"Clang, clang, clang..."
Chris jolted awake, raised his head, and opened his eyes, staring blankly at the sun hanging high in the sky. As he moved, the green military greatcoat draped over him slipped off and fell to the ground.
"Huh, I fell asleep?"
A figure stepped between Chris and the sun, casting a shadow over him. Chris narrowed his still-drowsy eyes slightly and made out the person standing before him.
"Bruno?"
The giant in plate armor took off his helmet and gave Chris a guileless smile, exposing dark yellow teeth as the wrinkles on his face bunched together.
Despite his amiable smile, Bruno was also very stiff. He dared not meet Chris's eyes, his gaze darting about. His bear-like frame hunched at the shoulders, and he hurriedly lowered the halberd in his hand.
"I... yes, Your Highness, it's me."
"How long was I asleep?"
Chris braced his left hand against the rock behind him and his right against his knee, trying to get to his feet. Bruno hurried forward, dropped his halberd, and carefully extended four fingers on each hand to support Chris's arms, lifting him off the ground.
"You're really strong."
Chris's admiration was sincere. Though Bruno's movements were careful and gentle, the strength Chris felt through his arms was so immense that he needed no effort at all to stand.
Bruno continued to smile, guileless and stiff.
There had been a great deal to do last night. Chris had delegated some tasks, but he had still been busy visiting the wounded, buying medicine, inspecting the camp, and rewarding soldiers who had fought bravely and earned merit on the battlefield.
Rewards were always better given sooner rather than later.
With so much to do, Chris had found no time to rest and had kept working until dawn.
Only