IMPORTANT: I'm thinking of doing something cool for the Fire Emblem community. I feel as though there is too little love for it, so I want to write more oneshots/short series for it. Please go to schizzar . livejournal . com and add me as a friend. The most current journal on there explains this a little further. Leave a comment here or there on what pairings you would like to see. :D

Without further ado, enjoy the next chapter! I don't own Fire Emblem. Love between to guys ahead.

Dear Journal,

Day 43. Not only has Ike joined our group, but Zihark and Jill as well. Jill is still in touch with Haar, so she's sending to Gallia and the other laguz nations for reinforcements, if they are willing. The help would be appreciated. I don't know what help we can be to the towns we stop in when our forces are so small. I can't help but think it was sheer luck that helped us win that city yesterday. It couldn't be anything but luck, really.

"Soren, bad news," Colm said.

They had been traveling for several hours without any issues, and Soren was hoping they would make it to the next village without any problems, but it seemed he was not to be that lucky.

"What is it?"

"The army is catching up. I'd give it an hour before they're upon us," Colm told him.

"What? That's not possible!"

"We did have a longer delay than we hoped last night," Oscar pointed out from behind him.

"It appears they have mages working for them as well, to help them go faster without their horses tiring," Colm added. "So we either fight or...die, at this point."

Soren called for a halt, mind racing as he looked over the few troops he had. They were strong, but could they take on an army? And could he help? Too many questions, not enough answers.

"Be ready for a fight. Ike, Stefan, Rhys, and Titania, I will need to speak with you about a battle plan," Soren said, dismounting from Oscar's horse.

The remaining mercenaries dispersed, checking over their weapons as Soren led them away towards the edge of the forest they had been about to enter. He sat down, surrounded by the others, and opened the map.

"Daein's army is fast approaching. We need a plan," Soren said. "There's a bridge up ahead that we could use for an ambush."

"Ah, like Petrine did," Ike said. "Could we dig holes that fast? And how would we make sure they stumbled onto them?"

"Rhys, can I use magic yet?" Soren asked.

Rhys reached across and touched his hand, closing his eyes as he measured the mage's magic levels. "Yes. I'd be very careful about it though, and you might want to pull a little energy from myself and that laguz boy, Xane was it?"

"Okay. I can cover the entire bridge with leaves, and use wind magic to keep the holes empty," Soren said. "They'll be on their guard, with leaves everywhere, but if we cover everything, they'll have no way of knowing where the holes are. I want Colm, Rolf, Boyd, and Mist waiting in the forest behind the bridge. They need to let the army past, and one they're through, they can attack the rear. The rest of us will remain at the front. Try and capture the general alive if you can. If he can't be subdued...we'll deal with it then."

"Sounds like the best plan," Ike said. "There's not much we can do with our numbers so few."

"If we need to, we will retreat," Soren said. "I don't know where to. We obviously can't outrun them."

"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it," Titania said. "For now, I will join the rear guard. Even if they don't expect an attack at the rear, I should be able to offer some support."

Soren nodded. "Alright, let's get to work."

Between Xane and Soren, they were able to dig several trenches in the bridge, almost all the way across, only sparing small spaces large enough for a single horse rider to get through. The mage drew out a small sketch of the bridge and gave it to Titania to memorize so she would not accidentally stumble in the trenches if they had to come across the bridge. In the end, they left the trenches uncovered. Even if the army could see the trenches, there was not much they could do.

Soren leaned against a tree as the group formed up, ready to take on the Daein army as best they could. His vision was beginning to spin already.

"Soren, take more magic," Xane said. "It's not like I can really use it, and I have a much larger store than Rhys does. It won't hurt me for you to take more."

"Xane I-"

The sound of approaching horses along the other side of the gorge stopped Soren's words. The stampede of horses came into few, followed by foot soldiers. The army had run along the forest, instead of going through it, and as they kept pouring in, gathering behind the treacherous bridge, Soren felt his heart raise to his throat. They didn't stand a chance against such forces.

"No use running," a man called, ripping his helm off to reveal a wild mass of red hair. "I am General Angyd, here on orders of the King to put down the rebels. Now, if you'd just hand over your general, I will spare the rest of your lives."

Soren stepped forward. "I believe I am King, and I do not recall ever giving you such orders."

The man grinned, golden eyes sparkling. "You may think you're the King, brat, but Kaligua runs Daein now. Once you're gone, there will be no more challengers. So, if you want me to spare your friends, you should-"

"I don't feel like dying today."

