Chapter 16

I blink hard, trying to rid my eyes of the rain that has found its way in but as soon as I reopen my lids more water takes its place and I give a grunt of annoyance. Throughout the night the small summer rain has transformed into a torrential downpour and has soaked us all to the bone leaving nothing dry. Tugging at flank cinch on my saddle, I secure the buckle and begin to work on adjusting the stirrup. Saddling my mare has become second nature over the years I've had her but it's never an easy task in a storm.

My stomach grumbles and I force myself to ignore it. What little food we had left over from last night was given to the women—better we go hungry than them. Hopefully we are able to find some game when we camp tonight, if not we will have to wait until we reach the encampment tomorrow.

Giving a quick glance over my shoulder to where I know I'll find Claire, I see she has not moved from the huddle they formed this morning. The large oak branch doesn't offer much reprieve and her pale blue dress clings to her body. Her arms are crossed and folded tightly over her chest in an attempt to conceal herself if I had to guess. There is a flash of light as lightning strikes in the distance and I watch Claire jump as my horse lets out a squeal before rearing to her hind legs.

Instinctively, I grab her by the bridle as she crashes back down and do my best to keep her from running off, making sure to lean backwards with all my weight. It does the trick and she panics, jerking her head around madly. "Shh shh," I offer. "Easy girl, easy. It's just noise," I say in her ear as I rub my palm down her broad nose. "You're alright, it's just noise," I repeat. It seems to do the trick and she stills and I continue to saddle her up before loading up my saddle bags with our belongings. Pulling out my Pavian cloak, I walk over to where the majority of my men have convened.

"All right men," I announce gaining their attention. "We've got a long day ahead of us, especially if the rain doesn't let up. If you have a second rider with you try to be mindful of their comfort, they aren't used to these conditions let alone riding all day in a storm like this. If you need to stop don't be shy to ask. Visibility is going to be low, especially navigating through the swamp. If for any reason we get split up head for the encampment, don't waste time trying to find the others. Any questions?" Several shake their head no but Max raises his hand.

"What do you want us to do if we run across any scouts from Bulga?" he asks before slicking back his shaggy hair. "Kill 'em?"

Pursing my lips, I give a nod as I think it over. It makes no difference if Bulgins knew of our return—if they were going to use that to their advantage they would have already. But one less enemy to contend with on the battlefield could result in a spared life for one of my men. "Aye," I say, making sure to avoid eye contact with Claire given last night's conversation. "Give them a good death if you can."

With no other questions, we mount up. Claire follows me to my horse and I help her into the saddle. With my cloak in one hand I place my foot in my stirrup and hoist myself into my saddle behind her. Her body is cold against mine I give a shiver before draping the cloak around us both. "Hold onto the hem, it'll keep our body heat better," I say dully. She does and I slink my arms around hers, grabbing the reins. "Apologies for my closeness, but I have no choice."

"You don't have to apologize," is all she says in return.

With a sigh I click my teeth and we begin to make our way through the marsh-like forest. I do my best to find easy paths for my men to follow suit but there are times where I have no choice but to take us through high waters high enough to reach our already soaked boots. At one point we are forced to dismount and cross through a bayou, the heavy droplets splashing the dirty water into our mouths and eyes. I do my best to try to shield myself with my free hand as the other grips my horse's reins. I manage to steal a look at Claire who is so bundled up in my cloak I can only make out the tip of her nose. Finally exiting the boggy waters, I take my place back on my mount and grit my teeth as we continue our travels. As the rain bares down it makes navigating the thick woods almost impossible as visibility reaches only thirty feet or so ahead.

The wind picks up and is now howling, forcing us to seek shelter but there is none. Branches snap overhead and periodically crash down around us, debris slap at our faces. Someone yells behind me but I can't make out who. Turning around I see Nik cupping his head as blood streams down his face and I assume something must have fallen on him. Gale leans over to him and mouths something before tossing a strip of fabric. Nik fashions a makeshift bandage and we press on.

After a few hours of this it finally seems to let off some and has turned into a steady drizzle right as we make it out of the swamplands. The mud-covered roads lead us through an oak forest covered in Spanish moss which now litters the ground. Claire gives an involuntary shiver and I tug back on my reins, coming to a halt to wait on the others making sure all is accounted for.

