Part 40: Memory of Ludomir: The Front Lines

The Front Lines

The anticipation stirs in Ludomir. Any moment now, Pygarians will crest that hill.

Ludomir had agreed to fight for Rodentia not just because Ratika had asked, but because he knew it was the right thing to do.

A chill in the air sends leaves cascading through the haphazard band of Rodentians. They're not the strongest lot, Ludomir admits. If Vera were here, she'd have a plan. Ludomir pictures the Godless-Priestess, most likely standing on a dais giving a speech on unification to Pygarian nobles. An old feeling of resentment renews its grip. How long had it been since she had moved to Pygaria?

She is doing her job. You're doing yours, Ludomir reminded himself.

Ratika, grateful that Ludomir volunteered to fight for Rodentia, had entrusted him with many state-secrets. Funny, he mused. Me, learning maps and figures! Vera would be shocked.

Ahead, something inches into view. Pygarian garb! They've come. The fighter in Ludomir takes no chances and in less than a breath he zeros in on his first target. Adjacent to Ludomir, Ratika hesitates. But why? Now is not the time! She finally hails an order and the Rodentians lunge into action.

It's too late. So many have surrounded Ludomir already. Something wraps around his ankles and yanks. Ludomir smacks hard against the ground and feels himself being dragged backward, opposite his comrades. He reaches to free himself but a blow knocks him flat.

He wakes-up in a tiny room, dark and damp. The stink almost knocks him out again. A dungeon? He tries careening against the bars but the metal doesn't budge.

Ludomir utters a curse before rasping at a nearby Pygarian-guard. "Hey! How long will I rot in here?"

"Rot?" the Pygarian scoffs. "You will not be so lucky."