The Ember In The Storm

Chapter 9: Inquietude

"THIS was not what I had in mind when you said you had things under control," Roman rolled his eyes around their campsite, holding a woven basket of muffins in hand.

"I did," Jackson took a final bite of his third muffin, reaching his hand into the basket for another.

Roman had to fight the urge to scold him on having enough.

"Every one of Simon's women is here, on our territory," Roman looked down at Jackson.

"Not every one. I only asked for the ones that could cook," he took a raisin out of his muffin. "About five made it here, I let the rest go wherever they wished."

Roman scrunched his nose at the sight ahead of him. Two women sat by the logs, trying to start a fire. One cleaned the surroundings and another stood next to one of the cabins with Alex, talking about something that may have not involved cooking.

"You're starting a cross-race village," Roman sighed.

"No, I've made it clear that I want no children here," Jackson pointed out, mouthful. "Is this not good, Roman? I get to keep Elizabeth and my men get to keep women, plus Alex is not overworked to satisfy your appetite's."

"Elizabeth," Roman scoffed under his breath, "the same woman that had you and I up in the middle of the night murdering two men."

"We didn't murder them, we punished them. They spoke ill of me and gave no respect to my office," Jackson said as-a-matter-of-fact.

"Yes, sir."

Jackson sighed, "Don't talk to me in that manner. Talk to me with regard. Advise me as my right hand man. I want your full honesty."

"My full honesty," Roman exhaled deeply. "I think you are letting emotion cloud your judgement."

"I am afraid I do not understand what you mean."

"If the other Generals know of what we have done here, they will shame you," Roman acknowledged. "Not to mention your wife. You bought yourself a whore and named her after her."

"Elizabeth is my wife," Jackson corrected.

"I know, that is why I'm saying she will be furious."

Jackson pressed his lips together, understanding that he was making no progress. He looked around the area until his eyes landed on her.

Elizabeth stood with one of the women, holding a dish of plant leaves. She had always picked leaves from native trees, claiming some kept bad spirits away and others healed wounds.

Jackson smiled, enjoying the sight. Elizabeth laughed with the woman, holding a hand to her chest as she tilted her head back.

He had seen her smiling and laughing all morning, happy to see her friends again.

When she turned to her side and met Jackson's gaze, her laugh faltered before she looked away.

"Remember when you told me what made me a great General was that I had nothing that could be used against me?"

"I remember," Roman responded, listening attentively.

"You see that woman over there?" Jackson straightened his arm towards Elizabeth, pointing a finger to her.

The man next to him followed his gaze.

"I don't think I'm much of a great General. Without a second thought, I would go against this whole Colony if it made her feel safe. I would burn every city to keep her warm if she got cold, and if anyone knew that, they could use her against me."