Gust had puked after he shot that man. Killed him. He’d never killed another person in his life. He was a healer for Anknet’s sake! But Lance would surely have been killed or severely injured if he hadn’t done something. Lance was a friend and the one to protect him from a bear and to single-handedly save Thebys from a warlord’s wrath. It was the least he could freaking do. Yet he still felt dazed and his stomach was tied in greasy knots. He’d killed someone. He’d devoted his life to Anknet as a young man when he decided to become a healer like his parents, and now he’d betrayed her. But it was to save a life. Did that make a difference? Anknet also had a role in death. She didn’t kill, although she was the one to determine when it was a person’s time to enter the underworld.
He’d told Kissa that he would happily stab the one who murdered his parents. Now he wasn’t so sure. Yet if he was going to damage his vow to Anknet it couldn’t be for a better cause than avenging his parents.
Gust returned the sheriff’s sword.
Kafele grunted and took it, noting the blood. “I don’t think I would have believed it if I hadn’t seen it myself. He’s a man built for war.”
Gust said nothing. He swallowed hard and walked stiffly to the council’s hut. Lance’s skill with a blade was beyond anything Gust had ever witnessed. No doubt the sheriff was proud that such a warrior had wielded his blade in defense of his home. Not everyone could fit inside the council’s hut so the doors were wide open, people crammed close together. The sheriff walked beside him and muscled a path through the crowd for Gust to enter.
Lance stood at the front, facing the council. Kissa sat on the first bench to the right. Gust snapped out of his daze when he realized she was trembling with anger, glaring at Lance. It hit him dead in the gut as to why. Lance had been part of Ulfr’s band, the ones to murder his parents. Kissa’s brother. Gust’s stomach cramped, and he struggled to hold back the tears.
Gods be cursed! Why would they do this? Why would they bring this man to them?
Had Lance witnessed his parent’s murder?
It also occurred to Gust that this was the first time the entire council had met with Lance at the same time. Due to the festival, they’d been too busy or distracted to follow up with him once he’d healed. And since he hadn’t caused any more disturbances, beyond the one with Dakar, they’d let him be. They were probably regretting that right about now.
“Lance,” Gamall said. “At last we finally meet. It is long overdue. While I am grateful to you for your challenge on our behalf, I must express my shock and displeasure at what you agreed to, concerning if Ragel had won.”
“He didn’t win,” Lance said.
Gamall’s face hardened. “Be that as it may, I think I can speak for everyone here when I say none of us want to be slaves.”
Many people in the crowd and a few of the council members expressed vocal agreement.
Lance frowned as if puzzled. “But you won’t be slaves. I won.”
“But if you hadn’t—”
“I always win.” The calm tone silenced the room for a moment.
Lukman glared at Lance and Gust held back a wince. Gust doubted Lukman would ever take Lance’s side.
“What about reprisals?” someone in the crowd shouted. “Lance killed a noble! The royals will punish us!”
Before the room could get too excited, Nawa spoke, raising her voice above the din. “I can assure you that there will be no such reprisals. We were in our right to defend ourselves. I have it on good authority that Ragel was disowned by his family and stricken from their family tree. While the queens were unable to bring him to heel, for political reasons, by stripping Ragel of his titles, he was effectively made a commoner and outcast.”
Gust swallowed hard. At least that was one worry they didn’t have to carry. When it came to legal matters, Nawa’s word was fact. She’d studied at Apys in her younger days before settling at Thebys and frequently made trips to the capital, not just to sell her dogs, but to brush up on any changes to the law.
“What did Ragel mean that you were Ulfr’s dog?” Lukman asked sharply, his noble face strained.
Lance hesitated as everyone waited silently.
“Lance?” Gamall said.
Lance sighed softly. “I was a child when Ulfr found me. He trained me. I rebelled against him on our last raid. He made me run the gauntlet. That is why I was near death when Gust found me.”
Murmurs sounded inside and outside the hut.
Pity stirred Gust’s heart even as horror still clutched his gut. What was he to think? Do? He liked Lance. They were friends. He’d been starting to wonder if they could be more than friends. Now this.
“Silence!” Gamall snapped. “Continue, Lance.”
Lance glanced over his shoulder, appearing nervous. Then their gazes met and Lance stood straighter and uncertainty left his eyes, as if gaining strength from Gust’s mere presence. He turned back to the council.
“He will search for me. He wants me dead. Ragel’s men will spread rumors, and they will reach Ulfr’s ears. He will come for me.”
