Makile couldn't sleep. To be exact, he hadn't slept for a few days. Not since Icy had been in the infirmary. Yes, he'd often cursed the bodar for his terrible sleeping habits, and he'd prayed he'd finally be quiet, but now his absence left a gaping hole in the night air.

  He wasn't the only one either. Deadly also y awake, staring into space. Only S'rinj was, as usual, half on his bunk and half on the floor. How did he manage to rest without the slightest worry in this atmosphere that reeked of death and loneliness ? At least now they knew the bodar was okay. Well... as much as possible. He was badly beaten up, it was a sad sight.

  The young boy had gritted his teeth at the sight of Drought favoring his companion over other soldiers. It wasn't worthy of the fair and loyal general he was. But, after all, at that moment there were very few wounded, and it was also true that Icy was very useful; his intelligence was invaluable. But now, with all the casualties from this test attack, that kind of preferential treatment couldn't happen.

  Makile pursed his lips. He didn't really understand everything that was happening in the camp. It was exactly as his tutor had taught him, but at the same time completely different. It was... Unsettling ? Yes, that was probably the word he would use. Unsettling. Beyond all his expectations.

  He let his gaze lose itself in the void of the night, letting his thoughts wander, when his eyes fell on the tent roof. The wooden frame was charred, and the tanned hide was riddled with holes. If it started raining again, all their belongings would be soaked. He thought that since he needed to clear his head and occupy himself while waiting for the next orders, perhaps it would be a good idea to repair the tent. He had nothing better to do anyway.

  ***

  Deadly wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand. It was cool, but the exertion made the air stifling. She readjusted the burden on her back and made her way as best she could to the patch of nd at the foot of the walls, a secluded spot out of reach of prying eyes. S'rinj was waiting for her, already hard at work. The woman exhaled loudly as she set her load on the ground.

  - Why do you need this stuff so much ? I admit it disgusts me…

  The physicist brought down his axe, spraying the blue liquid everywhere.

  - Instead of asking questions, couldn't you help me ?

  The small woman, though her muscles were strong, picked up another tool and grumbled as she did. It was better than being stuck with Elry, but it wasn't her dream job. After a few minutes, however, her protests had turned into enthusiastic giggles.

  - This is so much fun, I love this job !

  - Seriously, we're cutting up pieces of living beings...

  The pile of mutited corpses began to rise. When it was a good three feet high, S'rinj decided to take a break and sat down on the ground. He then took out his canteen and quenched his thirst while Deadly, unable to overcome her curiosity, approached the mound.

  - It's really weird... Inside, it's just the same as us ! Except for the fact that everything's blue, I mean. I would have thought it would be more different. More cursed, monstrous, scary. Maybe even some traces of magic, or a corrosive liquid that eats away at your skin. But no, it's really just entrails and blood...

  As if to illustrate her point, she shoved one of her hands into the open stomach of one of the bodies. S'rinj jumped to stop her.

  - Hey, what are you doing ? Samaltas are monsters, but they're made of flesh that can be cut, and bones that can be broken. Just like everyone else. So their bodies can be degraded too. They're valuable subjects of study ! You have no idea how much all these corpses are worth.

  The pacle tilted her head to the side.

  - In money, you mean ? Or in terms of research ? Because on the one hand, I know perfectly well, on the other, I don't know and I don't care.

  The physicist sat down again by the wall and gestured for Deadly to come closer. She complied, readjusting her curtain of bck hair in front of her face, smearing blue blood on her skin in the process, and then sat down beside him. The man took out Makile's match and a cigar, lit the second with the first, then inhaled a rge plume of smoke before blowing it out.

  - By the way, he ventured, How long have we known each other ? I don't think it's that long.

  The pacle looked at her smooth little hooves, amusing herself by drawing in the dirt with them.

  - I don't know... Offhand, I'd say three or four revolutions. It's weird, actually, when you think about it. I was alone with Icy for a while, then you and Drought appeared, and now it's as if you've always been there. S'rinj raised an eyebrow.

