“Then punish me for them, Callum,” he exclaimed, stepping in front of his friend in defiance. He was tired of being treated as if he was owed some special privilege. Callum had made it clear that to the Ovatai, Edric’s family heritage meant nothing. Within the borders of Ethrysta, Edric held no power. He was just another soldier serving under the Vor’shai Captain. “I may have come here with the intention of watching out for you, but I also did it to become a better person. A better Prince for our people. I’m never going to achieve that if you coddle me. If fairness requires you to chastise me for what I have done, then do it. I am a man, Callum. I am capable of accepting responsibility for my actions.”
“That’s just it, Edric. You have always been responsible. That is why this is so much harder,” Callum shook his head, weaving the fingers of his left hand through his windblown hair. “I understand your reasons for doing what you did. You’re a dreamer, but you aren’t a fool. I’m not going to stand here and say I’ve never made mistakes in the field because of love. The difference between you and Sahra is that she has no excuse. Even if she didn’t go after him intentionally, her track record with men makes it difficult to believe she had no part in it. Ewei is not exactly the type of man whose personality would sweep a woman off her feet.”
“Then what do you propose we do? If she continues to play games with him, she places us all at risk. He will use her against us.”
“He has to break through her defenses first. That’s the thing with women like her. She won’t fall to him easily. We just have to be cautious of her focus. Until we get back to Nahedu, we need her on our side, one hundred percent. A distraction could be detrimental. She and Gadiel are all we have left and Gadiel is little help in his condition and, as much as I hate to admit, I’m not as useful as I’d like to be. Unfortunately, she is impetuous. She is going to do what she pleases. If I command against it, she’ll simply utilize more efficient subterfuge, and I would much rather know what my soldiers are doing.”
“So you are going to ignore it?”
“I will talk with her,” Callum frowned. “At best, she will understand my concern and respect it enough to heed my caution. At worst, she continues the affair and falls prey to whatever games Ewei has up his sleeve. The most I can ask for is that she manages to retain her focus long enough for us to reach Nahedu. After that, if she shows blatant disregard to authority, she won’t be in a position to cause harm to us.”
More and more Edric found himself reminded of all the reasons why he was glad he would never be King. The burden Callum bore as Captain was nothing compared to the weight which would descend upon him once the crown was placed atop his head. Better Callum than him. He was more suited to the role. Edric’s heart wasn’t strong enough to handle the decisions required of one in such a position of power. He wanted to do good deeds and help everyone, even though he knew it wasn’t possible. Callum’s heart was pure, but far more rational than his own. “I don’t envy you at all,” he said quietly, shaking his head somberly. “You bear this responsibility so well. I’ll never understand why my parents felt it necessary to test you further in sending you here when you have already proven yourself in my eyes.”
“Don’t fault your parents for their decision, Edric. In talk of fairness, they had no choice. It was in my best interest to come here instead of my father. The timing simply… wasn’t convenient,” Callum sighed. “If I was never fully tested, my step into the role of General would be scorned by many. They would whisper that I attained the rank only because of my father and not because of my ability to perform the duties. I only regret that this is a wasted opportunity they could have used to challenge whoever is chosen to take my place in the role when I inform them of my decision to step down.”
Callum’s words were like a punch in the stomach. It was easy to forget about his friend’s personal troubles while wrapped up in the drama of his own life. A part of him wanted to believe it was nothing more than talk. Callum was discouraged, which was completely understandable. But he wasn’t prone to idle chatter. If he set his mind to something, it was what he went through with. Edric hated to consider the possibility that Callum might actually be serious about relinquishing his position as Captain. Especially when he was so close to attaining his lifelong dream of becoming General. If he walked away from it now, Edric knew Callum would regret it for the rest of his life. “Callum, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that –”
“Please,” Callum held up his hand to silence him. “There is nothing to talk about. Not right now. I have business to attend to. You should check on Gadiel and then get some sleep.”
