I looked in slight confusion at the old man standing right outside Ren’s tent as he smiled politely at . Ren must have sent him to take care of while he’s gone. So, this is my new babysitter. Although Ren joked that he would put Shin to the job, I knew that they would both be extrely busy. Ren couldn’t possibly let Shin babysit when he had so many things that he needed to do.
“I’m Rin...nice to et you,” I politely introduced myself.
“I’m General Chang. Sorry but...you’re stuck with until we wrap up the war here and head back,” the general said with a laugh.
“Oh no...it’s my pleasure. Thank you for agreeing to do this...I will try my best not to be a burden to you,” I said humbly.
The old general burst out laughing at my directness. He had a low and booming voice which echoed everywhere. The way his face creased when he laughed and smiled made feel that he must be a very kind-hearted man.
“I’m a general but I am a very old man. It’s enough that the crown prince still keeps around,” the old man said as he stroked his silver long beard.
Despite his humble words, I could feel the pride and authority that radiated from his presence. So, it didn’t co as a surprise when I found out later that although general Chang did not participate too much in physical battles now, he worked a lot more in formulating strategies with the war council.
“Thank you for always supporting the crown prince,” I said before I bowed to him respectfully.
Currently, I was thankful to everyone that was working towards us winning this war. Most of all, I was thankful to everyone that was helping to keep Ren alive.
“It is my job, and I am honored to do so. Before we start working together, I would like to lay out so ground rules of understanding,” General Chang stated.
“Ok...” I said with a nod.
“The crown prince has ordered for to keep you safe at all costs and I intend to fulfill my duty. So firstly, do not worry about anything. I will protect you with my life. Although I am old, I can take on ten soldiers without a fuss and I’m not just saying it. Secondly, you will do everything that I say without hesitation. Speed and ti are of the essence in many situations, especially during tis of war. If I tell you to run, you run. If I tell you to hide, you hide. Don’t ever hesitate. Do you understand?” he said as his eyes watched intently.
“Yes, Sir...” I replied firmly.
“Thirdly, I will return you back to the crown prince’s tent before nightfall every day. After sunset, you are not permitted to leave this tent unless you have the crown prince’s permission. Is that clear?” he stated.
“Yes. It’s clear. I understand...” I replied with a firm nod of my head.
“Good. Well then, let’s start with your first day on the job!” general Change said excitedly and for a mont he looked years younger and so full of energy.
Once we arrived at the main dical tent, the doctors had started their morning briefing session and I quickly joined in.
“As always, we will work in pairs. One doctor and one helper. All equipnt has been set up since yesterday, so we’re ready to go. I don’t know how many patients will arrive here, so we’ll have to adjust our breaks and shifts according to the reality at the ti. If worst cos to worst, there will be no breaks. I sincerely hope that it won’t co to that, but we must be prepared. Well, then...let’s get to work!” Doctor Kai said before he clapped his hand to boost the morale of his team.
Everyone clapped along with him before heading to find their partner and station. My helper shyly approached . He was a middle-aged man who had a wide smile.
“I look forward to working with you. I’m kind of new at this so...please bear with ,” I said humbly.
“Not at all. I’ve heard of your accomplishnts at the hospital. Happy and honored to work with you, My Lady,” the man said.
“I’m Rin...and you are?” I asked for his na
“I’m Mou. It’s my fifth ti on the battlefield now, so you can trust ,” he said before showing his broad smile.
I couldn’t help but smile back. Tis ahead will get tough, but I was glad that I had the fortune to be paired up with such a friendly man.
"Let know if you need any help, My Lady,” Doctor Kai said softly to .
I turned to see him standing close by.
“Thank you, Doctor Kai. I’ll try my best not to disappoint you,” I replied, trying to sound calm.
“Don’t worry. We have a ssenger that will bring news to us regularly from the frontlines...” Doctor Kai said reassuringly.
I wondered if my concern for Ren was written so clearly over my face. However, I wasn’t just worried about Ren, I was worried about the whole situation in general. I prayed that the war would not escalate and that it would co to an end swiftly.
Within an hour, we started receiving our first batch of patients and then the injured soldier slowly trickled into the tent. That was the signal that the battle had begun on the frontline. I’ve handled the wounded many tis before but being here right in the middle of war made everything feel that much scarier.
“Hold down here. Push down harder!” I instructed Mou.
His large hand pushed down on the wound to stench the bleeding while I prepared the needle to stitch up the wound. The soldier was groaning loudly in pain. I could apply the dicine to numb his pain but that wouldn’t help ease his pain much. His wound was too deep, and the dicine only worked to numb the skin. Better to stitch him up to stop the bleeding and quickly get this over and done with.
“Please carry him over to the rest area. Next!” I cried out loudly.
--To be continued...
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