Part 2 of the Epilogue... This is like a stepping stone to the prologue of the sequel. The prologue will be the first chapter of the sequel, which will be started very soon.
Thanks for the comments and the reviews, please keep them coming.
Enjoy!
It wasn't the deep throated thrum that caught Fell's attention. It was the slithering hiss of splitting air around him. Fell's Deputy, only yards away and staring death in the face was out of Fell's reach.
The Cult member that hovered near the stricken Shadow started to raise his sword. The broken and battered form before him was still stunned from her pain that lanced through her left side.
Harlem, the dungeon guard, smiled a smile twisted and ravaged by his malevolence.
"I will remember how you scream," he said to Strider.
And he did.
Gilan broke his pace and slowed; there was no way they would make it in time to fend off the guard that loomed nearby Strider. He stopped and slung the long bow off his shoulder.
The bowstring from his belt felt oily in his hands as he levered the long bow around him and slipped the string into a small cut in the wood. He didn't waste any time testing the draw weight, he'd loosed a thousand arrows and strung a hundred bows, and he was fairly sure that he hadn't the time for all that. Gilan drew an arrow from his quiver and nocked it to the string with practiced precision.
The gleaming broad head was trained on Harlem's lower right side. The Cult was facing the wall parallel to Gilan, making it hard for the Ranger to get a clean killing shot. Instead he went for the most painful wound, which might well result in the death of the Cult. If it didn't there was a quiver full of arrows at Gilan's shoulder that guaranteed the downfall of the Cult member, and even then there was always Fell who might reach the man first.
For the briefest of moment's Gilan was completely confident that Strider would be fine, that the Cult member leering over her would never take another step. That's when it hit him, or hissed past him to be more accurate.
The swordsman swung his sword at Gilan with all the intention of severing the Ranger's head from his shoulders. Gilan dropped and rolled as the silver blade whisked by over him, missing him by mere inches. Then years of training took their hold in his mind and his instincts flared to life.
Gilan struck out with a leg sweep, knocking the swordsman from his feet. The Ranger dropped his bow and rolled to his feet, unsheathing his sword in one swift movement. His opponent was on his feet a moment later.
Their blades met with an ear shattering clash of steel. Thinking of the limited amount of time that Strider had left made Gilan fight all the harder. He went on the offence, reigning blows down against his opponent with fierce vehemence. His attacker was well enough off with his own blade. So far his ragged guard had done him well, and Gilan's sword hadn't slipped past to take his life, yet.
The Cult thought that maybe he could land a lucky hit, and he swung his sword in a sloppy thrust at Gilan. The Ranger knocked his opponent's blade away with a languid stroke. He followed it up with a lightning fast swish of his sword, the tip of his blade dug into the Cult member's side and Gilan dragged the blade across the man's body and to his shoulder.
The man let out a cry of pain before crippling to the ground in defeat, doubling over and clutching blindly at his chest.
Gilan cast a look towards Strider, fearing what he might see. The Shadow was still leaning against the wall, but her gaze had shifted from the man who stood over her to Fell and now to Gilan. It looked like something close to a farewell. The Cult raised his sword and Fell was still yards away, out of reach.
Gilan dropped his sword and dove for his bow, his hand wrapped around the familiar wood and he groped for the arrow he'd dropped. He nocked the arrow to the string from where kneeled. In one swift motion Gilan had sighted his target and drawn and now loosed his arrow.
It flew straight and true, but in its path stood Fell.
"Fell, look out!"
Strider's shout carried to him easily, and then the familiar hissing of an arrow in flight filled his ears. Fell dropped to the ground instantly, but not in time. The razor edged arrow head grazed his shoulder and a warm trickle of blood spilled down his arm. But the arrow soared on, only slowed by Fell's encounter.
The leader looked up in time to see the Cult member scream his rage and pain. The sword he held dropped from his hands as he clutched at his side. He ripped the arrow embedded in his side free with a grunt of pain. Because of the light leather armor the man was wearing and the arrows disturbed flight it hadn't dug very deep into him. As painful as the wound was it wasn't serious, and he went to draw his dagger to finish what he'd started.
