Chapter Text
Gallagher stilled for a moment, enjoying the slight breeze that passed his way. A small relief to the weight of the hot summer sun that hung high and the lingering smoke in the air. Ignoring how his clothes clung to him like a second skin as he waved his men forward.
The path was steep, littered with discarded weapons and broken glass. Fallen soldiers lay crumpled in bloody puddles. As wary eyes watched Gallagher and his men from behind foggy glass in the buildings nearby.
Gallagher directed his men to check the city buildings for any remaining soldiers with strict instructions to mind the civilians and to accept any surrendering soldiers. The order was met with a few grumbles that Gallagher silenced with a harsh glare and a reminder that those who would disobey could expect a swift and speedy trial to the hangman's noose. The soldiers went quiet after that.
The initial assault was completed with minimal casualties. Even so, Gallagher struggled with keeping the peace and making sure it was as peaceful a transition of power as they could make it.
Acheron and Boothill had already been dispatched to the south alongside their own platoon of soldiers. Micah was patrolling the outskirts of the city making sure no one got in or out of Feldspar. While Gallagher and Siobhen maintained the north part of the city.
It's a fragile hold that Gallagher will do whatever to maintain. Even if he has to seize it between bloody lips and fractured fangs. As long as everyone stays in line they'll be able to get through this.
And then their shared dream could finally be realized.
Then it would all be worth it. This would all be-
He felt something stab into his shoulder. He looked in surprise as his eyes landed on an enraged Halovian.
“You…” He hissed through clenched teeth.
For a moment, Gallagher found himself staring. His instincts, which normally thrummed beneath his skin with wild abandon, stilled.
“You….you…” The Halovian repeated, twisting the knife deeper. “Filthy dog!” He spits out pushing his full weight onto the knife.
Gallagher winced the pain shocking him out of his trance.
Gallagher didn't hesitate as he dropped the sword and grabbed the Haloviab by both hands, locking him into place. The Halovian struggled trying to wrench his hand free but Gallagher kept him there digging the knife deeper.
“Let go of me!” The Halovian snarls, trying to yank his hands free with no success. “You flea ridden mongrel.”
Gallagher twists his body in response forcing the Halovian to turn with him.
Using the momentum to shove Halovian to the ground. The Halovian spits at Gallaghers face right before Gallagher pins him down to the ground. His hands tight on his wrists, his knee rested on his lower back.
“General!” One soldier called, rushing to Gallagher's side, bowing his head low. “Apologies, he slipped through. It won't happen again.”
Gallagher shakes his head. “It's on me. I should have been paying better attention.”
The Halovian struggles even as Gallagher puts more pressure on the base of his spine. The wings on the side of his head puffing up, a few feathers floating to the floor. Now that he had the man underneath him he could tell that the Halovian was a pastor, from the path of the Harmony if he had to guess.
He pulled the knife from his shoulder, tossing it to the side out of reach.
Soldiers surround Gallagher looking to snatch the Halovian but he stops them.
Removing the belt from his person and quickly creating a makeshift restraint. He lifts the Halovian up from the ground. “Easy,” Gallagher warns. “He’s still a civilian.”
“S-sir, he tried to murder you.” The soldiers stutter out.
“Then lock him up,” Gallagher says with a sigh. Gallagher passes him carefully to one of the soldiers. “Where's your cage little birdie?”
The Halovian only struggles harder. A fresh wave of anger fueling his efforts.
Another soldier steps forward. A guilty look on his face.
“The church was burned to the ground sir. All that's left is ash.”
“Along with my sister.” The Halovian hissed, his eyes sharp and narrowed at Gallaghers.
Gallagher was only able to hold his gaze for a moment before looking away.
“Take him to the castle then. Put him in the room next to my quarters.” He orders leaving no room for argument. “He is to arrive in his room just as he is now. Understood.”
The soldiers stammered their understanding before leading the feral birdie to the castle.
He feels someone walk up next to him. He doesn't need to look to know it's Siobhan.“I'm guessing you're going to want me to check over his wounds.” She says, tone expectant, waiting for Gallagher to elaborate further.
Gallagher doesn't take the bait.
“I'll leave him under your care.” He said evenly before walking away but not before hearing Siobhan sigh, muttering. “And here I thought I had a problem with strays.”