On the Kinfe's Edge - Book 3

Chapter 2

         Arenn stared at the house in shock, her hand over her mouth. Blood was sprayed on the walls, holes had been punched in multiple walls, glass was shattered all over the floors with dying flowers laying in puddles. Kole hung back, avoiding her gaze. “The king was right. You really did not want to marry me, did you?” She smoothed her simple wedding dress and swallowed hard.

         “I will only ruin your life. I know that and I am sorry. But I will not take back our vows. You will come with me wherever I go.” He stepped into the house behind her.

         “Let’s talk. If you were going to leave, then why did you start what happened that day in your house? The day I brought the dog.”

         “I can't resist you. I thought having you physically would ease the torment. I'd wanted you for so long. You said my name and I just needed to have you.” He saw the sorrow in her eyes. Kole knew that he had just admitted to wanting to use having sex with her as an escape. He was already ruining her innocent life. He turned away and walked into the room, away from her and sat on the bed.

         She followed him calmly. “Did it help?”

         His eyes moved up to focus on her face. “Did what help?”

         “You took me in the grass after our wedding. Did it help?” She seemed genuinely concerned for him and not offended or hurt in the least.

         “A bit,” he admitted as he stared back at the floor.

         She walked over to him and kneeled so she could hold his gaze with her own. “Then use me whenever you need, Kole.” He kissed her again, gentle this time, as if he thought she would break. Tears pricked his eyes and he shut them tight and put his head back, gulping down air to help hold back a flood. “You are too good for me Arenn. I have never deserved you.”

         She gave him one of her cheeky smirks. “I bet that was what our king thought about the queen at one point, too, but they have a child now and he is a good man.”

         He eyed her curiously. “What are you saying?”

         “Let’s have a child, Kole,” she suddenly said.

         He pulled back in shock. “Wha… what? A… A child? Now? With me?”

         She giggled, the sound filling his heart. “Yes, a child. Who else but you?”

         He stared at her for a moment before letting a slow smile creep across his scarred face. “Maybe someday, my love.”

         “Good. Now let us clean up this house. I may have been your maid this morning, but now I am your wife and you are going to clean this all up with me.” She flashed him another dazzling smile and he could not help but stand up and follow her to the front door where glass was covering the floor. He was at such a loss with her. And yet, he felt found as well. He was unable to explain it, he just knew that she had been right. If he had left, he would have regretted that decision forever.

          Dane stood beside Fallon’s throne and watched as citizens came and went requesting aid, tax relief, and other things as only a leader could provide. The king waved Cornelius over. “How many more people wait for me outside?”

         The advisor looked up at the beams on the ceiling, thinking for a moment. “Five or six, I think, my lord.” This man was a completely different king since he had returned. The entire castle had been renovated and the king’s standards had been replaced with the new phoenix emblem he had returned with at the end of his campaign to rid the lands of Harta. Not only was he a good king, but now he was a good father and a good husband. He was by no means perfect, but he was good.

         Dane watched as Fallon stretched and got down from his throne. The king nodded to the guard and he followed out of instinct. The lord walked straight out of the doors and out to the small gathering of people beyond, waiting for an audience.

         Fallon smiled at the townspeople. “Voice your requests now and I will hear you immediately.” Then he instructed a servant to let anyone else who may come seeking an audience know that he was done for today. They excitedly voiced their thoughts and he quickly settled each one before they dispersed.

         Dane stood before the king and lowered his head, waiting to be recognized. When the other told him to speak, he lifted his head. “Sir, What happened yesterday that required such secrecy?”

         Fallon’s mouth tipped up slightly. “Kole and Arenn were married.”

         The guard’s expression changed and his eyebrows lifted. “Really now? It is about time.”

         The king laughed heartily and clapped him on the back before becoming serious. “He’s leaving Dane. Not just Kezna but the known map entirely. I do not know when, but if you want to see him again, you should go right away.”

         His friend was pensive and thoughtful for a moment before answering. “I will see him tomorrow morning.”

         “No, Dane. Now. I can survive without you for the day. I have plenty of guards that have been trained by you that can step in for a day or two.” The king stared him down, the tension in his voice unmistakable.