Fell and Gilan saw this and both were in motion again. Gilan had another arrow drawn and ready to be loosed, and Fell was on his feet again, this time staying along the wall and out of Gilan's way. They never had to move.
Strider lunged for the sword the Cult member had dropped. Despite the throbbing ache in her side she moved swiftly, wincing with every twitch of movement. Her hand closed around the hilt of the sword just as the man snatched hold of Strider's collar and yanked her to her feet. Struggling against the man's hold was futile, but escaping the death grip wasn't Strider's intent.
Escaping her twisted fate was.
The sword in her hand became a silvery snake as she lowered the blade so that it was level with her waist and then thrust it forward vehemently. The blade slid beneath the dagger that was poised to take Strider's life and through a gap in the Cults' ribs. Just as quick as Strider had attacked with the sword she drew it back and staggered away from the dying Cult member. He collapsed and remained very still.
One hand dropped back to Strider's left side, the pain there had suddenly become real again. She dropped the sword as her knees buckled beneath her and her vision swirled. The ground seemed to rush up to Strider with alarming speed. Then someone was hovering over her, eyes as green as emeralds showed their worry. Luckily Strider's sense hadn't yet abandoned her.
"I'm alright," She muttered, her voice a dry croak.
Fell's gaze shifted to Strider's side, one of her pale hands was pressed there as if to stop the waves of pain. His expression changed to one of muted horror before her eyes. Strider smiled wryly at him in an attempt to smooth his worries.
"They're only broken bones," she rasped in a whispery soft voice.
Around them the battle was beginning to break up, taken by surprise the Cult's small force had been brought to their knees before the Araluens and the Shadows. Now the remaining Cult members were being bound and gagged and placed under guard. Out of the Araluen and Shadows force the wounded were being weeded out and tended to, and Gilan reclaimed his sword and slung his long bow over one shoulder as he made his way to where Fell was crouched beside Strider.
Gilan knelt beside Fell and unclipped his flask from his belt and passed it to a weary Strider. She smiled her thanks before taking a long draft. Imprisonment hadn't been good to her, they were given little food and even less water to share amongst six Shadows. The clean water cleared Strider's mind.
"There are more Shadows, in the cellar in the farthest cell."
Gilan nodded and met Fell's gaze, "I'll go help them," and the Ranger rose and headed off to greet the remaining Shadows.
"Can you stand?" Fell asked his Deputy.
"I think so."
Fell helped his Deputy to her feet, lending her one of his strong shoulders. Fell kept one gentle arm around her in case she stumbled or fell and whispered softly to her, keeping her mind off of the roaring pain in her side. Each breath Strider took was a rasping choke; it seemed as if no matter how many breaths she drew in there wasn't enough air to fill her lungs.
They slipped inside one of the barrack buildings and found themselves in a narrow hall with many doors leading off into separate rooms. Many of them were closed; the ones that were open allowed them an unobstructed view of soldier's dwellings.
An earth shattering scream rang out clearly from further down the hall. A maid burst from one of the open rooms, a petrified look consuming her now paled features. Strider slipped from Fell's hold, hazel eyes blazing. Fell started forward, making sure his Deputy could stand on her own.
"I'll be fine."
A man moved into the hall, a naked sword in one hand, a rage filled expression on his face. He brandished the long sword in one hand and moved for the maid. Fell moved between the two of them, a long knife in each hand. Strider took the maid's hand and began to pull her away quickly.
The man was clearly a Cult member; the crimson sun insignia on his tunic confirmed it. He struck out at Fell with all the intention of murdering the Leader, but his cuts were sloppy and had little strategy to them. It would be a short lived fight. Fell was quick and blocked the first strike with crossed blades. The second cut aimed at his side he deflected, the swords razor edge sliding harmlessly past him. He dropped his shoulder and slammed it into his opponent's chest.