"Aside from Nik is everyone okay?" I ask out loud.

Sven gives his head a shake and holds up an arm, wincing. "I think a catfish stuck me back there in the water. Hurts like hell but I'll be fine."

Furrowing my brows I guide my horse over to him, inspecting his forearm. There is an angry puncture wound that appears inflamed but has since stopped bleeding. You can see where the jagged edges of its barb cut at his skin and I purse my lips. Catfish's skin and secret toxins and their bars can be venomous, in rare occasions leading to necrosis. "Did you pull out its barb?" I ask, looking up at him.

He gives me a nod, "Even stopped real quick to piss on it."

Smirking, I lean over into my saddlebag and pull out my med kit, handing it to him. "There should be a fresh bandage in there and some ointment. When we get to the encampment I want you to immediately report to Hosea," I say. He gives me another nod and I look over at Nik a few horses away. Even under his long dark hair I can see the goose egg that has formed where he was it. "Do you need a break?"

Nik offers a shrug. "I've had worse. Just make sure someone stops and checks on me periodically—I'd hate to fall of Grace and be left behind like chopped liver," he says, leaning forward and giving his mare a pat. A few me laugh and I grin.

"Deal. Well if you need to relieve yourselves now's the time. We move out in ten," I say and the majority dismounts and finds a spot in the woods. Carefully I get off my own horse as well making sure not to hit Claire with my boot. "You doing okay?" I ask, looking up at her when I'm on the ground.

"Cold but yes, I'm okay," she says before holding her hand out to me, silently asking for my assistance. Helping her down we head off in separate directions seeking relief when Rory spots me a few trees away and I briefly get a sense of déjà vu from last night as he makes his way over, a smile plastered on his face.

"Happy today are we?" I ask as I fiddle with my trousers.

"Very much so, brother. Why wouldn't I be? It's a beautiful day" he says tugging at his belt.

Rolling my eyes, I give my head a shake and aim for the trunk of the tree. "By that shit eating grin you've had all morning I'm going to guess that you corrupted that poor girl last night?" I ask slyly.

Rory laughs and shakes his head. "She asked me to but I said no—I do have some morals you know. I just showed her how good I am with my hand is all which is quite innocent if you ask me."

Grunting, I choose to ignore him and change subjects. "Tonight when we make camp I want you, Gale, and Vikus to look for game if you can. Last time we came this way there was a lot of deer in the area, take Max too."

We both adjusts ourselves and turn to head back to the horses. "Sure thing, Tommy. Mind if I bring Beth Ann? She'd like to learn the basics of providing for herself if need be, said she got the idea from Claire."

Although I don't particularly like the idea of Beth Ann in the woods seeing as that she is my ward, she'd be protected by some of my best men. "I don't mind," I reply and offer him a wave as we split to find our horses. Mine is easy to spot as a mane of strawberry blond hair acts as a beacon and I can't help to give a small smile as I near.

"Ready?" I ask and then once again help her up. She grabs my cloak that was draped across my saddle and hands it to me to put on as I did before. I take it and hoist myself up before donning it around us, noting how strongly it smells of horse now that it's wet.

Clicking my teeth we set out south once again picking up more speed than before seeing as that we are on a road. Rain still falls but it no longer stings my face as it did earlier. An hour passes, then a second, then a third before Claire speaks up for one of the first times today.

"You say there may be scouts in this area?" she asks, her blue eyes scanning the edge of the tree lines as we pass by. "I can't help but to imagine them at every turn."

Surprising a smile, I decide to feed into her fear. "Well one thing is for certain, you'd never see them unless they wanted you too. They could be following us for miles and we'd never know unless I sent out my own scouts." I feel her back shudder as she gives a shiver and I chuckle. "None of us would let anything happen to you, Claire. I'd lay my life down without a second thought if it meant yours being spared. You have nothing to worry about, love."

"Is that true?" she asks a moment later as we trot down the muddy path.

I offer her a nod though she can't see it since I'm behind her. "It is."

We ride for another half hour in silence with nothing but the horse's hooves filling the air until she breaks it. "Tell me about these Bulgins. I've hardly any knowledge of them aside that they are from the south—hence why were are here."

