Wings of Fate

15. Choosing Sides

    "We should be careful traveling through these parts," Lir said.

    Kalian nodded his agreement. He walked alongside Commander Lev's horse, while Lir and Malachi rode behind them. They were still at least a day out from Selcouth, but the Commander was pushing the group hard enough that Kalian figured they might make it there sooner.

    "Merchant reports say bandits have been halting caravans and robbing them at night," Malachi added. "Lir is right. We might need additional guards out tonight." His gaze slid to Kalian. "Trustworthy ones."

    Kalian didn't bother to meet the man's gaze, though cold anger settled in his stomach at the accusing tone in his voice. He was growing tired of Malachi's constant jabs and sneering. Apparently, Commander Lev was too. Her eyes, dark as burning coals, settled on Malachi.

    "Kalian, assign a few additional guards for the watch tonight," she ordered. "I want you with them."

    Kalian hid a smug smirk. "Yes, Commander." He slowed his pace, letting the three of them pull ahead. Kalian strained his ears, listening to what they said next.

    "You trust him to assign guards?" Malachi spat.

    Commander Lev faced forward. "I trust any man to do what it takes to ensure his own safety." Kalian rolled his eyes, but kept listening.

    "He'll do well," Lir agreed. "I'm sure Bellamy will help him."

    "Bellamy Rame is a poor excuse for a soldier," Malachi huffed. "He'd rather spend his time flirting and fucking, rather than fighting."

    "Are you just mad that he hasn't offered to suck your dick?" The Commander retorted. Kalian barely swallowed a laugh. Lir, however, let his own ring out.

    Kalian turned on his heel, weaving his way through the soldiers walking behind him. Occasionally, a few of them bowed their heads in acknowledgement. Others continued to ignore him. Many more were whispering. Kalian didn't try to hear they were saying. He could already guess. They were either praising him for working his way into Commander Lev's circle so quickly, or condemning him for supposedly fucking his way there.

    He kept his wings folded close to his back, dodging around packhorses carrying weapons and armor. He soon came across Bellamy, who was carrying satchels of medical supplies. Delilah walked alongside him, chatting eagerly. She fell silent as soon as she caught sight of Kalian.

    Kalian bit his lip, then offered her a smile. "Hello, Delilah."

    She returned his smile, but said nothing. Bellamy did it for her. "There you are. I wondered where you'd run off to."

    "Commander Lev needed my help with a few matters this morning," Kalian explained.

    "Ah. You're working your way through the ranks at record speed." Bellamy snickered, elbowing Kalian's side. "I imagine Lir and Malachi aren't too happy about the extra competition?"

    Delilah stiffened at the mention of Malachi's name. "Malachi hasn't expressed any complaints to me," she remarked. "He's perfectly happy where he's at."

    Kalian and Bellamy exchanged knowing glances, but didn't contradict her. "Lir doesn't seem to care so much," said Kalian. "He's in an unusually good mood today."

    "Maybe he likes the weather."

    Bellamy shook his head. "I think he's got a sweetheart in Selcouth. He's just happy that he's going to get to see her."

    "Lir has a sweetheart?" Delilah's lips parted in surprise. "That's not possible."

    "Malachi is sweet on you, isn't he? I'd say that makes anything possible."