The air gusted from the man's lungs and he slammed into the stone wall that flanked him. Fell reversed the knife he held in his right hand and dealt a devastating left hook to his opponent. The Cult member slumped to the floor.
His fight forgotten, Fell moved back to his Deputy and the maid. The maid was astonished and she stared at Fell wide eyed. She sobbed at frantic thanks to him, and he nodded his assent.
"Are the both of you alright?"
The maid murmured what passed for a yes, and Fell turned his gaze to Strider.
"I'm alright," She managed to say, but she was swaying unsteadily on her feet. In an attempt to draw the young maid out of the face of danger Strider jostled her side sorely, and now she was panting for only wisps of air. As if in anger of her movement a blinding twinge of pain ripped through her, it brought Strider crippling to the floor once more.
Fell caught her and immediately regretted it as his hands disturbed Strider's broken bones in her side.
"I'm sorry." He said softly, his voice whispery soft and soothing. As carefully as he could he'd brought Strider's head to rest on his left shoulder, her right side curled against him. One pale and bruised hand clutched at his tunic, twisted into the fabric.
"s'okay."
Now the maid leaned over them, she crouched on her haunches and gently laid a hand on Strider's forehead with a fearful glance at Fell. The Leader's gaze was trained only on Strider.
"She's feverish, I-I could help her, if you'd like me to."
For the first time Fell spared a look for the maid he'd saved. She was middle aged, with dark hair shot through with wisps of gray that was held back from her face with a square piece of cloth. Her face was creased with worry, and her eyebrows were pulled together over her dark eyes.
"Please, I would be overwhelmingly grateful if you did." Fell's soft green gaze seemed to reassure the maid of his kindness, and she rose to her feet abruptly.
"Follow me. She'll need a to place to rest, and she'll need to be seen to by a physician."
Gingerly Fell slipped his arms underneath his Deputy and lifted her delicately. She made a sound of protest, but her words were muffled against Fell's shoulder and he carried her anyways, brushing aside her displeasure. Fell was painfully away of the labored breathing of his Deputy.
The maid led them farther down the hall and to one of the many closed doors there. She opened the door and ushered Fell inside. The Shadow complied and found himself in a small room made entirely of stone. Small wood furnishings held places among the room, a round table to his left with chairs to match was nestled into one corner. A bed was on the far side of the room, a foot or so of space between it and the adjacent wall. A hearth was across from the bed, carved into the stone and currently unlit.
A closed door held a place in the stone wall ahead of Fell. For the time being he ignored it and settled his Deputy into one of the hand carved chairs. The maid moved to the second door and disappeared inside, when she returned she was holding a folded white cloth and a small pail of water.
Distractedly Fell moved to the hearth and drew his flint from a pouch on his belt. He struck up a small fire and let the blaze warm the room while the maid tended to Strider. It seemed as if all the fight Strider had left abandoned her, she was out cold in a matter of minutes.
Helen, the maid, nudged Fell from the room and told him to bring clean clothes and something for his Deputy to eat. Reluctantly Fell did as he was told, knowing that he would be denied the chance to see his Deputy until the maid's requests were filled.
Gilan led the Shadows from their dark prison and into the moon lit clearing of the Fort. The wounded were being tended to, and the five Shadows joined them, their injuries weren't too easy to tend to however. From broken bones to gaping wounds their ailments were troubling. Gilan spotted Fell slipping back out into the night, and he fell in step with the leader as they made their way to the injured Shadows.
"Fell, I'm sorry about the arrow, I didn't have a lot of time."
Fell smiled thankfully at Gilan, "That's alright, it's just a scratch."
Fell himself saw to the Shadows who'd been imprisoned, along with Gilan and Horace. Claw, one of the wounded Shadows spoke of the first attack while Gilan splinted his broken arm.
"We had no idea of their attack. A few sentries had flanked their hunting party, but they never came back. Next thing we now we're being hunted down like dogs."
Scorn nodded his head solemnly, "Strider tried to keep it together though. She called the signal for retreat and rushed us away from our camp, but then Glade went down under a hail of crossbow quarries."