  - Since when have you been sentimental and spoken honestly ? I don't mean to dislike it, but drastic changes are bad for my old man's heart !

  Deadly had a fsh, a fleeting memory that forced itself upon her. The hell of the battle. The screams. The blood. Icy prone and wounded, his face torn off, the csh of swords, the dust, the smell of death... And her, on the ground. Trembling. Unable to cast a single spell. Then finally, Drought's face, and his words. Harsh but true.

  - Let's just say... Someone made me think. Or rather, spat the truth in my face. Everyone who told me I was insufferable and terrifying didn't know me, so I didn't give a damn. But the others didn't say anything to me, let me do it, perhaps because they knew it was a kind of defense mechanism. But the fact that someone who knows me, who knows everything I've been through, would spit something so violent in my face...

  She stumbled, searching for words, not yet exactly used to the open-heart exercise. But she did her best. She finally lowered her head, dejected at not finding exactly what she wanted to say. But S'rinj waited until she was ready. For several minutes, silence fell. He continued smoking his cigar, staring straight ahead. It was this calm that finally managed to unblock Deadly.

  - Actually, at first I was stunned. Then I was very angry. But not for very long. And then I started to think, and I tried to get rid of this habit of belittling and terrorizing people. Just to try. To see if this person was right. And I saw how the people I was talking to were starting to change their attitude. They were becoming a little more positive. And I myself think I'm starting to do a little more of the things I enjoy, without worrying about always keeping others at a distance. I think I enjoy it. But...

  She stopped again, the words wouldn't come out, or at least not in a satisfactory order. She stammered, tried to expin, but got bogged down in her own sentences.

  - Actually, it's a little... When I speak without my mask of indifference, it hurts. You know what I mean ? Well, it doesn't hurt, but it's more like I'm going to be in pain soon. It's terrifying and... and...

  - And actually, when you speak from your true self, it's as if you're ying yourself bare, letting down your barriers and your armor, which makes you vulnerable. It's terrifying because you feel like anyone could take advantage of this to hurt you. But so far, no one has. Is that it ?

  Deadly remained silent. She continued to stare at her hooves, her stubby little paws that resembled those of a baby dzimdad. A moment passed, then S'rinj finished his cigar and dug it into the dirt beside him.

  - Drought can be a little harsh sometimes, but he's never unfair.

  The pacle winced, turned to the physicist. How had he known ? But he ignored her and continued on.

  - I think this was a good time for him to tell you. Especially with everything going on with Icy. You need to do some self-reflection.

  She bounced to her hooves.

  - What do you mean, everything going on with Icy ? Has something happened to him again ?

  She was already striding away, or rather trotting, in the direction of the infirmary. But S'rinj rushed to grab her arm.

  - No, he's fine. That's not what I'm talking about.

  Deadly calmed down a little and pretended to readjust her red scarf, to hide her relief.

  - What were you talking about then ?

  The physicist looked her in the eyes with a face that didn't bode well. He moved closer to her to whisper in her ear.

  - Romances between pacle and bodar are forbidden...

  The young woman jumped to the side, her face flushed, so panicked that she forgot to readjust her hair. Her rge, almond-shaped red eyes were wide, and her full-lipped mouth was twisted on her ashen face.

  - How can you say that ? The bird and me ? Never in my life, I'd rather die.

  S'rinj gave her an unconvinced look and began circling her, deciming :

  - In my day, when two young people circled each other, thinking almost exclusively of one or the other, and dropping everything they were doing when one of them was hurt, we called it love ! But maybe now people court each other just for the pleasure of having affairs, nothing serious... Just a dagger stuck in the thigh here and there...

  Deadly was now completely scarlet. She buried her head in her hands, so embarrassed she wanted to disappear.

  - No, it's not like that ! It's completely different, we don't talk about sex, we...

  She realized too te that she had said too much. The physicist approached her curiously, whispering honeyedly in her ear.

  - So if it's not an adventure, it's serious.