         Dane nodded and without further questions, he bowed and made his way across the courtyard toward Dane’s house. When he got to the small yard around the house, the dog stood guard. It barked a few times, and suddenly, Kole was beside him, sword in hand, ready for a confrontation. His visitor held up his hands in a sign of appeasement. “It’s just me, Kole. Fallon said you were leaving. I came to see you and Arenn before that happens.”

         Kole stared at him blankly for a moment before his wife ran out after him. Dane smiled when he saw her. A more unusual match could not be found. She was so small, not even five feet, and she was a spunky redhead, full of lively energy and incredibly bubbly and giggly. Kole was… well he was not. At all.

         Arenn smiled brightly. “Dane! Good morning. Thank you for coming by. Kole, let’s go inside.”

         The big man shifted uneasily and glanced into the house regretfully. “Yea, Dane. Come on in.”

         Dane’s smile faltered slightly when he saw his friend’s reaction, but he followed them, regardless. Then he stepped through the doorway and stopped, his eyes widening as he took in the destruction. The large holes in the wall met his stare and the broken vases on the table. The blood spatters on the walls and floor and splintered wood. “Kole…” he said quietly.

         Arenn held her husband's hand and urged him to say something with a gentle squeeze. Kole swallowed and stepped forward. “I apologize Dane, we haven’t cleaned up since before the wedding.”

         “Kole, why are you leaving?” The man turned to face the bearded man without hesitation.

         Anything the big man had planned to say died on his lips and he looked uncomfortable. “Fallon told you, huh? I should not be shocked. Of course he would. You and I trained together since we were young. Well, younger.” Kole blew out a large breath and beckoned for his friend to sit down. Arenn went and began the duties she had been so used to for the last three years. She set a pot for tea over the fire and picked out the leaves to use. Kole always liked when she made his tea fresh from leaves she picked on her own.

         Kole reached out to her. “Arenn, stop. You are not my maid. Come sit with us.”

         She gave him a sideways look before answering. “I am your wife and I will make you tea and some for Dane if he would like some.” She looked over at their guest who nodded ever so slightly at the mention of tea, careful not to upset his friend by asking his wife to serve him. The young woman rolled her eyes and finished sorting out the leaves before joining them at the table.

         “Kole, be honest with me. I do not know what you saw out there, but is it really necessary for you to leave?” Dane’s concern sent a pang of sorrow through Arenn’s heart and made Kole squirm in his seat.

         “Dane, what I saw will haunt me forever. The things you saw were child’s play compared to what came later.I watched people be burned alive, I stood there, helpless while Iskale was fileted alive. I watched Trint be killed with an arrow from his own men. I killed people, Dane. I killed them without remorse. I enjoyed it. I relished every single thing I did to them. I was just as bad as Fallon. I also watched Fallon tear people apart from the inside with his blessing. Tris…” Kole’s voice broke and he shut his eyes and turned his face away. “Tris… he… he lied to me so I would live. We killed him, Dane. He died in the blast when the fortress was destroyed. He was still in there, wounded. I left him, Dane. I left him to die without a second thought.” His hands balled into fists and his eyes were glassy.

         The silence was suffocating. Dane sat there, unsure of how to respond. He had never heard how the other men had died, and now he was wishing that he never learned the truth. He swallowed hard and looked at his friend who sat in complete despair. He placed a hand on the other’s arm and felt him flinch at the touch. “Kole, none of that was your fault. You did what you had to. You made it back and brought our king back with you.”

         Kole became volatile. “How would you even know, Dane. You left before anything even really happened!” His voice was loud and angry, causing Dane to jump to his feet with his hands out. Arenn placed a hand on her husband’s shoulder gently in an attempt to remind him to stay calm. “You were not there. You left in fear over nothing. You were never fit to serve Fallon in that group. Maybe if someone better had replaced you, they wouldn’t have all died!” Kole was screaming by the end, his blade in his hand. The young woman had jumped in front of him, her hands on his arms, worry creasing her face.

         Dane’s eyes dropped. The agonizing stake that his friend just drove into his soul was warranted. He had no defense. The man was right. “You… are correct, Kole.” He said quietly, his voice broken.

         The big man calmed slightly. “What?”

