Chapter 32
Lance was tired to his bones from the long ride but he was well aware Carmia was in worse shape. He was grateful the Circle had ordered them to report in to this camp, set back from the fighting to get some rest and to get checked over by a Healer.
He'd spent the last two months on the front, most of the time actually behind enemy line fruitlessly searching for the Karsite guerillas that had been nibbling at the Valdemaran defenses since spring. Both he and Carmia were drawn as tight as harp wires.
The guerillas would attack then quickly retreat back into Karse. Ever since Afiona caught their little band sent to cause murder and mayhem in Valdemar's borders they had been keeping their time actually on Valdemaran land to a minimum, which made Lance's job more difficult. Lance's superiors suspected they were in fact Karsite regulars because every time they got back to their side of the front they were impossible to find. They had not yet found a single man for Afiona to Watch that was included in every single one of the multiple attacks.
Lance banished the grim thoughts of the fruitless chase from his mind and thought of their brief break from hide and go seek. Perhaps there would even be a letter from Afiona waiting for them. He hadn't spoken to her since before he started this latest assignment and it had been longer since her last letter. He knew it was probably because she was busy with her duties but doubt kept gnawing at the corner of his mind that she had found someone else who was closer, perhaps a fellow Healer.
:I can smell the camp, we're nearly there.: Carmia informed him. :We have to cross the river.:
Lance wiped his brow with his sleeve. :Perhaps we should stop to cool off before we report in.:
:Good idea. Might be a couple candlemarks before you can get away to wash the dust of the road off.: Carmia agreed. :Besides, you should put your uniform to rights before you ride into the camp.:
Lance looked down at his uniform, his tunic was tied behind the saddle, as were his boots. The ties at the neck of his shirt were undone in a desperate attempt to cool off. :Or at least put my boots back on.:
:At least.: Carmia agreed. :Can you hear the river?:
Lance listened carefully and heard the river gurgling. "Sounds close. We'd probably see it if not for the trees."
They had chosen to ride inside a long stretch of forest that curved from down near the last camp he had reported to, to up behind this training camp. The ride was nearly twice as long but the foliage was not as parched and the ground more forgiving for Carmia's tired hooves.
:It might take longer, but it's worth the shade to ride through the forest, don't you think?: Carmia asked as she broke into a easy canter, dodging bushes and branches with ease. Lance barely had time to realize her plot before she slammed into the water sending up a sparkling spray of cool water and soaking them both.
Lance laughed and slid from the saddle. Letting Carmia leisurely cross the slow moving river he ducked under the water and started swimming across. The water was blessedly cool and reviving.
Halfway across Lance could feel someone watching him. Looking around he noticed a Companion stallion on the far bank. Dipping his head in greeting he wandered off past the screen of trees.
:Now everybody should know you're here. A little battered and bruised but still hale and whole.: Carmia said and pushed through the water at a more hurried pace.
Lance absently rubbed his shoulder and the dark bruise there, just one of many he had accumulated in the past months. This one had come from diving off Carmia's back on to the unforgiving ground but a bruise was better than the damage that arrow would have inflicted.
:Hopefully there are some friends to visit with while we're here.: Carmia emerged dripping on the other shore.
Lance stood in the water that came up to his chest and watched her eagerly climb the other shore. :There must be someone here you are eager to see.:
:There is a handsome young stallion I do wish to see so please hurry.: Carmia said with a flick of her tail that sent drops flying at him.
Lance decided against teasing her at the moment, saving his comments for the morning, and followed her out of the water. As expected his saddlebags, which held only one other uniform, were soaked.
"Come on, let's report in, get you checked over, and then we can make the most of our break." Lance suggested as he stepped onto a rock and from there onto the grassy bank.
Carmia's step was obviously lighter as she led the way to the large, dark barn.
"Lance, heard you were coming in." Herald Tashir hailed him as he walked towards them with a towel over one shoulder.
"Hey, heard you were down here with us other moving targets." Lance greeted him. "Have you heard from your cousin?"
"Yes, she's busy but that's to be expected. Nico is being quite a handful. I believe there is a letter or something kicking around here for you." Tashir said with a knowing grin.
"I hope so." Lance said sincerely.
"Lance!" A familiar and completely unexpected voice called to him.
Turning he saw Afiona running towards him. "Afiona?" He said in disbelief.
"Oh gods, I can't believe you're here." Afiona said as she reached him and wrapped her arms around his neck.
