by N. C. Reed
However, there were Soulan troopers much closer to General Taylor's 'elite' troops than he imagined. The scouts sent out by General Allen and his fellow division commanders had easily found the trail of such a large body of men. It had taken only until late afternoon to catch up to the floundering mass of soldiers and wagons and from that point on they were under constant observation. Word had been sent back to General Allen and he had moved his entire command parallel to the Norland force, keeping abreast of them but roughly five miles distant. He didn't want to alarm them after all.
He wanted to see where they were going and what they were going to do when they arrived.
-
“We're ready to get under way, ma'am,” Captain Case reported. “On your say so.”
“Alright,” Winnie's voice was rather soft. “Go ahead and let the wagons move and let the train shake down. We have a long trip ahead of us.”
“Yes ma'am,” Case nodded. He departed and Winnie turned to where Memmnon was waiting, almost in the shadows of the morning sun.
“I guess this is it,” she said, trying to smile.
“I fear that it is,” his cultured voice was in stark contrast to hers. “I wish you safe journey and a swift return,” he gave her a traditional farewell. “Please be safe. That is all I ask. Please keep yourself from harm.”
Winnie was already regretting her demand to be allowed to serve in some capacity, not because she didn't think she could but simply because leaving was turning out to be much harder than she had expected. But she couldn't back out now. And the work she would be doing was important.
“I promise,” she settled for saying. There was so much more she wanted to say, but she settled for that. She embraced him tightly and they exchanged the briefest of kisses before she turned and made her way to the horse that was waiting for her. She had a carriage as well but would ride at least part of the way.
She refused to look back as she rode away. She knew Memmnon would be watching and she doubted she could take it. So, she sat stiffly in the saddle, looking straight ahead, thinking about the trip, about the work she would be engaged in, anything other than the man she was leaving behind.
If anyone saw a tear or two fall from her face, they didn't mention it.
-
Camp life didn't exactly change every day. Individual duties changed for men on work details, but the details themselves remained the same. This day was no different. The weather was better, the conditions somewhat dryer, but the duties were the same as the day before. And the day following.
It was a simple fact that not every day of any war was filled with combat. There were many days that were filled with mind numbing boredom as the same duties were fulfilled day after day. Those days would, on occasion, be filled with equally mind-numbing terror when in combat, so soldiers learned to treasure days of quiet, no matter how boring they might seem.
There was always tomorrow, though. Tomorrow would come soon enough.
-
“We've made good time,” Winters told them as they stopped again for the evening. “I expected travel conditions to be much worse. We should arrive tomorrow, barring misfortune.”
“Splendid,” Edema was pleased to hear.
“I'm tired,” Stephanie sighed. “I just want to lie down.”
“Aren't you hungry?” Edema asked, concerned.
“No, I'm not,” Stephanie was just shy of being short. The closer they got to where Parno was the worse she felt. She was on the verge of trying to hire her own carriage to carry her back. Winters was the commander of her escort after all. If she demanded to go back he had to take her, didn't he?
“Well, let’s get a room then,” Edema replied. “You can rest tonight. I'm sure you’ll feel better after a good night of rest.”
“Oh, of course,” Stephanie muttered.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
-
“We did good today,” Case informed Winnie as she dismounted near her carriage. Case had ordered it parked inside the ring of wagons and a fire prepared for her. She would sleep inside while his troopers maintained a guard around it at night.
“I can tell,” she rubbed her butt as she stretched. A trooper took her horse without comment and carried it to be cared for. She didn't notice at first, but then turned to look for it.
“It's fine,” Case told her. “She’ll get a good rub down and then be fed.”
“I can do that,” she protested.
“You're the leader of this wagon train,” he told her, shaking his head. “There are other duties you have to see to.”
“Such as?”
“Speaking to the others for instance, and seeing how they fared during the trip,” Case reminded her. “Seeing if anyone has problems you need to have seen to. That sort of thing. Shouldn't be too hard today, since we're just one day out.”