“Then leave, now!” Lukman said.
Lance grimaced. “Whether I am here or not, Ulfr will burn this place to ash. I’ve seen it many times before. You helped me and therefore became his enemy. I’m sorry.” He whispered the apology.
“What will we do?” Miann asked. She rubbed her swollen belly in distress, pregnant for the sixth time. Her dark eyes were wide, and she glanced around at her fellow councilors.
“We should shove Lance out of here and let it be known that he has left us,” Lukman said.
“Did you not hear him?” Atema said, a fit man in his forties, another council member. “Ulfr will come here no matter what we do. And with him, Scourge. We must prepare for war.”
Panic swept through those gathered as they shouted and cried, demanding protection, demanding things the council couldn’t give, couldn’t provide. The manic crowd jostled Gust, and he gripped one of the benches to stay on his feet. It was evident that many were more afraid of Scourge than Ulfr, for good reason. Ulfr was a man but Scourge was considered something else. A monster. A beast. A creature akin to Appep, a spawn of chaos.
Rabia met Gamall’s eye and stood. She put her loud voice to use and screamed at everyone to sit down and shut up. The shock of the command slapped everyone in the face and they sat again.
“Thank you, Rabia,” Gamall said after clearing his throat. “Now, we need to be calm and rational about this. Ulfr and Scourge won’t be here immediately. Not tomorrow or the next day. We have time to—”
“I will fight Ulfr.”
Every gaze swiveled toward Lance. Gust stared at him, alternately terrified and proud. Lance stood at his full height, which had him towering over most gathered. He pushed his broad shoulders back and faced the council head-on.
“He wants me. He will come here and I will cut him down. And once I do, Scourge has no master. He will be vulnerable.”
“What proof do we have that you will do as you say?” Ini asked. He was only a few years younger than Gamall and yet his wrinkles were deeper, his eyes cloudier.
“If you won’t take my word, understand that I owe a debt to your healers. I haven’t known kindness outside them. They saved my life though I was but a stranger. They had no knowledge of the danger they might bring to their people. To you. But their calling is so great that it made no difference to them. Healers save lives.”
Gust struggled against the burn of tears, and he bit his lower lip to keep it from trembling.
“Let me return the favor and save their lives. Save yours. Please.” Lance held out his arms, palms up in a plea. “Ragel called me Ulfr’s dog. Let me be your dog this one time and then I will leave. You will never see me again.”
Gust trembled at Lance’s words. Never see him again? He didn’t want that. Despite knowing Lance’s origins, he didn’t want to sever all connections with him. This man who spoke, who pleaded with the council to allow him to protect them was not what Gust imagined Ulfr’s warriors to be like. He was a good man that would sacrifice his life to save a friend from a bear. He was a good man asking for redemption.
Someone cleared their throat and then Maged stood. “If I may?”
Gamall gestured to him.
“I would like to remind everyone that Mandissa has confirmed that Brutus is divine and a true child of Batsa. If that is the case then we must trust Lance at his word. Divine animals, especially horses, do not choose those who aren’t blessed by the gods.”
He sat down. Lance stared at him in confusion as the crowd murmured and whispered excitedly.
“Sheriff?” Gamall said.
Kafele strode forward from a corner of the room. Gust knew the sheriff to think in silence and consider every angle before voicing his opinion, which was why he didn’t speak until called. When he spoke, his tone was as hard as his gaze. “From a strictly defensive standpoint we would do well to have as many able-bodied warriors as possible on our side. Lance knows Ulfr and has seen Scourge in action. I suggest we use him as he offered.”
Lukman glared daggers at Kafele as silence fell.
Gamall stood a moment later. “Council, let us put this to a vote. All those in favor of allowing Lance to stay and help defend us against Ulfr and his warband, raise their hands.”
Miann and Neith’s hands were the first to shoot up, with Heb not far behind. Nawa and Rabia glanced at each other before raising their hands. Anippa glared at Lance, arms crossed, unmoving. Her glower paled in comparison to Lukman’s. Atema and Ini conversed softly before Ini raised his hand and Atema sat back, shaking his head.
Gamall counted the arms raised, then offered his own. Seven in favor. Majority decided.