Instinctively, still recovering from the surprise of seeing her here, he wrapped his arms around here. She surprised him further by pulling his head down and kissing him. At the same time he Felt the gentle brush of her mind against his. He pulled her tighter against his body.
:Mama-Afi!: Nico's voice interrupted the pair, causing them to pull apart enough that Afiona could turn to see Nico come barreling out of the stable with something gray attached to his tail.
:Oh my, he's grown.: Carmia commented with almost awe.
Nico slid to a stop in front of Afiona. Lance could see the gray object was a cat that was holding onto the colt's tail for dear life. Afiona chuckled and gently disengaged the cat from Nico's tail. Almost instantly the cat relaxed and start purring. Nico, free from his attacker, finally turned his attention to the new comers.
:Mama-Afi! Lance and Grandma are here!: He said, practically bouncing in excitement before he rushed forward to greet them. Afiona stepped back to let Nico greet his grandmother and Lance with his usual exuberance.
Lance scratched Nico's ears and commented on how big he was getting before he slipped over to Afiona again. Afiona put the cat down and clasped her hands in front of her.
"I missed you." She said unnecessarily.
"Do you forgive me?" He asked.
Afiona frowned in confusion. "For what?"
"For scaring you when I was leaving." Lance reminded her.
Afiona laughed and stepped forward to wrap her arms around him and rest her cheek on his shoulder. "I never blamed you. That was a bad day."
"Good." Lance said, holding her close, hoping she wasn't just happy to see him.
"Why are you all wet?" Afiona asked finally.
"Carmia and I took a short cut through the river. She knew you were here, didn't she?" Lance asked suspiciously.
"I imagine she did." Afiona admitted. "Why don't we get Carmia unsaddled so she can spend some time with Nico? Then we can find some place for you to sleep."
"Any suggestions?" He asked hopefully.
Afiona's cheeks became tinged with pink. "I'd suggest my cabin, but I'm afraid Nico still insists on sleeping near me."
"So no privacy?" Lance said with a sigh.
"Precisely." Afiona nodded.
"I'm certain we can manage something." He whispered in her ear.
Afiona stood on her toes and kissed him again. "I'm sure we can find a few hours just for us." She said in a soft whisper.
"I better find a tent and get some new uniforms. Where can I find you later?" Lance reluctantly drew away.
"I'm over at the Healers tent during the day. Any of the Healers or Heralds should be able to locate me." Afiona informed him. "And I want you in my office before sundown."
Lance grinned wickedly.
"To take a look at that shoulder." Afiona clarified. "Trust me, there is no privacy in my office either. I have to get going. Some injured just arrived and Shain can only cover for me for so long."
Afiona squeezed his hand and hurried away.
"Gods, you should've seen your face." Tashir commented.
"Definitely worthy of being made into a song." Medren laughed.
Turning Lance saw the Herald and Bard that had paused to watch him and Afiona. Considering both of these men had threatened him on Afiona's behalf teasing was better than what he was expecting from seeing them again.
"Turning into a pair of voyeurs?" He asked uncomfortably.
Tashir laughed and shook his head. "We were just curious what your expression would be. And how Afiona would react to you, of course."
"Lance, should have known you'd show up sooner or later." Mia greeted as Lika slid to a stop between him and the other men. "I just passed Afiona and she looked like she was walking on clouds."
"I have to go unsaddle Carmia and get a tent." Lance gestured to his Companion who was listening avidly to absolutely everything Nico had to say.
Mia slid to the ground. "Let's see, there are a few empty tents at the moment. I assume you'd like an empty one."
Tashir cleared his throat meaningfully. "I assume you aren't suggesting he requires privacy because of my cousin."
Mia rolled her eyes and Lika whickered in amusement. "What? You still think she's some innocent virgin? You have Medren to thank for relieving her of that status."
"What?" Both men chorused in unison.
"She told you that?" Medren said in disbelief.
"You'd be amazed what we girls talk about." Mia said.
"You slept with Afiona?" Tashir demanded of Medren in a tone that made it quite clear the honest answer was probably not the best one.
Lance wasn't certain whether he should take advantage of the distraction or stay and see what would happen next.
"Come on." Mia ordered, making up his mind for him. "I have a list of empty tents in my tent. I'm certain we can find some nice secluded one while the boys battle it out."
"Thanks for watching out for Afiona while I was gone." Lance said as they made their way to Mia's tent.