“You make it sound like it will be worse later on,” she semi-complained.
“Good,” Case nodded. “That's how I meant it to sound. We're at least two weeks from Jason and that's if nothing goes wrong at all. And we'll have to cross the river to get there, which will take at least a day with all these wagons. So yeah, you can expect it to get worse. Enjoy it while you can.”
-
“Going to the Hogshead ton-”
“Why do you keep asking me that?” Parno looked up as Karls entered his 'office' tent.
“Just curious,” Karls shrugged. “Have to keep up with where you are after all.”
“Aren't you supposed to be training 1st Corps?” irritation crept into Parno's voice.
“They're being worked to the bone every day by the Sheep, who are enjoying it immensely,” Karls snickered. “I had no idea there were so many sadistic people in our regiment.”
“Well, they were trained by the best,” Parno snorted in amusement. “And no, I'm not going to the Hogshead. Why do you want to know? And don't give me that bullshit about keeping tabs on me. That's what you have Berry for.”
“What?” Karls looked stunned for a second before he could recover. “How-”
“I really am not stupid, Karls,” Parno went back to the paperwork before him. “As much as you, Cho, Enri and whoever else likes to pretend that I may be. I know that Berry reports to you on a daily basis.”
“And just waited until now to say something?” Karls asked.
“It gave you the illusion of being in control,” Parno shrugged. “Same as it did Darvo. It doesn't hurt me any. But your questions are becoming annoying.”
“It's no secret you have your eye on a girl over there,” Karls stopped pretending. “With things between you and the Doctor ending the way they did-”
“Karls, you are perhaps the best friend I have ever had in the entire world,” Parno didn't look up. “I love you like I should have been able to love my brothers. But,” he paused here and did look up, “I have told you for the final time to leave that alone. What happened between Stephanie and I is just that; between her and I. Please, don't make me say it again.”
“I wasn't going to comment about what's between you two, or not,” Karls ignored the cold tone Parno directed at him. “You're my best friend too, you know. And if you've found another woman, I am honor bound to do two things. One is to make sure she's good for you, and to you.”
“And the other?” Parno raised an eyebrow.
“To give you sheer hell about it until it gets so old I get tired of it,” Karls said with a straight face. Parno tried to keep the stern look on his face but failed miserably, finally bursting out laughing.
“Touché,” he finally said. “I did that to you with Dolly, didn't I?”
“So, you did,” Karls nodded. “Look, whatever happened with you and Stephanie, that's yours. Or yours and hers. Whatever. I'm just trying to look after you now. That's all.”
“I appreciate it,” Parno nodded. “But there's nothing there to know. I met a pretty girl, but that's all she is. A pretty girl. More to it, that's all she can be.”
/>
“Why?” Karls frowned. “Oh,” he added as his brain caught up with him.
“Yes,” Parno nodded abruptly. “As much as I like her, and I do like her I'm forced to admit, being by my side would simply make her a target. For wagging tongues, for assassins, for any number of things. So, all she can ever be is a pretty girl.”
“I see,” Karls nodded, and he really did. “I'm sorry. I won't tease you anymore.”
“That would be much appreciated.”
-
“I need to go to the camp, Tinker,” Jaelle said, a bundle in her arms.
“Whatever for?” Tinker asked, a slight smile gracing his features.
“I have repaired the Prince's jacket and need to return it to him,” she presented the bundle.
“I can see to that,” Tinker promised.
“I know, but... I would prefer to do it myself,” Jaelle managed to smile.
“Jaelle...” Tinker began, but she raised a hand to silence him.
“I know,” she said again. “I told you before, Tinker. There is nothing to protect me from. He knows it as well as I do. As well as you do. But... he has so much on him, and he is so weary and alone... it is little enough I can do. Allow me to do it.”