The meeting wasn’t over, however. Preparations were made, fortifications were planned, and Rabia was tasked with writing two letters to be sent by messenger to Lord Semesy and Lord Khepi requesting assistance, and Gust was sure the letters would also contain urgings to contact the queens. To face Ulfr and his warband and Scourge? Gods save them. No one doubted they would send soldiers to Thebys’s aid. Gamall asked if Lance would be willing to help the sheriff train their people on Ulfr’s tactics. He appeared startled by the request before agreeing. Lukman looked like he might explode, and Anippa’s lips were pursed as if she was sucking on something sour. Atema kept shaking his head.
When the subject of their temple and priests came up, Lance interjected.
“Ulfr would never anger the gods by destroying their sacred sites or harming their servants. He’s killed warriors that violated temples and shrines or harmed the priests and priestesses.”
The council appeared skeptical despite Lance’s confidence. There was no reason not to believe him. He’d known Ulfr all his life. Gust’s throat threatened to close. That meant he’d known Scourge for the past five or six years, ever since that monster made his first appearance. Gust gripped his bow tighter, knuckles turning white.
“He’s a devout follower of Snet,” Lance said. “As well as Marsus and Lolt and Wodan. He believes his success is due to his worship of his war gods and his protection of their sacred sites. I’ve never seen him raise a sword to a priest or priestess. In fact, many people who hid in temples were spared his wrath. He’s had Scourge strike down his own warriors for violating his rules.”
Memory stabbed Gust’s mind. The priestess who had bundled up the heads of his parents and solemnly conducted the flaming ceremony had been teary and shaky but loving during the ritual. Gust would forever be thankful to her for her presence since he’d been in a fog after viewing the carnage.
Folks began to trickle out as they were given tasks. The festival needed to be cleaned up and defenses had to be built. Ally and the other blacksmith were commissioned for more swords and arrows, as well as daggers and mail armor.
When the meeting adjourned later that morning, Gust stumbled outside and leaned against the wall of the hut. This was really happening. He was going to see the face of the man who’d led the brutal assault against his parents.
Could Lance really do it? Could he really kill Ulfr? Ulfr had quite the reputation as a lethal fighter with weapons or his bare hands. Yet if Lance had been personally trained by him, wouldn’t that give him an advantage? And he’d observed Lance’s skills for himself. They were beyond most men. But what about Scourge? That damned creature from the loins of Mawn? Gust gritted his teeth as rage burned his veins.
Was Lance blessed by the gods? He snorted. More like cursed by them. Although Lance had to be special in some way, considering that Brutus was divine. Maybe he would be the one the gods sent to destroy the sea wolf and his weapon.
“Hey Gust.”
He looked up.
Ally stood in front of him, a sheathed sword in her hands. “When Lance comes out, give him this, won’t you?” She pushed it into his hands.
“But—”
“I saw him defend us. That’s the payment. The sword is his.” Then she strode away. Gust stared at the sword, realizing it was one of her best.
“Gust?” Lance asked tentatively.
Gust didn’t know how long he’d stood there, staring at the sword and not seeing it. They gazed at each other for a long, silent moment, and Gust noted the fatigue and strain in Lance’s expression. He was a little too pale and he was carrying himself a bit stiffly.
Then Lance’s shoulders sagged, and he lowered his head. “You don’t like me anymore,” he whispered. His voice was thick, as if close to tears.
Gust couldn’t find his voice.
“That’s all right. I understand,” Lance said. “You’re angry. I won’t bother you anymore. I’ll sleep out in the field with Brutus.”
He turned to leave. Gust lashed out and gripped his wrist. Lance looked back warily.
“Why did he make you run the gauntlet?”
Lance looked down at Gust’s hand and gave a half shrug. “There was a baby.”
Gust blinked. “A baby?”
“She was innocent,” he said the word as if it was foreign to him. “She was life. I couldn’t kill her. I didn’t want to kill her so I disobeyed his orders. Everyone in the village should have died but she needed her mother to care for her, so I gave them a horse and they escaped.”
Well, that explained his earlier fascination with Della’s baby.
He met Gust’s stunned gaze. “Then I met you.”
“Me?”
Lance twisted his hand and laced their fingers, then squeezed. “I see life in your eyes. I see life in this town. I didn’t know there was so much life around me. I don’t want it to die. I care. For the first time in my life I care.”
The wonder in Lance’s eyes was evident. He squeezed Gust’s hand once more before letting go. Then he turned and started walking away.
“Wait.”
Lance stopped.
Gust stepped in front of him and held out the sword. “Ally said that you defending Thebys earned you a reward. This is one of her best swords, and it’s yours.”
