Chapter 6

The water of the river causes me to shiver as I sink below its surface. It's a welcomed relief from the summer's heat as we travel further and further south.

Needing to come up for air, I pop up and inhale the night air before taking my bar of soap and begin bathing as best as I can. Given that the river is only about thirty yards away from camp, I watch my men as they drink and laugh around the large fire. Some try their best entertain the women that have yet gone to bed while others ignore them all together, too caught up in whatever conversations they share.

I see Rory walk off into the dark—most likely taking a piss—before he rejoins the others, this time sitting down next to Beth Ann. He flashes her his most dazzling smile and I can't help but roll my eyes at his attempt to woo her. As he begins to chat with her, I look away and begin on focusing on scrubbing. Once I'm done, I do my best to wash my hair before walking to the river's edge, drying off. Thankfully the moon isn't quite full, giving me just enough light to see without anyone at camp being able to see that I'm stark naked.

Slipping on a pair of clean trousers, I put on a loose cotton shirt before collecting my dirty clothes. Doing my best, I cuff up my pants and begin to cleaning those as well. When I'm done, I find a nearby tree branch and walk over, wringing out the articles before hanging them up to dry. Slipping to fingers through my boot laces, I walk barefoot back over to camp, dropping them off by my tent's entering before rejoining the others.

The youngest lad, Max, lets out a low whistle as I stroll over, his blonde hair glowing orange due to the fire's flames. "Well if it isn't the prettiest prince I know," he teases, taking a sip of his water skin.

Rory lets out an audible scoff causing many of us to let out a few chuckles.

I take a seat next to Gale and Nikolas, who offers me a plate of roasted deer meat. Offering my thanks, I take a bite and immediately taste the flavorful juices that run down my throat. Taking another, I look over to Gale with a full mouth. "Ish very gerd," I try to say before swallowing. "Glad one of us was successful today."

He offers a smile and remains silent as he gazes back into the flames. He's always been one of my most reserved men, usually keeping to himself unless necessary.

I finish the food rather quickly before wiping my mouth with the back of my hand before catching the eye of the priest. He gives me a disgruntled look before standing up and turning towards Warren. "I think I'd like to take you up on your offer," he says.

Warren's shoulders physically sag but he gives a nod. "Very well, my tent is the one furthest to the right," he says, pointing in the direction behind him.

Father Anthony gives a bow before looking at the nuns. "Guard your hearts," he warns them, and disappears into the darkness, undoubtedly to go to bed.

Sven gives Warren a clap on the back and he swats him off. It's clear that even though he offered the priest his quarters, he only done so to be kind—it didn't mean he had to be happy about it.

"You plan on slipping in there with him?" Sven continues, earning a few laughs. One of the nuns lets out an exasperated huff of air at the very thought and stands up before taking her leave as well into another tent.

"Sod off," Warren grumbles.

"Sven," I chastise, shooting him a raised brow. "They are our guests—more than that even, our charge. I understand that not everyone is keen on the notion to give up their place to sleep for the next few weeks," I say, looking at the others, "but those of you that have have my gratitude."

There is a moment of silence before Beth Ann clears her throat, gaining my attention. "Would you mind telling us more details of what is to come?"

To my left, someone mutters something vulgar and I jerk my head, realizing that it was Max before shooting him a glare. "These aren't common whores in a brothel, Max, so don't speak about them as such," I warn. He gives me a nod and takes another sip of his water skin. "You're cut off from drinking tonight. Go sober up and take watch," I order, making an example of him. He doesn't seem to mind my tone—they know I mean well when I reprimand them—and quietly gets up before grabbing his blade and making a beeline towards the edge of camp.

Turning back to Beth Ann, I run a hand through my still damp hair. "I believe that we should be arriving at the military encampment within a week or so. There's a trading post along the way where we will pick up supplies—perhaps some clothing for you ladies as well," I say, eying her torn habit stained with blood and dirt. "When we get to base I couldn't really tell you how long we'll be there for. Could be weeks, could be months. It really depends on how long it takes to end the war. When it's all said and done, I'll make sure you all are safely taken to the nearest monetary where....well, whoever is in charge will sort out the rest."

