.”
Janah shrank with some awkwardness. “You’ve known me ever since I was little, Kadir. Yeah, I fight `cause I like it. But before this, all we ever did was train. All day. Every day. Train.”
Kadir finished up the last bandage and sat back. “You thought there wouldn’t be anyone to fight, did you?”
“After the first invasion, no,” Janah said. “Unless you’re a Vesuvian, I don’t think anyone is alive from then. And I always wondered what it must have been like, or how I would have done.”
“Then you're trying to prove something, to yourself,” Kadir said.
Janah tried to laugh, but she was too tired and was beginning to choke up. “Funny, how excited I was to finally see how good I am. Couldn't wait to mix it up. But today, after the barricade went down and we were struggling...I thought I was going to die.”
Kadir put his arm around Janah. “It's okay. You'd be crazy if you thought you were invincible. If it makes you feel better, the thought of dying crept into the back of my mind as well. So, don't be ashamed. A lot of people will tell you that it's what keeps you alive. Or at least keeps you from doing something stupid.”
Talik came from downstairs, followed by Amarna, Sayar, and Sadi.
Janah quickly turned away to wipe any tears before Sayar could see her.
“Where's Nedim?” Amarna asked.
“Outside,” Kadir answered. “I think he's been meditating for the last hour or so.”
As Sadi stepped out with Amarna, Sayar and Talik sat with Janah and Kadir.
“Things are a mess,” Sayar said. He noticed Janah avoiding eye contact, and for a very brief moment wanted to badger her. “First reports say we lost close to a quarter of our soldiers. Hundreds are missing, and the city is dangerously exposed to another attack.”
Talik gave Kadir a canteen. “The Pelasgians breached Siriso on all sides, but it looks like the southwestern wall was hit hardest. It’s a miracle we got out of there alive.”
“Why did they retreat?” Janah asked.
“Good question,” Sayar said, scratching his mane. “Maybe they suffered too many losses. The count so far suggests that we killed two for every man lost. I doubt at that rate we’d have won.”
Nedim came in with Sadi and Amarna. “When did you plan on leaving?” he asked.
“As soon as possible,” Sayar answered. “The Vesuvians are practically begging for reinforcements. I don't like the idea of taking our forces away from the city, but it looks like the fight has moved and we need to be there.”
“What if it's a trick?” Janah asked. “You know, what if when we pull our army away from the city the Pelasgians come back?”
Sayar clearly hadn't thought of that and didn't know how to answer.
“Nothing is easy, is it?” said Nedim. “Clearly we can't leave the city defenseless.”
“Abandon Siriso,” Sadi suggested.
Almost gasping, Amarna balked at the idea. “Never. If the Pelasgians were to return they could make the city their own and use it as a stronghold. I will not allow them to take Siriso without a fight.”
Nedim became lost in thought as he slowly walked around the room.
Talik raised his hand. “I got it! We abandon the city and burn it to the ground.”
Aside from Nedim, everyone stared blankly at Talik.
Sayar wrapped both hands around his head with embarrassment. “Did you have to say that in front of the Anubians? This is why I never put you in charge. There’s no way we’re going to raze the city. It’ll take years just to repair the outer walls.”
“What about the catacombs?” Nedim asked.
“I believe they are safe,” Amarna replied. “What do you have in mind?”
Nedim kneeled and started drawing a plan out in the dirt and sand. “We can take anyone who is unable to fight and move them through there. It should be safe for the time being. As for Siriso, we can leave a small force to resist the Pelasgians should if they return.”
“He’s right,” Janah said. “The passageways in the catacombs lead to small docks along the river outside the city. Some lead to hidden entryways in the desert. I swear we passed one on our way back.”
Amarna had a somber expression on her face, looking at the others, hoping that someone would come up with another idea. “We have no choice then. Sadi, I'm sorry you're not going to have much to work with. Do you think you can pull it off?”
Sadi wasn’t the least bit surprised. “I can scramble a bunch of small mobile groups. But it really all depends on what the Pelasgians come at us with if they come back.”
Nedim swiftly stood by Sadi. “I suppose I should stay as well.”
“Sorry.” Sayar was quick to intervene. “You're coming with, Nedim. The Pelasgians may not even return, and you know I'm going to need you at Vesuvia.”
Sadi could tell Nedim didn't want to leave her.
“Don't worry,” Janah said. “I'll make sure nothing happens to him.”
As Sadi and Nedim looked at one another as though it may be the last time, Amarna and the Persians hastily exited the room.
“I guess you have to go,” Sadi said.
Nedim held her hands as he kissed her. “You have my word. I will return. Even if it's the last thing I do.”