Jag shuddered, "Then they all started coming forth by the fours and fives. They swooped in like birds of prey and drove us back and forth until we were milling around in a senseless mess."
Claw flinched and winced as Gilan straightened his arm, he didn't cry out though. He only gritted his teeth and waited for the pain to subside. When it did he went on somberly.
"If Strider hadn't of gone back for Glade, I would've of. He was being brave as a bear, he even tried to get at his attackers when they cornered him. Is he…"
Gilan nodded his assent and pulled the bandages on Claw's arm tight to hold the splint in place. "He's alright."
Claw looked up, astonished. "You mean he's alive?"
"And well," Gilan said quietly, "I met him on the night of the attack. He was wounded but none the less breathing. He's on the mend."
Scorn was looking hopeful now, his face full of pride for his comrade. It was hard not to be fond of the energetic young Shadow that had come to be known so well amongst the Shadows. "He got you to come for us?"
Gilan smiled, "He did, and he wanted to make the ride to Redmont to tell Fell of the attack himself."
Claw looked at Fell sharply, "And his mentor?" So far the imprisoned Shadows had been patient and contained their questions of Strider's well being. Now however it seemed as thought they refused to wait any longer. Claw in particular was anxious. Strider had been taken in his place and he couldn't help but wonder if she had died in his place.
Fell wouldn't Claw's gaze evenly, "A few broken ribs, a bit battered, but I think she'll be alright in time."
Jag grimaced, "Define, 'a bit battered.'"
Fell shrugged avoiding the question and the answer that he was so reluctant to give. He remembered the sharp intakes of breath and the glazed eyes of his Deputy. It was almost as if someone had found the fire in her eyes and frosted it with ice, telling this to his own warriors was almost like reliving the experience. Grudgingly Fell decided that they needed to know the truth, it was better than instilling false hope in their minds.
"We won't know for sure until someone's tended to her."
Silence followed Fell's grim words. The Shadows all knew and understood the awkward predicament that followed Strider and any of her injuries. Many times it was fairly difficult for her comrades to tend to her when she was injured without disrespecting her or themselves. Due to this Strider made a solid point to stay uninjured or managed mending her own wounds. If worse came to worse she'd find someone who could assist her.
It made Fell feel utterly helpless at times, being able to do nothing but stand around helplessly while his Deputy dealt with the stresses of injuries. A familiar sense of dread swamped over him as he thought this over. This is cruel to her and to her comrades! And yet Fell couldn't be mad at Strider for placing him in his position of indecision. He wouldn't have done anything different in her place, turning back for Glade might have been foolish and even suicidal, but Fell couldn't find fault in Strider's actions.
Gruffly, Gilan shrugged his shoulders, "She's a strong girl, and she'll make it." The Ranger could only to attempt to believe his own words, though he spoke them with false courage. He remembered the time almost a season ago when they'd been thrust into the churning waters of the Roaring River of Faladore. From Druid's Leap they had fallen, down and down into the shrieking depths of the water. And yet somehow as they were dragged and thrown forward towards the fall that would end it all, they'd made it. Surely if she could something as horrific as that then a few broken ribs and a few handfuls of throbbing bruises wouldn't end it for her. Would it?
Only time would tell.
"It would be good for you, Strider."
"Good for me?! You're sending me off to take notes while the rest of the Shadows are fighting!" Strider's voice was fueled by rage, and her hazel eyes blazed with unsuppressed anger.
Fell spread his hands in an offering gesture for peace, "It's not like that, you're good with strategic things, and it'll be good for you to take time off from all the hassle."
Strider couldn't help it, she was seeing red she was so angry with her leader. "Fell, I've been bedridden for a month, I think that's time off enough!"
Fell struggled to reason with his furious Deputy. "You're still wounded, there isn't much more you could be doing anyways!"
"Is that what you think? That I'm so helpless I'm good for nothing more than being sent off to plan a war with the King's Council?" Strider's voice had softened and Fell had to strain to hear her whispery words, as cold as they were.
