Chapter 8
Eveline
Eveline had difficulty going to sleep. The infirmary had grown quiet. The few soldiers who had not been released to recover at home were sleeping peacefully. Daer had already said goodnight and gone to get some rest. With darkness came loneliness and mind games. Every shadow was a Savra sent to take her back for more torture. She didn't want to be alone with her thoughts anymore. She needed company. Not just anyone would do. It was Tae she needed. He was the only one that made her feel safe.
As if her thoughts had conjured him, Tae appeared at her side. "Are you awake?" he asked as his hand gently touched her shoulder.
The warmth of his touch instantly dispelled the demons lurking in her brain. Her head bent sideways and rested on his rough hand. "You came," she whispered. "Just like before when I needed you."
"Why did you need me? Are you not being treated well? Have the soldiers bothered you? I can speak to Daer if there is a problem," Tae replied.
"No. Daer has shown compassion. The soldiers say nothing, and neither do I. Terrible memories haunt my mind. Your presence eases them."
"I will remain with you then. You should not be without comfort. Look, I brought you a treat. Michelle made hot chocolate. Did you ever have it on Earth?" Tae asked.
A sob came from Eveline as she answered, "Every night my mother gave some to me before she sang me to sleep. I had forgotten."
"I did not mean to make you cry. I will dispose of it."
"No! Please, give it to me. It's a pleasant memory." She reached out to take the cup of sweet liquid. She moaned with the first sip. "It tastes like a mother's love. Tell Michelle how much it means to me."
"You can tell her yourself. Michelle and Kelan have offered to let you live with them until you are able to work and get your own place. They are willing to ask the king's permission if you agree," Tae explained.
"It is a generous offer. Do you think I should take them up on it?"
"It will be good for both you and Michelle. She too has suffered at the hands of another. But, she has thrived here. You can also. You really need to tell us what happened. Holding it in just causes the wounds to fester," Tae entreated.
"I will at some point. I don't want to repeat it incessantly. I will say it once for all of you and then never speak of it again. I want the past to go away. Tell them I will accept the offer of a home," Eveline stated. She handed the empty cup to Tae and continued, "I think I can sleep now."
Tae pulled a seat up to her bed, clasped her hand in his, and laid his head on her covers. "I will keep the bad dreams away. Sleep well."
Tae
Tae was awakened by Daer. "Did you stay here all night, boy? You better hurry. Hesher is calling the troops together. The usual training is to resume. Grab some food from the patients' cart and get moving."
"I will, but I have to know when you can release Eveline. Kelan and Michelle will take her in if the king allows it."
"She can go as soon as they get permission. Now go, boy, I need to see to my patients," Daer replied.
Tae laughed and grabbed bread and meat from the cart. Daer liked to sound like a gruff old man, but he was actually young and soft-hearted. If he was Shara's suitor, she would do well to make him her mate.
Tae took his place in line with the soldiers. Hesher's eyes fell on him instantly. It was impossible to tell what the commander was thinking. Was he still angry due to Tae's rebellion? Had word of Hesher's aid reached the king? He tensed as the commander began to address his men.
"I wish to praise you all for your parts in the war on Savra. It went well, though we suffered losses. I have high hopes that they have been subdued, if not conquered. The skies have remained empty since we returned. However, we cannot let down our guard. We must remain vigilant, not only in case of a Savra reemergence, but in the event another world finds us. Our practices will resume today. Kelan is manufacturing a large laser to defend our skies. He still requires the aid of his apprentice, Tae. If any others are called upon to help in the mines, I expect you to go without protest. You have seen what your previous work provided. I want to recognize some men today for their bravery in the line of fire and their help with the new weapon."
Hesher stood silently, his gaze roaming over the lines of soldiers. He began listing off names and asking them to step forward. "Kaylo, Zimar, Jobak, Tae, and Moraik."
Tae was startled. He was violently shaking as he came forward. He expected a reprimand, not praise for his actions. This had to be all about the weapon. He had disobeyed on the battlefield.
"Kaylo and Jobak are to receive medals of honor. They stood between the injured and the Savra, risking their lives to bring them home," Hesher stated. Hesher pinned the medals on the men's uniforms.
"Zimar led the weredragons that leveled the Savra leader's headquarters. Moraik removed the Savra women and children from their hiding place before it was destroyed, saving the innocents from destruction. Tae stopped the weapon that was knocking weredragons out of the sky and spent many hours without sleep to manufacture the weapons we found so useful. For those deeds, I give these men the new rank of lieutenant. I am proud of all my men."
Tae could barely breathe. It was a miracle. In all the uproar of battle, amidst the swirling sand that filled the air, Hesher had somehow seen him attack the Savra reptile aiming at the weredragons. He was honoring him for it despite his rebellion. He swallowed a lump in his throat as Hesher handed him the ranking to add to his uniform.
"Well done, Tae," Hesher praised him.
"But, I do not deserve this," Tae replied.