Lance smiled brightly and unsheathed the sword, inspecting it. “Magnificent. It’s sturdy and shorter than the one I had before. More maneuverable. And no embellishments. I don’t like embellishments.” He sheathed it and pressed it to his chest.
Gust looked at that smile and remembered his words, the bear, Dakar, and his overenthusiastic helping the other day. The festival, the joy, the way Lance absorbed everything he saw, and his desire to learn. Then Gust thought of what his parents would want him to do. That made his decision rather easy.
Gust gripped Lance’s good shoulder and met his gaze. “When you assist the sheriff in training our men and women, I’ll be there. Let’s defend Thebys together.”
Lance’s grin broadened, and it was breathtaking the way it made him look young and carefree. It was also the first time Gust noticed that several of Lance’s teeth were chipped. More evidence of a brutal life.
Lance shocked him by pulling him into a tight hug, squeezing painfully. He grunted and patted Lance’s back.
“Thank you, my friend.”
Gust closed his eyes and pressed his face into Lance’s shoulder.
Please gods, don’t make me regret this.
They pulled back and Gust cringed when he realized blood from Lance’s tunic had transferred to his own. He also realized he should have immediately checked Lance’s wounds to see if any had reopened.
“I suggest you take a bath,” Gust said, gently slapping Lance’s arm. “Be careful with your shoulder, though. I want to take a look at it to make sure everything is still healing. I’ll also see if I can find another tunic for you.”
Lance winced. “I’m sorry. I think my injuries are fine.”
“Nothing to apologize for,” Gust said and forced himself to smile. “And I’ll be the one to judge your injuries. You don’t have to sleep in the field, though. I can get you a room at the inn—”
“Thank you but no. I want to be with Brutus and I sleep better on the ground. Walls are confining.”
Gust nodded, seeing no point in arguing. “There’s a river not far from the field. Just head south and you’ll find it.”
Lance nodded. “I can get the blood out of your tunic if you give it to me.”
Gust blinked at the offer. “I can do that. Thank you, though. I’ll be by later.”
Lance stared at him for a moment before softly patting his shoulder. He turned and walked away. Gust heaved a big sigh.
How did my life become so complicated?
Kissa was livid. She grabbed her pitcher and threw it, smashing it against the wall. Gust was amazed and heartbroken. It wasn’t often his aunt lost her temper.
“I don’t want him under this roof! I can’t stand to even look at him. If I’d know that bastard was part of the sea wolf’s warband I would have left him to die in the dirt!”
She grabbed the bowl on the nightstand in her room and it joined the fate of its mate. Gust winced at the sound. What a mess. Everything was such a mess.
“That traitorous snake. He slithers his way under my roof, into my care. He makes me like him. He makes me think he’s troubled and a victim. All the while he’s part of the reason I don’t have a brother!”
Apparently exhausted, Kissa collapsed on her bed and curled up, sobbing angry tears. Gust waited a moment before carefully approaching and then sitting on the bed. He rubbed Kissa’s back, not saying a word. He closed his eyes as her sobs echoed in his chest. His eyes burned but no tears fell. He was beyond tears now. He’d made his decision to help Lance train his people, and he would stick to it.
When Kissa quieted, Gust leaned over and kissed her shoulder. He whispered, “You’re a healer, my dearest aunt. You have a calling. We heal all those who need our skills. That is what Anknet expects of us.”
Gust’s stomach cramped again as the memory of killing Ragel’s warrior repeated in his mind.
Kissa sniffed.
Gust rested his cheek on her arm. “Look at who he is now. He isn’t a monster. He was trained by a monster but I just don’t see evil inside him. He wants to be a good man. He’s trying so hard to be good.”
“You’re a better person than I,” she said, her voice cracking. “He can’t stay here. He’s well enough to be on his own. He must leave.”
“He knows that. He’ll sleep in the field with Brutus. The weather should be clear for a while.”
“Good.” Kissa sat up, keeping her back to Gust.
Gust swallowed a sigh. He understood her grief and still felt it himself. Yet he couldn’t turn it into anger toward Lance.
“I will see you later.” He stood and left, shutting the door behind him. He proceeded to the donation pile and shifted through several worn tunics, eventually locating one the right size and in a dingy black. He changed in his room and gave his tunic to Sabra to clean. She needed the practice. Then Gust rummaged through his closet and came out with a modest tent. He didn’t expect spring rain for a while yet but one could never be too careful. He tucked the tunic and the rolled-up tent under his arm before going to Lance’s room. He packed as best he could and grunted when he lifted the saddle. It was damn heavy but he shouldered the weight and shuffled out of the hut.
