Chapter 82: You Are My Home
(Eret's POV)
It's been about ten minutes since Becky was taken by Drago for who knows how long. I don't know how Drago knew about Becky and me getting together, but I bet Drago has eyes everywhere. I've just been staring out at the horizon, at Drago's ship, not knowing when or even if I'll see her again.
"Eret? We must move on to find the next batch of dragons." No-Name tells me.
"I can't just leave her with him! She's the love of my life, I'm sure of it!"
"But she may stay longer if our quota isn't met. It's best if we move on and find dragons. She'll be okay, Eret."
"You don't know that, No-Name. Gods, I'm so worried about her. What if he's torturing her?"
"We may never know what's occurring between her and Drago...so it's best if we just move on and find dragons to fill our quota." No-Name says again.
Thinking back to what No-Name said about Becky staying longer if our quota isn't met, I nod. It would be best if we set sail to find our next batch of dragons, even if that means going further away from the love of my life.
~.~
I sleep restlessly that night, my mind playing games with me...my dreams of Becky turn to nightmares of Drago torturing her...raping her, even. I bolt up in bed, calling out for her.
I really hope my nightmares aren't really happening to her.
I'd give anything to take her away from that monster.
~.~
It's been over a year since that first day of Becky and I being apart for ten months...and it's been about two hours since we learned we had a miscarriage.
I've just been laying in the bed in Gothi's hut, holding my wife.
"Eret?" Becky turns to face me.
"Hi. How are you feeling, love?" I ask, looking at my wife with nothing but love and concern in my eyes.
"I guess I'm okay for right now. Eret, can I ask you something?"
"Of course, love. Anything."
"You don't blame me, do you?"
"What? Of course not, my darling. I could never, would never, and will never blame you for this, my love. Why?"
"He...Drago...he told me it was my fault that my son died...that I shouldn't have gotten pregnant. As if I had any control over that."
"Oh, love. He was wrong – so, so wrong! It never has been and never will be your fault that our son died. Drago is – was – a madman without conscience or mercy. And nothing and no one could ever really defeat a madman like that...not by themselves, at least."
"Really?"
"Really. Are you okay, my love?"
"I'm tired."
"Try to go back to sleep. Don't worry. I won't leave you for even a second. I promise you."
"Eret?"
"Yes, darling?"
"I just want you to know that I love you so much...and you are my home."
"I love you, too, my darling. You are my home as well."
Satisfied with my answer, Becky snuggles up against me, and, despite everything, a small smile creeps onto her face.
I kiss my true love's forehead as she drifts back to sleep.
I can't help but wonder what would have happened if Drago hadn't killed our son.
We may never know.
