“I’ll tell you this though,” Turk had said to them, “there will be no retreating this time. It’s not like they can just run off into the waters. This battle can only end with one victor.”
Jameson’s heart clenched at his friend’s words, but he kept his face passive. What would their father think if he could see his sons fighting each other like this? How would he feel if he knew they sought to destroy the other? A turbulent of emotions was running through him, and he found himself hardly hearing what the others were saying. Finally they left for the evening, leaving Jameson and Turk now alone. They were just about to sit together when Diana walked in.
She curtsied gracefully, looking up with worry written in her eyes. “I just wanted to wish you luck before tomorrow,” she said, her eyes only fixed on him. “I’m sure you’ll be too busy when the sun comes up, so I figured this would be the only chance I had to say it.” For some reason Jameson was frozen in front of her. She never failed to take his breath away. Now, in the dim candlelight of his tent, and with the strain of the morning’s events on her face, he could barely hold back the impulse to hold her in his arms.
“Thank you,” Turk responded, giving Jameson a weary look. Their eyes met, and he realized he had just been staring at her in silence for longer than was polite. Clearing his throat awkwardly, he nodded his head in agreement.
“Y-yes thank you, your well wishes are much appreciate,” he said, his voice sounding suddenly hoarse. He watched as a blush crept over her pale, round cheeks.
“I’ll let you rest then,” she replied, bowing again. Jameson walked to her before she could leave. Being so close, it felt like the world around him vanished, leaving just the two of them. He lifted a hand, and placed it gently on her cheek. To his surprise, he felt her lean into his touch, her eyes closing as a single tear dripped down her face.
“Stay safe tomorrow,” he said softly, his heart already anxious at the thought of her being this close to the battle. “Don’t put yourself in unnecessary danger.”
Her eyes opened, and a small smile played on his lips. “Follow your own advice, my King. It is not I who rushes headlong into war.” They looked at one another for a short moment, before she turned and left. His hand dropped uselessly to his side, clenching and unclenching at the loss of her soft skin.
“I think we need a drink,” Turk said, breaking the tense silence.
“Once again my friend, you are wise in all things,” Jameson replied, turning to him with a smile.
“It’s why you keep me around,” he answered lightly, turning to pour them each a small glass of hot wine. “It is also why I had the forethought to put this on the fire before the meeting began.” He handed a glass to Jameson, lifting it in a salute. “To tomorrow.”
“Whatever it may bring,” Jameson finished. They each took a chair, sitting in the companionable silence so common between them.
“It is times like this that I often think of Nicole,” Turk said, his eyes looking deep into the fire. Jameson stared at his friend, stunned. After his wife died shortly after Elisa was born, Jameson had hardly ever heard him speak of her. Nicole and Turk had met when Jameson had been sent to the south one year. The two of them had always been popular with the palace ladies, but it was a simple farmer’s daughter who caught his Captain’s eye. He didn’t realize how serious he was about her, until he finally came home to the Capital. When Turk would look at Nicole, Jameson would almost feel like an intruder in their world. He saw only her, and his love was like a tangible force around them. It hadn’t been a long courtship before they were married, and Elisa’s birth followed not long after that.
Jameson could still remember when he walked in to see Nicole holding the small bundle in her arms, strawberry hair stuck to her head from sweat, eyes glistening with unshed tears. There was so much pride and love in her at that moment. Turk beamed brightly and smiled more than Jameson could ever remember him smiling before. Elisa had been a gorgeous baby, and both parents were ecstatic. He remembered thinking how pale and tired Nicole had looked then, but believed it was only due to the recent birth.
A few days later, when she failed to grow stronger, they realized something was terribly wrong. She had lost too much blood during labour, and the doctors could not manage to strengthen her. It wasn’t long before she caught a virus, and in her weakened state, succumbed to the illness. Those had been some of the saddest days of his life. The pain he saw in his friend was almost too much to bear, especially with a new babe to take care of and serve as a constant reminder of the loss. Turk fought hard to live through it, and devoted all his love to his daughter. As much as Jameson had believed having the child would make his loss worse, he soon realized that she had given him something new to live for. She was living proof of his and Nicole’s love.
