Liatra opened her mouth to answer… then closed it again. And for the first time, she actually looked embarrassed. “But I…That’s not true. It’s not just about wanting new jewellery.”
“Then what is it about?”
She hesitated, then glanced over at the other women loitering about the courtyard, each of them attempting to seduce one of the warriors. “I…” Her face fell. “You really needed my help? Getting dressed, and everything?”
“I couldn’t use my hands. And you might recall that I was injured fighting a unicorn, savingyourlife, and everyone else in this town, from demons who would happily see you all dead.”
Her mouth pulled downwards, but in a real frown this time, rather than a coy pout. “Maybe you have a point,” she muttered, staring at the ground. “It’s just… You’re all so capable, and strong, and… I didn’t realise that…” She winced. “Yeah, you’re right. I’m sorry.”
Nalyx sighed. It was tempting to stay angry with her, but she had a point. He’d never asked for anything serious from her before. And as he’d already realised, he’d contributed to his own problem by sulking about it all. It was hardly the impression of a powerful warrior that the women expected.
“How can I make it up to you?”
Nalyx looked around, wondering if he should even bother, or… “How about you go find me a plate of dinner. I’m not saying everything’s forgotten, just like that, but it would be a place to start. And tomorrow, you can come by my room. I have some laundry that needs doing. I mean, actually washing it, not just splashing about in the fountain.”
Liatra grimaced, no doubt unimpressed by the task. But then she squared her shoulders. “Okay. Dinner and laundry. I can do that. And maybe after that…” The sultry look was back, a small smile playing at her lips.
“After that, we’ll see. I’m not making any promises.”
“Fair enough. I can see I have some work to do to earn back your trust. But give me a chance. I won’t let you down again.” She sauntered off, swaying her hips, and Nalyx rolled his eyes. He was probably going to regret this, not at all convinced that she’d got the message. But it couldn’t hurt to give her a second chance, could it?
But Liatra had no sooner left than another woman was plastering herself to his side, and she tugged on his arm to get his attention. His right arm. He winced as the stitches pulled, biting back a groan.
“I see the little drama queen’s fallen out of favour for the moment. Can’t say I’m surprised.”
“What do you want, June?” June was a good half a foot shorter than Liatra, with a large nose. But she had bright blue eyes that were admired everywhere she went, and she got plenty of attention from the men, by virtue of her well-developed chest. But her attitude let her down where her body might have gained her more favour. She’d been with Liatra the night Nalyx had been trying to eat dinner, being no more help than Liatra had been. And he remembered that she’d hightailed it after Calium just the same as Liatra had, when Gantalla had dangled the idea of gifts of jewellery in front of them.
“Me? Why would I want anything?” June asked coyly, in response to his question. “I’m just enjoying the company of a strong, brave warrior. The real question is, what doyouwant?” She pressed her breasts against him, then tossed her head, letting her blonde hair fall over her shoulder.
“That’s an interesting question. Liatra’s just agreed to do my laundry for me tomorrow. Was there something you had in mind that might be equally useful?”
June laughed. “Laundry? Like a wrinkly old washer-woman? Oh, that’s funny. No, I had something better in mind. Something that didn’t involveclothing.”
“Maybe you hadn’t noticed, but I’ve still got a nice little hole through my shoulder. Not exactly conducive to vigorous activity.”
Maybe she’d just lose interest, like Liatra had originally done. Or maybe she’d actually wake up and realise that the warriors weren’t just here to satisfy her desires. She didn’t reply, and Nalyx sighed. “If you’re looking for entertainment, maybe Calium would be more up your alley?”
“Calium’s busy putting his hands all over Helen. Can’t see what he sees in her to be honest. She’s as flat-chested as a twelve year old. And she’s got the wit to match. No, I think I need someone far morematurethan that boy.”
Thatboy, as Nalyx had told Gantalla, was one of the finest warriors in the army, fast and skilled despite his relative lack of experience. Give him another few years and he’d be painted as a hero, having songs sung about him in the town square. And though he was young, it was no secret that he was already on the lookout for a wife, though he had yet to settle on anyone in particular. But clearly, that wasn’t something that interested June.
“Is this about Gantalla?” she asked, an undertone of disdain in her voice. “I know you’ve been spending time with her. Pretentious little upstart, barging in here like she owns the place. She’s pretty enough, I suppose. But she’s not here. Is she?”
“No. She’s busy treating wounded patients in the hospital.” Actually doing something useful with her days, rather than swanning about looking for favours.
“How dull,” June said. “You’re getting far too serious, Nalyx. I remember when you used to befun.”
The sound of a throat being cleared interrupted them. “Your dinner,” Liatra announced, holding up a steaming plate. “Roast lamb, potatoes, carrots, and I got you one of those baked apples you like so much. And some whisky, to wash it all down.”
“Sorry,” Nalyx said to June, not feeling the slightest bit sorry about brushing her off. “Looks like I just got a better offer.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Nalyx was up early again the next morning. It was an odd feeling, being out of bed just after the sun had risen, and he couldn’t remember the last time he’d bothered to be up and about so early during the second half of a cycle. While the gate was open, the warriors could be called up at any hour of the day or night, responding to whatever crisis happened to walk onto the battlefield. But while the gate was closed, he was far more inclined to be up late, enjoying plenty of whisky and women, and then sleep in, waiting for the headache from overindulging to lift before he tackled the day.
But last night – as had been the case on most of the evenings since the gate had closed – he’d had only a cup or two of whisky, then gone to bed. Liatra had been pleasant enough, eager to fetch him whatever he desired, but he’d sent her off after dinner, running out of things for her to do and disinterested in her ongoing attempts to flirt with him.
He made his way to the bakery across the square, eager to buy a couple of the apple pastries the baker made every morning. Though he could probably have talked the shop keeper into giving him one for free, he took a bag of coin with him, choosing to pay for his breakfast instead. The woman seemed grateful as he offered her the small copper coin, and he supposed that was fair enough. It must be expensive, after all, providing a constant supply of food and clothing to the warriors. Was it odd that he’d never really considered the cost to the townsfolk before? Of course, the warriors more than earned their keep, but even so.