Activity never ceased, and with the anticipation for an assault motivating everyone, no one was still, not even the children. Gust nodded as others hailed him. He didn’t stop to chat, however. When he started to pass the temple, he stopped and gazed at Anknet’s shrine. Mandissa was outside, collecting the apples and pears left at the foot of one of the columns.
He stepped forward and set down the saddle, wringing out his arms. “Pardon me.”
She paused and looked over her shoulder, eyes bright and smile serene.
“I have a question,” he said.
“Yes?”
He swallowed hard, afraid of the answer, but needing it. “Anknet believes in saving lives. She’s the goddess of healers.”
The priestess nodded.
“I’m a healer but I k-killed someone today.” He explained what happened, certain she had seen Ragel’s arrival. She frowned delicately, her sweet face scrunching a bit.
His heart hammered against his chest as he waited.
She stood and smoothed her dress, taking a long moment before answering. “I can tell you that she knows what’s in your heart. She knows your intent was not to kill but to protect. You held no malice for this man or delighted in his death. You were protecting a friend, yes?”
He took a deep breath. “Yes.”
She smiled softly. “Humans are not perfect and none of the gods expect us to be. We do the best we can. It is not only our actions that are judged but our intent. I see you grieve for the life you took.”
Gust lowered his gaze to the ground and nodded. “He was a danger to us. He’d probably done horrible things and yet….”
“And yet,” she said gently. “It is ultimately Osys and Mawn who will judge us. All I can tell you is to keep your intentions and your heart pure and good, and you will always be on the right side of Anknet. For, remember, Anknet is also the goddess of death. She gives and she takes, all things are in balance in her eyes.”
Gust nodded and met her gaze, a weight lifting off his shoulders. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She knelt and continued with her task. He wanted to offer something to Anknet but he had nothing with him. He set down the tent and laid the tunic on top of it before pulling out his knife. He untied his hair and held one of his braids straight out and sliced through it. He then laid the braided lock of hair on one of the painted rocks at the base of the steps that led inside.
The priestess caught his eye and nodded in approval.
“You should expect more offerings in the coming days. I don’t know if any of the council has spoken to you yet, but we expect Ulfr Blackwolf, the sea wolf of Grekenus, to be coming here soon. He’s after Lance. The rider of Brutus.”
Mandissa nodded. “Rabia told me right before you arrived. Take heart. I feel that this is fated. Lance and Brutus’s arrival, your friendship, and now Ulfr. It has the hand of the gods in it.”
Gust frowned. “For what purpose?”
“We shall see.”
Now uneasy for a different reason than before, Gust returned the knife to his belt and gathered his things. What possible reason could the gods have to bring Lance to them? It did nothing but put them in danger. He couldn’t easily doubt a priestess, and yet he couldn’t put his mind to seeing recent events objectively.
He shook his head and thought of what Mandissa told him of his previous predicament. Yes, the gods knew what were in all their hearts. If he killed out of rage or vengeance, he’d be leaning toward Snet or usurping Osys, and he didn’t want that. But there was no way he would ever forgive or forget the murder of his parents.
He shook his head again, trying to clear it. Dwelling would not help him reach any goal. Such a path only led to madness.
It wasn’t hard to find Lance. Gust simply followed Brutus’s tracks, and they led him directly to the river. He stopped at the top of the slope and looked down. His eyes widened and he nearly dropped the saddle. Lance was naked and he’d pulled his blond hair over one shoulder, revealing his corded neck and strong back, as well as his healing wounds. The sun shone off his glistening skin, indicating he’d washed himself. A few old scars shone under the light, illustrating the brutality of his life. There didn’t seem to be any part of him untouched by violence.
Poor, strong man.
Lance crouched at the edge of the river, scrubbing harshly at the tunic, the blood briefly turning the water red. Brutus stood upstream, drinking and flicking his tail. Gust swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. Yes, he’d seen Lance naked and had even washed his more intimate areas but that was when he was a patient and severely wounded, and Gust only his healer.
Gust closed his eyes tightly and shook his head. His body stirred as his skin heated, and his cock pressed against his breeches. Stop it. He was thankful Lance was so intent on his task and that gave Gust time to regain his control. He took a deep breath to steady himself before shuffling down the slope.
“Lance.”
Lance partially turned and looked over his shoulder. He smiled without a trace of embarrassment or even acknowledgement that he was naked.