  The woman was so embarrassed that she felt her legs falter. She crouched on the ground, her hands still covering her face, with a furious desire to sink into the mud so no one could see her anymore. S'rinj burst out ughing and ruffled her hair.

  - All right, I'll leave you alone. Like I said, you need to think. Because as for the other feathered one, it's all decided. And it would be a shame if he had to wait too long. Especially in his condition. In my opinion, you should go see him.

  She nodded, stood up, and began to walk mechanically toward the infirmary. Realizing that this reflex had been automatic, she turned to the physicist and said :

  - I'm going because you recommended it, and to please you. It's not because I want to, you big weirdo !

  But deep down, her heart was still pounding from the discussion she'd just had. And she didn't know how she was going to manage to face the bodar in this state. She was still thinking when she realized she was in front of the barracks where the healers and physicists were busy. The pacle tried to ignore two humans who rushed past her carrying a dead soldier, and went inside.

  In the tent, the atmosphere was curiously pleasant. The air reeked of ointment, blood, urine, and rotting flesh. But despite all this, the wounded called to each other from one bed to the next, chatting and ughing. With your eyes closed, you'd have thought you were in a tavern. But the reality before your eyes was enough to make your stomach churn. The makeshift beds, bunks created by assembling anything and everything, from wood and iron to cy, earth, mud, and pebbles, were so crowded that the smallest individuals were crammed two to a straw mattress. Bowls containing soup, medicine, or ointment were lined up at the bottom of each bed, with a chamber pot pced in the middle of the room. Most of the soldiers had suffered injuries such as nicks, cuts, and other punctures from arrows, but some were missing arms, legs, parts of their faces, or other things from other pces. The sight was enough to turn your stomach.

  Deadly began frantically searching for Icy. Finding him nowhere, she was beginning to seriously worry when a voice sounded from behind her.

  - So, did my angelic face finally seduce you ?

  The bodar was lying provocatively on his side, the good side of his head supported by his hand.

  - Admit it, admit it, you couldn't resist the call of this handsome youth !

  The sp nded on its own. But on the good side of the face. The patients who had witnessed it burst out ughing while Icy rubbed his cheek.

  - Don't be so angry, miss, he's been talking about you all night ! Even in his sleep !

  - Especially in his sleep, corrected a curly-haired pacle, rubbing her eyes with an exhausted expression. I'll never understand how a pacle and a bodar can get along so well, it's unnatural…

  - Yeah, take him back with you !, said a human missing an arm. He looked very worried by the general's announcement.

  Deadly stared at the bodar. He had a sulky expression, trying to avoid the gaze of the other wounded. The bck-haired woman, already recovered from her shock at Icy's casual attitude, looked him up and down. His stomach seemed to be less painful, given his ridiculous position, and the wounds on his thigh and arm were healing very well. His face was also beginning to form lovely scabs that were falling off here and there, leaving smooth, new skin. The magic of the healers.

  She turned to one of them, busy feeding the most suffering patients.

  - Does this one still need to stay here, or can I take him under my arm ?

  The pacle with healing magic, with dark circles under his eyes, turned to her, his eyebrows almost meeting.

  - Oh no, please take him ! He's fine !

  Deadly gred at the bodar, who responded with an innocent shrug. She grumbled, then grabbed him by the colr.

  - You're lucky, we fixed the tent, so you won't be sleeping outside.

  She dragged him out of bed while he struggled vigorously.

  - Hey, I'm naked, would you at least give me some clothes ?

  Indeed, his sick tunic only tied at the back with ces because the rge wings were in the way. The whole camp would have a chance to admire his white buttocks if he went out like that. And obviously, it looked way too funny for Deadly not to jump at the chance.

  So she dragged him outside, holding his colr tightly. And Icy continued to struggle. The entire camp stopped as they passed, stifling ughter at the sight before them. A grumpy pacle everyone was afraid of, dragging by the tunic a bodar with half his face torn off, thrashing around so energetically while insulting her that his garment lifted from time to time, revealing much more than a pair of buttocks to the world.

