‘My lord, maybe the healer should take a look?’ Ivar’s concerned voice brought me back to reality.
‘What for?’ I raised my hand to him to show undamaged skin. ‘Berserker’s healing already handled this.’ The deflection came naturally after years of political manoeuvring, so naturally I almost believed it myself.
‘Well, that’s…’ Tova said, eyeing me suspiciously.
‘Master Orenson, let’s focus on the report instead of dissecting my decisions,’ I said, curtly praying to Perun that the nosy dwarf would drop the subject.
Tova looked like he was chewing on a mouthful of nails, but to my relief, he remained silent. I, however, couldn’t stop thinking about it. An interesting suspicion took root in my mind, my thoughts going back to the strange incident with Vahin.
My brother was resistant to fire, and so was his mate, Annika. They were bonded to the eldritch dragon, who shared his magic with them. It perfectly explained the voice in my head, the lack of burns, and my scrapes and bruises healing faster than ever before. The theory was so plausible, but there was one problem: I didn’t have a dragon.
‘Tell the men to get ready,’ I said, turning towards the scouts. ‘Get some rest. We’ll conduct another reconnaissance tomorrow, and I would like you to lead a unit of soldiers. There must be some weak points in their defences,’ I said before nodding to Ivar. ‘See to it, please.’
‘As you command.’ Ivar nodded, gesturing for the scouts to go back to their tents while he marched towards the camp of the reconnaissance unit.
‘That wasn’t natural,’ Tova said bluntly, pointing to my hand. He pursed his lips at the shake of my head before changing the subject. ‘I have a bad feeling about those trenches.’
I turned towards the mountain. ‘I share your concerns. Let’s hope we discover whatever nasty surprises they’ve prepared before they bite us on the arse.’
Tova nodded, fingers digging into his long, bushy beard. It had lost its golden sheen since he’d joined the campaign, and his eyes were dark, as if he were already grieving. ‘If they surrender, can you spare them… my kin? They’re suffering so much. Srebrec poisoning is…’ He trailed off towards the end as if fearing my reaction.
‘You know I will. I’m not here to punish your people. Mlot is my enemy, and mercy will always be shown to those willing to lay down their weapons.’
Tova looked at me before his gaze moved to the top of the mountain. ‘You saw the dwarves we encountered. Calling them an army is laughable,’ he said with a shrug. ‘Sana tried to help them, but that bastard almost killed her. I should have visited the elders, but… dwarves, we get obsessed when confronting a problem. I thought that maybe he’d realise.’
‘We all have regrets.’ I placed my hand on Tova’s shoulder. ‘I want you to remember one thing. You’re not responsible for the choices of others and can’t take the burden of their actions upon yourself.’
He reached out to the fire, warming his calloused fingers near the flames. ‘That’s what Sana would say.’ He chuckled, shrugging my hand off his shoulder. ‘My Drah’sa is rubbing off on you.’
‘Is she?’ I couldn’t help but smile. His Drah’sa, my Viper, Irsha’s Trouble. So many names for one woman, as each of us loved her differently. ‘I wonder what she’s doing right now.’
‘Sana? Likely sitting in her workshop mixing poisons while pining for you like a simpering maiden.’ Tova shrugged, and I would swear his cheeks reddened, but not from frost this time. ‘I mean, she’s probably fixing all the kingdom’s problems.’
I laughed so hard tears froze on my eyelashes, and when I was done, I patted his back so hard he stumbled. ‘Oh, my friend, I assure you, Sana would never pine for any man.’ My grin turned devilish as I added, ‘But I’ll tell her what you said. She’ll be thrilled.’
‘And who do you think she’ll believe?’ the cheeky sod answered, avoiding my gaze. ‘She likes you. More than is good for her, but I’m starting to understand what she sees in you. So, you have my permission to court her.’
‘Oh, may I?’ The audacity of this dwarf was astonishing. He didn’t answer my jibe, and before I knew it, he was marching away, muttering something about biting a stupid tongue. Dumbfounded, I was still grinning after this strange encounter.
I had a little time before the reconnaissance unit would be ready. It was the perfect moment to write the letter and remind my woman that I left my heart in Truso.
My sweet Viper,
Thank you for sending Tova back. His help is much appreciated. His sharp tongue, though? Not so much. Still, he keeps me in check, and I ensure he eats and even occasionally sleeps.
I had to pause to warm my hands over the brazier, listening to camp life buzzing around the tent. Why was I writing to her about Tova? Maybe I should just ask Sana to embroider a handkerchief for me, as was customary for courting ladies. I imagined her sewing one of her fragrant curses, a perfect fit for the War King to wear on his armour.
When I returned to the letter, my mood shifted.
I miss you, Roksana. Every day, I wake up thinking about your smile, wishing I could see the golden glint of your hair splayed over my chest. I miss your jibes, your insults, your counsel…
Fuck, I was sounding like a lovestruck tyro, yet that was exactly how I felt.
Tomorrow, I’m heading into battle, and so many things are uncertain. I fear for my men and for the unknown threats we will encounter in the mines. What I’m trying to say, my beautiful Viper, is that if the goddess of fate doesn’t favour us, our love will endure through the Veil and the streams of time. It will guard you and keep you safe. Just promise you’ll live well, and even if you love again, keep a place in your heart for the man who can’t live without your light.
Yours always,
Reynard.
