Talk about frustrating.
She rose to her feet just as Eder walked up to her. Since he had professed his feelings for her, their conversations had become formal. She didn’t necessarily mind, but it was obvious that the young soldier carried some hurt from her rejection. To his credit, those feelings had not hampered his scouting.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
“Jumla Danso found us. He sent orders for us to return to the main camp.”
He gestured to where three southern kingdom soldiers waited next to a handful of her men. They looked ready to pounce, no doubt angered at being made to wait.
“Is that so?” she snorted. “How in the name of Ao did they track us?”
“I asked them. Said their sorcerers picked up our trail and pointed them in the right direction.”
She grunted. “They’re better than I thought then. Well, we better go have a talk I guess.”
“We?” Eder asked, surprised.
“Sure. Why not?” she asked. Though she didn’t want to give Eder any mixed signals, she didn’t want to make him feel like she was punishing him either.
He brightened. “All right.”
Gods, am I growing soft? Maturing? Or am I just lonely? Probably all three.
If nothing else, the man had the balls to put himself out there at least. Not too unlike Nason in that regard.
Nason. That man’s been popping into my mind too much lately. Gods-be-damned.
She clicked her tongue while heading in the direction of the Southern Kingdom soldiers.
“Something wrong?” Eder asked.
“No,” she lied. “Just wondering how pissed they are about having to come out and get us.”
He chuckled. “Very.”
“Let’s have a little fun with them,” she whispered before calling. “Ah. New recruits, I see. You’re right, Eder. They look a bit out of shape, but I’m sure we can find some use for them.”
The three Southern Kingdom soldiers stood straighter as she stopped before them. They looked down in attempt to emphasize their height, like that might intimidate her. She held back a snort at that.
“We’re not here to join you,” one snapped.
She shrugged. “A shame. I had hoped you had grown tired of Danso.”
Another said, “Jumla Danso sent us to retrieve you.”
“Retrieve me?”
“You and your men.”
“Are we dogs then?” The first one started to open his mouth. “Careful how you answer that. As you can see we’ve had a hard day, but I’m not so done with killing that I’d let someone get away with calling me a dog.” She paused. “What does Danso care? He had no plans to send anyone out this way.”
The second soldier glared at her. “You disobeyed direct orders.”
“Actually, we didn’t. He said we were either to stay in camp or return home.”
“And you’ve done neither.”
“Funny thing. We were trying to get to Batna, but we took a wrong turn and got lost. Then before you know it, we ran into the enemy. And well, things just happened from there, you know?”
Eder and the three other Turine volunteers chuckled.
“This isn’t a joke,” the second Southern Kingdom soldier snapped.
“No. It’s not,” Ava said coldly. “I made a deal with the council. And I keep my word. You can go back to Danso and reiterate that point for me.”
“He won’t like your answer.”
“I imagine not.” She paused, thinking about what they had come across the day before. “But to prove once more that we’re all on the same side, give him this to chew on. The rumors are true. We came across necromancy.”
“What?” The first soldier perked up.
“A Noval sorcerer with this group,” she said with a gesture, “was out, practicing on his own earlier. He died before we could get anything out of him. Still, he had raised half a dozen dead bodies. I have never before seen someone control more than one body at a time.”
The soldier’s voice grew urgent. “This is even more of a reason why you must return with us and report to Danso.”
“No. You can tell him just as easily as I could. Let him know we’ll stay out here and protect the smaller towns nearby while we track down more enemy parties. We need to know more about the enemy’s plans with necromancy. If we learn anything, I’ll find a way to send him word. That’s a promise.”
CHAPTER 23
Normalcy is a strange word, one difficult to define as it varies in meaning with each person. That’s why I prefer the word routine when describing what becomes common.
Kasala had definitely fallen into routine. As had I.
Each morning I awoke from a night of bad dreams, wishing I was dead, wondering even if I should do the deed myself, not just for my own peace of mind, but also for the benefit of those around me. Though things had not gotten any worse, they had not gotten any better either.
I wondered if I would become a burden to those around me. Would I embarrass my children? I couldn’t bear that.
My fears had me thinking about the soldiers who committed suicide during the war. I had sworn after learning of their fates that I’d never make that choice, that I would find a better way.
It’s easy to make such declarations when you have no true understanding of what others are going through. Thankfully, the thoughts of suicide passed quickly. Strength came from memories of Lasha, and a desire not to abandon Myra and Zadok.
As usual, I moved past such dour emotions each morning as I washed and dressed for the day. This day was no different.
Halfway down the stairs, Myra asked, “You all right?”
“Wow. Not even a good morning first,” I said.
It was a common question. No matter how much I felt I had recovered from any lingering morose thoughts, I could never get out of the door without either her or Zadok asking if I was all right.
“Good morning. So, are you all right?”
I gave her a look. “Nobody likes a flippant attitude first thing in the morning.”
“Good thing, I’m your daughter then, huh?”
