Ride on
By the hand of one of the officers I was led into the ballroom. There was conversation laughter, it was like a wave of sound through the open space, though the music kept the ambience pleasant. As is custom in most parties and courts you first introduce yourself or let yourself be introduced to the host of the party make some pleasant small talk and then enjoy the party. Tonight, was nothing different. A curtsey a smile and question and answer here and there and we were wished an enjoyable evening.
The officer guiding me Major Derrick Mazers, he was a man of I think a year of 40 spry in his step. And as we danced, he was very well schooled in dancing and physically capable. After a few songs he guided me back to the drink area, he had spotted some of his colleagues they started to talk past campaigns, anecdotes some tasteless some funny. I made sure some drinks were served to the gentlemen and I calmly stood by, gave a polite laugh when something was not as funny and genuinely laughed when something was funny.
The men gave me little attention which was just fine. I was on this shadow, and in this campaign of war to learn new tactics. But during one of the meetings Major Mazers had spotted me and asked me to accompany him to this party.
Well since it is a way of networking and getting more familiar with people around, I did not decline. And let us be fair. I like parties now and then.
The party went on and at a point a man came up behind me with the lamest pick-up line ever. “Are you a sorceress? Because when I look at you, you make everyone else disappear. “
I couldn’t help but laugh that was horrible. The Major did not take kindly to this interaction and told the man to go away. After some male ego’s looking back and forth to each other the man went away. At that point I saw how possessive the Major was. I was there to accompany him, this was nothing more then a mutual agreement to go to a party, no date nothing else will come from it. I made that very clear.
Later that evening the Major was discussing something and I was standing on the terrace looking over the sea. This water had a curious tint of green. Even with the moons casting their light on it the color seemed indescribable. It was wonderful soothing to watch. Now that I am staring at the sea does not mean I do not pay attention to my surroundings. The man from earlier with the pickup line came up behind me, he wanted to place his hand on my back or shoulder. Though with a quick step sideways and in I had his arm twisted and pinned behind him. With a smile I said to him. “Ah, no I am not a sorceress, but I am not to be toyed with either.”
He tapped with his free hand on my arm as a sign of yielding, so I released him. I sipped my drink again and stood back to watch the waves flowing.
At a now proper distance he stood and asked me. “The Major still talking? Why would he let such a beauty as yourself wither without attention? “
With a raised eyebrow I look a the man. “Quite presumptuous of you, that you assume I need attention to survive. “
A soft laugh and from the side of my vision I see him making an apologetic bow. “you are right M’Lady. It is clear you very much stand your own. I am Vidar Korbin. “
Turning I incline my head and in a polite neutral voice. “Alexandra Mira. A pleasure, Sir Korbin.”
We talked a bit, and he was genuinely a fine man, though he was down on his luck due to some unfortunous decisions he had made. But he was hired as an external scout for the army, and he had hoped to get in some good graces again after that. We parted ways as he needed to leave, and I saw the Major was getting to drunk to stand up and as the one on his arm for tonight I saw it prudent to spare his reputation and guide him away before harm to his reputation could happen. Of course, the Major tried for me to stay but after taking off his shoes I politely declined and made sure he was not going to die in his sleep from his intoxicated state.
Nothing happened for a while until we were mid campaign. Our forces were doing well, and we got regular intel from scouts and the other troops. Until a day we had expected information, but none came. We had waited the assigned time allotted for the information to be later but still nothing. I do not know if it was pride, or if it was a gut feeling but I told my superior officers that something was up and if they would allow me to take a small group the way where the scouts would come from, I could perhaps get the very much needed information our way.
It was allowed. With horses limited provisions and a small group we went out. It was not even two days riding until we saw a massacre had happened in a camp. Investigating the camp, we saw it were our people who had mostly been slaughtered. Some of the other side. But mostly ours. We searched the area for possible information but could find nothing. With a roll to the side, I dodged an arrow which was aimed at my back. I looked behind me and up and now saw it there were still a few in the treetops. I whistled my command and we spread out and took cover. I took my bow and arrows and readied to shoot them out. At the point where I wanted to take aim to take the first one down a voice came. “Lay down arms or your scout dies.” I ordered the rest to stay down and stood up myself my bow and arrow still in hand but not pulled back. It was Vidar who was held up by his shoulders and a dagger at his throat. The man holding Vidar was wired with stress. He was visibly shaking. His adrenaline would wear out soon. So, I must keep him talking. “Well now you got us in an unfortunate position. We would really like at least one scout back. And seeing that he is the last surviving one. Please hand him over. “ The man with the dagger laughed a high-pitched strained laugh. Poor guy he was clearly not made for war. Vidar made eye contact with me. And I smiled. Slowly lowering my eyes hoping he would get the hint. And he did, Vidar slumped a bit through his knees and the man with the dagger stumbled to keep Vidar up against him as a shield. Those few seconds he needed to correct himself I took to shoot the attacker. And with a whistle from between my teeth my group shot down the rest from the treetops.
I hurried to Vidar and smiled. “Well now it does seem I make your knees weak. “
He laughed as he did, I saw the blood between his teeth he was severely wounded. “Do you have intel we can bring back?”
He nodded but looked frightened perhaps he was afraid I would take it and leave him to die. I smiled a reassuring smile.
“Good that will do your reputation good. You fought with your life and limbs to get it to us. “I wink and with help hoist him on my horse. It might not be comfortable for him, but it is the fastest way to get him to camp. Partially laying against me as we rode. During the now 3 days ride back as we needed to move calmer and rest enough to keep Vidar alive. I saw him looking up at me. He had beautiful eyes.
At camp I carried him to the field hospital where they worked at him immediately. The basic information I gave to the other officers. And told them of the bravery and loyalty of hireling Korbin. They were impressed.
The campaign moved on and we were winning ground and the war. During wrap up of the campaign I was sitting outside my tent enjoying the fire with some of the people I usually drink with. Vidar approached us and I gestured he could join in at the drinking circle. He was looking for a lot better.
“How are you healing up?” Vidar smiled and gestured to some bandages “well enough most will not be seen other then a small wound on my face. “
I laugh “Ah ladies fall for such battle scars before you know it you will have to swat the ladies off yourself. “ Vidar leans slightly in “And what about the lady who gave me the scar?” He snatches the bottle I had out of my hand
“Oh do you have complaints about the rescue? What did I knick you with my arrow?”
Vidar showed his cheek a bright red scar forming on his face he grins wide. I shrug “like I said ladies will fall for it. “
After that we talked about other things. Sang songs and drank. The war was basically over. A week later. Camp was breaking up and I was packing my horse to return to the barracks. I heard hoof steps behind me and saw it was Vidar accompanied by some folk I did not know.
He held out his hand. “I am leaving with my friends. We are not joining the war business anymore. Even if I got a rank I am done. “
I looked at his hand and kept packing my horse. “and what are you asking of me then? To join you?”
He nods and leans down further with an outstretched hand. “Join me, ride with me, we can have great adventures, a warrior like you watching my back, and a lady like you by my side. We are destined for greatness. “
His eyes were almost pleading, he meant it, had he fallen in love. That was dangerous in war. And I was not meant to ride off now. I was where I should be. I told him. “Ride on, I see you when I do. But I cannot go with you, no matter if I wanted to. Go have adventures and explore. Perhaps we will see each other again Sir Vidar Korbin.