         Dane continued. “You are entirely correct, Kole. I should have never been chosen. I have lived with regret for my inadequacy since that day when I left in fear. Maybe I am responsible for some of what happened. But that does not mean you have to leave.” The two men stood silent for a time before Dane turned to leave. “I am sorry. I should not have come.”

         “I can’t stay, Dane.” The guard stopped and turned his face to hear the rest. “These demons follow me everywhere there is nearly nowhere on this map where I can find peace. I’m not like you. I’m not even like Fallon anymore. He had no choice in what he did. Once he was given a choice, he made the right one. I made my decisions, as necessary as I felt they were at the time. I was warned to be cautious, and I ignored them, Fallon included. I will die if I stay here.”

         With a nod of understanding, Dane silently turned and left the house, his inner turmoil set loose once more and his chest tight and hurting.

         Arenn put a hand on Kole’s face and made him look at her. “Kole… that was unnecessarily cruel. How could you do that to him?”

         Her husband pulled away from her touch as if it burned him. “Don’t scold me. I said what I thought. If he is too soft to handle that, then that is something he needs to deal with. If he had been more of a man, it would not have bothered him.”

         “Kole!” his wife yelled. Her voice was shocked and more than a little disappointed. It was not his fault. “Ventris was a better warrior than any except the king and he could stop none of what happened.”

         Kole’s eyes darkened and he glared at her. There was a dangerous fire in his eyes. She backed up a step when she saw the look he gave her. “How dare you!” he thundered in rage. “By the time Ventris died, there were only two of us left! Two, Arenn! You think a better man would not have helped?”

         The woman’s anger flared and she stood her ground and yelled back. “No! How dare you! I was here! I watched Dane struggle and nearly lose his life fighting mercenaries here. If it were not for him, The queen and her son would have died. What would the king have done then? His entire reason for leaving was to protect them!” She was becoming more angry with every word. Her husband stood, surprised by her outburst. “Dane made your mission worth it because he returned. He would have died without Habbi here to heal him. He fought mercenaries over and over again while bleeding out and struggling to walk and he beat them all. He saw men burned alive, too, Kole. He watched men killed from the inside out just like you did. How dare you stand here and blame him for being weak.”

         With her brows furrowed, she spun on her heel and walked out of the house. The dog whimpered as she passed by. Kole shook his head and stared after her. She was leaving and it was his fault. He broke and went after her, vanishing to chase her. In an instant he appeared again, his arms around her. “I’m sorry. Arenn, don’t leave me. Please.”

         She bit her lip and held back her tears. She did not mean to yell at him, but he was out of line even if he was upset. “I won’t, but you need to fix this before we leave.” She felt him nod against her neck while he held her and she closed her eyes and sighed quietly.

         Kole rose early the next day. He watched Arenn curled up at the edge of the bed. She whimpered in her sleep when he left the cover of the blankets. He still could not believe that she had married him. He let out a deep breath and rubbed his eyes, looking around him. He looked at his house. It was a dump and he felt ashamed that the love of his life chose to live here with him. It looked like something had exploded. He glanced back at the beautiful young woman still sleeping and cursed quietly to himself before shrugging on his tunic he had left on the floor. He pulled on his breeches and his boots and made his way to the great hall across the courtyard. The sun was just beginning to lighten the sky behind the tall, stone walls. He nodded to the guards at the large wooden doors. They nodded back and opened them for him to enter. He walked in to see some of the maids just beginning their duties. Some of them yawned and a couple waved to him with a small smile. He nodded to them and went into the throne room. No one stopped him or stood in his way. He had full reign of the castle and no one ever questioned where he went or why. He walked through the throne room, pausing to look at the thrones as he passed. He clenched his jaw. He was jealous of the life Fallon had found coming directly out of his past. He did not resent him, but he envied the way he could live after what he had suffered and done. As if his thoughts summoned the king, Fallon rounded the corner in front of him, tying his belt.

         He looked up as he neared his friend. “Kole… It is really early for you to be here. Is something wrong?”

         Kole was unable to meet his eyes. “I promised Arenn that I would make things right with Dane.”

         The king nodded. He already knew what happened. “Tell her thank you for me. Dane is standing guard outside the door while Calya sleeps. Is Arenn here?” He leaned to look past him to the doorway.