"Well," I begin. "As you said they are from some of the southernmost wetlands of our region. Tough as nails the lot of them. They thrive in this weather and it gives them the upper hand. Their king can be quite piqued which is how we found ourselves in this predicament in the first place and barks orders while keeping his fat a--" I start before catching myself. "While keeping his throne warm. He snaps his sausage fingers and his nephew—Lugos—does his bidding. Lugos is my contender, the Bulgin general."

She gives a nod of understanding and I continue. "Overall they are known to be a devious group of people which is another reason why were are here and some of their warfare when it comes to laying siege is a little outdated but before we left we spotted a mechanism I had never seen before," I say, remembering the tall wooden structure that resembled a catapult.

"Do you feel confident with the outcome?" she asks after a moment.

An image pops into my mind of a note with scribbled handwriting fastened to a Bulgin flag where we bathe by camp. "I am legion for we are many," I mutter under my breath repeating the words.

"Where did you hear that?" Claire asks surprised and slightly turns in the saddle to look back at me, her blue eyes seeming concerned.

Biting the inside of my lip, I tell her. "Some of my men were down at the river at the encampment washing up. We had only been here for a few weeks—the war effort still fresh for both sides. Tired to a flag pole was a note and a Bulgin flag. A scare tactic if anything but it did leave me unsettled. It worked I'll admit," I say, feeling unsettled once again. They outnumber us two to one, but what we lack in numbers we make up for with skill and better armor.

"Your enemies leader—Lugos—is he a Christian?" she asks.

I give my head a shake. "Not that I know of but who knows." Seems like the further south we go Christianity seems to be quite popular.

"It's a passage from the bible. In the book of Mark Jesus comes across a woman filled with demons. When He asked her its name it replied with those words," she explains.

I picture that image the best I can and frown. "Sounds rather eerie if you ask me."

Claire gives her slender shoulders a shrug. "The Lord cast them out and sent them into pigs and was able to save the woman."

"What happened to the pigs?" I ask slightly surprised.

"They ran off a cliff," she answers simply.

An audible snort finds its way from my nose. "This is all in your Bible?"

"Mhm," she hums. "That and so much more. It's quite fascinating to read even if you aren't religious. Demons, beasts, miracles, displays of love in many forms, tales of men and their dedication to God, war, famine, a flood, plagues. It even gives us a glimpse as what is to come in the future."

Giving my head a shake, I push thoughts of demons, miracles, and falling swine from my mind and choose not to press the subject for the time being. We ride for another hour in silence and it's now late afternoon and soon we need to stop for the night. Mud covers our mounts and ourselves as well and right now I'd like nothing more than a hot bath and a roasted turkey leg but I know that is impossible. Slowing down to a canter I begin to look for the small clearing that is in the area to the left in the woods. Not too far away from the main road but close enough for an escape if needed.

When we head around the bend I see the familiar rock formation covered in moss and know we are close. Moments later I see the clearing and I tug on my reins until coming to a complete stop. Swiftly I dismount and begin to lead my mare and Claire into the woods followed by the others. Stepping over a few fallen limbs I guide them with ease until finding a satisfactory spot and tie my reins to the tree. Turning to Claire I help her off and I walk over to Warren and Rory who do the same.

"Still up for a hunt?" I ask, looking at my brother. His damp dark hair is stuck to his face and he gives me a nod.

"Aye. Though I don't think we'll have much luck with a fire for cooking," he replies.

"Look for some fat lighter if you can," I say, knowing how well the sap acts as natural kerosene. It's quite abundant in these parts and should get the job done.

"What would you have me do?" Warren asks before helping Alma off of his horse.

"Can you round up some moss for the horses? We've no water so hopefully they'll get what they can from it until we reach camp tomorrow," I ask, looking between him and Alma. She flashes a smile that stands out against her dark colored skin and the two gather a few others for help.

After passing out a few more orders I decide to stay back and help with pitching the tents. Retrieving what I can carry from some horses I toss the heavy canvas bags down randomly and begin setting up Svens. Pulling out his hammer, I place a pole into the ground and begin hammering it into the wet earth. The sound of metal connecting with metal rings out into the air and soon Max begins helping as well a few yards away.

We work in silence and I'm finished with two before a red mane of hair comes into my peripheral vision.