  When they finally reached the family's tent, which had been rebuilt by Makile from scraps lying around—and which was ultimately more luxurious than the old one—more than half the army had enjoyed the sight of a naked Icy. The tter had stopped struggling and was letting her do it, with a depressed expression that darkened the small blue spots on his nose and cheekbones.

  - Why did you do that ?

  - Sometimes I think you deserve it, Deadly retorted with a smile she didn't even try to hide.

  The bodar's mouth dropped open.

  - Wait, are you smiling ? I mean... It's not even a grin, I can clearly see your teeth !

  The pacle ignored him and led him to his new bunk, still facing the door. The wounded man was still staring at her; it looked like his brains had melted.

  - So... It was true... Something happened... With that Samalta prisoner and all...

  Deadly raised an eyebrow.

  - What are you talking about ? The one who saved us all ? Yes, they’re nice.

  The image of Elry trying to speak, and especially of little Calixte with his big eyes and chubby fingers, fshed through her mind. She couldn't suppress another smile, more tender this time. Noticing this, Icy jumped up on his bunk, wincing at his injured thigh.

  - Wait two minutes ! He can't be better than me ! And even if he is, you don't have the right to sleep with him and not tell me about it, because I—

  He was cut off in his tracks by a flip-flop kick, which nded once again on his face, on the right side. The bodar groaned and fell onto the bed. Deadly put her hoof back on the floor. This time she was all red, her ears tilted back and her teeth bared. Icy couldn't tell if she was embarrassed or angry.

  - How dare you ?

  Her shoulders heaved frantically, she seemed to be losing her breath. Finally, she mumbled something that sounded like, "I knew it wasn't possible to open up to him," then she quickly regained her composure, adjusted her inky hair ribbons in front of her eyes, lost her smile, and turned to face the opening in the canvas that served as a door.

  - Since you've been released from the infirmary, you can resume your training when you feel better. As soon as possible would obviously be ideal. We'll probably receive new orders soon since we have to prepare for any possibility of this battle happening again.

  Icy rubbed his cheek for the second time. He may have been an idiot, but he realized he'd hurt Deadly. And he wasn't happy about it.

  - Eh?

  - What?

  She didn't even turn to look at him. He took a few seconds to think, but finally blurted out the first stupid thing that came to mind.

  - Samalta blood suits you; it makes your eyes pop !

  The pacle gnced at the small mirror next to S'rinj's bunk. Indeed, she was covered in blue liquid from her earlier work with the physicist. It was all over her hands, her hair, and her outfit. Even her favorite red scarf was turning purple. She swore.

  - Was that supposed to be a compliment ?

  - Yes, I think you're pretty when you're covered in blood.

  The girl's eyes widened, her mouth agape at both such idiocy and such honesty. Finally, she headed back to the entrance.

  - I'm too sober to listen to this.

  - But... You don't even drink !

  - Well, I should start.

  Icy watched her leave, uncomfortably. He shifted from one buttock to the other, rocking on his squeaky diaper. Finally, he jumped up after her to grab her sleeve.

  - Wait, Deadly ! I really want to tell you something.

  She turned to him. Through her bck curtain, he could see her small, shining red eyes. This was the st chance she was giving him. After this, it would be too te. He took a deep breath, trying to forget the fact that he was still bare-bottomed, the tent door open onto the camp, and that the looks were starting to turn mocking. Then he said something stupid. But the kind you keep turning over in your head for days and days because you want to say it, but at the same time you're too ashamed. The kind of stupidity that would be acceptable if you were a bodar. And Icy pnned to py on that, if the tirade didn't go over well.

  - The dzimdads are blue, your scarf is red, my weapon is clean, let's go to bed.

  The pacle didn't move, as if she was having trouble interpreting what she had just heard. Finally she came out of her stupor, her lips opening and closing as if she were talking to herself, then she turned even redder than her eyes when the meaning of the poem finally came to her.

  - What?!

  Deadly leaped back, nearly tripping over one of the wooden stakes holding up the tent. She banced herself by throwing herself forward, falling unintentionally into the arms of the wounded man, who winced under her weight.