"Remember that when your friends are lying dead at your feet!"

Soren took another step forward, Xane beside him. The trenches were hidden by a barely held together illusion, and once they dropped that, their enemy would fall right through. With a cry, the horses moved forward, charging across the bridge. Soren and Xane released the illusion as the first horses stumbled, tripped, and fell, bucking their riders free, or just downright crushing them. Stefan raced past then, followed by Oscar, Zihark, Gatrie, and Shinon. The forces hit with a clash of steel, and Soren was awed by how the Daein army came to an almost direct halt.

He didn't delay for long though, whipping up a fierce wind and sending it forward. The wind was strong enough to send some of the foot soldiers flying, and he followed up with several bolts of lightning, ignoring the pain in his chest as he did so. The mercenaries were already falling back, despite their initial strength, and the remainder of their forces hiding in the forest had already broken in, splitting the Daein army in half.

Slowly though, they began to lose ground, falling back as the army continued to push, Angyd at the head. Soren sprang back as an arrow cut through the air, sending back a blast of air as rebuttal. As he did so, he noticed Angyd charing through, eyes lighting on Stefan's turned back. The general raised his axe, and with a shout Soren let loose jet of air from his finger tips. The wind cut across the land between them, hitting the man so hard it knocked him free of his horse, and he disappeared among the thrashing of horses.

Soren's heart gave a powerful thud, and he collapsed, vision spinning.

"Soren! Soren! Get up!"

Hands seized his clammy ones, and a rush of power slipped through his veins, jump starting his heart all at once. Xane jerked him to his feet, his own face pale.

"Soren! Looks like you could use some help!"

Soren glanced behind him, surprised to see Sothe and the rest of his crew emerging out of the forest behind them. "I..."

"Don't say another word," Sothe said. "I'll explain later."

He motioned with his hand, and the group plunged into the fray. It wasn't long after that, that the remaining Daein army began to flee, leaving a stranded Angyd moaning in the middle of the bridge, one of his legs broken.

"Should I heal him?" Rhys asked. "I don't know if he can talk beyond the pain."

"A little pain will be good for him," Soren said. "I want information after all. Someone drag him out of there."

In the end, Gatrie and Boyd dragged the screaming man out from beneath several dead soldiers, dropping him before Soren's feet. The wild light in his eyes was still there as he stared at Soren.

"So then. Care to tell us why you've been hunting me down?" Soren asked, glancing around to make sure Sothe and the rest of his group was listening very carefully.

"Why do you think, little King? He knows you're the real one, after all, we have Almedha," Angyd growled.

"Impossible," Colm breathed. "She's dead."

"Did you see her die?" Angyd snapped. "The bitch is in the castle dungeons, rotting. She knows he's alive, started screaming that the real heir was going to take the throne back. Pah. As if the Begnion troops would ever allow that."

"What are you talking about?" Micaiah asked. "Palleas is the heir!"

"Palleas? Don't be ridiculous. He's nothing but a toy." Angyd coughed, blood splattering the ground. "So little King. Go ahead and run. Kaligua will destroy you soon enough."

"Hm. Now that you're out of the way, I won't have much to worry about," Soren said. "Let's go. He can stay here."

(INSERTBREAKHERE)

Sothe convinced Micaiah to fall them to the next village, which was really not much more than a few houses and a small inn. Soren and the rest bought rooms for the night, but seeing as how Sothe didn't do the same, the mage knew that their alliance was short lived. Which is why he was sitting in his room with Stefan, Sothe, and Micaiah to at least attempt talking things out.

"I can't believe you're the right heir to the throne," the female mage said. "It's impossible. Palleas was born here, and he cares about Daein. You don't understand Daein's people."

"But I'm learning," Soren said. "I want your help. I don't want to have to fight with you over this. Tell me, Micaiah, has either army been following after Palleas?"

The silver haired girl paused, frowning as she looked down at her hands. "No but I...I thought that was because we were doing a good job. It is because we're doing a good job!"

"Micaiah...listen to him. He has a good argument. And he cares about the Daein people," Sothe said quietly.

"No. I refuse. Sothe...we're going back to Palleas. Whatever he says, he killed soldiers of Daein, and he fought a war against us. He has no right to the throne now," Micaiah said, getting to her feet.

Soren sighed. "I understand your feelings. I wish you luck, Micaiah, Sothe. Please...don't hold it against me."