This was the first time Jameson could remember him bringing her up in general conversation. He looked at the fire, thinking back to the only woman he’d known who had put up with their antics in their younger years. It brought a small smile to his lips.
“She was one in a million, wasn’t she?” he said, thoughts of her red hair, and bright green eyes filtering through his head.
Turk chuckled softly. “That she was. Why else would I have married her?”
“Do you remember when we had climbed up on the bar at Alvin’s tavern that one night?”
“Yes, surprisingly,” Turk laughed. “I think I drank more wine that night than any other.”
Jameson laughed too. “The band had been playing that jig, remember? And all the ladies had come up to the bar to cheer our dancing on?”
Turk smiled, his eyes lost in memory. “Aye, and Nicole arrived, fuming because it was nearly four in the morning. Her belly was already twice the size. I thought I was going to be in so much trouble,” he chuckled.
“Except she just marched to the front, and started cheering along with the rest of them,” Jameson finished the story, letting out a soft sigh.
“I believe she told you to take off your clothes,” Turk added, looking over at him. Jameson laughed. They fell back into silence until Turk spoke again, more serious this time. “Nights like this, when I don’t know if I’ll live to see the end of tomorrow, I can’t help but think that maybe I’ll get to see her again.” Jameson swallowed around the lump in his throat. He could feel his eyes burn as they filled with emotion. Turk just looked into the orange flames, a content smile on his lips. “Every night I think, if only I could hold her again, just once. Do you think when we die, we will see those who have passed before us?” he looked to him.
Jameson nodded slowly, trying his best to smile. “Absolutely,” he said. “And I’ll bet fifty gold coins she’ll be waiting there with her hands on her hips, ready to yell at you for letting yourself be killed.” They both smiled.
“You’re just betting that much, because I wouldn’t be around to collect.”
Jameson shrugged his shoulders. “It’s true, nonetheless.”
Turk sighed, taking a deep drink of his wine. “Elisa has her fiery temper.”
He didn’t reply for a moment, and then said, “poor Markus.” They both laughed loudly at that, saluting their glasses again.
“Can I ask you a question?” Jameson said, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. Turk cocked an eyebrow at him.
“Since when do you ask permission?”
He shrugged, twirling the liquid in his glass. “Since I wasn’t sure if I should even ask.”
“Well, spit it out then.”
“Why are you letting her marry him?”
A slow, mischievous grin spread across his Captain’s face. “My King, trust me when I say, everything I do is for a purpose.” Turk got up and poured them both some more, sitting back down to stretch his feet before the warmth. “Can I say something, my lord?”
Now it was Jameson’s turn to look at him with raised eyebrows. “Since when do you ask permission?”
“Since I realized you could probably beat me in a sword fight if yo
u really wanted to,” he answered, grinning.
“Go on,” Jameson urged with a laugh.
“Well, it’s just, I would give anything to have my Nicole back, and here you are with your love close by, yet you deny yourself. It just seems a waste, if you ask me. You don’t realize how precious love is until it’s gone.” He looked over, with an apologetic smile. “Don’t make the mistake of not grabbing and holding on to love when it’s right in front of you, my lord. You’ll live to regret it.”
* * *
Half way through the process, a large crowd had gathered around them. Elisa’s screams drew their attention, and now many soldiers watched their Captain’s daughter get hammered with a needle. Wolf held onto her shoulder firmly, trying his best to remain calm. It was one thing when he was getting it done, but to see her go through the pain was unbearable. Lily had dutifully given Elisa the alcohol every time she asked for it. Aiden looked over at Wolf with raised eyebrows.
“She’s going to be hammered,” he said softly, so only Wolf would hear him. Wolf couldn’t help but laugh, remembering the last time he had seen Elisa drunk. It was true, she was going to be wasted, and curse them all in the morning.