"Trust me, it was nothing. When that girl is riled she can take care of herself. Here's a tip, if you do get her mad don't duck, get far, far away." Mia recommended.
"I'm not sure what you mean, but I'll remember that." Lance said.
"You remember hearing about that scouting patrol caught behind Karsite lines? Afiona was the one who got them out." Mia said as she looked around for anyone who could be listening. "She used her Empathy to do it. Blasted them with some memory of hers and the Karsites dropped everything and ran. The Lord Martial thinks it was Tashir who did it but by then he had already passed out. Within days the Karsites had managed to block Tashir too so she hasn't been expected to recreate the attack."
"What does she think of it all?" Lance asked worriedly.
"She's far more practical than other Healers. She did say she's probably left those men with permanent psychic scars and she regrets it, but at least they are alive." Mia said with a hint of the worry that was bothering her. "If the Lord Martial does find out you know what will happen, he'll try and order her to empathically blast another troop and I don't think Afiona would be willing to do it."
Lance nodded worriedly. "What do you think she'd do though? You've been closer to her."
"I'd lay odds she'd go to the front and stop spying for him. The Healers have been giving her grief again so they wouldn't be able to sway her choice. Actually it's been nonstop since that bastard brother of hers got what he deserved." Mia's face darkened but Lance was uncertain whether it was the Healers or Afiona's unlamented brother that caused it. "She's always been torn about sending someone else into battle when she can't go herself. The last time the Council tried to take her off Companion duty she told them to go to hell and that the Companions were her first and primary duty."
"Do they know she can kill long distance?" Lance asked, recalling the Herald she had killed.
"Hell no. They still think the Karsites were responsible." Mia looked extremely sad. "How many have we lost since then? I lost count."
"Twenty-seven." Lance said quietly.
"I don't need to be told the war is going badly." Mia said. "I have a Herald who was Chosen only a year ago in Whites because he can fight. His Gift hasn't even fully manifested yet and odds are it never will. We know what this camp is for; it's to get the children ready to go farther south. Afiona is the oldest Healer here by more than two years. She's doing miracles with those baby healers of hers but she shouldn't have to."
"We've retreated too far already." Lance informed her. "I'd say by the time the leaves on the trees start to change it will be decided one way or another."
~ * ~
"Hey, Mama-Afi?" Shain called as he poked his head in her tent.
Afiona looked up from her endless lists, this one the supplies they needed badly. "Yes?" She asked, expecting to hear more bad news, like another shipment of necessary supplies had been redirected to another camp.
"I have good news this time." Shain assured her. "That folk remedy of Olgi's actually worked."
"Which one?" Afiona asked in confusion.
"For the sores. She had a poultice they used to use on the pigs back home, remember?" Shain flopped into the seat across from her and propped his heals on the table. "It works like a charm so we have another remedy we can start shipping to the front in exchange for more wounded."
"Wonderful." Afiona said. "Make sure you mention it at supper tonight."
"Why?" Shain asked curiously.
"Because they need their confidence shored up right now. They're losing some of their patients, most for the first time, and at the moment they need to hear we are doing something good." Afiona explained.
"No, I mean why do I say it?" Shain clarified.
Afiona flushed. "I have plans this evening."
Shain's feet dropped to the ground with a soft thud. "Oh? With who?"
Afiona blushed again. To avoid answering she poured herself a cup of water from the bladder at her elbow.
"Ah, someone you love romantically." He said astutely.
"Shain! You aren't supposed to scan others if you are not in a healing situation." Afiona protested.
"Actually, I was taking a shot in the dark." Shain grinned crookedly.
Afiona rolled her eyes in exasperation. Sometime in the last month he decided to like her and she wasn't certain if Shain as a friend was better than Shain as an enemy. He ribbed her constantly and called her Mama-Afi so often half the Healers were mimicking him. "Listen Boy-Healer, my romantic life is none of your concern. I have enough trouble keeping the Bards and the Heralds out of it."
"Speaking of Bards, have you heard that new song from your friend Stef? Quite the tale. Then there is also the one Medren has been singing at least once an evening." Shain commented casually.
"Which ones?" Afiona asked. "The recounts of my brother and father's deaths?"
Shain stared at her.
"Yes, that is my brother Daric killed." Afiona said stiffly.
"Oh, I knew that. I was more stunned about the fact that Medren's song is about your father. I thought it was about your brother too." Shain said in confusion.
"What one are you talking about then?" It was Afiona's turn to be confused.
