All around them, soldiers continued shouting. They were camped next to a river so half were dragging water pails to try to put out the fires blazing around them while the other half were saving the horses and weapons, apparently gearing up for a fight.
“Leo!”
Leander, slightly dazed at the chaos, turned back to look at Jarryn.
“Who did you tell of our plan to leave?”
“No one! When could I even tell someone? Since leaving the king’s custody and becoming your responsibility, I haven’t seen a soul.”
Jarryn’s eyes narrowed and Leander refused to even blink, as if any movement would suggest dishonesty.
“Okay. Yes. Sorry.”
Leander nodded, accepting the apology.
“I need you to leave,” Jarryn pointed over to the copse of trees. “Hide. They’re here for me but the Nine only know what they will do if they find you among my possessions.”
“My Prince!” Leander’s response was halted by the Captain of Jarryn’s guard rushing over. “We must fight or flee. We don’t know how many there are but from the arrows I’m guessing more than our number.”
“We fight, Captain.”
The man nodded, saluted and left, shouting orders to his men as he did so.
“Leo.” Once again, he had been easily distracted by the bright flames and loud noises. He was quickly becoming overstimulated. Leander turned back to look at Jarryn. “Did you not hear me? Hide!”
“What about you? You’re coming with me, right?”
“No. My place is here, with the men who will die to defend me.”
Leander shook his head. “And my place is with you!”
“You have no experience in combat, Leander. Have you ever even swung a sword?”
Leander’s silence was answer enough.
“Go, please.”
“No!”
“I don’t want to pull rank on you,slave, but I will,” Jarryn hissed.
“Is that a threat?”
“Is that a challenge?”
Leander stuck out his chin defiantly. “Try it, Master.”The backs of his legs were more than a little warm from his burning tent. “You won’t win.”
Jarryn sucked in a stream of air through his teeth. “Damn it, Leo!”
“Try it,” he repeated.
They stared at each other for longer than was entirely necessary, not when the world around them was burning and a battle was imminent. But they were both far too stubborn in their desperate desire to keep the other safe and alive.
“Fine!” Jarryn broke first. “But if you die, so help me, I will fight Serai with my bare hands for the right to bring you back, just so I can kill you myself!”
Leander couldn’t help but smile. He had always had a bad relationship with the Goddess of Death. She’d probably grant Jarryn’s request if he asked her nicely. Serai would undoubtedly relish the opportunity to see Leander die twice.
“Stay near me, Leander. Do not leave my side or my sight. Do you understand me?”