“It’s better that way,” he said, watching his brother work.
“You know you’re not really supposed to drink when you get a tattoo,” Aiden added. “It makes your blood thinner, so you bleed more.” This time Elisa heard him.
“Easy for you to say, you’re not the one lying here!” Her words were slightly slurred now. Logan laughed, shaking his head slightly. Wolf couldn’t help but smile. The other men around them all cheered, raising their own glasses to the brave girl. It was becoming quite a spectacle, and Wolf was worried the Captain would arrive to see what was going on. Finally Moose sat back with a proud smile.
“Done!” he exclaimed. Another cheer erupted through the crowd.
“Thank the Goddess,” Elisa cried, closing her eyes. Wolf and Aiden let go of her shoulders, and she rested for a minute. When she looked ready to stand, Wolf helped her to her feet. She wobbled slightly, leaning her weight against him. Her head was lowered, looking down at the design now forever marked on her bare skin. He had a hard time looking at it, but couldn’t help but admire the black lines now running over her smooth, tanned skin.
“What does it mean?” she asked, looking to Moose.
“Now you ask?” he laughed, while he cleaned up the tools. “It is the mark for strength, and accuracy. Fitting, if you ask me.”
“It’s beautiful,” she breathed. “Thank you.” She turned to show everyone else, and they all hooted at her. Wolf felt a sudden urge to knock them all out, their eyes greedily feasting upon her exposed stomach, but he held himself back. She turned now to show him and Aiden, a pleased smile on her face. “What do you think?”
“It’s awesome,” Aiden said, bending to take a closer look. “You’re quite the artist, Moose.”
“Among other things,” his brother replied, with a wink.
“Wolf?” His eyes shifted to meet her expectant ones. He looked down at the tattoo, letting himself smile easily.
“Suits you,” he replied. She smiled happily at him, turning back around to face the others. As she stumbled forward, Wolf and Aiden hung back.
“She’s going to hate this in the morning,” Aiden commented.
“Yeah, her body and head will be sore,” Wolf chuckled.
“Well at least we’re not the ones who will be there when she wakes up,” Aiden laughed. Wolf could feel his answering smile was strained, but if Aiden noticed, he didn’t let on. He had meant his comment as a joke, but it wasn’t funny to Wolf. He wanted to be the one there in the morning, even if it meant he had to deal with her anger. He’d take that over her being with someone else any day. He watched as she held up another glass someone had given her, toasting with the others. Quickly walking forward, he grabbed the drink before it could make its way to her lips.
“I think you’ve had enough for the night,” he said in her ear, tossing the liquid on the dirt ground. She looked up with a pout that instantly made him smile. “Trust me, you’ll thank me in the morning.” He turned to the others. “Alright everyone, off to your own tents now. Show’s over!” They grumbled as they dispersed. Logan was still laughing behind him. Wolf gave him a warning look.
“Sorry,” he laughed, holding up his hands. “I’m just thinking about what she’s going to feel like in the morning. I think we’re all going to be in a world of trouble.”
“I’m fiiine,” Elisa answered, her voice stretching out. This only made them laugh harder. “Oh shut up all of you!” Her body swayed against his, and he immediately held onto her elbows to keep her from falling.
“You should probably bring her to her tent,” Moose suggested, smiling at his handiwork.
Wolf pointed a finger at him. “Don’t look so pleased with yourself, it’s you she’s going to hate the most when she wakes up.” This didn’t deter his brother’s smug smile, not that he really expected it to. He turned her away from the others, heading towards her tent. “Come on Elisa, let’s get you to bed.”
As they walked through the camp, she became increasingly more distracted, stopping at each fire to either talk to someone, or show them her new tattoo. Wolf had to breathe deeply in order to keep patient with her, but it was getting harder the longer it took to get her moving. Finally he simply swung her up over his shoulder, and marched forward. Whistles called out behind them, but he ignored them.