"Medren's song was about how you single handedly prevented your brother from killing Tashir and were injured in the process. He even sung about your dog, Demon. How you could speak to him and he was your protector." Shain explained. "Some of the other Healers, I think you know who, think you slept with them to get them to write the songs but most have decided that there was more to the story than the surface."
"That's good to hear." Afiona said and leaned back in her chair.
"What really convinced them was that you never tried to win them over." Shain said. "Got them curious so they went and asked the Heralds and the Bards for the real story."
"Afiona?" Lance called. Leaning to the side Afiona could see him peering into the main tent. Her cheeks colored and she straightened her robes
"That must be the lucky man." Shain said, leaning back to see what she was looking at. "A Herald, go figure. I'll see you later."
Afiona stood and walked him to the door where Lance saw her and strode over.
"Afiona, there you are." Lance greeted her with a warm smile and a heated look.
"Be good." Shain said as he walked past Lance. "Talk to you later Mama-Afi."
"What was that about?" Lance asked in confusion.
"Shain's my night supervisor." Afiona said and gestured for him to enter her office. "Nico talks to him when he can't find me."
As soon as Lance entered she untied the tieback on the tent door and closed it, a sign she wasn't to be disturbed unless it was an emergency or Nico, since he didn't understand the concept of privacy.
"Off with the shirt." Afiona ordered, gesturing for him to take a seat.
Lance obediently removed his shirt and tunic and set it on the table. "Your turn."
"Nice try." Afiona laughed and bent over to examine the bruise. "Some tendon damage in there. Do you have to be anywhere for a while?"
"No, I did everything before reporting to you." Lance assured her.
"Good, let's see what we can do about making it so you can shoot a bow again." Afiona's gentle hands were placed over the bruise and he felt a rush of warmth to the area. This type of injury she was very familiar with and she didn't need to trance to deal with.
"I found a tent on the edge of the camp." Lance informed her. "No tentmate."
Afiona blushed and glanced at the door.
"Expecting someone?" Lance asked jealously.
"No. Just expecting to be interrupted." Afiona removed her hands from his shoulder revealing the bruise was now half its previous size.
"That's it? I didn't feel any pain." Lance said in awe.
"I learned how to pain block." Afiona admitted. "Originally it was so I didn't have to drug the wild animals."
"You did it very well. Last time they needed me in a trance to pain block." Lance rotated his shoulder and winced.
"Hey, give it some time." Afiona ordered. "I can't heal it all at once but you should be good in a couple more days."
Lance sat back as she continued examining him.
"You're like one big walking bruise." Afiona observed. "But nothing permanent."
"Are we done now?" He asked.
"Yes. I'll check Carmia tonight or tomorrow but she seemed fine earlier." Afiona handed him back his shirt and tunic.
Lance stood and pulled on his clothing. "I guess I better get going."
"I'll be off in about a candlemark. Perhaps we could have supper." Afiona suggested.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world." Lance assured her. "At your cabin?"
"Sounds good." Afiona agreed.
Lance leaned down to steal a kiss as the tent flap opened.
"Hey, aren't you supposed to be the responsible adult here." Shain teased.
"Shain!" Afiona glared at him.
"There's a door there for a reason." Lance growled.
"Sorry, but we need Afiona." Shain said with absolutely no remorse over the interruption.
Afiona sighed and followed Shain to the main tent.
Lance scowled then sighed and left the tent. At least he would have a chance to be alone with her later and this time she had invited him, which was even better.
~ * ~
Afiona practically staggered into the cabin much later than expected. Lance took one look at her exhausted face and gave up on any amorous events for the night.
"What happened?" He asked worriedly.
"I got a message from the Lord Martial to scout out a particular area then one of our patients took a turn for the worse, then we ran out of viela, which was the last pain killer we had in stock, I have Stef in there now singing for them but he can't last long." Afiona sank onto her bed.
"So, you need pain medications?" He said thoughtfully.
"We are keeping the ones in the worst shape sleeping as much as possible and using willow bark on the rest but we are short clean bandages and cots and everything else too. I already ordered three Heralds to other camps to bring back what they can spare." Afiona patted the blanket next to her and Lance sat next to her. Immediately she leaned against his shoulder.
"Are you usually so tired?" Lance asked.
"No, but usually I don't have to Heal so much." Afiona yawned.
"You're healing people?" Lance asked in surprise. "Other than Heralds I mean. You mentioned you were trying to keep the Heralds in one piece."
