NOVEL WEB Chapter 8: Chapter 5: A Moment of Respite
**Chapter 5: A Moment of Respite**
**POV: Leon**
**Location: Camp Varkas**
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"Ahhhhhh!!"
I let out a sharp cry as pain flared through my bandaged body, the sudden pressure of Aunty Cass's embrace proving too much. Tears of joy streamed down her face, her voice trembling with relief.
"Leon! You're awake!"
My pained groan made her pull away immediately, a look of guilt flashing across her face as she gently laid me back onto the cot. I exhaled heavily, feeling the dull throb of my injuries.
"By the Emperor, I'm sorry!" she said hastily, adjusting my posture with practiced hands, ensuring I was comfortable.
"It's… fine," I muttered, still trying to process everything. My mind was sluggish, and my body ached as if it had been crushed under a Chimera's treads. After a moment, I turned to Aunty Cass, my voice hoarse. "How long… was I out?"
She sighed, pulling up a chair and grasping my hand gently. "Three weeks, Leon."
I froze. Three weeks? The realization sent a cold shiver through me. Just how badly had that daemon filth injured me? The mere thought of that foul creature sent a subconscious curse through my mind. I pushed the thought aside and refocused.
"What about Varn? The captives we rescued? Did they make it back?" I asked hurriedly, my heartbeat quickening.
Aunty Cass smiled at my concern and reassured me with a gentle squeeze of my hand. "They're safe, Leon. They made it to camp, and the medicae have been tending to them. You did well."
Relief flooded me. I allowed myself to sink back into the cot, exhaling slowly. My mind was still restless, lingering on another pressing concern.
"And Jacob? How has he been?"
A knowing look passed over Aunty Cass's face. "He's… doing better," she said with a small chuckle. "Ever since he saved you and Varn, something changed in him. He's been slowly relinquishing some of his burdens, allowing others to share the responsibility."
I blinked in surprise. "Jacob? Sharing responsibility?"
She nodded, a smile tugging at her lips. "The survivors appreciate it deeply. They want to help, and he's finally letting them."
That brought a genuine smile to my face. For the first time in a long while, I had no immediate worries weighing down on me. With a tired sigh, I requested Aunty Cass to leave me to rest. As my eyes closed, I embraced the warmth of sleep—true, restful sleep—for the first time in what felt like an eternity.
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**One Week Later**
When I first awoke, my wounds were expected to take months to fully heal. But something was… different. My body mended itself with unnatural speed. In just three days, I was able to walk, and within a week, the pain had faded into nothing more than lingering scars.
Now, I found myself wandering through Camp Varkas, taking in the changes that had occurred while I was unconscious. The camp had grown, yet it felt emptier than before. I stopped one of the sentries standing guard at a watchpost, a young man named Darius.
"Where is everyone?" I asked.
Darius inclined his head slightly before answering, "Most of the camp's able-bodied are out scavenging, sir. We need more supplies—food, medicine, weapons. The Emperor protects, but we must act in His name to survive. Others have gone to rescue those still trapped in the ruins."
I nodded solemnly. "And what of Varn?"
"He and the more seasoned fighters are clearing the perimeter," Darius explained. "We require more space. With each soul we bring into the fold, our sanctuary must expand."
It made sense. Our numbers were growing, and we needed secure ground. "Thank you, Darius," I said, patting him on the shoulder before continuing my walk.
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The defenses of Camp Varkas were far from crude. Walls of salvaged metal and debris stood firm, reinforced with steel plating scavenged from wrecked vehicles and ruined structures. Heavy autocannons were mounted at key vantage points, manned by vigilant sentries. At the main gate, makeshift barricades funneled potential threats into kill zones, ensuring that no foe would breach our sanctuary unscathed.
As I moved through the camp, I greeted the survivors I encountered. Many stopped their work to acknowledge me, some offering nods of respect, others brief words of gratitude.
"Leon, good to see you up and about," called out Miriam, one of the cooks. "We were starting to think you'd sleep through the next campaign!"
I chuckled. "I think I've had my fill of bedrest for a lifetime, Miriam."
"Good, because we need more hands with the rationing!" she teased, waving a ladle at me.
I smiled and moved on, passing by makeshift medical tents where medicae and surgeons worked tirelessly. Inside, wounded survivors were being treated, their groans and whispered prayers filling the air. I caught sight of one man gripping a simple Aquila pendant, murmuring words of devotion.
The camp's armory was a humble yet formidable sight. Weapons salvaged from ruined hab-blocks and fallen soldiers were carefully maintained and rationed. Lasguns, autopistols, even a few heavy bolters stood ready for the next engagement.
As I reached the camp's edge, the sounds of boots on gravel and hushed voices signaled the return of our scouting parties. The scavengers came first, carrying crates of supplies, their faces weary but victorious. Behind them, Varn and his warriors marched in formation, bloodied but unbroken.
One of the sentries called out, "They've returned! Open the gate!"
The heavy metal doors groaned as they parted, allowing the groups to filter in. There was no need to ask if they had succeeded; the weight of their burdens spoke for itself.
Varn caught sight of me, his usually stern face softening into something resembling relief. "Leon," he greeted with a nod. "Good to see you on your feet."
"And good to see you still standing, Varn," I replied. "How was it?"
Varn exhaled sharply. "Hard-fought, but we pushed them back. The area is secure—for now."
I nodded, knowing that 'secure' was a temporary state in this forsaken world. But for now, Camp Varkas stood strong. The Emperor watched over us, and we would endure.
For today, at least, we had won a small reprieve.
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