"We won't," Sothe said.

And just like that, their temporary allies were gone. But that was not the end of the anger.

"Dammit Soren. Dammit. Do you want to die?" Stefan growled, his voice low as he turned his gaze on the mage. He stood up and turned away from him, as if he couldn't hold in his anger if he looked at him for much longer.

"Stefan, I-" Soren stood, only to have both of his shoulders seized in Stefan's grip.

"I saw what happened to you out there. You almost died. If Xane hadn't been there...you would be dead right now. I can't lose you Soren, do you understand that? You can't leave me alone in this world," Stefan whispered.

"I had to do something," Soren murmured. "He was going to kill you and I-"

"You can't fight anymore. You need to rest," Stefan said. "I'm not going to lose you-"

"And I'm not going to lose you either!" Soren protested. "It can't just work one way."

Stefan sighed, releasing the mage's shoulders. "Let's not talk about this anymore."

"Stefan, we need to...are we really arguing about how much we care about each other?" Soren asked. "How...odd."

The swordmaster shook his head, a small smile on his face. "Just...promise not to do anything stupid like that ever again. Can you do that for me? Please, Soren."

"I promise. I...Stefan...I..."

Stefan moved forward, brushing their noses together. "If you can't say it now, don't. I understand."

"But I do feel that way," Soren said. "I really do. It's just..."

"Shh. It's okay," Stefan said. "We should get some rest."
Soren stepped up onto his tip toes and kissed the tip of the swordmaster's nose. "Yeah alright."

(INSERTBREAKHERE)

Soren woke with a start as he was tossed onto the floor. Moments later, the tip of a sword, its metal glinting in the moonlight, was pressed to his throat.

"Oh, Goddess," Stefan breathed, tossing the sword away. "I thought..."

Soren swallowed thickly, trying to ignore the shaking in his knees as he stood. "Stefan. Are you okay?"

Stefan's eyes were dazed, but when Soren touched his wrist, the gaze turned wild. He grabbed Soren's arm and shoved him into the wall. "You think I'll let you get away with it?"

"What-"

Soren's words were cut off as Stefan grabbed his throat to cut off his air. "Don't pretend you don't know."

The mage clawed at Stefan's hands, trying to ignore the spots beginning to form and dance over his eyes, as Stefan continued to speak, his voice growing louder and louder. The door banged open, and Stefan was knocked to the floor, releasing Soren to fall to the ground, gasping for breath. Ike had thrown Stefan down and had him pinned, but before Soren could say anything, Rhys was picking him up off the floor and guiding him out of the room.

Soren leaned on the healer, unaware that he was crying until the man wiped away his tears away with a piece of cloth. The healer lowered him down onto a bed before lighting a lamp to get a better look at the bruising on the mage's neck.

"Hm, not too bad. I'll give you a vulenary so you don't have any marks in the morning," Rhys said quietly. "Now, what happened?"

Soren accepted the vulenary, trying to think past his now hazy thoughts. "I don't know. He just...attacked me. He was saying something about...I did something and he had to get back at me."

Rhys frowned. "That doesn't sound right. He would never attack you like that. Sounds like he was having a waking dream of a sort. I'll have to go check on him next. Are you going to be okay if I leave you here?"

Soren tensed, clutching at the healer's robes as an uncharacteristic sense of fear ripped through him. "I..."

Rhys gave him a small smile. "It's alright. I understand." The healer moved to sit next to Soren on the bed, wrapping a comforting arm around him. "It's a little shocking to be attacked like that, and we've had a rough couple of days. I understand just fine."

"I can't be like this. I need to get a hold of myself."

"None of that now," Rhys scolded lightly. "You were just assaulted by someone you trust. Anyone would be shaken. Ike is sure to stop by in a moment, and when he does, I'll go check on Stefan. You can stay the night here if you wish."

Soren nodded, arms looping around the healer's neck as he moved closer. The man had always been calming to be around, and there was something about it him that was just so open and willing to listen. He supposed it was because the healer helped people for a living. A knock came at the door and Rhys pulled away to open it, which left Soren feeling exposed and vulnerable. Ike was at his side in a moment, freeing up Rhys to go see just what had happened with the swordmaster.

The mage would've liked to think that he was able to remain somewhat calm in the situation, but he couldn't, flinging himself at Ike and clinging to tightly to the warrior. Ike held him gently, rubbing his back without saying anything. Soren didn't know how long they were like that, but eventually Ike got him back to the bed, slipping the mage's frail body under the covers so that he could fall asleep.