She thinks this over before giving me a nod. Turning to Rory, she presses her lips together. "I too would like to go to bed. It's been a long day," she tells him. He quickly stands to his feet and brushes himself off before offering her a hand. She takes it skeptically and helps her up.

"Yes of course. I'll show you where to go," he says, placing his large hand on the small of her back to guide her through the darkness. But just as fast as it was placed, Beth Ann grabs his wrist and tosses his hand aside before swatting him on the arm.

I can't help but to let out a low laugh and give my head a shake as they disappear into the night. It seems as if the others are ready for bed as well, as half of the men show the other nuns where they will be sleeping while the other half of the men duck inside their tents alone.

Yawning, I stand up and walk over to my horse who rests with all the others, retrieving the spare blanket I keep rolled up behind my saddle. Giving her a loving pat, I head back and spread the small blanket out by the fire before laying down on it.

Other men who have also given up their tents join me, and I'm thankful that all seem to want sleep as well. Rolling over to where I'm facing the fire, I prop my head onto my folded arm and close my eyes before quickly drifting off to sleep.

- - -

The sounds of soft chatter awaken me the following morning and I slowly open my eyes, blinking hard. The sky is a soft pink, signaling that the sun has yet to fully rise. Licking my lips, I sit up slowly and look around the camp to find that the nuns—even Father Anthony—have taken it upon themselves to begin cleaning up camp. Claire and Beth Ann wash what little cookware we used the previous night by the river. The others walk quietly among the grounds picking up various articles of clothing as well as empty water skins and make their way towards the river to wash them as well.

A dark skinned beauty whose face is slightly battered reheats leftover meat by the almost-extinguished, sticking multiple skewers over the small flames. "Good morning," she greets, offering a smile. Her brilliant teeth contrast against her chocolate skin.

"Uh, good morning," I say, slightly taken aback by the scene in front of me.

She hands me a skewer and I take it, muttering my thanks. She nods and continues heating the food before handing another serving off to Gale who has awoken moments before me.

"What's your name?" I ask curiously, taking a bite. I'm not sure if it's me or because of my hunger, but the meat tastes even better than the night before. I've of course seen her among the other nuns, but I've yet to have a chance to exchange any words.

"Alma," she replies politely. She then looks up and over at the women by the river and I follow her gaze. Beth Ann and Claire chat excitedly before one woman holds up a pair of underwear that was balled up in a pair of trousers. The women giggle and she flings it onto the embankment, feigning to be repulsed.

The sigh brings a smile to my face, glad that the ladies have been able to find some joy so soon.

Beth Ann's brown eyes find mine and she says something to Claire who turns her head towards me before offering a small wave. I wave back, smiling at the red headed beauty before Rory—who has been snoring loudly a few feet from me—stirs and sits up at the ruckus.

Peering over, he notices the underpants now laying in the muddy embankment and stands to his feet. Placing his hands on his hips. "Oi! Those are my skivvies that you're tossing about!" he says, though his tone betrays him. He too seems to find the situation funny.

Beth Ann giggles and picks them up before walking over to us, Claire in tow.

"Here you are, your grace," she teases, holding out the wadded mess.

He takes them in one hand before swinging them over his shoulder casually. "Beth I told that just Rory is fine," he says, folding his arms across his muscular chest.

"It's Beth, now, huh?" I think, side eying my brother. He stares at Beth Ann, appearing somewhat excited to see her so early in the morning.

"Did you sleep well?" Claire's soft voice asks, gaining my attention. She cradles her left elbow in her right hand, letting the arm hand at her side.

Nodding, I offer a smile before shrugging. "I've had worse nights," I say. As more begin to rise around camp, I take it as my que to start breaking everything down so we can head out. "Guess I better start packing up," I state before turning around and make my way towards my tent.

My hands move swiftly as I remove the rough canvas and roll it up before working on the poles, my mind shifting between the weeks ahead and the upcoming war. As I begin to tie up the tent, a flash of red catches my eye and I look up to find Claire's azure gaze fixed on mine.

"I figured I'd offer a hand rather than stand around and be useless," she says almost defensively.