"There isn't much for me to do...can I help?" she asks softly. Looking up I see she stands there—my coat still around her—with her hands behind her back. "I hate to be of no use and I'd like to learn," she adds. "You won't be around forever and it can perhaps be of use to me one day."

Pressing my lips into a thin line at her comment I look away from her, driving a steak into a ring attached to the canvas material. "Says who?" I ask monotonously, but as soon as the words leave my lips I regret them. It's foolish to have thought that Claire would somehow remain in my life.

She bends down beside me, ignoring my question and picks up another stake and copies what I do. Given that this one is almost done, all we really have to do is raise the last pole in the middle giving it a pitch. Crawling inside I push the heave fabric up with one hand and adjust the pole before climbing back out.

"We can work on mine," I say, walking over to my belongings. Untying the straps I unroll the material and guide the poles through the correct holes before letting her hammer the first one into the ground. Her strikes are weak and it takes forever for it to be far enough into the earth to offer support so I instruct her to give one last swing with all her strength. She does—letting out a small squeak—and it sinks into the dirt with ease. She flashes me a smile and I return it back.

"Alright let's see how you do with the next one," I say as I quickly toss my bags into my tent.

She points at an adjacent soggy pile and I give her a nod. Without further instruction I watch as Claire struggles to put together Gale's tent, unsure which pole connects with the other. It takes her twice as long as it would normally but eventually she does it on her own, giving herself a satisfied look of assurance and places her hands on her narrow hips. "Child's play really," she says, letting out a huff as she catches her breath. I laugh and together we begin on the final tent.

Giving the heavy canvas a shake, we each work on separate ends.

"Why are you at war exactly? You said that their ruler is a piqued man which is one of the reasons you found yourself as their enemy," she says, repeating my words.

With pause, I debate on whether or not I should give her the two main reasons. It's possible that she may find me vain or shallow. Biting the inside of my cheek, I decide to go forward and tell her.  "Well, it started with their king wanting to trade with Paevia two years back. Two tons of Bulgin grain in exchange for five hundred cattle and a half ton of our coal. Some disease wiped out a lot of their livestock," I explain. "Well, their shipment of grain arrived infested with rats and my father ordered we burn it all rather than let it into our city. A rider was sent to our caravan with instructions to turn around and when Bulga received word that the deal was off he threatened to lay siege. To avoid that, my father hosted a ball for them and told him to bring his daughter in hopes that the two of us could marry and form a union between the two kingdoms," I say, stealing a glance at Claire.

Her light eyebrows are furrowed but she listens closely to every word and I continue. "Perhaps it was shallow of me or heartless but I couldn't marry that girl," I say, remembering her disproportionate face doused in expensive makeup as if it would hide her looks. Eyes too close together, ears too far apart paired with puffy lips turned down into a permanent frown, and lackluster blond curls pinned atop her pointed head.

"Why not?" she asks curiously, but by the way she tries to hide her smile she seems to already know.

"You think I'm superficial don't you?" I ask lightly.

She gives her head a shake and places her tent pole before hammering it into the earth. "No," she says with a shake of her head. "Though outer beauty isn't everything. That being said, I think if you are to be paired with someone your entire life you should at least be able to wake up next to them without being frightened," she says with a giggle.

Smirking, I nod my head. "My thoughts exactly," I say. "Anyways, I made an arse out of my family and embarrassed his. As soon as they returned to Bulga he wrote a letter declaring war and here we are," I say, fastening the final rope of the canvas.

"I see," Claire trails, finishing her end as well.

We stand together and I give her a pat on the back. "Job well done solider," I tease, earning a blush from her.

With the tents completed and nothing else to do, we do our best to wring out our wet clothing and lay them out to dry, draping them over low hanging branches. Removing my shirt and boots, I find myself in only my trousers once again. Claire has changed her dress out for another less see-through one but still dons my cloak though I'm not sure why—perhaps it gives her warmth or she's worried about the wet cloth underneath clinging to her body.

Soon Rory and the others return with an armful of fat lighter while Beth Ann and Warren carry an assortment of berries and leaves in their shirts.

"I think the storm drove all the game deeper into the woods," Rory says when he's in earshot. "Got some mint and blackberries though to hold us all over till tomorrow."