The last thing Soren was aware of, was Ike's hand slipping through his hair.

(INSERTBREAKHERE)

When Soren woke, Rhys was just opening the door, steaming cup in hand. "What time is it?"

"Don't worry about that. Ike's taking care of the preparations." Rhys handed the cup of tea to him as he sat up. "I think now is a good time to tell you what triggered Stefan's actions last night."

Soren sipped at the warm tea. "Go on."

"It was a waking nightmare, a reoccurrence of suppressed memories," Rhys said. "He...is very worried about you. If you are comfortable with it, I can have him speak with you before we head out."

"I think that's a good idea," Soren said, finishing off the tea in one more sip. He hadn't realized he had drunk it down so fast, but Rhys smiled and took it from him as he headed out the door.

Stefan slipped inside, eyes downcast as he shut the door. Soren rose to his feet and approached the swordmaster, frowning when he backed up a step only to find the door. "I'm sorry, Soren. I...I haven't had a dream like that in a long time. I thought they were gone."

"Don't worry," Soren murmured. "It's...we all have our secrets, and we all have memories we don't want to share. I am just sorry that yours would do this to you."

"I could've killed you last night," Stefan said, still refusing to look at the mage. "I think it would be better if you stayed away from me for awhile. For your own safety."

"No. That's not going to happen. You aren't going to run away from this," Soren said firmly. "I don't want you tell me all of your secrets. Nothing like that. I'm not going to ask you to do something that makes you uncomfortable. But I will not let you push me away either. If you want me help facing-"

"I've already faced these memories down," Stefan bit out. "This was just a fluke."

Soren finally placed a hand on the man's arm, ignoring the way Stefan tensed. "So let me in. I'm not going to abandon you. No matter what happened to you in the past...I won't leave you. If you're afraid that I am, put the thought from your mind. I would never leave you for something you couldn't control."

"I won't let you leave me, because I'm not going to tell you," Stefan growled.

"What? Do you want me to be angry and demand that you tell me? Because I won't do that," Soren said. "I'm not going to give you an excuse to push me away. I'm here if you want to talk about it, and I'm not scared of you."

"I saw your face. I saw how scared you were last night, but I couldn't stop myself. Next time, I might not be able to stop at all. Next time, you might not be able to get away," Stefan whispered, pressing his forehead to Soren's, eyes closed. "I can't risk that."

"Thought you said it was a fluke," Soren murmured, brushing his thumbs over the man's cheekbones as he cradled his face in his hands. "If it wasn't...I'm here to help. Just ask."

Stefan buried his face in Soren's neck, breathing deeply, shoulders shaking. Soren held him tight and didn't say anything. Eventually, the swordmaster pulled away, an uneasy smile on his face. "I don't know if I'm ready to ask yet."

"That's okay. I can wait," Soren replied. "Just promise that you won't push me away."

"Promise," Stefan said as their hands twined together.

Soren leaned up and kissed him. "We should get going."

Stefan nodded his agreement, but kissed him again, slipping his tongue languidly into the mage's mouth to taste him. Soren relaxed into the kiss, letting the swordmaster erase the pain he had caused with his gentle touch. After a moment, they pulled back, both a little flushed. "Okay. Let's go."

(INSERTBREAKHERE)

Soren was able to walk more that day, his strength returning in small increments, especially thanks to the boost Xane had given him the other day. Rhys informed him that his body was back to producing more magical power for him to use too. Surprisingly, they got through the day with no mishaps.

When they stopped at a small town, Zihark and Jill had gone out to the local pub to start the rumor mill going about the new King, just enough to generate a buzz. Soren didn't want to make a spectacle at every town they stopped at. It was better if he only did that when he had to; like when Begnion troops were on every street corner waving their swords around. But in a more or less peaceful enough town, there was no point in causing a commotion.

The trouble didn't happen until after they had settled in for the night at the inn. Soren had just been moving to the bed to sleep while Stefan finished locking his sword in the dresser, just to be on the safe side, when an impatient knock came at the door. They exchanged puzzled glances as Soren walked over and opened the door.

"Ike?"

"Are you stupid, Soren, or just stubborn?" Ike demanded. "You can't stay in the same room as him. It's dangerous."

"Ike, I'm going to be fine-"

"You had a panic attack last night. You almost died."