Smirking, I nod. "How about you just sit and look pretty while I finish up," I say, unable to help myself at the comment.

When her face flushes a shade of red I cannot help but to chuckle at her innocence. "Forgive me; I need to learn to watch my tongue when it comes to you." I say, tossing the now packed up tent to my left. I then begin working on my bedroll, making sure to roll it up snuggly.

Surprisingly, she gives a curt smirk herself before sitting down on the grass a few feet away, crossing her feet at the ankles. "And what makes you say that?" she asks.

Trying my best to hide a smile, I buckle the straps on my bedroll before looking up at her. "I suppose it's because you are a woman of God," I shrug, resting my hand son my thighs. "I get the notion that you all are more naive and innocent I guess. What makes one woman blush might make another-" I pause, trying to find the proper words, "Have particular needs I suppose? If any of that makes sense."

She lets out a sort of air and nods. "I know what sex is. I'm no child."

Her statement makes my eyes widen ever so slightly and I am at a loss for words. "Right. Erm, sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I just, well, I've never really been around women like you all so I'm trying to figure out how one should act," I say, almost stuttering.

She watches me silently as I finish putting the remaining items into my bag before slinging it over my shoulder. I then grab my tent and attempt to pick up the bedroll but she beats me too it. I go to protest but stop myself, assuming she most likely just wants to be useful.

Walking over to my mare, I begin to load up everything, making sure each strap is secure until I'm finally done. "I'm going to take her to the river to get something to drink. Did you get a chance to eat anything for breakfast?" I ask her.

"I did, thank you," she says. "I think I'll rejoin the others and wait until we leave if that's okay."

Nodding, I give her a small wave and watch as she joins the other women and Father Anthony. Once she reaches them, she gives me a glance backwards before focusing on what Beth Ann is saying.

Finding the woman a bit hard to read, I give my head a shake and click my teeth. "Come on girl," I say, and guide her over to the river. The rest of the men soon follow until all horses are drinking their fill.

Rory inelegantly stops over towards me—splashing a few of the others—with is horse in tow until he stands one a few feet away.

"So it's Beth now huh?" I ask, raising a brow. "It hasn't even been twenty–four hours and you're already on a nickname basis."

He gives a lazy grin and stretches, revealing his hairy midriff. "She's a funny girl that one," he tells me. "Last night after I brought her to my tent we spent a good twenty minutes just talking about our lives and another ten cracking jokes, most at my expense."

"Hm," I hum, unsure if I approve of the two. I only have the best interest for Beth Ann, but she's a grown woman and free to make her own decisions I suppose.

Rory then strikes up a conversation with Max while I keep to myself, running my hand along the strong neck of my horse. When she's had her fill, I wait until the others are done before mounting up. They follow suit and I guide her over to Claire, offering her a hand. She gives pause before accepting it and I pull her up with ease, placing her behind me this time.

The other nun's rejoin their riding partners from the previous day as well, and as they get settled I turn my head backwards towards here slightly.

"Ready for a long day's ride?" I ask, gripping my reigns.

"I suppose so," she sighs.

When everyone is settled, I click my teeth and we begin once again through the forest, trotting at a decent pace until we break the tree line and gallop through vast plains. At this, Claire has no choice but to snake her arms around me to ensure she doesn't fall and I'll admit, I enjoy the feeling of knowing she's there.

When we slow down, I take notice that she doesn't let go and only relaxes her grip around my abdomen.

We take few breaks until we begin to enter a more swamp-like area signaling that we grow closer to our destination. Lilly pads cover ponds, Cyprus knots sprout from the ground, and moss hangs from large oak trees. In the coming days, this terrain will morph into thick mud, duckweed covered bayous, and various dangers such as poisonous snakes and alligators until we find more solid ground.

It never crossed my mind to warn the nuns about the exact location of the military encampment, let alone telling them that we'd have to cross through marshes and swamps to get there, but I suppose at this point it's too late.

As my mare takes careful steps through a shallow pond, I wipe a bead of perspiration from my brow and slightly turn in my saddle towards Claire who has been silent for the past two hours. "Sorry if I don't smell the greatest, the sun is relentless today," I offer.

