10. On the Call of Duty
.o0o.
Alistair gloomily watched Blossom race after the stick Sabhya had obligingly thrown.
"It's just that..." He sighed, booting a pebble as the two men resumed their progress across the courtyard. Sabhya looked at him in quiet sympathy and waited for him to continue.
"Doesn't what I want ever matter?"
"Of course it does."
"Really? Could have fooled me." The younger man's voice had a bitter edge and he scooped up the branch the returning Mabari dropped expectantly at his feet. "Seems more like I just got volunteered for the dirty job no one else wants." Muscles bunching, he hurled it away with Blossom in hot pursuit.
"I know this can't be easy for you."
"Huh."
"Truly, I do. I also know you're more than capable of handling it, that we – that I – depend upon you."
"You're just saying that to make me feel better about it."
"Alistair." Sabhya met his eyes seriously. "Have I ever lied to you?"
"No. No, you haven't."
The little mage touched his shoulder. "I'm not about to start now."
Abashed, Alistair grasped the chair leg Blossom was offering, and flung it after a brief struggle for possession.
"I know. I'm just, well, scared. There, I said it. Some tough guy, huh?"
"That only goes to show you're being sensible." Sabhya smiled. "Really, it would be of more concern if you were actually eager for it."
Alistair snorted. "No fear of that." They turned the corner in companionable silence and came to a stop.
"You won't just walk away once I get started?"
"I won't abandon you, my friend. This is on me as well."
"I still think Sten could do a better job than I could."
Sabhya chuckled. "Pashaara."
Blossom trotted around the corner and skidded to a halt, the fence post he was dragging splintering in his teeth at sight of the waiting tub filled with soapy water.
"Right, then," said Alistair, rolling up his sleeves with jaw set in renewed determination.
"Let's do this."