That did manage a smile from me as I chugged some water and snatched some bread and an apple off the counter for breakfast. “A very good thing,” I said, circling the table and kissing her and Zadok both goodbye. “Sorry. Running late.”
“Pa? You never answered the question,” said Zadok as I was mere footsteps from the door.
I turned to him. Zadok had stayed on with Boaz and discovered he enjoyed working with animals. Myra continued to help Reuma with the town’s defenses. With steady meals, better rest, and hard work, both began to put good weight on, making them appear more adult-like all the time.
Shame was not enough to stop me from vocalizing the lie on my tongue. “As I say every morning, I’m fine. Just groggy.”
Ira approached as I closed the door behind me. “Thought you weren’t coming.”
We had continued our morning ritual, discussing our dreams, people we lost, and the war in general. Ira took great pleasure in those talks, but I did not. They seemed to improve his well-being. I wondered many mornings what I was doing wrong since they hadn’t improved mine.
“Yeah, I know I’m running late. We can talk as we walk if that’s all right?”
“Yeah, sure.” He eyed me. “Looks like you might have something on your mind that kept you up. Is that why you’re late?”
I paused before replying, trying to figure out where to start about what had happened. In that space, Ira added, “Because man, I definitely had a crazy one last night.”
Frustration with myself and Ira’s continual improvement had caused me to speak less and listen more. This morning would not be any different. No reason why my lack of progress should hinder his.
“Then you go first. Mine
wasn’t really anything important.”
* * *
Like every other morning, Kasala bustled with activity by the time we finished our conversation. Construction on the northern towers and the second well continued. The forges burned hot each day with the sounds of hammers on anvils ringing. We officially added not only the offices of our apothecary and town physician, but also a general store and cobbler with other businesses on the way.
We had even gained our first tailor.
I stood with Damaris outside her new storefront. She had originally expressed no interest in taking up the trade, but having organized a small group of mostly women and children to sew and mend clothes, she discovered she had actually missed the work.
“You’re sure about this, right?” I asked. “I don’t want you to feel pressured into it. Especially not with Udo’s wife, Nia, catching on so well.”
“No. I don’t feel any pressure. It’s actually given me a peace I hadn’t expected.”
I was happy for her, but admittedly also jealous. Settling in Kasala hadn’t brought me the peace I so desperately sought.
She added, “A better question is are you sure about this?”
“Of course. You don’t need my approval.”
“Uh, I kind of do. You are the mayor.”
“Ha. You’re right. As mayor of Kasala, I approve this business endeavor.”
Her cheeks reddened slightly as she asked next, “Do you as Tyrus have any objections to me opening a tailor shop?”
I frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Well, I’ll need to spend more time here organizing schedules, figuring out supplies, training people, taking orders, and so on. I’ll probably need to travel to Batna to pick up material too . . . .” her voice trailed off.
I understood her meaning, though I hadn’t considered it. We wouldn’t be spending nearly the amount of time together during the day as we had. A brief moment of uneasiness struck me, but I did my best to dismiss it. Though I enjoyed Damaris’s company, I was not her keeper. Gods, I wasn’t even her husband. Just a good friend who would not hold her back.
“No. No objections as Tyrus either.”
Her face twisted in what looked like disappointment. She wanted me to say no. Quickly, I added, “I guess we’ll have to have you over more often for dinner though.”
She blushed. “I’d like that.”
Me too, I thought, desperately trying not to stare at her.
CHAPTER 24
“You sure about this?” I asked Chadar and Galya in the false dawn.
The half dozen men they had hand selected as escorts per my insistence were out of earshot, checking over their gear and supplies.
They both cocked their heads at me in unison. It was almost comical. I’d heard it said that many a married couple began to take on characteristics of their partner. Though my own parents had shared a great deal, I never noticed them acting like the other. I wondered if Lasha and I would have done so had we not been forced apart.
“It’s what we do,” said Galya.
“Who we are,” Chadar added.
“It is what you used to do and who you used to be. You could always stay here and do something else,” I suggested.
Chadar blinked. “Such as?”
“I don’t know.”
“Neither do I. What brings this change in attitude? We should have already begun work on reestablishing trade routes and improving relations in the north according to our deal with the council.”
“You both needed the rest.”
“Yes, and we are more than rested now.”
“I know. It’s just. . . . you’ll be missed.”
Their safety concerned me. I did not wish to add another two names to the list of important people in my life who were now dead.
He placed a hand on my shoulder. “As will you.”
I looked away, surprisingly uncomfortable by his admission.
He added. “I know your thoughts are heavy. I’ve not pressed you about it though I’ve wanted to. I know you would dismiss my concerns and pretend they’re unfounded. Perhaps if you and I were closer you’d feel more comfortable in discussing these things.” Something on my face or the way I stood must have changed because he hastily added, “But perhaps not. I know you aren’t religious, and I hope you aren’t offended by me saying so, but Galya and I pray to our gods every day for you. We wish you would learn to lean on someone in the same way that everyone leans on you.”
