Trigger warnings & Author's notes
May contain: violence, domination, degradation, sadism, non-consent/coercion, slavery.
Been trying to flesh out a calendar system for this universe, will eventually go back to add dates to past chapters. Apologies again for the slow progress. I am entirely uninspired lately and I don't want to force it. (:
Chapter Eight: daneolis
Late October, year 0029 (past timeline)
Symond Welles approached General Narder in his headquarters, finding the man sitting at his desk and rubbing his temple gingerly as his eyes were glued to his computer screen. A few weeks had gone by since Symond's encounter with the royal-turned-rebel Mile Domarc, and after giving it considerable thought, the officer had come to a decision: he did not wish to continue his duties surveilling the rebellion. He was feeling perpetually unsettled and on edge in a way he had never before experienced. Once committed to this decision, he traveled to the capital city of Aza Ilia to speak to the general.
"Welles, come in." The general pushed away from the busywork he was doing at his computer to give the officer his full attention. "I was hoping for a distraction, if I'm being honest."
"Sir," Symond greeted him.
"Report?"
"No major developments since Eastrun. IT managed to remotely lock the laptop the rebels stole and the accounts used on it, so they won't have been able to access any sensitive information. The accounts will continue to be monitored for any suspicious activity. But as you know, they did manage to run off with a good deal of phones and security devices."
"Very well." The general paused and looked over Symond, who appeared a bit reticent. "That's not why you are here, is it?"
Symond shook his head. "No, sir."
"Well, let me have it."
"I would like to be considered for transfer, sir. I am finding this job to be unfulfilling, and I feel as though I could be of better use elsewhere for the time being."
General Narder remained quiet. After a few moments spent deep in thought, he spoke. "I sincerely hope this isn't because of Eastrun. You underestimated the organization of the rebellion, but we all did. It was an honest mistake, officer."
Symond shook his head. "It's because of a lot of things, sir. Overall I believe I am not currently suited for the task."
Narder frowned and said nothing for another moment. Finally, he broke the tense silence between the two of them. "Very well. I can't say I'm not disappointed, but I trust your judgment on the matter. If you ever feel up to returning, please do not hesitate to let me know."
"Yes, sir."
The general leaned back in his chair. "That said, we can definitely use you in Daneolis. The northerners are putting up one hell of a fight."
Symond nodded. "That sounds more my speed for the time being. Thank you, general."
"I can have you up there in a week's time."
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November, year 0029
Terrasa Post, Domarcan occupied territory in the bordering country of Daneolis
Symond stepped out of the bitterly cold air and into the welcoming warmth of the wood heated building. He was burdened with a heavy pack filled with belongings and was grateful to have reached his destination after a few days of travel with the military convoy general Narder had organized. The icy terrain was perilous and movement had been slow.
Prince Allius Domarc stood near the fireplace, having been informed of his arrival. He turned, greeting the other. "Officer Welles, welcome to Terrasa post."
Symond approached the young royal and kneeled before him. "Good to see you, your highness."
"I hope your journey was not terrible. Absolutely barbaric landscape up here."
Symond nodded. "It is certainly unforgiving, but fortunately we didn't experience too much trouble in getting here."
Prince Allius smirked slightly. "Less trouble than my brother has given you as of late, I would imagine."
Symond, not keen on the reminder, replied begrudging, "you could say that."
Allius laughed. "Do not feel bad officer, he is clever. He has certainly proven to be more of a threat than he first appears. He was always causing trouble for my parents and the royal guard stationed at the palace."
Symond stood. "Never on this scale, I presume."
"No, certainly never on this scale." Allius looked off into the distance thoughtfully.
"I am curious, my prince, and I hope I am not overstepping, but was this insurgency unexpected, or were there similar acts leading up to it?"
Allius looked at Symond pensively, seeming to consider if he should indulge the man or not. Finally, he spoke. "Unexpected, yes. But I was not the least bit surprised when I heard the news. Mile was always speaking his mind about the flaws he perceived within the structure of the kingdom and the actions our father takes as king."
Symond, noting the look of disdain on the prince's face, commented, "I take it the two of you did not agree on such things."
Allius laughed again. "Certainly not. Mile and I never got along, to be honest. Aside from his criticisms of the kingdom, he never spoke much. His free time was generally spent with his nose in a book." Symond smiled slightly to himself at the image of the rebel buried in a book. A man after his own heart. Allius continued speaking. "He will pay for his betrayal, I promise you that."
Symond raised an eyebrow at the young prince. "Oh?"
"Well, eventually." Allius let out a small sigh. "My father is soft when it comes to family, but in time he will see reason." He turned back to Symond. "But that is neither here nor there. General Narder speaks very highly of you, officer. We have reached something of a stalemate here in Daneolis, and I am hoping that with your tactical expertise along with the General's, we can finally gain the upper hand and push forward."
Symond gave a nod. "It would be my honor to assist you, your highness."
"Welcome aboard, Welles. I will have someone show you to your tent and you can get settled in. We can jump straight to business after lunch, if that suits you." Allius snapped and a young man emerged from where he had been standing near the wall. Symond hadn't even noticed him there. He walked up to Allius, awaiting his orders. "Take officer Welles to his tent and show him around the camp."
The young man bowed. "Yes, your highness."
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November, year 0029
Wolfpine
Following the success of operation: Eastrun, the rebellion had resumed their plan to lay low, focusing on defense as they anticipated possible retaliation from the royal army. Ryfrid used the stolen laptop and other pieces of technology that they had acquired to begin teaching her fellow rebels how to use and build computers. It was a daunting task, but most of the rebels were eager to learn about the science that had been denied to them their entire lives.
Mile and Cerys were permitted to take on a larger role within the rebellion, joining the ranks of the "core," as they decided to call themselves -- basically what was a growing group of rebels fully committed to the cause and willing to take on a leadership role in order to succeed.
By this point, there were rebel soldiers from all walks of life residing in Wolfpine. Artists and fighters, intellects and seasoned soldiers. Everyone pitched in to share their skills and knowledge. They began regular training sessions led by professionals to teach proper close combat techniques. Mile found that the training sessions not only had him in the best shape of his life, they also forged a strong sense of camaraderie amongst himself and his fellow soldiers. For the first time in as long as he could remember, he felt like he was accepted and truly belonged somewhere.
Despite this initial honeymoon phase, as the weeks went on, Mile was growing increasingly distracted. He found that his thoughts often wandered to the enemy officer he had bested and who had then in turn bested him. His libido had been sky high since his encounter with the man, and he wanted nothing more than to have another confrontation with him despite the warning he had received about what another meeting between the two of them would entail.
He was even finding it difficult to focus throughout their Sunday meetings, his mind shifting to the rugged officer that had had his way with him. This was the case one such evening as Mile sat in the community center, lost in his thoughts.
"Mile -- earth to Mile," Eros' voice came through suddenly and Mile snapped out of his daze. Everyone was looking at him.
"Sorry," he fumbled for words and looked down. "Been having trouble sleeping lately."