"No, that's not it, your good for a lot of things," Fell's own anger had subsided slightly as well, and now he felt at a loss for words. "I mean, you're a great fighter and leader, and you've always got your looks to fall back on." Fell's gaze was downcast as he spoke. He didn't see the blow coming until it was too late.
Strider slapped him across the face with enough ferocious vehemence to send Fell staggering back in shock and surprise.
"I can't believe you just said that! You're disgusting!"
Now Fell understood, "Strider I didn't mean it like that!" But his Deputy was already storming out of the cabin and slamming the door shut behind her.
Strider left Fell alone in the cabin that had become the Shadow's headquarters in Araluen. In the capital fief of Araluen the cabin was a place of business and negotiation. Only the negotiation of his Deputy's cooperation didn't seem to be going well.
Defeated, Fell slumped into one of the chairs around a long rectangular table that served as a place of debate and consideration and let his thoughts roam sorely over his Deputies fury. His face still burned where she'd slapped him, radiating heat as a constant reminder of the sordid comment he'd made. I didn't mean it like that!
The cabin door moaned a bit as Meric, an energetic and wily Shadow sauntered in. He was followed by one of Fell's closest advisors and long time friends, Kerjack, another famed Shadow.
Almost imperceptibly, Halt ghosted in behind them, slipping the cowl of his cloak back onto his shoulders as he did so. The grizzled Ranger raised an eye brow at the red mark that still obscured Fell's face. Meric was grinning from ear to ear, and Kerjack was frowning deeply, his eyebrows pulled together in a mixture of question and bemusement.
"What'd you say to her?"
Fell sighed and shrugged like a disobedient child. "I explained to her the need for someone to be among the King's Council, and that I thought she'd be good at it." Fell rubbed the back of his neck, his ears burned hot with embarrassment. "She didn't like the idea."
Halt's eyes had a wicked gleam to them, "I can see that."
Flustered Fell ducked his head, "That was my own fault, I said something… Insulting."
Meric slouched his way into a chair near his leader, "So it's a no?"
Kerjack and Halt found chairs as well, and Fell wanted to shrink away into oblivion at their stares. "She didn't exactly refuse. Strider's been reluctant about things like this before, but she's always come around, even if she wasn't happy about it. I'll talk to her again."
Meric grunted his amusement, "This should be good, say, the next time the two of you 'talk' you mind if I stick around? I wouldn't want to miss it if she takes another swing at you."
Once more Fell flushed crmson, much to Meric's merriment. This time the leader made no remark.
Halt's heart went out to the young leader. Dealing with one's soldiers could be a difficult task, especially when they could in turn be defiant. Halt himself knew first hand about Strider's determined and at times rebellious demeanor. Simply because she was loyal to Fell didn't mean she would follow his every suggestion. Halt had known the two only a short time and already he was used to their being at odds ends with one another. Loyalties were strong in the Shadows, polite obedience wasn't.
"Have you asked anyone else?" Halt proposed and Fell shook his head.
"I haven't anyone else to spare. Most of the Shadow's forces are stretched thin. Any men I can spare are few and far in between, and even then not everyone has a mind for strategy."
Kerjack put a hand on one of Meric's shoulders, "What about Meric? Surely Strider and he could switch their places. She could go to the outer clusters of Shadows and Meric could learn to read a map."
Meric perked up at this, "I could do it," he said, beaming.
Reluctantly Fell gave Kerjack a rueful look, then turned his attention back to Meric. "I don't find that likely."
"And why not?" objected Meric, he stared in dismay at his leader. "I could do it, I mean, how hard could it be? I could hang around a Castle and attend a meeting or to."
For a moment Fell considered it fiercely, Meric among a Council. Meric's next statement jolted Fell back into saneness.
"And the wine and women would be great."
Fell clapped a head to his forehead and rubbed his eyes. "You see what I'm up against?" He said dreadfully to Halt.
Halt shrugged, "What would you do in Strider's position?"