“I’ve leaned on many people before,” I muttered without meeting his eyes, but the words were hollow.
“Truly?”
Damaris, Dekar, Hamath, Ira, and Ava were all people I had confided in. Each had helped me through rough parts of my life. Ava especially. But I knew that wasn’t quite what he meant. There was only one person I had ever completely opened up to, comfortable in exposing my darkest secrets, every weakness and fear.
And she was dead.
“One,” I answered more honestly.
He squeezed my shoulder.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
I didn’t like where the conversation was going and changed subjects. This was supposed to be a pleasant send-off, not an analysis of my problems.
“I really wish you’d let me send someone else.”
“The charter says that we are the ones to carry this task out. Besides, who would go in our stead?”
“Perhaps Quanda and Eniola. They are each smart and full of energy.”
Galya snorted. “That is a very polite way to downplay their inexperience. They might be groomed for such roles in the future, but this is too delicate of a time to do so now.”
She was right. I quit heaping guilt on them, and sent them away, watching them ride off until they disappeared from sight.
With the sun ascending, Ira would be expecting me soon. I thought of what Chadar said about really letting my guard down completely to someone again. He was right. Today with Ira, I would do just that and not hold back any longer.
Walking back into town, Ira turned onto my path at a light jog. He stopped and swore when he spotted me. “Xank’s balls, I missed them, didn’t I?”
“Chadar and Galya?”
He looked upset. “Yeah.”
“Sorry. I didn’t think you were close enough to want to wish them off.”
“Well, I was really hoping to get some information from them about Southern Kingdom marriage customs. I don’t know if there is some special way of doing things here, especially to get it all done by tonight. I guess I’ll have to ask one of the other locals. Masozi is married. She’d know, right?”
I halted and found my voice after a moment of surprise. “Marriage?”
He grinned. “Yeah, I asked Reuma this morning. She said yes.”
I grabbed him roughly in an embrace, reveling in the joy of the moment. “Congratulations!”
It was hard for me to think of any two people who deserved each other as much as he and Reuma. Thinking about the full life they’d have together lessened the headache I had from my continual stresses.
“Thanks, Ty. I’m glad you ended up being the first person I told. Wouldn’t seem right any other way.”
We parted. “So, why this morning? And why are you in such a rush for tonight? Take your time planning it. This is a big thing.”
He smiled. “We don’t really want to wait. Reuma found out she’s pregnant.”
“What? Wow. Gods-be-damned, you’ve had a big morning.”
He grinned even wider. “No kidding.” Then his jaw went slack. “You don’t think they have some crazy custom down here that you have to wait a year after the announcement or something, do you?”
“Lasha and I didn’t have to wait that long. And it wouldn’t matter if that changed.”
“Why not?”
“Be
cause I’m the Molak-be-damned mayor. If ever I was going to abuse that power, today would be it. If I say you two are getting married, then you two are getting married.” I threw my arm around him. “C’mon, let’s go spread the word and get everything figured out.”
* * *
Considering how far Kasala had come in such a short period of time, it didn’t surprise me how quickly everyone came together in one cause. The idea of marriage lifted everyone’s spirits. People worked with such speed that I joked with Nason that we should start arranging marriages to increase productivity.
He had grinned a reply, “Be careful what you say and how loudly you say it. You and Damaris might get placed at the top of that schedule.”
I wouldn’t allow myself to even consider such a thing.
Later when preparations ended, I stood at the center of town with a well-used book in my hands. It was an old book of Southern Kingdom religious rites borrowed from Masozi. She had been eager to help. Working with Myra and Zadok, the three provided me a translation of the local marriage ceremony to read in my natural tongue.
Most people congregated in the streets, but those wanting a better view took to the second stories and roofs of nearby buildings. A hush fell over everyone when the groom appeared.
Ira had not only shaved, but also received a trim of his long, blond hair to shoulder length. He wore clean clothes that I assumed had to be borrowed since they mimicked the Southern Kingdoms’ style. It spoke volumes about how important the day was for him to wear anything but his normal attire.
Plenty of joyous expressions were thrown Ira’s way as he marched, but I’m not sure he noticed. I could feel his nervousness as he stopped before me.
“Is that vanilla I smell?” I asked.
“Masozi suggested it. She wanted lavender, but I said no.”
I chuckled, as he shifted back and forth on his feet. “Looks like you’re about ready to throw your guts up.”
“Nothing left in me to throw up. Gods, I’m a mess.”
“What for? This is just a formality. She already said yes.”
“That’s why I’m a mess. I’m going to have a wife, and soon a baby. That’s a responsibility I never thought I’d take on. I know I’m doing better because of our morning talks, but what if that changes or my childhood issues flare up, and things get worse again or stop improving? I don’t want to let Reuma down. Or make her regret marrying me.”
Forever Soldiers: The Tyrus Chronicle - Book Four Page 19