         The guard shook his head. “No. She is also still asleep. I wanted her to wake up to things being worked out. I don’t want her to worry that I am putting it off. I want to leave today.”

         Fallon’s expression dropped and he looked disappointed. “I wish you would reconsider, but I understand. I will send a passage request to Raimor on your behalf. I doubt they will refuse.” Putting a hand on his friend’s shoulder, he stepped beside him. “Just don’t leave before you come see me.”

         Kole nodded silently, staring at the floor.the other patted his shoulder before continuing on. The guard stood in place, listening as the large entry doors closed behind the king. He balled his hands into fists and took a deep breath before trying to relax as he kept walking. He caught sight of Dane and his steps faltered. Trayzer came sprinting out of his room and down the hall.

         “Hi, Dane! Kole! Where’s dad?” His small voice was squeaky with excitement.

         Kole couldn’t help but give a small smile and nod behind him. “He’s outside, young prince.”

         The young boy rushed past and yelled back. “Thank you, sir! I slept too late! He left without me!” His high panicked voice made Dane chuckle and shake his head.

         When Kole turned back around, Dane’s expression turned more serious and he looked on edge. The half-breed looked him in the eyes and felt a sharp pain in his chest. Arenn was right. He did overstep, and he was cruel to this man. “Dane…”

         Dane stepped forward. “Kole, I’m sorry. I should have just kept my mouth shut yesterday. I was out of line.”

         Wow. Well, that hurts, Kole thought grimly. He sighed and rubbed his chin, looking around the hallway as if making sure they were alone. “No, Dane. I was wrong. I should have held my tongue. I knew you were not just being lazy and enjoying your time here. I knew there had been multiple attacks by the mercenaries and that you had held your own. And what I did not know, Arenn was more than willing to tell me in a very loud, angry tone.” He scratched the back of his head. “She scares me sometimes.”

         Dane could not stifle a snort at his last comment. “But she looks so innocent.”

         A subtle smile stretched Kole’s mouth. “Looks can be deceiving, brother.”

         He saw his friend’s whole demeanor relax when he called him brother. Dane nodded with a genuine grin. “Yes. Yes, they are.” Then, his smile slowly faded to a grieved frown. “I hate to have you leave, Kole. Is there anything that can keep you here? Anything at all?”

         Kole shook his head. “No. I need to leave. I can’t breathe here. I have tried for too long. I can barely sleep anymore, Dane. I can feel myself unraveling quicker than I can control. I need to leave before I come completely undone and do something I will regret.”

         The other put a hand on his shoulder and pulled him in for a hug. “Well, if you never come back, at least send some sort of message to us. We are brothers. All three of us. I would rather not hunt you down to find out how you are doing.”

         Kole gritted his teeth to keep from getting emotional. “We’ll see. I will refrain from making any promises. Just remember me on good terms, will you?”

         “Of course,” came Dane’s reply.

         He nodded, as if to himself. Now, if you will excuse me, I would like to return to my wife so she doesn’t wake up and think I died somehow. You know how she is.”

         Dane laughed. “I know how you are, Kole. Go home, brother. And thank you.”

         Arenn rolled over and felt the cool bedding. She shot up and looked around in a panic. She rushed out of bed, pulling a cloak around her before running outside. The dog lay sleepily at the front door as she passed. She burst through the door, running right into Kole’s firm abdomen. Gasping, she looked up at him.

         He looked at his wife, surprised. “Are you alright? Why are you running to without being fully dressed?”

         She wrapped her arms around his bulky form. “I thought you left without me. When I saw the dog, I thought something happened to you or that you did something horrible.” She sniffed and tightened her hold. “I was so scared.”

         Her husband tipped her chin up to look into her eyes. He studied her for a moment before leaning down and kissing her gently. “No need to worry, my angel. I just wanted to settle things with Dane before you got up. Everything is fine.”

         Her tears flowed down her cheeks, her stress and fears melting away with his kiss. “Thank you, Kole.”

         He pulled back. “For what?”

         She wiped her tears and laughed self-consciously. “For not leaving me.”

         He hugged her again, resting his chin on the top of her head, a sad smile on his face.

         Kole finished packing Arenn’s saddle bags and lifted her up to place her in the saddle. She giggled. “Kole, I can mount him on my own.”