"Comply happily, maybe offer to fill out some paperwork that the King needs."
Kerjack gave his leader a stern look, and Fell twitched in defeat. "I'd probably be pretty damn upset right about now. But what else can I do? I don't have anyone else who can keep a clear head among the Council while paying attention. I can't go myself, I'm being called away day after day and I can't spare anyone leading raids. Most of the Shadows I'd ask would probably clout me for asking anyways. These are fighting men, not strategists."
Even though Fell's leadership over the Shadows was clear enough it was a shaky reign. The men he led were little more than determined criminals worthy of wielding knives. A rumor had been going around that somebody wanted Fell's life, and they intended to get it. Worse yet, Fell hadn't the time to snuff out the worming doubt of his leadership among his men. With a war on the way he could only do the best for his forces until the storm blew over. Fell didn't want to pose any reason for his men to doubt his intentions. They were going to defeat the Cult, not become noblemen.
"And you're asking Strider?" Meric was dumbfounded, his former disappointment forgotten, "I'm a bit confused… She's the most headstrong Shadow of us all, and you ask her to go to the King's Council instead of fight… Am I perhaps missing something here?"
No, but Fell is, Kerjack thought wryly. "You're going about this all wrong, Fell."
"What do you mean?" Fell said, listlessly.
"You're treating Strider like a lady," Halt told him, warming to Kerjack's theme.
Fell raised an eyebrow at the Ranger, "Halt, Strider is a lady. I thought you Ranger's noticed everything."
Kerjack was shaking his head at his young friend, "You're right and you're wrong, Fell."
Now Meric was curious, and he watched his leader shift his gaze uncertainly from the older men in turn.
"Please do enlighten me," he said quietly, intrigued.
Halt and Kerjack exchanged knowing glances before Halt went on. "We Ranger's do notice everything for one, and one of things I have noticed is that Strider isn't much different from any other Shadow."
Fell was waiting for Halt to hurry up and get to the point. He gestured for the Ranger to continue, and Kerjack took up the lesson.
"Remember when Strider first joined the Shadows?"
Meric laughed outright, "We all thought she was a man, we had no idea she was pulling the wool over our eyes."
Kerjack nodded his assent, "And she was treated like any other Shadow. Assigned the same jobs and given the same treatment by everybody. She was good as any man, and she still is."
Fell nodded, "Well yes, but I'm not seeing your point."
Halt raised an eyebrow, "That's because you're not seeing Strider the same way anymore."
"Before she was just the same as any other Shadow, a trusted comrade," Kerjack reminded Fell, "Just another man in a line full of men. Now, even after only knowing her as a man for a few lousy months and as a woman for quite a bit longer you're seeing her as a defenseless damsel in distress."
A disheveled form slipped from a door way behind Fell, a clean tunic and breeches hung crookedly from his frame. "Who's a damsel in distress?" Glade asked as he rubbed sleep from his eyes.
"Your mentor," Meric told him.
Glade sighed and shook his head, "I must be dreaming, you're talking about Strider right?"
"The very same," Kerjack told him, and gestured to a chair close to his. Glade sunk into it, feeling insignificant while sitting between Halt and Kerjack.
"Hey Halt," Glade said tiredly, like his mentor Glade wasn't easily roused from sleep. "Is Rowan around?"
"He's off with his brother for the day." Halt replied. The Battlemaster of Meric fief was visiting Castle Araluen, and Halt had given Rowan permission to spend the day with his older brother.
"Ah, I see." Glade retorted, but his eyes were drooping closed again.
Now Fell was beginning to see the light in a room full of Shadows and one grim Ranger. "I'm not soft on Strider; she still goes on lots of raids, just as many as the rest of us, if not more."
Kerjack held Fell's gaze evenly, "Has she been lately?"
"No, I haven't-" Fell cut off abruptly slammed a fisted hand down onto the table, "Damn, I guess you're right. But in my defense she broke bones, and she needed time to heal. Even now she's a bit unwell."