“Put me down, Wolf!” she said, her voice muffled against his back. He could feel her finger tips grazing his lower back, her breath hot against his bare skin. “Your skin is so smooth,” she said, giggling after. He rolled his eyes, shifting her up further onto his shoulder so she wouldn’t fall off. “Everything’s upside down, Wolf.”
“Elisa, just be quiet,” he said, his voice strained from trying not to laugh. It wasn’t often that Elisa was so loose and carefree, and he had to admit it was funny when she was drunk. Still, he just wanted to get her in bed, so he could also go to sleep. They could only ignore the reality of tomorrow so long. “Ow!” he cried out, mostly in surprise. She had pinched his butt!
“Don’t tell me to be quiet,” she replied, snickering again. A huge smile spread over his face. May the Gods help him, but he couldn’t help but enjoy her like this. He lightly smacked her butt, letting his hand rest there.
“Watch it,” he said warningly.
She started giggling again. “I am watching it, it’s right in front of me.” Her laughter filled the space around them, and he found himself shaking his head in exasperation with her.
“That’s not what I meant,” he said, now moving his hand to grip her legs. They were approaching the tent she shared with Markus. Wolf hated that they were sharing one together. Why the Captain was allowing this was beyond him, but it was no longer his business. As they grew nearer, he saw Markus come out, looking intently at them.
“What’s going on?” he asked as Wolf reached him.
Wolf swung Elisa unceremoniously off his shoulder, catching her quickly as she almost fell over. Her giggling was as good an answer as any.
“She’s drunk!” Markus said, accusingly. “What did you do to her?”
Wolf held up his hands. “She did this to herself! Don’t look at me.”
“Wait till you see it!” Elisa cried out, clapping her hands excitedly. Markus looked questioningly at her.
“See what?” he asked, cautiously.
Elisa pulled up her top, showing off the new design.
“Elisa!” Markus cried out, quickly pulling her shirt down. “You let her get a tattoo? While drunk?” he looked at Wolf.
“Actually, she got drunk while she was getting the tattoo. She was perfectly sober when she decided to do it.” Wolf couldn’t help but laugh inwardly at the look on the other man’s face. Here was the leader of the Sun People, the leader of the city most known for the sins that were allowed to take place on its island. Yet, he was
about ready to argue over one tattoo. How ironic, he thought.
“Elisa, why would you do this? It isn’t appropriate for a girl. Only soldiers get marked in such a way.” His voice was scolding, and Wolf watched as Elisa seemed to grow a little more sober under his words. She was gearing up to yell, Wolf knew, so he quickly stepped in.
“Elisa is a soldier,” Wolf pointed out. “She has every right to be tattooed like one.”
Markus’s eyes quickly went to Wolf’s own fresh design. “I’m sure you’d approve of this, but it’s really none of your business anymore is it?” Wolf had to bite his tongue to stop him from yelling. Thankfully Elisa saved him from doing just that.
“Excuse me, but it’s neither of your business! It’s my body, and I will do what I like with it! Now, I think we should all go to bed, especially me. The world is spinning and I can’t handle it anymore.”
Wolf chuckled, putting a steadying hand on her shoulder. “Go lie down Elisa, I’ll see you in the morning.” He turned to leave, and then added over his shoulder. “Your tattoo looks great. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.”
He walked away, leaving the two of them to retreat into the tent – together.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
They sat in his large study, a blazing fire cackling in the hearth. Rain wiggled into the chair, trying her best to get comfortable. She’d been sitting there for hours now, and her bottom seemed to have fallen asleep. Aziz was currently searching for a book amongst the numerous stacks along the walls. He had been teaching her all morning, showing no signs of stopping.
“Ah, I found it,” he declared, holding up an old, brown leather tome. The binding was coming undone, the pages discoloured by age. He walked over with a triumphant smile. “This,” he continued, laying the book gently on her lap, “is one of the first books I studied when I decided to learn the ways of sorcery. Not many were made in my land, so you should be honoured to have the chance to read it.”
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