         He smirked mischievously. “But then I wouldn’t have to touch you.”

         She giggled again as her face flushed. She looked up as the queen came up behind Kole. He saw Arenn’s gaze shift and turned around. He bowed and greeted her. “My queen.”

         “Fallon requested that I give you these.” She handed him a leather bag full of bottles. He looked up questioningly. “He made some elixirs and such for your travels in case of injury or sickness. They are labeled somehow.”

         Arenn nodded gratefully. “Please tell him thank you for both of us.”

         “I will.” Calya hugged Kole and then held Arenn’s hand gently. “Arenn… I owe you so much. I am indebted more than you could ever know. You protected my little boy like he was your own and ensured that Fallon could return to see him grow up. I could never thank you enough for being there when we needed you. Do not worry for your parents. They will be moved into the hall and will be very well looked after.”

         Arenn leaned down to hug her. “Thank you. You saved us. It was the absolute least I could do to repay you. I will never forget your kindness. Give the little prince a big hug for me. I will miss you all.”

         Calya stepped back and waved, tears glistening in her bright eyes. Kole nodded to her and mounted his own steed. With a quick word to check with his wife, he turned his horse to leave. Arenn followed him, her chest heaving with anxious breaths. She was leaving everything she had ever known to follow this dangerous man she married on impulse. She hoped she made the right decision. Behind them, the dog, Hunter, followed along obediently.

         They exited the gates and began crossing the large fields when a rider came racing to meet them. Kole turned to see Fallon riding hard, Trayzer sitting in front of him in the saddle. The little boy’s face was so bright and excited. “Faster, daddy! Faster!” Fallon’s intense concentration seemed to crack with a smile at his son’s excited demands. As the king neared the two riders, he reined in his horse.

         “Wait, Kole. These were almost not finished in time. Gammir did not know when you were leaving.” The couple looked at each other questioningly, and Kole's eyebrows lifted. Fallon had his son take the reins. “Do not kick her, Trazer. Just hold her still.” He leaned back, to open a saddle bag and pulled out two leather bags, handing one to Kole and one to Arenn. “Here. I had these commissioned for the two of you. I know you do not want to be reminded of things here, but please accept these from your family.”

         Kole reached in the sack and pulled out a newly made pair of heavy, leather gauntlets, the back of them covered by a metal plate with a phoenix engraved on it. He glanced at Arenn and watched her pull out her gift. She gasped as she held up a silver belt with the phoenix emblem on it. Kole swallowed hard and turned back. “Thank you, Fallon. I can never repay you.”

         The king shook his head. “No, Kole. I can never repay you for what I stole from you. I've taken your entire life and left you as a mere shadow of a human. I know this and I will never forgive myself.”

         Kole held up his hand. “Stop, brother. If I had a choice, I would do it all again. You needed me, and as much as I cannot live with myself, I made my decisions. I would choose to be more cautious, but I would never choose to let you go without me. Never regret your decision to take me with you because I don’t.”

         Fallon reached out and clasped his forearm. “I appreciate your conviction, but nothing can ease my guilt. If you ever need somewhere to return to, my gates will forever be open to you. And now you both have the royal crest. No matter how the guard changes in Kezna, you will always be allowed through the gates.”

         Trayzer waved. “Bye, uncle Kole! Bye, Aunt Arenn!” Kole ruffled his hair with a chuckle and Arenn giggled and waved back.

         Fallon laughed and nodded a final farewell. “Okay, Trayzer. Time to go. Your mother will be wondering where I took you if we stay out much longer.” The boy whooped and held onto the saddle tightly.

         The dog watched Fallon ride off and looked back at his master. Kole followed the king’s retreating form with his eyes and sighed heavily. “Come on Arenn, Hunter. We have a long way to go.”

         His wife silently followed, like a shadow. They stopped and made camp just past the border of Kezna. There was a pond nearby. He would have avoided this place, but he wanted his wife to be able to bathe if she so desired. She wandered off to pick berries and fruits. When he returned, she found him staring at the water, an odd look on his marred face. “Kole, are you alright?”

         “This is where Fallon and I had taken our final rest before our return three years ago. We stopped here and he bathed and washed his clothing and set his standard for the ride home. I remember how different he appeared. He had found a peace and a conviction I can only hope to someday realize.” Kole shook his head and inhaled a long, shaky breath. “What have I become, Arenn?” He continued staring, following the ripples with his eyes. “I was not always like this, you know?”