Edric opened his mouth in protest, finding the words lost as he watched his friend walk away. It all seemed foolish, in a way. He spent so much time worrying about the future and where he and Callum would be when they returned to Tanispa, but when it came down to it, there was no guarantee they would ever find themselves home again. A new General might have to be chosen, not for the sake of replacing Callum due to discontent with his profession, but for the loss of his life in battle. Still, he couldn’t let his friend consider it. For all their talk of focus, it would be hard for Callum to maintain the calm control he was known for if his desire to serve waned much further.
“What more could possibly go wrong?” he muttered, turning to make his way toward the command tent where Gadiel awaited him. The question barely escaped his lips when he wished he could retract it. The answer was simple. Everything could wrong. It was better to accept the hardships they faced at the moment rather than wallowing in self-pity. Just go to sleep and stop thinking about it. There was nothing more to be done until morning. Once his head was clear again he would be able to face each individual concern with the attention they required. Maybe then he would start feeling as if they were making progress instead of digging deeper into a hole they might not be able to climb out of.
When the sun rose the next morning, Edric’s nerves were on edge, unsure of what the day would bring after the uncomfortable confrontation the night before. He wanted to speak with Callum. To find out what was discussed between him and Sahra. The conversation must have been a lengthy one. For hours he waited, anxious for Callum to return to the tent so he could ask what was said, but Callum never appeared before Edric was overcome by sleep. It made him sick to his stomach. Sahra wasn’t a woman who could be trusted around men. To consider her and Callum alone for so long…he shuddered at the thought. Callum wasn’t that kind of man. But that wouldn’t stop Sahra from trying.
Shaking his head Edric tried to push the thoughts from his mind. No. Nothing happened between the two. If Ewei was truthful about his association with her, she would have no reason to go after Callum. Her bed had already been occupied. And he didn’t want to consider her being salacious enough to chase after two men in one night.
Disgusted by the images conjured by his concerns Edric rolled over on the thick fur of his blankets. Exhaling a heavy breath he looked over to Callum’s bed, his heart nearly stopping in his chest to realize it was empty. “Callum?” he asked, hesitant. All the fears about him and Sahra came back again, causing him to sit up in a rush.
“What is it, Your Highness?” Gadiel’s voice drifted quietly from the other side of the tent.
“Have you seen Callum? Do you know where he is?” He hated the panic in his tone. It was foolish to be afraid of what Sahra might have done when there were so many worse fates which could have befallen his friend. What if Ewei waited for him to leave Sahra’s tent and attacked? Callum was at a disadvantage with his injured arm. There was no way to know exactly what Ewei was capable of if he got his hands on Callum.
“He never came to bed last night,” Gadiel replied, seemingly unfazed by the information. “It isn’t uncommon for him to do that, Edric. I wouldn’t worry about him.”
“You may not worry about him, but I do.” Heart fluttering, Edric rose to his feet, patting himself down to make sure he looked presentable. The last thing he wanted was to let the Ovatai s
ee him in a state of disarray. It wouldn’t do anything to help their image. “When I left him last night he was going to speak with Sahra regarding a – personal – matter. There is no reason for him not to be back by now.”
A soft chuckle could be heard from where Gadiel lie, the soft glow of his green eyes cutting through the shadows of the small room. “He did come back. I didn’t mean to scare you. Perhaps I should have been more clear. When I say he never came to bed, I mean he didn’t stay here to sleep. He stopped in to check on you and me and then went back out to keep watch over the camp. His distrust of the Ovatai war leader is rapidly increasing. Seems he didn’t feel comfortable leaving the tents unguarded throughout the night.”
Gadiel’s assurances brought a wave of relief over Edric unlike anything he’d experienced before. Pressure in his chest and lungs erupted in a long breath that he hadn’t realized he was holding until it was released, his joints trembling from the adrenaline. “You spoke with him, then?” he questioned with renewed curiosity. He wanted to know what was said between him and Sahra. Although he couldn’t place why, he was angry with Sahra for letting Ewei into her bed. It seemed traitorous after everything the Ovatai had said and done to insult them since their arrival. The Vor’shai weren’t considered worthy enough to have a say in battle tactics, but their women were tolerable enough to violate?