Halt shrugged, "Everyone breaks a bone or two sometime Fell, but that doesn't mean we become politicians."
Fell gave vent to a rueful sigh, "You win. I've been unfair, and I'll make things right with her."
Kerjack nodded his approval, "And then she might just agree to visit the Council every now and then."
The sky had darkened to night when Strider finally returned to the cabin.
The men in the cabin were fervently discussing a plan of action against a leading line of a Cult's fleet along the coast of Araluen when she slipped quietly into the room. To her right a fire smoldered in the hearth, and directly across from her and seated at the long table was Fell.
For a moment they locked gazes as Strider mumbled greetings to the debating men. Strider's cloak was damp with rain and she slid it off to lay it near the fire. Behind her the discussion of battle tactics continued until someone tapped her shoulder gently. Strider knew it was Fell before she turned to him, and when she did she gave him a glaring look of pure ice.
"A word?" Fell said quietly, his voice a soft whisper. He gestured with one hand to the door and reluctantly Strider led the way. The voices behind them never ceased to slow or stop as Fell and Strider stepped out onto the sand scratched verandah that awaited them.
Rain fell from the roof and plopped in a ragged line across the outmost edges of the verandah. In the night the water continued to fall relentlessly, and Strider found comfort in the steady down pour.
"Um… Strider…"
Strider found a place to lean against the relatively dry boards of the cabin. Closest to the main body of the small woodland home the floor boards were driest. With a grimace Strider realized she'd forgotten her cloak, and the chilly night air pressed against her, chilling her to the bone. She suppressed the urge to shiver and molded her voice to be as cold as the wind itself.
"If you're going to assault my womanhood again let me know and I'll gladly take my leave."
Fell's shoulders slumped, Strider kept her distant gaze transfixed on the rain, watching each drop spatter into the dirt.
"I'm sorry what I said was offensive to you. I just thought that, I don't know, you'd like a compliment. I didn't mean it to be offensive." Fell was walking on broken glass and they both seemed to know it. Strider made no attempt to stop him however and he dragged the words from somewhere inside him.
"I said it because even if you were maimed in a fight or something, you'd be alright, because you're quick witted and charming, and beautiful, and I know that someone will fall hopelessly in love with you. And then he'll take care of you the rest of your days."
Fell fought the urge to voice his thoughts. Someone already has fallen for you. He looked away, keeping his eyes averted from his Deputy in case she noticed that he was turning a peculiar shade of crimson under his light tan.
"That's very… Thoughtful," Strider said after a pause of silence. For a moment all they could hear was the steady falling of rain around them. Then Strider turned to Fell with a question brimming in her burning eyes.
"Did I do something wrong?" She asked.
"No, well, not really. What would make you think that?"
Strider shrugged, "Well, nothing besides the fact that I haven't been allowed to so much as lift a knife in weeks, and now you're sending me off to strategize with pen and paper, miles away from where the real battle will be taking place." Strider was silent another moment, "Did I lose favor with you or something? Are you considering choosing a new Deputy to replace me because I'm no longer fit?"
Fell whipped around and stared at his Deputy in shock, "No, of course not! You're a great Deputy, and no one will ever replace you."
Strider's hazel eyes sparkled with hurt, "Then why are you pushing me away?"
Fell's heart thawed with a burst of affection, his voice softened to the merest of whispers. "I swear that's not what I'm doing, if anything I'm trying to get closer to you."
"What?" Strider asked, annoyance clear in her voice. "How in the world is condemning me to being a silly representative making us closer?"
Fell rubbed his neck nervously, "Well we've been spending quite a bit of time together."
Since Strider's brutal imprisonment she'd spent more than a fair amount of time helping out with the more serene business of running the Shadows. Most of the time as Deputy Strider was entrusted to carry out complicated raids and plans of actions, now she found herself gathering the members for these raids and sending them off on their own, with Fell at their lead instead of herself. Fell usually assisted in the planning of the raids, and since he was gone a lot more than usual Strider had taken over his own part, and begun to gather information needed from the Shadows spies.
