"So, Duncan, ever thought about a life in the army?"
And that had been the way his brother had sent him packing the first time. When it had happened, Duncan had been so sure Daeghun was only doing it to get rid of him. It had been four years since he'd joined the military and it was time for him to move on with his life. Tomorrow was Shieldmeet and his contract was up. Four years ago, tomorrow, Daeghun and Shayla had brought him to the keep and watched while he signed away his freedom in order to learn some of the much-vaunted discipline his brother was always harping on about. He could re-sign if he wanted to become a career soldier, but he didn't feel like it. While he had learned much these past four years, he was more enthralled with the idea of being free to make his own way. Shayla had made him a promise when they'd said their goodbyes and he was bound and determined to take her up on it.
"When you come back to West Harbour, we'll take to the road together and you can impress us with all you've learned," she had told him, a gentle smile lighting her face as her husband stood silent behind her, not sharing the confidence she had in his younger brother. She had pulled Duncan into a warm hug and wished him well. His parting from Daeghun had been awkward and strained in contrast. They'd really only known each other for a few months and their only common ground was their shared blood and Shayla. Duncan often wondered how his taciturn half-brother been able to persuade the vivacious and outgoing elfess to accept his suit. It must have been one hell of a speech.
The next day his commanding officer had been surprised at the fact he didn't re-sign. He'd been a good soldier; a quick study and reliable to boot once you got that temper of his tamped down. Duncan almost felt guilty at walking away from the company he had served for the past few years.
Almost.
Gathering up his meagre belongings, he was surprised at how little he had in the way of possessions. He wasn't surprised at the lightness of his coin purse, though. The local innkeeper was well-off thanks to him. Owning an inn seemed like a sweet deal to Duncan. He thought he'd maybe like to own an inn someday, when he had made his fortune and it was time to settle down. He chuckled at the thought. Him settled? That would be the day.
The month of Ches began tomorrow and already there were signs of spring popping up all over the place. The days were still cold, but not uncomfortably so and Duncan had a warm and sturdy oilskin cloak to shield him from the elements. He felt a thrill of excitement rush through him as he stepped through the portcullis of the keep that had been his home for the past four years. He shouldered his pack, checked his blades at his sides, and took to the road that would lead him back to West Harbour with a spring in his step. He was a free man.