         His new wife nodded and sat beside him, the dog coming to lay on his other side. “I know, Kole. I remember seeing you in the city when I was young. It took me a long time to realize that I had seen you before. You looked so familiar.”

         The man shifted his eyes to her face and then quickly to the sky, watching the clouds floating lazily overhead. “I used to be happy. I was almost never angry. Can you believe that?” He gave a pitiful chuckle. “Tris and I had been inseparable since we were boys. We did everything together. When we were eighteen and nineteen we left our parents and lived together, closer to the courtyard. I continued hunting and he was recruited into Fallon’s guard. I remember the day it happened. He ran in the house much happier than usual. He was always moody at the end of the day. But that day he was not…”

         Ventris threw open the door and ran past the table where dinner was waiting for him. “Kole! Kole, where are you?”

         A voice came from the other side of the house. “One minute!” Ventris paced impatiently. A moment later Kole walked into the room.

         “What took you so long?” the elf asked.

         Kole chuckled. “I was relieving myself. Is that not allowed anymore?”

         “Not today, it isn’t!” His best friend said excitedly.

         “Did a girl agree to marry you, Tris? You are never this happy.” The half-breed was suspicious.

         “The new king. You know he was a mercenary, of course. Everyone does. He began recruiting men for his personal guard to hunt down mercenaries.” Ventris took a big breath before he continued.

         Kole’s eyes widened. King Fallon had been the man he looked up to most since he took the throne. The moment Kole had learned about his background, he had wanted to imitate him. He envied the king’s cool demeanor, his strong will, and his intimidating presence. He wished he could have the life this man had. He wished he could be him.

         Ventris continued. “I was recruited, Kole! I start training tomorrow.”

         Kole’s face dropped. “What?”

         “He is only choosing eight men. I was the fifth man chosen,” the elf said as he continued explaining.

         His friend looked at the floor. “I want to join.”
         Ventris stopped talking and stared. “Uh… You cannot just join, Kole. He has to request you.”
         Kole grabbed the man’s shoulder. “Then tell him to recruit me. I can do it! You know I can!"
         Hesitating, Ventris thought for a moment. “You could. You could beat me in a fight easily. You would be a perfect choice. We could stay together. I will tell him to consider you. I cannot guarantee he will, though. I am convinced that he only chose me because I am a full-blooded elf.”

         “I will convince him. I will join the guard no matter what,” the half-breed said before remembering dinner. “Oh, Tris, I make chicken with potatoes and vegetables. I even made gravy this time.”
         Tris’ eyes lit up even more. “Thank you for not forgetting the gravy!”

         Ventris stood in front of the king the next morning in the training ring. He knelt and bowed his head in respect. The king chastised him. “Ventris, do not bow. Have you already forgotten that you are to familiarize yourself with using my name with no title? When we hunt down the mercenaries, you will be unable to use any title for me. You will call me by my name."

         The elf stuttered before answering. “Yes, uh… Fallon.” He licked his lips as his heart thudded against his ribcage. “There is a man I know who I believe would be a good addition to this cause.”
         Raising an eyebrow, Fallon nodded encouragingly. “Tell me about him while we spar.”
         Ventris smiled and pulled out his two blades he enjoyed practicing with. “His name is Kole. He is a half-breed, like you, my lord.”
         The king interrupted him. “Fallon. Call me Fallon.”

         “I apologize,” the elf said, uncomfortable. “He is the most loyal man I know, extremely skilled with a sword. He is a hunter, good at tracking, and kind. I have never seen the man angry, nor has he ever been reactionary. He is a good man, Fallon. He would be a good asset.”

         They continued to spar for some time before Fallon nodded his head and requested that Ventris bring Kole to him that evening in the throne room. The other smiled and confirmed gratefully.

         “Hurry, Kole!” Tris yelled at him to run faster.
         His friend sped up and shoved him over, passing him on his way to the great hall. Ventris had full access to the castle and throne room at any time and so no one stopped him or questioned whether he should be there. Both young men burst through the doors to the throne room and stopped. Ventris slammed into the back of Kole as he dropped down to one knee. “Your majesty. I apologize for my rude entry.”
         The elf behind him smiled and gestured to his friend. “Fallon, this is Kole.” Kole’s eyes widened and he stared up at his friend in shock. Did he just call the king by name? Are they so close? Is this a privilege of the private guard?

