The War God's Wife

Chapter 10: Clearing The Air

Lyterias settled into one of two wooden chairs out front.  In one hand, he carried a brown bottle that sloshed half full with liquid; in the other, he had two glasses.  Setting a glass on the arm of each chair, he pulled the bottle's stopper and poured out a smooth, bronze-colored liquid.  A familiar smell of whiskey hit my nose.

"Do gods drink?"  Lyterias asked, a teasing smile strangely on his lips as he offered a glass.

"Never met a god," I said as I took it, "but if I do, I'll ask.  But I will tell you that Tel'mak drink."  He laughed as I sipped.  The bitter taste of alcohol washed against the back of my throat, but the smooth and rich flavor flowed over my tongue.  I could feel the heat of the intoxication pumping through my chest as I set the glass down and sat beside Lyterias.

"Did ye really punch Jonathan?"  he asked, suddenly serious again.  I relaxed.  It felt more natural for him to be straight-forward than joking.

"I did," I said quietly.  He nodded, breathing deep as he did.

"He comes from a good family," he explained abruptly.  "They run several shops and trading companies tha' run goods all the way up th' Long Road."

"Even to Invictus?"  I asked, surprised a family from so small a village had stable trade on the massive roadway that connected every corner of the Almeasura Kingdom.

"Tha's th' eventual goal, they say," he replied.  "But they do make regular shipments to the ports and fortress cities.  It's how Jonathan has th' money ta buy all them fancy baubles for Calliena."  He made a face and took a large swig of his whiskey.  I ran my finger around the rim of my glass in slow, absent-minded circles.

"You obviously don't care for him much," I mused.  He paused mid-swig to glare at me.

"Obviously," he said mockingly.  I gave him a brief smile before continuing.

"Is there someone else you would consider for her?  A better . . . catch, for lack of a better term?"  He considered this for a moment, staring blankly at his drink.

"Most o' th' boys in th' village are just that:  boys," he said at last.  "Jonathan always put me ill at ease.  Too smiley, I suppose.  An' 'is friends ain't much better, either too brutish or too childish ta gimme peace o' mind.  Worst thing is I know they'll grow up, but only after they get married an' have a baby or two.  But those first few years will be murder ta Cal."  He sighed.  "I know it's selfish, but I'd rather she find someun' who's good ta her from th' start."  My guts churned.

"I think that makes you a good father, not a selfish one," I said kindly.  He blinked at me, apparently surprised.  I hastily took another sip of whiskey to cover my embarrassment and choked on it.  He thumped my back as I coughed heavily, and I waved him away as I stood.

"Think I'll go check on dinner," I wheezed and backed through the door as quick as I could, shutting it behind me.  As the oak thudded close, I felt my heart squeeze.  I promised to break this off.  I told him I wouldn't lead her on, that I had no interest in mortal women and no time for love.  And yet now . . . .

The next day, Lyterias decided to hunt himself.  "Keep his skills sharp," he said.  I elected to lay in my cot and rest, taking a break from the usual cycle of exercises I busied myself with.  Calliena had packed Lyterias a satchel full of trail food and a skin of water, and now she hummed over pans of cooking food that gave off an appetizing aroma.  I had waited a long minute to be sure I didn't hear any returning footsteps of Lyterias.  But now, I stood and took a few steps in order to wrap my arms around Calliena from behind.  She jumped and squeaked in surprise, nearly spilling a pan full of sizzling meat and diced vegetables.  I buried my face in the crook of her neck, breathing in the scent of her skin and hair.  Instantly, she melted against, nuzzling her body against mine.