“Very well,” Tinker smiled sadly. “Have Aaron carry you over there. It is dangerous for you to go alone, and in his care, you will be safe.”
“Bell?” Jaelle looked puzzled. “It's not that I do not like him, but...”
“Aaron is much more than he appears, Jaelle,” Tinker promised. No one but Rosa knew Bell's real identity.
“I'm sure he's very capable, but-”
“He is one of the Prince's Black Sheep, Jaelle,” Tinker dropped the secret on her quietly. “He can insure you are able to get in to see the Prince without difficulty. And no man will challenge you in his presence.”
“What?” Jaelle couldn't have been more surprised.
“He was lent to us as protection when the Prince gave us this assignment,” Tinker smiled again. “I am sure he chafes at not being in action with his fellows. Or would were it not for Briel's presence, anyway,” he added with a dry chuckle.
“I… I see,” she almost managed not to stammer. “Then I… I will get him and we will go.”
“You do that, Jaelle. Have a pleasant evening.”
-
“Halt!” a voice challenged from the dark, and Aaron Bell's hand swept out to still Jaelle's horse.
“State your name and your business!” the challenger stated.
“Sergeant Aaron Bell, Prince's Own,” Bell replied calmly. “On my way to the Prince's Headquarters with one civilian.”
-
Jaelle had not wanted to doubt Tinker's word, but it was not until Bell appeared in uniform that she had realized the truth of Tinker's words. When she had approached him about carrying her to the camp, he had merely nodded and excused himself, asking her to wait for him at the rear entrance of the Inn.
Fifteen minutes later Bell had appeared, mounted and leading a horse with a sidesaddle. Moreover, he was now adorned in the livery of Prince Parno's Own Regiment, including the badge of the bloody fanged black sheep on his arm above three stripes. The change in him was palpable as he helped her mount and then swung effortlessly back into his own saddle.
“Where is it you need to go, ma'am?” he asked easily.
“Uh... I mean, I need to return the Prince's jacket,” the spell of stunned silence was finally broken. “I repaired a cut on the shoulder,” she added needlessly.
“Very well,” he nodded. “Take a few minutes and we'll be challenged more than once. Just be at ease. We won't have any trouble.”
-
“Hell, you say!” the challenge brought Jaelle back to the present.
“I do say,” Bell's voice was cold in reply. “Would you like a taste to see for sure?”
“He's wearing the Prince's livery,” another voice said. “And that is definitely a civilian with him,” you could almost hear the leer in his voice.
“Mister, you better choose your next words carefully,” Bell's voice was even colder if that were possible. “If I have to get off this horse you won't see the sun again this side of hell.”
“He's definitely one of 'em,” someone muttered. “Pass through. Expect another challenge between here and there.”
“Ma'am,” Bell didn't bother to reply to the mouthy troopers on watch. Instead he spurred his huge war mount forward, forcing the guard to step aside or be trampled.
“You bastards best learn some manners before I bring her back through here,” he almost whispered to the Sergeant in charge of the post. “If you don't, then I'll be back without her. Understand?” Implied was that he would be accompanied by other members of the Black Sheep.
“I'll see to it,” the sergeant promised. Bell smiled as he heard the sergeant bellowing a name into the dark as he and Jaelle passed out of earshot.
“Was that for me?” Jaelle asked hesitantly.
“Don't know what you mean, ma'am,” Bell's voice was suddenly as warm as ever. “Just exchanging pleasantries with the guards on watch.”
She let the lie go, suddenly aware that she didn't really know Bell nearly as well as she had thought.
The rest of the ride in was quiet.
-
“You have a visitor, milord,” Harrel Sprigs said quietly.
“Show him in,” Parno barely looked up. It took him a minute to realize that Sprigs was still standing there.
“Harrel?” he looked up. “Show whoever it is in.”
“Sir,” Sprigs hesitated, but then nodded and held the flap of the tent open.
“Please come in,” he said.