“I have that tunic and your other items,” Gust said. He determinedly stared at Lance’s face and only his face. “And a tent just in case it rains.”
Lance’s smile broadened as he stood. Gust swallowed hard.
“Thank you.”
Gust gratefully set the items down as Lance walked toward him, carrying his soaked tunic. Gust slipped behind him and scrutinized the four claw marks. Two of the slices were red with irritation but none were torn, and there wasn’t any sign of infection. Lance stood quietly as Gust thoroughly checked every single slice. It was an intense struggle to stay focused and not admire Lance’s tight ass and his sturdy legs.
When Gust determined that Lance was in fine shape he stepped back. “You’ll do,” he said with a slight smile.
Lance snorted and dropped the soaked tunic before grabbing the clean one lying on the tent next to them.
“My aunt would prefer it if you didn’t return to the healing hut. If you need something from there, I’ll bring it.”
Lance furrowed his brows. “I understand.”
Brutus trotted over and bumped his nose against Gust’s shoulder. Chuckling, Gust turned and rubbed his nose. Out of the corner of his eye, he noted that Lance dressed, tugging on the dry tunic and yanking up his breeches. Gust was alternately relieved and disappointed. He certainly had a shapely ass.
“I realize I should have brought food,” Gust said when he turned back to Lance. “I’m sorry.”
Lance waved away his apology. “You give me plenty, Gust. I’m fine for now.” His stomach chose that moment to growl and Lance appeared sheepish.
Gust chuckled again. “I’ll bring you something. The weather should be mild so I don’t think you’ll need a blanket. I’ll keep an eye on the skies, though.”
“You’re a good friend.”
Gust’s smile was genuine this time. “I try to be.”
“I want to be a good friend to you.”
Gust gripped Lance’s arm. “You are. Remember the bear? And Dakar?”
Lance appeared to hesitate before touching Gust’s hand. “Have you, I mean, was that the first time you…?”
Gust frowned. “What?”
Lance winced. “Killed someone?”
Gust ducked his head.
Lance sighed. “I’m sorry. You killed because of me.”
“I made the choice with my eyes wide open.” Gust met Lance’s gaze. “I don’t regret it. You’re alive.”
“But you’re a healer.” Lance appeared quite distressed.
“Yes, I am, and I protected you.”
“I’m supposed to protect you.”
“Which you can’t do if you’re dead.”
They stared at each other stubbornly. Gust sighed and broke eye contact first. He patted Lance’s arm and stepped back.
“I spoke to the priestess that cares for the temple. I promise that I’m all right.”
Lance squinted, assessing him. He must have seen Gust’s sincerity and nodded.
“Do you remember your first—wait, never mind.” Gust mentally kicked himself. He didn’t want to know. Despite Lance’s knowledge of Ulfr and Scourge, Gust didn’t want to question him. He didn’t want to have that brutality lay over their friendship like a blade ready to fall.
Lance’s entire expression fell, and he turned his gaze to the river. His eyes went unfocused. “I remember the first person I killed.”
“I’m sorry. I had no right to pry.”
“She betrayed Ulfr,” he continued, as if not hearing Gust. “I don’t remember her crimes. All I remember is standing in front of her as a child, holding a dagger.”
Gust’s insides froze and his heart pounded like a drum.
Lance focused on the ground. “I didn’t hesitate. Ulfr told me to kill her and I did. I sliced her throat, and I felt nothing as her blood pooled on the ground.”
Sickened, Gust turned away and pressed his face into Brutus’s neck.
“I feel now,” Lance whispered. He clenched his hands into fists and when their gazes met, Gust was heartened to see the fire and stubbornness in his gaze. “I am not his weapon any longer. I will end him.”
Gust reached out and gripped both of Lance’s hands, gently loosening his fists until they stood with fingers entwined.
“I believe you,” Gust said.
Lance swallowed hard and nodded, exhaustion replacing the fire in his eyes.
“Why don’t I go get some food and then you can take a nap?”
Lance nodded, eyes unfocused again.
Gust let go and stepped away only to turn back. “I just have to say that after watching you defeat Ragel, I doubt Hoksys himself is better with a sword then you are.”
Lance slowly smiled, giving Gust exactly what he was aiming for. Pink rose to his cheeks and, as if suddenly shy, Lance looked down at the ground again and shuffled his bare feet over the muddy bank.
“Thanks,” he whispered.
Gust snorted and continued on his way to get some food for his friend.