Ch. 10

David had dismissed his guards, wanting to be alone for the chore ahead of him. Spurring himself into action David began the lengthy task of organising Rush's belongings. However after a few minutes he came across a package addressed 'Dave'. Inside the package David found a visistone. He sighed, fearing his own reaction, but also overwhelmed with a desire to see Rush once more.

David's breath caught in a soft sob as an image of Rush sat in the very same chair he now occupied materialised in front of him. Rush was dressed as usual in his battle attire. He seemed ill at ease, and was rubbing the back of his neck nervously.

"Hi Dave. Since you're watching this I guess the showdown with the conqueror didn't go too well for me, huh?
I just wanted to tell you now while I got the chance that-"

David could hear his own voice in the background calling Rush to dine. Almost immediately the image of his friend was back, however it was evident that it was now much later in the day.

Rush now appeared more relaxed, and there were no voices in the background. David realised that this had been filmed after the rest of the castle's occupants had retired to their beds.

"Okay, scrap that last one. You probably know this by now, but I'm part remnant. I'm not sure how that's going to go down when we finally face the conqueror, but I'm assuming that it's turned out for the worst as you're watching this rather then listening to me talking too much. I- I need to ask you, please take care of Irina for me, I know she can be a handful, but she's my little sis. I wouldn't forgive myself if she got hurt now I'm not around. And Dave-"

Here a hint of an expression David could not interpret passed across the boy's face.

"-take care of yourself too. I'll miss you."

The visistone was snapped shut shortly after that.

David stared silently at the place where the image of Rush had been. Images of the younger boy flooded his mind.

David had eventually managed to locate Irina, who was rumoured to be under the care of duke Hermeien. When the party had travelled to Nagapur to investigate Hermeien had insisted on speaking to the marquis in private. David had been wary of such a suggestion, as had Rush, eager to be involved personally in the search for his sister, however David had realised that Hermeien was giving him no choice. After the elder duke had assured him that Irina was safe David had returned to his party. He was holding a purple flower, one of Irina's favourites, and on a whim presented it to Rush. The other boy looked shocked, until David hastily explained that the flower had been given to reassure them of Irina's well being. Had he realised that their time together was to be so short his explanation might have been different, although perhaps not given the shock he had seen in his companion's eyes.

Since that day David had been quick to keep a closer grasp on his feelings. The sight of Rush's sister had momentarily shaken him, and the young marquis had briefly believed himself attracted to her. After many hours of deliberation however he had realised that the only attraction the young girl held for him was her resemblance to Rush.

Life had continued, and the war had occupied David to the extent that he had little time to dwell on his feelings for the younger boy. Until Rush had decided on fighting the conqueror that was. The young lord was horrified by his suggestion, he couldn't allow Rush to go alone. Prompted by Rush's selfless suggestion he had done something quite out of character and decided to go along with Rush.

Through his tears David sighed

"Oh Rush how could you do this? What am I supposed to do without you now?"