Days of Peace

Disclaimer: All characters and locations herein are the property of Tamora Pierce. Plot and actual written words owned by me.

"It's a matter of trust, really," said Buri.

Mallory's Peak was a small woodland fief not far from the border with Tusaine. Its winters were filled with blistering cold and near-isolation, but in the summer the meadows and woods were a paradise of birdsong and wild berries. For Raoul it was a haven away from court and family, a place to be alone. This summer, he invited Buri to join him. When she agreed, she'd treasured the thought of spending some time alone with him. Within a week she was in love again.

"Not just trust," disagreed Raoul. "I trust Kel completely, I know she has the best of intentions, not to mention talent, brains, skill, and courage."

"Then what's stopping you?" asked Buri. "I know you want her for the job, you've known she was right for it since she was a page."

He scratched his curly head and shrugged.

"We've fought all our lives, Raoul," said Buri softly. "I want rest, and quiet. I want to sleep late and pick berries all summer. I want to hang my weapons over the mantlepiece and tell extravagant tales of my days of bravery. And I want to do all that with you."

"I know," replied Raoul. "I just can't help but feel my work isn't finished."

"The king can only abdicate when he has an heir?" Her voice was dry. "I have Evin, a wonderful Rider whom I trust with all of my heart and soul. He's ready for the job, and he deserves it. I'd never even consider unstringing my bow if I thought I was abandoning my post. I'm not. You're not."

"Evin has been in service for over a decade," said Raoul with a sigh. "I met him. He's an experienced commander and ripe for responsibility. I just can't believe Kel is ready for that, yet."

"When do you think she will be?"

He was earnest. "I don't know. Some day. I'll know when."

"I'm not waiting for you," retorted Buri. "This rest is well earned and I'm taking it now. Two weeks from now I return to the field. I'm attaching Evin's group to mine, and we'll start passing responsibilities one by one. We should complete the transfer by this time next year. Evin will be commander, and Group Askew will stay with Qina."

"This is not a myth you're chasing," Raoul promised. "I do want to retire with you, and I will. Some day, Kel will be Knight Commander, and you and I can spend every summer right here, eating blueberry pie and telling our godchildren tales of valor and chivalry."

Placated, Buri settled back and let him wrap his arms around her. "You can keep your chivalry, dear," she informed him. "Leave the valor to me."