* * * * *
Rhimaldez was patient. Riding far behind him was Samsun. He had already thanked him twice over, and had considered falling back for company but the man seemed distracted—constantly pulling his axe from its sheath, staring into the jewel and then replacing it. His gaze shifted ahead, to the other two that had sacrificed themselves to save his life. Elryia had woken up and Grahamas’ concerns had waned, yet the Captain still decided to wait, allowing them time with each other. He guessed they had very little as it was.
“I don’t remember any of that?” Elryia said, pushing into Graham slightly.
“Nothing?” he asked, surprised by her response.
“I remember you talking to me and I remember the fire rushing at you, my desire to protect you and that was the last thing. I blacked out.” She turned ever further, this time quickly, “Graham? You spoke of Lornya a while back… Do you think perhaps she did something?”
Grahamas quirked then tilted his head, “I had not thought about it, but it is entirely possible, though unlike her. Had she been involved she would have revealed herself.” He gazed at her skeptical stare. “I will ask her, be sure of it. For now, I am just glad whatever happened did not affect you and that you’re safe.” He slid his arms around her and brought her tightly to him.
Her hand rose to brush against his forearm, “And I am glad you’re the same…”
Behind them Rhimaldez fought back a small tear, watching them somewhat reminded him of how he and Ramia were when they were together. “Ramia!” the thought erupted in his mind. With everything that had happened the Captain had forgotten that he left her care to Grahamas. He jerked the horse into a gallop, speeding to catch up to the two. They were relaxing, Graham’s arms still draped her shoulders as they talked; Rhimaldez tried his best to be quick, “True…”
Grahamas turned back as did Elryia, who grew a very bright smile, “Rhimaldez,” she gushed. “I am glad you’re well.”
“And I you. I would not be if you had not helped,” his furry white hand reached between the two horses, extended towards her.
Had she not been on Feiron, she would have hugged him, so instead took the hand and shook it gingerly, “I’m glad I could help.”
Rhimaldez’s mouth perked as he released his grip, turning his gaze now towards Grahamas, “You as well True. Thank you,” his hand now waited before Graham.
The Champion took it, then bowed as much as he was able to, “It was the least I could do.”
The Captain chuckled lightly, “So we’re even?”
“Aye, we’re even.”
“Good, I hate to be indebted,” his face turned slightly, “But I believe I still may be. Ramia and Merick? They are safe?”
The Champion nodded again, “Aye, they are with a very old, very trusted friend in Davaina.”
“Davaina? That’s days away. How did they get there?”
Grahamas only let out a tiny laugh, tossing Elryia a wink, “I am sure that they will tell you all about it.”
Rhimaldez bowed his head, mouth again turning up. She was safe. Then the look faded, his emotions torn. “Aye…” he whispered, which was all he could manage.
“You’re free now, and so is your family. Far away, even for Idimus.” Grahamas turned his head down and gave him a very serious look, “You have your life back.”
Rhimaldez allowed a long, genuine smile. “Thank you True, for everything. The name bestowed upon you is justified.”
Grahamas could not help but smile back, “You’re welcome Rhimaldez.”
Elryia leaned a bit further into Graham, the Champion squeezing her a little tighter in his arms; both watching as the tips of Sharia came into view.
In A Time Of Darkness Page 43