  - Is that a yes ?

  Hiding her embarrassment, she mouthed :

  - Are you sure you weren't rocked too close to the wall ?

  She pulled away from him and took his arm to lead him back to his bunk.

  - You look like you're delirious, maybe I shouldn't have taken you out of the infirmary.

  - No, it's not nonsense, I like you.

  He stopped short of his bed, refusing to take another step. This time, he stood up straight. Backlit like this, his white skin looked as gray as the girl's. She tried to pull on his wrist again to get him to move, but he wouldn't move an inch.

  - What do you want, really ? Do you want me to be embarrassed ?

  - No, I want you to tell me if I have a chance, or if you're already with that prisoner who saved our lives and probably has magnificent pecs, considering he's the only person I've heard you speak well of in all the years we've known each other.

  He was still standing in the same spot, but you could see his posture wasn't as steady anymore. His clenched fists were shaking, and so was his jaw. Deadly looked him up and down for a moment. S'rinj's words came back to him. "You need to think. Because as for the other feathered one, it's all decided. And it would be a shame if he had to wait too long. Especially in his condition." She understood now. It was so obvious she felt guilty. She'd known Icy for years but had never seen him get serious with anyone. Yes, sometimes he got a bit harsh when he talked to Drought because he didn't agree with his decisions, but the people around him had always been pymates, friends. And yes, the bodar had a tendency to regurly flirt with her or show her awkward situations, something he didn't do with anyone else. But how could she have guessed that was how he liked her ? She had no experience with this kind of thing.

  Head bowed, she murmured :

  - That soldier is a woman, no pecs, and I think she already has a partner since she has a kid. Besides, she doesn't like me. So don't think I have eyes for anyone outside this tent.

  Then she made as if to leave, stepping around Icy. He turned around suddenly.

  - Wait, what does that mean ?

  Deadly stuck her tongue out at him.

  - Sorry, I don't speak idiot ! It's a shame you turned around, though; I would have taken a look at your butt too...

  And she trotted off, under the wide-eyed gaze of a delighted bodar.

  ***

  Drought climbed back up the walls. This time it wasn't because of a battle, it wasn't his st option before his army was wiped out, but he was still just as eager. He had to get to the top. After hauling himself up as best he could—he really didn't know how Deadly could do it so easily; climbing a steep wall with hooves was hell—the pacle trotted along the fortifications while staring into the forest. He stopped not far from the entrance, where the wall ended. If you thought about it, the entrance to the camp wasn't to the south, where the Fire Empire soldiers were coming from. Nor was it to the north, toward enemy territory, where it would be easier to wage war or pn an attack. No, this entrance, this hole in the wall, was located slightly to the east. Why ?

  The general tried to survey the terrain. The camp had been built on a small hill, which protected it from the damp ground below, where the marshes formed. It was a way to protect the equipment, to prevent the weapons from rusting, while still ensuring a minimum of comfort for the troops. But why had the Samaltas started attacking this side, a perfect spot to make camp, pushing the Empire of Fire to settle here to repel their incessant attacks ?

  It was as if their enemies had encouraged them to establish themselves here. Drought didn't like that at all. He had the unpleasant feeling that he was being watched, that everything had been pnned. He tried to recall the pn drawn by Icy. Three vanguard posts, two toward the eastern entrance and one on the opposite side, probably to try to get in from behind and tighten a noose. A cssic Samalta tactic, one they also used to hunt game. But now, with Calixte's modification, everything was clear. The groups had formed a semicircle facing the hill, whose back was a small, steep cliff. The Samaltas would push them into the void. It was a meticulous pn that must have taken revolutions, hundreds, if not thousands, of days waiting for the most important, the most influential people to find themselves in this situation they had almost created, in order to bring them all down. A total destruction orchestrated by a particurly cunning leader. Ixurio was no beast. He was a more than skilled warlord.