Nodding, Nik and Gale begin on preparing our small meals, mashing together the berries and mint leaves creating a soup like concoction. While they do this Rory and I do our best to start a fire. Even with the flammable sap soaked into the pine it takes ample effort to get it going. Satisfied, we then begin to make a makeshift clothesline and hand up what we can over the flames, switching them out once they are dry with others. Better to smell like smoke than ride another half day wearing wet clothes.

We eat dinner just as the stars begin to make their way into view. With spirits lower than the night before, soft conversations and crickets replace previous laughter and music. When Beth Ann and Rory are the first to head to their tent hardly anyone spares me a glance, now used to the idea of the two.

With no more alcohol left, many follow suit.

Claire and I switch out some clothes for our own, folding those that were once hung. The fabric is hot in my hands and I welcome the warmth. With the rain a cold front has come in leaving a chill in the air. Yawning, I hand the folded clothes out to their owners and give a stretch.

"Max, Vikus, you two up for taking the first watch?" I ask, seeing at how close we are now to our enemies. They give me a nod and I make way to my tent, ducking inside. With the wet fabric it seems as if it has kept some of the cold air inside and I give a shiver as my bare skin gets used to the temperature. As I begin to unroll my spare blanket, Claire enters the tent as well with a lantern in hand.

"It's early," I note surprised that she's not staying up as usual, "Are you tired as well?"

She gives me a nod and removes my cloak, letting it fall to the ground. Her dark brown dress is form fitting and I'm able to make out her perky breasts underneath. There's a disturbance in my trousers and I tear my eyes away, silently cursing at myself.  Focusing on preparing my bedding I'm able to control myself before my situation grows too noticeable.

We ready for bed in a comfortable silence and she slips into my bed roll before fidgeting underneath the thick blanket. Lifting up the wool flap, she tosses out her damp dress leaving her only in her undergarments. My eyes stare at the pile of fabric before meeting her gaze.

"I hope that doesn't make you uncomfortable but I don't think I'd be able to sleep wearing it," she explains.

I give my head a shake and climb underneath my blanket, removing my trousers and tossing them next to her dress. "Only if that doesn't make you uncomfortable," I say with a smirk, interlocking my fingers behind my head to act as a pillow.

In the dim light I see that she returns it and rolls onto her side facing me, tugging the heavy blanket up to her chin. "Can I ask you something?"

"Mhm," I hum, closing my eyes as I allow my body to relax from a long draining day. My limbs feel heavy and I give into allowing them to release their tension.

"Do you think you could have grown to love her? The Bulgin princess I mean," she asks softly.

Keeping my eyes closed I try to imagine a potential future with the lass. A grand wedding, perhaps a few months of awkward conversations as we get to know one another, learning each other's quirks and dislikes. Over time we'd have children—our fathers would see to that no doubt. She'd raise them which I'd be appreciative of and take care of my needs when the sun would set. Could I have grown to love this woman? Perhaps over many years I could, perhaps not. It's possible she'd only ever be a companion. In the two short days I had gotten to know her she seemed rather dull with little interests and only asked questions about myself.

"Who knows," I reply in a tired voice. "That's been the case with them all though, hasn't it?" I ask rhetorically, referring to all the potential brides my father has tried to find me.

Moments pass as she contemplates my words and I'm almost asleep when she speaks up.

"Can I ask you another question?"

If it were anyone else I'd bluntly tell them to go to bed, but it's Claire. "Mhm," I hum again, eyes still closed.

"If it meant ending this war, would you agree to marry her?" she asks curiously.

I shake my head slightly in the low light. "No," I reply. "It's too late for that anyways."

I'm unsure of how much times passes, but once again I'm almost asleep when she speaks up for a third time. "Thomas?"

Sighing, I swallow and lick my lips. "Yes?"

She doesn't immediately respond and for a moment I wonder if she heard me until she finally utters her words. "I believe I...that I..." she trials, struggling to find the words. "Well..." she mumbles. "Never mind. It's best to have this conversation another time perhaps.

I'm curious as to what she wants to talk about but both my body and mind are exhausted. With riding as hard as we were able through today's weather and having to be soaked to the bone today's events have taken their toll. "Okay love, goodnight," I manage to get out before I succumb to sleep.