I hear her chuckle softly and she adjusts her hands. "Are you apologizing to me for sweating?" she asks, her ton coming off as confused.

"I suppose I am," I say, shrugging. Some water splashes onto my boots and slowly seeps through, cooling my feet.

"Never apologize for something so natural. It's how God designed us," she replies.

Bringing up her creator, I decide to use this opportunity to get to know her better. "This God," I begin, "he supposedly sent his son to die for us, correct?"

"Mhm," she hums, and I envision her nodding. "Our sins, to be exact."

Sins. A word I've heard many times in my thirty-something years. It's definition can vary from person to person, and it's something I've never really quite understood. "Our sins," I repeat. "You'd say it's a sin to steal from another—say, a few loaves of bread or a couple of shillings?"

She answers almost immediately. "Yes of course. It's one of the Ten Commandments that God has given—laws above all others that we shouldn't break."

Pursing my lips, I give a shrug. "Fair enough. But would you say a man still sins if he steals the loaf of bread or the shillings to feed his starving children?"

I hear her sigh behind me and I know she is shaking her head. "In all honesty, I couldn't say. Some would say yes, I'm sure. As for me, no. But it's not up to any of us to judge—only God can do that."

Her response brings on a smirk from me. "Beautiful, kind, and fair-minded," I compliment, "a rare combination."

I feel her sit up straighter behind me, most-likely internally squirming at my choice of words. "Um, thank you."

When my horse exits the pond, she gives a nicker and I lean forward, patting her on her neck. "We'll stop soon, girl," I saw in a low voice before urging her down a muddy path through a large patch of palmettos.

"And God, he forgives anyone of their transgressions?" I continue, enjoying picking through her mind.

"For the most part, yes. Once you've received him that is," she explains.

Nodding, I scan the palmettos for any signs of wildlife that may be potentially dangerous, but from how thick the flora is it's pointless. "What if someone were to murder another? Would he then?"

She pauses before answering. "Yes he would. The Lord hates the sin but still loves the sinner—no matter how atrocious they may be."

My thoughts drift once again to my brother, and everything he and Cora, Laria, and Amiri had to endure. From what I've heard, their captors were some of the vilest creatures I had ever heard of. If Claire's God is as forgiving as she says, it baffles my mind. "Do you think that there are some that do not deserve His forgiveness?" I ask.

We ride in silence for a few moments and I begin to think she will never answer me, but when we finally make our way out of the palmettos and enter a muddy clearing she does.

"A part of me believes that there are some who should not be forgiven, yes. I'm only human," she explains, letting out a sigh. "The bandits from earlier, they are some of the first that come to mind. The things they said...the innocent people they killed..." she trails, "It's not my place to decide who is forgiven and who isn't. Sure, I can choose to forgive them myself—and one day I will—but it's not my mercy that matters."

Images of the ransacked monastery flash through my mind, from the battered bodies to the vandalized and burned paintings of those the nun's deem holy. If it were me, I would not be so sure I could pardon them, especially if they assaulted me or my loved ones.

"You seem like a good person, Claire. It's a shame that you had to suffer through such a massacre. If it's any consolation, I'm sorry," I say truthfully.

"Thank you Thomas. You seem to be as well. I'm indebted to you and your men's kindness," she replies. "I wasn't sure if we could trust you when you first came upon us."

A soft laugh escapes my throat and I give my head a shake. "I'm flattered you think that of me, but I assure you I'm not a good person. At least I don't believe I am, I can't speak for other's opinions on me."

I feel her grip around my waist loosen at my words. "Why do you say that?" she asks in a tone I quite can't understand.

Now isn't the time for such a conversation as this one—not with so many ears able to eavesdrop if they wish. Besides, I wouldn't want to scare the girl off, either and have her think less of me. "I'll tell you another time. Promise," I say, hoping that it will keep her at bay long enough for her to forget.

"Okay," she replies softly, and for the next passing neither of us speak again.

Sorry it's taking forever to update, super busy at work and life

:( anyways, hope you somewhat enjoyed this chapter! More bonding coming soon ;p