  Drought closed his eyes, letting the cloudy sky obscure his vision. He had been fooled. The pacle had taken on this campaign like hundreds of others before it. He'd gone into it without thinking, figuring that his fire magic would be enough to solve all the problems and get home in less time than it took to think about it. But yet, here he was, and he had no idea how he could save everyone.

  A cwed hand rested on his shoulder. Elry offered him a small, sympathetic smile when he lifted his eyelids. She probably had no idea what was going on, but she could tell that Drought was in trouble. He suddenly took her in his arms, needing someone's presence.

  - What am I going to do ? What orders should I give ? We've been trapped from the start, but we've been given just enough hope and victory to give us the illusion of being the ones calling the shots. All I have to do is order a retreat and the samaltas will charge us and kill anyone who isn't fast enough. And we'd be forced to fall back since we'd have lost our outpost. It would be a total defeat. But we can't charge them right into their territory either; they know every nook and cranny and would kill us without even an effort.

  Elry listened to him, stroking his back and hair with all four hands. She was so tall that she could rest her chin on the pacle's head without effort. After cuddling him for a long time, she stepped back. The woman seemed to think for a moment, her eyes closed to concentrate, then she began to speak in her own voice. It was a feminine tone, but at the same time quite deep. A gravelly but soft voice.

  - You're Drought... You're... Dad. I can help. I'm also... a son. You can... say it.

  - Son...

  The pacle looked at her for a moment, observing the determination in her pupil-less eyes. She didn't flinch. He sighed and lowered his head.

  - No. I know you think you're a soldier like the others and that I can give you orders, but in truth, you're a mother. A young woman. I'd even bet you're a dozen revolutions younger than me. And you have a little one to take care of. So yes, you're a super warrior who can destroy a troop of samaltas in less than five minutes, but you haven't been trained or prepared for this kind of thing. So it's a no.

  The aberration rolled its eyes in exasperation.

  - Yesterday... I was an animal. Now I'm a... young woman... Can't help ! You idiot ! Schrrrlirrr face !

  The general didn't know what that word meant, but he had a pretty good idea. He stifled a chuckle.

  - I don't know why I'm doing this either. But I really don't want you to put yourself in danger. And besides, you've already saved us once, that's more than enough. If the soldiers see you, you're doomed. And I don't want that either.

  She clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth and began pacing, tapping her hooves loudly against the wall. The result was quite comical, like a rge animal sulking while imitating a child. Finally, she stopped and turned to Drought. It was the voice of the pacle that came out of her mouth.

  - If the soldiers see you, you're doomed.

  - Yes, that's what I just said, Elry. We can't risk them seeing you.

  The woman approached and pnted four accusing fingers on the general's chest.

  - So, if you can't see...?

  He shook his head.

  - It's impossible to remain discreet. You have trouble flying with your stunted wings, and you're a little too bulky to blend into the shadows.

  - Yes ! Discreet... Disguise ! Deadly boots !

  She proudly pointed to the dirty cape still clinging to her shoulders.

  - I'm a bird's head !

  Drought tilted his head to the side, assessing the risks.

  - Technically, if you're seen as a bodar previously captured by the samaltas and now fighting with us, it could work... But it's far too dangerous.

  He dismissed the idea with a wave of his hand.

  - And Calixte in all this ? No, even without talking about the little one, being willing to do something is good. But we don't have any pn of action. I don't know how to survive the trap we've been caught in.

  Elry gave him a friendly pat on the forehead, then pointed insistently toward the forest. But the pacle didn't seem to understand. So she focused again, trying her best to expin her idea using Drought's words.

  - But we can't just charge into their territory either; they know every nook and cranny and would kill us without even an effort. So yes, you're a super warrior who can destroy a troop of samaltas in less than five minutes...

  The aberration smiled, waiting for him to understand. But the general would still have to practice a little to get used to this exercise.

  - So... We can't go into their territory because we don't know it... But you can destroy the samaltas... Because... You've lived in this territory ! So you know it !

  As Drought began to understand what Elry was implying, his little heart-shaped tail, hidden behind his cape, began to wiggle.

  - With you in our ranks, we can have them all !