"We've taken the necessary precautions to make sure Soren doesn't come to anymore harm," Stefan said, his tone pleasant.

"You could easily overpower him, with or without a sword, you know that!" Ike snapped.

"I won't hesitate to defend myself. Ike, please leave. This isn't something you should concern yourself with," Soren cut in.

"No? I'm just looking out for your well being since you can't seem to do it for yourself," Ike said.

"Are you implying I can't make my own decisions?"

"Not well."

"You need to leave," Stefan said, the patient note in his voice leaving.

"Making his choices for him again, I see."

"No different from you. I think you're just angry he isn't obeying you anymore. Soren does have a mind of his own. You should know. He won you battles, after all," Stefan countered.

"Leave, Ike. I won't ask again," Soren said.

Ike was gone before Soren could respond, leaving him to stare at the now closed door. Soren could see that it would need to be repaired soon. There were cracks and splinters in the wood, and no doubt countless others swimming beneath the surface. With a hard enough push, it would probably crumble and fall.

"I'm sorry," Soren said, turning to face the swordmaster. "Ike has been acting...well, not himself lately. He normally isn't that rude. But you know that."

Stefan waved his hand in dismissal. "He's having issues of his own. He'll adjust."

"Thank you though. For standing up for me. I appreciate it," Soren said, removing his outer robes and moving to lay them on top of a chair.

"I couldn't let him say those things. You are stronger than he gives you credit for/ It doesn't help that he's feeling bitter."

"Bitter?"

Stefan crooked an eyebrow. "He's upset you didn't wait for him."

"I guess...it isn't surprising, I was rather dependent on him," Soren realized with a frown. "I can see how he wouldn't be used to me being more...well, like him."

"A lot can change in a few months time," Stefan said.

"Feels like more," Soren said as he crawled into bed, holding the covers open for the other.

Stefan finished disrobing down to his underclothes and slipped in beside him. "Sleep well, little one."

(INSERTBREAKHERE)

"We have failed at every turn."

"So perhaps you should call in some reinforcements."

"And let the King know I failed? Yeah, I'll pass."

"Then what are you going to do?"

"Kill him. By myself."

"You're mad. But be my guest. I would love to see the King's reaction when he hears you died doing something so foolish."

"I think his reaction when I bring that brat's head on a spike to his doorstep will be even better."

"You are much too full of yourself."

"Maybe, but being timid was never my strong suit."

(INSERTBREAKHERE)

Soren ignored Ike the next morning, busying himself with the task of making sure that everyone was on time and ready to move. As he headed out the door, Zihark intercepted him.

"Hey. Haar is on the move. He's bringing in a few reinforcements, according to Jill. I think we could do with the company," Zihark said. "From what it looks like, he's bringing a few pegasus knights he's friends with, Ulki, Janaff, Lethe, Reyson, and Naesala himself. Quite a crowd."

Soren tried to keep his surprise hidden. "The Kilvas King is coming? I wonder what his motive is," Soren mused.

Zihark offered him a rare smile. "I was just about to mention that. I would stay on our guard. He's undoubtedly going to ask for some outrageous sum of money in return, so it would be better if you asked him upfront what he wanted for payment."

Soren nodded his agreement. "Thank you, Zihark. Do we know when they'll be in?"

"Probably by late this afternoon. Jill's wyvern is back, so she can take to the skies and let us know when they're approaching," Zihark said.

"Good idea. Thank you for all the help you've given. Send my regards to Jill as well," Soren said.

"No need to thank us. We love Daein. We'll do anything to see her restored," Zihark said, his light hearted manner disappearing. "We won't leave your side."

Soren blinked. "I..."

"If you say thank you again, I might have to hit you," Zihark said. "I'll talk to you soon."

Soren nodded, a bemused expression on his face. An arm wrapped around his waist suddenly, and lips pressed into his hair. "Stefan?"

"Good morning. You were up and around so fast this morning I didn't get to say anything," Stefan said. He moved around so he could face Soren. "Are you feeling alright today?"

"Better than I have in awhile. I should be able to walk just fine," Soren said.

"Good, good. I was eavesdropping on your conversation, so no need to fill me in. Well, shall we get moving?"

The nearest city was a day and a half away. It was going to be one of the places Soren planned on stopping for a longer period of time, now that they could afford to spend time in one area longer than a day. He wanted to address the people's concerns and do what he could to help them. Granted, he didn't have a lot of gold or food to spare, but he was sure he could do something. He smirked a little at the thought. When he had been going through this area with the Greil Mercenaries all those years ago, he had shouted at Ike for being so compassionate for their enemy, and now, he was doing just that.