Parno could not have been more surprised to see Jaelle walk into his tent if she had been naked. Sprigs took the opportunity to duck out of the tent and allow the flap to close behind him.
“Milord,” Jaelle actually curtsied.
“J…Jaelle,” Parno stammered slightly. “How in the world did you get here? It's not safe for you to be out-”
“Bell brought me,” she replied quietly, still not sure how to take the transformation she had seen the young soldier go through.
“Ah,” Parno nodded. “Well, you're certainly safe with him,” he nodded. “But what would bring you out here like this at night?” he asked. Or at all was unspoken but there nonetheless.
“I have repaired your jacket, milord,” she smiled brightly, holding the parcel out to him. Parno couldn't help but smile, shaking his head in mild amusement as he walked over to her and accepted the jacket.
“You didn't have to ride all the away out here for that, Jaelle.”
“I know,” she said simply. “But I wanted to. Try it on,” she urged, holding it open for him to shrug into. He did so more to humor her than for any need to see how it looked. Once it was on, he looked to the shoulder and was surprised to see a barely noticeable seam where the sword cut had been repaired. As he looked at it she was buttoning his jacket for him, an intimate gesture that he appreciated more than he could find words to describe. She finished by straightening the collar for him and then stepping back to look him over.
“Very handsome,” she smiled. “If I didn't already know your reputation as a heart breaker was well deserved, this would definitely do it,” she gave a short nod as her smile turned mischievous.
“How would you know my reputation anyway?” Parno asked with a raised eyebrow.
“People do talk, my Prince,” her smile grew brighter. “I must admit you do present a very dashing figure in uniform,” she almost sighed.
“I'm flattered you think so,” Parno replied honestly. “And I really appreciate you taking care of this for me.”
“You know,” she drew the second word out slowly as her head dipped slightly, “I could make sure none of your other clothes need mending while I'm here.” Her voice was a medley of teasing innuendo and earnest suggestion. “I am a good seamstress.”
“You are,” Parno nodded. “B
ut I think my other clothes are okay save for a few missing buttons here and there.”
“The Crown Prince? Missing buttons?” Jaelle feigned shock. “We simply can't have that. Think of the scandal!”
Parno couldn't help but laugh. This girl made him laugh, made him feel his real age, made him feel light, as if the heavy load he was bearing had just been lifted away. It was something he could get used to in a hurry if he allowed it. Which he couldn't.
“I do appreciate it,” he began but stopped when her finger crossed his lips to silence him.
“I know this cannot be,” she whispered. “I know there are limits to anything. But let me do for you what I can. It is not a burden, my Prince,” she suddenly moved her hand to caress his face, pushing his hair away from his eyes. The look in her eyes was enough to rob him of air.
“Jaelle, you would never be-”
“I know,” she hushed him again. “I do not care. It is alright. As Tinker would say, it is what it is. And it is enough. You may send me away if you wish and I will go, you know that. But if you will let me, even if only for tonight, I will stay with you. You know that I am not... that I...” she struggled, trying to find the right words.
“I know,” he nodded, saving her the search. “I know you aren't, and if you were I would never hold it against you nor think less of you for it.”
“I know,” she caressed his head again in a soothing manner. “And I think that is one of the things I love most about you. You, who have been so misjudged, judge no one. Look down on no one. You have no real idea how rare that is, my Prince. And for that, more than anything, I am so sorry,” she leaned forward and kissed him lightly. “You deserve so much more, yet all Jaelle can give you is herself.”
“All?” Parno took her hand in his, incredulity in his voice. “That's all? It would seem that I am not the only one who doesn't know how rare they are, Jaelle.”
He delighted to see her dusky face blush even in the lantern light. Leaving her standing where she was, Parno went to the entrance to the tent and opened it.
“Harrel?”
“Milord?” the young man appeared as if by magic.
“Please escort Miss Jaelle to my quarters and see to it she has everything she needs.”