The Call

Again

On many occasions in the past, Serene and Felix had been dance partners, and it had become traditional for them. However, this time seemed different to Serene. As she looked into Felix's eyes, Serene seemed to see something there that told her he was keeping something from her. The feeling troubled her, and she was grateful when Felix offered to take a walk with her in the gardens after the dance ended.

Bright torches lit the garden beautifully, and the flames cast their dancing shadows across the blowing leaves of the trees. For a time as they walked, Felix was silent, seeming to be formulating his next words carefully.

Finally, he spoke. "Serene, there's something I've been meaning to tell you."

She looked up expectantly.

Felix took a deep breath. "I've been assigned to a mission that leaves first thing tomorrow morning. I'm to be ready to leave at dawn."

Serene stopped walking to face him. "What?"

Felix looked to the ground for a moment before looking up to answer. "It's true. I'm sorry. I've been meaning to tell you, but I didn't get the chance to before now."

"How long have you known about this?"

"Since the day after I got back from my last mission. They've been short on commanders lately and needed me to co-lead this mission." He continued when he saw Serene open her mouth to protest, anticipating her question. "I tried to talk to several of my superiors, but you know that once someone's been assigned, they're expected to fulfill it."

"But there's been plenty of exceptions," Serene rebutted. "You just went on a mission. You shouldn't be sent on another so soon."

"Maybe, but I have orders. I can't be exempt from my assignment just because I want to stay."

"But it isn't right for them to assign you the day after you've returned from being gone for months. I've been looking forward to your return and my knighting for so long! I hoped that now we'd finally be able to spend time together. It isn't fair they send you on another mission." She sighed and looked away, fingering her victory ring. "I wish you would've talked to Father."

"I did," Felix replied. "He agreed it isn't fair, but since I was assigned, I have to go. It wasn't his fault, and there's nothing he can do about it. I just–"

"I just wish you would've told me sooner." She met his eyes again. "How long will you be gone?" she dared to ask, though she already knew the answer.

Felix shook his head. "I don't know. I'll have some idea when I'm told the details of our mission, but even then, it's hard to tell."

"Where will you be?"

"I don't know. We'll be told on the way."

Serene raised her eyebrows.

Felix shrugged. "The commanders were busy and didn't have time to brief us on details."

"Who's your commander?"

"Sir Galen." He chuckled. "He never tells anyone about the mission until he's ready."

"Why did he have to choose you? You just returned less than a week ago."

"He's been short on commanders, and he needed me." Felix spoke calmly to soothe Serene's anger. "I'll be fine, I promise."

Serene was silent and looked to the ground for a moment. "What if something happens and you aren't fine?" she asked softly, turning to look up into Felix's eyes.

"You don't have to worry about me. I can hold my own," he answered, a twinkle in his light blue eyes.

"Yes, but–"