         Fallon chuckled. “So I see.” He looked at the kneeling man before him. “Kole. Please stand. Tell me why you would be a good asset to me.”
         It took the man a moment to wrap his head around the situation he currently found himself in before talking. “Your highness, I am a hunter. I live with Ventris. I am loyal to you and you alone for the sake of Kezna and her wellbeing. I can fight with a sword and am proficient with a bow. I can track, hunt, subdue, and retrieve wild animals with little effort. I have never been blamed for being rebellious, causing trouble, or being hotblooded. I would do anything to serve you, my lord.”

         Taking his time, Fallon observed the man before him. He was young, excited and incredibly optimistic. His friend was also excited, but something about Kole gave him pause. There was something in his eyes, an innocence and a love for life. He cleared his throat and turned to leave. “No. You are not the type of man I need. You are dismissed.”
         The hunter’s chest clenched and it felt as if the breath had been knocked from his lungs. “What?”

         “You heard me. You are dismissed. I have made my decision.” The king stopped and looked over his shoulder. “Do you think I am wrong?”
         Ventris stared, wide-eyed, at his friend and shook his head at him, warning him not to challenge the king. Kole ignored him. “I do, my lord. I am confident that I am exactly the man you need. I will prove it to you.”

          A month had passed since that day and Fallon had already chosen seven out of his eight men. Kole spent nearly every day hunting so that every evening, he could try to bring wild game to the king. The first week he brought birds. Ten of them. Fallon had dismissed him with barely a look. The second week, he brought two deer, one over each shoulder. The third week, he brought a boar, a stag, four rabbits, and a hawk. When Fallon barely acknowledged his gifts, he gritted his teeth and made a plan he thought the king could not ignore. The last week, he had come back before Fallon with a living boar, a live hawk, a live deer, and a cage full of rabbits.

         When he walked in with the fifteen rabbits in the same cage, the monarch raised an eyebrow. “How did you manage to put them all in the same cage?”

         Kole smirked. “With my hands, my lord. How else?”

         The king laughed, genuinely amused. “You have been persistent for an entire month, Kole. You have refused to take no as an answer. You have ignored that I did not want someone with your temperament or calm nature as my guard. Why is that?”

         “I apologize that it has appeared that I have been disrespectful, your highness. It was never my intention. But I believe I am more than capable of handling anything you may face beyond these walls. I am unafraid of the mercenaries and what it would take to help you succeed. I will be the first to admit if I am wrong, but I know I am not.”

         Now, both his eyebrows were raised. “You are bold, young man. I can appreciate that. What if I give you a chance? Is there any chance I may regret my decision? Any at all?”

         The half-breed hunter stepped closer. “None. I will do what is needed in any and every situation. You will never have a reason to question my loyalty or determination. I swear to you, my king.”

         “Call me Fallon. You will need to be used to that by the time we leave. Come with Ventris for training tomorrow morning.” Although the king had accepted him, Kole could see an uneasiness in his eyes and a tension in his face that made him wonder if the king had done so simply to shut him up instead of because he really wanted him by his side. The young man set his jaw. He would be the king’s most valuable weapon.

         “Tris was so happy. We had done everything together since childhood. This was no exception. Tris had helped me to use my elven magic to its fullest capacity and even when we travelled, we were paired together because of that. I loved Fallon as a young man. I know now that his hesitation to allow me to come with him was because he was afraid to destroy me. He was trying to save me. I used to have hobbies and interests… that is, until my entire life revolved around Fallon.” He clenched his jaw. “When Tris was injured in Harta, I left him. He told me to go and that Fallon would meet up with him and get him out. It felt off. I knew something was not right. I should have stayed. I knew it. But I left him.” Arenn sat quietly, just sitting beside him. She was unsure of what to do or say. Silently, she grabbed his hand and intertwined her fingers with his. He sighed heavily as she laid her head on his broad shoulder. He kissed her hair and closed his eyes, enjoying her comfort and warmth.