“I did,” Gadiel nodded. “You look pale. Is something wrong?”
“No. Everything is fine. I just…” How could he even word it? He trusted Callum. To voice concern to Gadiel about intimacy between him and Sahra would be inappropriate, as a friend. “I was simply worried something happened to him.”
“You were worried about him and Sahra?”
Edric blinked to hear his concerns voiced aloud by someone else, embarrassed to have been so easy to read. Was he really so obvious? “Not quite,” he stammered. “I know he would never take an interest in her but you know how she is. One can never be too sure. I mean… you’re not fond of her, yet you spent an evening with her in Isavo.”
“Oh, Your Highness… you are mistaken,” Gadiel laughed, halted quickly by a pained groan as he struggled to sit up on the blankets. “I stayed in the same quarters out of politeness. While I admit Sahra’s behavior was overdramatic and her intention was no doubt to convince me to do more, I understood her concern of being left alone after the Ythes attacked. I waited until she fell asleep and then took up watch by the door in case of further trouble. When you arrived the next morning, she had only just awoken. I tended the laceration on her arm to make sure it was dressed properly and then left with the Captain when he came by. Sahra may be a devious woman, but her tricks only work for so long on one man before he grows wise to it… and I assure you that her tricks have never – and will never – work on Callum. In all honesty, I am impressed she has not managed to sink her claws into you yet. I was curious how you would handle her.”
“I handle her the same I do every other woman at court who only seeks my bed. Among the soldiers her behavior might be unusual but at the palace I see her type every day… but that’s beside the point,” Edric cleared his throat. He didn’t want to think about beds and women. Both of those things had caused him enough trouble throughout his life to last him until Sytlea came for his soul. Which, if he continued the way he was headed, might not be very long. “How much did Callum tell you? Are you aware of Sahra’s actions with Ewei?”
“He touched on the subject briefly,” Gadiel nodded. “From what I gather, she tried to claim that Ewei seduced her. In my opinion, I don’t think the man is capable of seducing anyone, but Callum is willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. He is going to be watchful of her, however. She was given orders not to go near Ewei again. If she disregards the direct order, then she will be subject to reprimand.”
Movement from the entrance sent the room into silence, Edric’s muscles tensed in preparation to fight. They weren’t safe there. Ewei’s mannerisms were enough to make Edric sure of it. The hardest part was his inability to know what was going through the minds of the Ovatai at any given time. To his relief it wasn’t Ewei’s sneering face staring back at him from the tent flap. “Callum,” he exhaled, relaxing his guard, practically running toward his friend to make sure he was alright. “You had me worried. I waited up for you last night and never saw you come in.”
“You were sleeping quite soundly for a man who claims to have been awake,” Callum simpered, glancing over his shoulder uncomfortably. “We need to get our things packed quickly. Ewei already has his men ready to head out. I helped Sahra disassemble her tent, but I don’t like the idea of leaving her out there alone with Ewei for long.”
“If someone can carry me outside, I’ll keep an eye on her. I won’t be much help in packing anyway.” Gadiel’s tone was lighthearted, though Edric could sense a slight hint of melancholy. He couldn’t blame him for feeling disheartened. Unlike Callum, Gadiel had high hopes for their journey to Ethrysta. His performance was being judged for consideration in becoming the next Captain when Callum moved into the role of General. Without the ability to walk on his own, his time on the field was finished. Once they reached Nahedu, he would be laid up in a tent, left behind when the rest of them went off to battle the Avaern. Edric couldn’t imagine the disappointment Gadiel harbored inside.