Everything that Strider knew or found out she relayed to Fell, after all he was still leader even if he wasn't around as often as he needed to be. They spent more and more time leaning over maps, talking over strategy, more time sitting by the fire on rainy nights while sipping coffee and talking about anything else.
They'd always been at ends, with different opinions and strategies of choice it made for an interesting and quarrel some debate. But the talking, about anything was a lot better, it was just like old times, Fell realized. They used to lie under the stars and think about how insignificant they were, and he thought they might never do that again for a time.
The old rock from the Grieving forest might be long gone, but we're not, and neither is the sky we share. Fell thought glumly. Somewhere during the time of Strider's injury and their latest argument Fell had grown fond of his Deputy. He hadn't ever known that he could relate to someone like he did to her. Quarrel they might, but they enjoyed one another's company.
Silence ensued Fell's words as his thoughts tumbled in his mind. "By making you a representative, you'll be around. We'll have a better chance of seeing each other, and you'll be out of harms way."
Agitation rolled off Strider in waves, "Fell, for the last time, I'm fine. My ribs are well enough, I can fight."
Fell shrugged, "You might be fine, but who's to say I am?"
Strider frowned, "What's that supposed to mean?" her tone softened, and the smoldering fire of her spirit faded to hot embers in her eyes.
Fell swallowed and fixed his gaze on the floor boards of the verandah. "I was scared when I heard about what happened at Fort Rigby. And when we were watching over the Fort on the night of our attack I kept thinking that we'd be too late to save you, and it only got worse."
"That's only natural though, isn't it?" Strider said, "You've always wanted to save them all, Fell."
A wry smile tugged at his lips, "I know, but I was terrified for you. Fear's a lot different when it's for someone you just can't bare to lose."
A hand slipped into Fell's, warm fingers twined around his own. Strider gripped his hand in a comforting grip. Her hazel eyes were warm and consoling.
"I didn't know you cared so much," She murmured in a barely audible whisper.
Fell shrugged dismissively, "Of course I care, and it's why I don't want you to go on any more raids. Halt and Kerjack think it's because I find you too lady like nowadays, and I think that you need to be protected by someone. I guess that's partly right, only it might be more than that."
Strider blushed crimson, "Fell, I can take care of myself you know. You don't have to protect me."
Fell flushed crimson, "I know you can, and I'm afraid you'll think I'm weak, but I don't want you to go and yet I feel like you're already gone. I know it's wrong and that's the problem, I'm just so scared of missing you."
Strider's hand left Fell's, and for a moment he thought she might slap him again. Instead she leaned towards him and he ducked forward, slowly. Their lips brushed gently, a soft feathery light touch.
Then Fell was wrapping his arms around his Deputy and she was folding into him. His mouth was soft and sweet against hers as he drank her breath away. Strider's heart flipped and flopped in her chest wildly, like a bird in rapid flight. A longing Fell hadn't been aware of seeped away, leaving him filled with tingling warmth.
They parted slowly, lingering wistfully for a moment. Strider still leaned against Fell, his arms stayed draped loosely around her, gentle against her still troubling side. She was blushing fiercely, and with a sigh of relief she realized he was too.
They sidled apart, Fell rubbing his neck nervously, Strider inspecting a knife at her belt. After a moment of bitingly awkward silence Fell shrugged a shoulder, his thoughts straying back to the matters at hand.
"A compromise perhaps?" He asked, green eyes hopeful.
Strider nodded, "That would be great."
Though neither one of them would admit it, they cherished that kiss like the sun's last warmth before night fell.
So that ends the epilogue... But not the prologue! Some many logues, so little time, lolz.
This basically sets up the sequel however, the prologue will be about the first meeting of the King's Council for the coming war, and you can bet that'll it'll set the stage for the sequel.
PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!
I only got one review on the first part of the epilogue, and I'm starting to have doubts about the sequel.
We'll just have to see what happens between Fell and Strider, and what about Halt's newly named apprentice?