The Dearly Departed
Flik stole through the castle some time after dark. There were no surprises in store, as most soldiers were asleep, resting for what was to come the following day. The few foot soldiers that were stationed up and around the castle said nothing as Flik swished through the corridors. They knew better than to question their vice commander when he was in rush, it just wasn't something that one did. With no interference, he was at his destination in a flash, honoring his title as 'The Blue Lighting' indeed.
He stopped in front of a door, like the many others he had passed, and took a second to compose himself. He rapped on the door twice in succession, and then repeated the act until the sound resembled one of a heartbeat. "Come in," commanded a small, but strong voice from within the room. Flik slowly opened the door, and closed it behind him. Odessa was lying on her bed with her long crimson tresses spread around her, and covering the pillows. She sat up slightly when Flik entered the room, and he sat next to her.
"Odessa, I don't know what to think about these new recruits. They seem a little...shifty to me." he said as he pulled her into his arms.
"Flik, what did I tell you about worrying so much? I can take care of myself you know." she responded with her voice as soft as it was before, but there was a fiery passion that burned in her eyes. There was more to this woman than meets eye.
"Yes, I know. But don't you think that this is moving a little too fast? Taking in Viktor, as troubled as he is, putting all of the money in Sanchez's hands, all of your plans...it's all too irrational Odessa!"
Flik exclaimed in a sharp whisper. At this Odessa's entire face had filled with the same fiery passion, and she looked at Flik intently.
"Don't forget who is in charge here Flik," she reproached in a short tone. Flik's expression change instantly to one of remorse, and no sooner had Odessa spied it than her manner became softer and sweeter.
"I'm sorry that you feel this way Flik, I love you but..."
"And I love you Odessa, but-" He tried to interrupt, but the lady wouldn't have it.
"If that's the case, then try to believe in me. You've got to learn to trust me Flik, if not I don't know how I'm going to do this." It was a show of emotion that, save for Flik, not many people witnessed. He held Odessa in his arms as if she were a child, and brushed her hair back from her face.
"You've just got to trust me, Flik."
"Flik, just trust me on this one okay? You aren't the only one in charge, we're a team here. And I'm not just saying this because you are a stubborn jerk. You need to start trusting someone that's not yourself!"
"Hm? Yes, okay."
"FLIK! Are you even listening to what I am saying?!" Viktor yelled into Flik's ear, successfully pulling him out of his dazzlingly reverie.
"Yes Viktor, I was listening. We can keep the boy with us until we figure out what really happened to those Highland boys. I just can't believe what the boy says about the Highland Army attacking its own. That's absurd."
"Wait, did you say I could keep him?!"
"Yes, the boy can stay with us until we figure out what to do with him."
"Okay then umm...boy, you can be my "special guest" while you stay with us at the fort. The room will be comfortable enough, and the food ain't that bad. Hopefully, it won't be for too long."
The small boy simply nodded his head in assent. Viktor and the rest of the soldiers on patrol began to ride back to the fort. Flik stayed behind for a second, wondering exactly what he was getting himself, and the camp into.
"You see now, I'm learning to trust Odessa...even if it is too little too late." He said to the sky above him as him walked off into the forest.