Saddened by the thought, Edric lowered his head, moving slowly to where Gadiel lay on the ground, surrounded by layers of fur to help maintain warmth due to his inability to move. The only benefit to his injury was that he could be kept covered in the blankets, allowing Callum to use Gadiel’s cloak to replace his own which had become the tattered bandages they wore. “Callum, could you call Sahra in to help me?”
“Nonsense. The distance isn’t far. I will take his feet. They aren’t that heavy.” Before Edric could argue, Callum already had his left hand wrapped around the center support at the base of the litter, lifting it from the ground to leave Gadiel at an awkward angle. “Well, hurry up. We don’t have all day.”
“Captain…”
“Gadiel, stop. I’m perfectly capable of doing this.” Snapping his head to the side, Callum directed Edric toward Gadiel’s head, teeth gritted under the strain. Springing into motion Edric grabbed onto the makeshift handles, helping to level Gadiel out.
They moved quickly out of the tent to try and get Gadiel situated before Callum’s arm gave out from the burden. Upon reaching a safe distance from the tent he was sat down in the snow, Callum’s eyes scanning the area, brow furrowed to discover Sahra nowhere in sight. Edric wasn’t surprised. A part of him suspected that if they found Ewei, they might also find Sahra. She seemed the type of woman who would pursue a man with greater persistence when told to leave him alone. That much had been proven in her efforts to chase after Edric when he felt it was made quite clear that he had no interest in her. “Do you see Ewei?” he asked quietly, leaning in to avoid being overheard by the other warriors. “I have a feeling you will find them together.”
“For her sake, I hope that isn’t the case,” Callum frowned. “Go ahead and start gathering the things out of the tent. I’ll see if I can find her and then come help you.”
It was like going on a camping trip with a child. Edric’s frustration toward Sahra grew with every mention of her name, astonished at how a woman like her could ever have achieved a rank of importance within the Royal Army. She was impulsive and indecorous. Not fit to represent their people. Turning on his heel he made his way toward the tent without a word, recognizing the benefit of keeping his mouth shut. He had nothing nice to say. It would be unbecoming of him to toss about insults at a time like this, though he had every intention of giving her a piece of his mind next time they found themselves in the privacy of each other’s company.
Pushing through the flap of the tent Edric moved to the blankets strewn about on the floor where he’d made his bed, hastily folding them to clear them out of the way. Each motion was sharp and precise, making no attempt to conceal his discontent while o
ut of view from the others. He couldn’t wait to be back in Nahedu. At least then they could separate the units and take on a group of their own soldiers who could be trusted. Sahra couldn’t be counted on in the field. She could be left behind to watch over Gadiel. It was all she was good for, as far as Edric was concerned.
“Your Highness.”
Edric’s head snapped up, staring straight ahead into the bland fabric of the tent wall. This couldn’t be happening. Of all the people who could have come to him in that moment, why did it have to be her? “Sahra,” he stated coldly. He didn’t want to see her face. The thought of her disgusted him. “The Captain is looking for you. Now isn’t the time for games. We don’t have time to waste so I suggest you find your way outside to Gadiel so Callum and I can get packed. That is an order.”
“I will do what you say, I promise, but I need you to listen to me. It’s important.”
“If it’s that important, then save it for the Captain. I have no interest in anything you have to say right now.”
“The Captain won’t listen to me,” Sahra pleaded. “I had to bend a few facts when he came to me last night. What I have to say would expose me, but I didn’t have a choice. You’re the only one I could think of who might be willing to hear me out without passing judgment.”
“And what makes you think I will trust anything you say?” Edric hissed, spinning around to face her, the tips of his ears burning from his increased irritation. “You have done nothing but try and trick me since the moment we met. You tried to twist my opinions against the Ovatai women for the sake of gaining my favor by lying about Neomi’s intentions toward me. Don’t think I’m not aware of what you were up to. You and your silly perfumes to try and gain my affection to win yourself a crown. Your games are going to get us all killed.”
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Three: Crown of Ice Page 58