Chapter 17

The fall day had dawned bright and cheerful, yet Pherein MacDiarmidson did not feel the growing warmth. The trip back through Oakenwatch then to Remus City and finally home to Grantsbend had been uneventful though there was a feeling of tension in the air, as if there was an anticipation of something coming. All the way back the Delorgan wrestled with his dilemma. After dropping Cahier and Waycross off Nigel Whal declared he would stay in the capital to spend some of his earnings. That left only Pherein and Professor Horsewood for the return home. That allowed the pair to speak more about the islander's dilemma. Far from helping, it only made him more confused. So, the day after their return part of the man screamed to leave town and get away from the discomfort of his feelings.

Yet he knew he couldn't.

So, dressed in a plaid and wool jerkin, the warrior found himself walking purposefully towards the university from his lodging. Many of the students going the other way towards the market area gave the intimidating Delorgan a wide berth but none needed to fear the conflicted man.

Pherein wondered anew what he was doing. Fighting beastmen and protecting those in his charge had been easy. Yet his feelings for the two women kept crowding in. The evening he'd spent with Lily and her family had been a great delight and he held hope that something may still come of this after the rocky start. Yet the enigmatic masters student Lauren was still on his mind and in his thoughts. He could see her mischievous smile and hear the dark-haired beauty's infectious laugh. The nature of their last conversation, which Lily had interrupted, also hung on him as well. Then there was the innkeeper's report of the two women sparring over him. No, he needed to find resolution if he was to move forward.

As a result, the Delorgan fighter moved onto the campus, unsure of how he would find the woman. He prayed to Latrell for guidance, but his god was silent. Instead, he found himself standing outside the building Professor Horsewood taught out of for nearly a half hour. Students came and went, some looked at him, but most ignored the man who was clearly out of place.

"What am I doing?" Pherein said to himself, embarrassed at the impetuousness of his action.

The Delorgan turned to walk away and be gone from this place, chiding himself for the foolishness of this rash action.

"Pherein?"

He heard his voice, he knew who spoke it. Still, as the warrior turned around his heart began to beat in anticipation.

It was Lauren.

"What are you doing here?" the woman asked, hazel eyes boring into him with a look of confusion and hope.

"I…I came to try to find you," the man stammered uncomfortably.

"Oh?" Lauren asked, her tone changing but hard to read.

"I wanted to talk to you…to explain after the last time we were together…" The warrior cursed himself as he could not say what he wanted. "Then I heard you came by the Sorrowful Ranger again to see me…"

Lauren had been pleasantly shocked when she saw the big Delorgan on the campus. She had hoped he had come to see her but prepared herself that it was to meet with the professor. His declaration that it was for her caused her heart to soar and confidence grow. Then he had mentioned her other visit and realized he likely knew what had transpired. Was he here to rebuke her for the way she had treated the blond-haired woman? She needed to find out.

"Come, let us not talk here. I know a place not far," the confident woman began to rebuild her plan so led him to a sitting area that was encircled by a hedge of green cedar trees. The smell was relaxing and the pair could be alone out of the path as students bustled to and from class. The pair sat down at opposite ends of a long stone bench.

"Lauren…Gigi, I wanted to explain to you…," Pherein began.

"There is nothing to explain, Pherein. I did not know you were involved, or I would not have been so forward with you," Lauren replied, deciding for the direct approach to read where the man who was much in her desires stood.

"No, that's not what's going on," Pherein stammered, having trouble articulating himself.

"You are very kind, truly," the woman countered, cutting him off, "But I do understand and have no desire to create problems for you. I will not interfere with your…"

"Stop!" Pherein demanded forcefully. "It's not as you may think. I have only just begun to get to know Lily and there is no formal connection."

"Then why are you here with me, if you are exploring your feelings with her?" Lauren shot back, pride stung by the declaration, uncertain how to proceed.

"I am beholden to none," Pherein declared with emotion, "though I would like to be. You said when we came back from the Deadlands that you felt a connection with me. I confess, I'm confused about many things but I find myself feeling the same thing and wanting to understand what it means." Pherein looked at the beautiful woman with hope in his eyes. "That is if you would still like that."

Lauren took it in, a smile lighting up her face. "I'd like that too." She slid over on the bench until she was right beside him.

For a period of time neither could recall, Pherein and Lauren just got to know each other, away from the pressure of the trail or expectation. The more he talked the more Lauren felt her heart gripped by the sincere man's difficult situation and the honesty of his desire to do the right thing.

Strangely, what had started out as a bit of a competitive game for the privileged woman changed and she began to consider the idea of a future with this man. Before Lauren realized it, she looked down and saw she was holding the man's hand. His gaze was fully and entirely fixed on her. The perceptive woman could tell at this moment there was nothing on the Delorgan's mind but her. A strange feeling welled up within Lauren Ivanov. Never had anyone shown her such full and compete attention, not even her parents. Despite the obvious fact Pherein still had feelings for Lily, she felt a joy welling up she'd never experienced before. Lauren did not care; she now knew in her heart this was the man for her.

Yet there was something registering in the recesses of Lauren's mind as the fighter looked intently at her, a blissful, distracted look on his face.

Then it registered and she prayed it was not too late.

"Pherein! Watch out!" Lauren screamed as she saw the glint of silver under the approaching man's cloak. So focused had the pair been on each other neither had spied the figure in dark green cloak approaching from with the hedgerow.

A dagger came out of the cape to strike at the back of the unsuspecting Pherein who was still transfixed.

As she screamed, in one fluid motion Lauren leapt forward pushing the Delorgan with all her strength then kicking out with her foot at the man's shin. The blade sang through the air missing Pherein but catching the woman a glancing blow on the shoulder, opening up a red line in her flesh. Lauren screamed more in the rush of adrenaline than pain.

The moment was all Pherein needed to react to the situation. He grabbed the would-be assassin by the wrist of his blade hand and turned him aside. At the same time he drew his own dirk out. The killer twisted away and kicked the Delorgan in the stomach, but the man held his grip as Lauren fell away from the battle. The cloaked figure tried to pull away and flee, the moment of opportunity lost. Pherein instead held him in an iron grasp. Rather than pull away the assassin found himself being pulled towards the blade of the Delorgan who plunged it deep into the man's chest. Pherein released him and the killer stumbled back, dagger falling to the ground, eyes open wide in surprise at the turn as life ebbed from them.

Pherein looked around quickly, seeing if there were any other threats but there were none. In an instant the warrior went over to Lauren who lay on the lush grass in growing shock. Blood was now running down her shoulder, staining the white cotton blouse she wore. Turning pale, she watched Pherein tear part of his shirt to use as a bandage. Though holding it firmly the man held her gently as he attempted to stop the flow of blood.

Several screams from those who had witnessed the event disturbed the pattern of the day attracting a crowd. A group of students gathered in the sitting area, attracted by the sound of commotion. A short time later two members of the City Watch showed up and called for the sheriff.

All was lost on Lauren who looked up into the icy blue eyes of the big Delorgan who held her protectively and tenderly.

"You saved my life," Pherein whispered, eyes wet with tears.

Lauren could only smile in return.