"Soren!"

Soren looked up at the shout as Jill descended rapidly. "What is it?"

"I found this man a little further back. He's in terrible shape," she said.

Soren glanced at Oscar, who quickly called a halt to their movements so he could get a good look at the man Jill had brought down. She hopped off her wyvern's neck, then pulled the man down and stretched him across the ground. It felt a little as though he had been punched in the stomach as he looked down and saw who it was.

Meidan was lying on the ground, and from what he could see, unconscious. Blood matted his hair and stained his ripped clothes, but Soren couldn't exactly pinpoint the wound that caused it. Before he could say anything, Colm had brushed past him, non-chalantly drawing a knife as he did so. Stefan lunged forward and held the thief back, even when he started to struggle in earnest.

"He should be dead! Dirty traitor! Let me finish the job!"

"I have to agree with him," Xane murmured from beside him. "He's a terrible person Soren. We can't allow him to live."

"I want information," Soren said firmly. "Anything would be useful at this point."

Meidan's sprawled figure spasmed once and his eyes flickered, hazy and dazed as they opened fully. He turned his head, dull surprise registering in his gaze as he found Soren. "Soren? You're...alive..."

"A surprise, huh? Seeing as how you sent the goddess-damned wyvern lords on us!" Colm shouted.

"Enough," Soren said harshly. "Boyd, restrain him somewhere until we settle down for the night. I'm not going to deal with him right now. Colm, if you can't handle yourself, I'll have you restrained too."

Colm glanced away but relaxed. Stefan released him. "Sorry."

"Let's keep going. I want to find somewhere decent for the night," Soren said.

(INSERTBREAKHERE)

That night, Soren went to the tent where they were holding Meidan prisoner. Despite Stefan and Ike's words of protest, he insisted that he speak to the Branded alone, knowing that if he was going to get anything out of Meidan, it wouldn't be with the threat of two angry looking fighters standing above him.

Meidan's arms were bound behind his back and he sat cross-legged on the floor, gnawing on his lower lip and refusing to meet Soren's gaze. Soren sat down across from him, keeping his posture as relaxed as possible.

"I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. Tell me what happened. Did you betray our position to Daein?" he asked quietly.

"I couldn't help it! You don't understand..."

"I'm willing to listen though."

Meidan was silent for a moment. Rhys had healed his wounds earlier, but his clothes were still ragged and torn, making him look rather helpless. "They caught me awhile ago. They knew that one of Ashnard's sons was Branded, and they knew that I lived with the colony in Grann Desert. They said that I had to keep an eye out for someone of dragon heritage, otherwise they would...they would kill everyone there. I didn't want everyone to have to pay for one person. I thought that I was doing the right thing, turning over one person for the good of us all. I didn't know that...that they would send an entire troop like that after you. When I found out, I ran away. They tracked me this far, and attacked. I managed to slip away again, but then I passed out from blood loss. I thought I was going to die..."

Soren tried to keep a clear head. He felt, for some reason, sympathy for the other. He was tempted to believe him, to forgive him, and welcome him. His gaze sharpened when he noticed that there was a loose piece of rope on the floor, it's edges frayed.

"Meidan...I think you're lying to me," Soren said quietly, gaze sliding over to the other side of the Branded. There, another frayed piece of rope laid.

A feral grin broke out over the other's face. "That obvious was I?"

Before Soren could so much as blink, Meidan had lunged across the distance that separated them, hands wrapping tight around his throat. "Did you think simple ropes would hold me? Are you that dumb? I'm not going to fail now, not when I have you right here. You're a dead man, Soren. When I return to the capitol, I'll be hailed as a hero!"

Soren's vision flashed as Meidan slammed his head into the ground. "Mei-"

"Shut up! You spoiled little wretch! You've never worked an honest day in your life, have you? Everything's just handed to you on a fucking golden platter, isn't it? A loyal troop, Stefan's love, royalty. You didn't have to work for any of it!"

His head hit the ground again, and he sputtered for breath, his lungs constricting as he flailed his legs. It was no use; Meidan had him thoroughly pinned. "Goodbye, Soren."

Once more, his head was slammed against the ground, and this time when his vision flashed, it never refocused. He was lost to the darkness.