"I'm healing pretty much anything that moves lately." Afiona admitted. "More and more animals I have to order put down. Thankfully the Companions are able to do some healing themselves."
Lance pulled her close. "You need to eat," he reminded her.
Afiona chuckled softly. "I thought that was my line."
"I couldn't dig up anything fancy, but it's too hot for that anyway." Lance explained as he fetched the cloth wrapped bundle. "Cheese, bread, some cold ham, but not much else I'm afraid."
"That sounds like plenty." Afiona assured him.
Lance opened the bundle on her lap hoping she would take the hint and eat enough to replenish the energies she spent. "I noticed the Heralds are rather segregated from the others in this camp."
"That's because of me. Some people who can't go to a regular Healer come to me in the night. The Heralds are away from the others so it isn't suspicious that I am off in the middle of nowhere. There is a cellar they can hide in. Currently it's blessedly empty." Afiona explained as she made a sandwich.
"How many have there been through here?" Lance asked, worried that she was stretching herself dangerously thin.
"I can't tell you that. I shouldn't have even told you they were coming here." Afiona frowned pensively. "You are entirely too easy to talk too."
Lance shrugged ant placed and arm around her shoulders to hold her close. "Be careful about how much you take on. You're only human."
Afiona chuckled. "I don't have much choice about how much I take on. I have to follow orders just like you do."
"True." Lance conceded.
"I don't think I can eat another bite." Afiona said and set down her sandwich, which was barely half eaten.
"Eat or I'll go get Shoe-in or whatever his name is." Lance threatened.
"Shain." Afiona corrected. "And don't you dare. I'll eat so long as you stay right here."
Lance laughed. "Sounds like a good deal. It's different having you actually here."
Afiona nodded. "For one you are a lot more guarded with your expressions."
"I am not." Lance protested.
"You are. When you couldn't see me you often acted like I couldn't see you. Right now you are acting like nothing is bothering you but you're disappointed about something." Afiona pointed out.
Lance started to protest that she was way off when he recalled she was an empath. "I'm a little disappointed you're tired, that's all."
Afiona smiled and shifted so she was straddling his lap. He stared at her in surprise. "I'm feeling much more…energetic already."
~ * ~
Lance woke when the thin blanket covering him and Afiona was yanked off. Bolting upright Lance found himself face to face with the last thing he wanted to see.
Nico.
Afiona shrieked and hauled up her blankets up to her chin. "Nico! What are you doing here?"
:I sleep with Mama-Afi too.: Nico said innocently as he lowered himself on Afiona's other side. :Lance want a story?:
Lance looked at Afiona then at the Companion. "I think it's better to sleep." He suggested wryly.
Nico looked disappointed and Afiona gave Lance an apologetic look. :Sorry.:
:They say that you don't get much time with a Healer but what you do get is worth it.: Lance told her and kissed the base of her neck affectionately.
Nico's head shot up and he stared at the pair of them. :What's that?:
:He's an empath. He wants to know what we're feeling.: Afiona explained. :Daric, your son!:
:Huh?: Daric said sleepily as his head appeared in the open doorway. :Oh, Nico.: He sighed. :Mama-Afi wants some time with just Lance right now. She missed him remember?:
Nico sighed and lurched to his feet. :But I want Mama-Afi to tell a story!:
:If you let her sleep now she can get up early and go for a swim with you.: Daric pointed out.
Nico's ears pricked up and he hurried out the door. Daric carefully pulled it shut behind him.
Afiona was still flushed a brilliant pink. "Sorry."
"I understand." Lance said and lay back down. "At least it wasn't earlier."
Afiona turned and even brighter shade of red.
Lance brushed a curl away from her face. "Are you going back to sleep?"
"Days start early for me." Afiona said as she settled on the thin mattress again.
Lance resigned himself to leaving when Afiona curled against his side with her head on his shoulder.
"Don't worry, I don't expect anyone to keep the hours I do, I'll try not to wake you." Afiona said with a yawn as her eyes closed.
Lance liked the feel of her there, after courting a ghost for months he finally had the flesh and blood woman in his arms. Picking up the charm that still hung around her neck he studied the hunting charm hanging there. The two dogs captured mid pursuit had lost some of their detail, probably from much rubbing. He was glad Afiona had found some comfort in the gift. His fingers encountered an unexpected lump on the back prompting him to turn it over to reveal the charm he had sent for her. He was beyond pleased to find she had kept it so close to her heart.