Glyph

Chapter 28

Dirk and Cordan were startled, to say the least.

They had never expected to see William there. Dirk was unsure how to react. He exchanged a look of incredulity with Cordan.

"William," he said, trying to smile. "We never expected to see you here."

William's eyes glittered darkly. He said nothing, merely gazed at Dirk.

Dirk shifted uncomfortably.

Cordan cleared his throat. "So, William, how was the march?"

"As expected. Dull," William said. His eyes never left Dirk's face.

"That sounds about right," said Cordan, laughing uneasily.

Dirk stared back at William. He had not forgotten what he had said about him that day outside the mess hall, nor had he forgiven him.

"We need to be going," Dirk said flatly.

William's eyes flashed angrily and his hand twitched toward his pocket. "Hearken to your own words then, coward. Flee again."

Dirk ground his teeth. But he did nothing. It would be the height of folly to start a fight in a camp on the brink of battle.

He forced himself to turn and walk away, his anger smoldering uselessly inside him. "Let's go, Cordan," he said in a hard voice.

When they were well away from the camp, Cordan relaxed. "What was that about?," he asked frankly. "I've never liked the guy, but he's never been so hostile."

"Perhaps not to you," Dirk retorted.

"What do you mean?"

Dirk shook his head. "It doesn't matter. But William has always been a little cold to me." He quickly told Cordan what had occurred when he had first met William.

Cordan looked shocked. "I always knew there was something strange about that guy," he declared.

Dirk nodded. "To tell the truth, I feel as if he is planning something against me."

"I wouldn't be surprised."

Dirk shook his head. "I cannot think anyone would want to fight anyone else, save the enemy, on the eve of battle."

Cordan looked concerned. "But if he were to, should we not be ready?," he persisted.

"We cannot be distracted by this now," Dirk said. "Trouble yourself no further on my account. I can handle William."

Cordan looked perturbed, but did not press the issue.

When they arrived back at their own camp, they found Falen and a few others sitting by a fie they had apparently lit.

Dirk sat down on a log next to them.

He didn't really pay much attention to their conversation; he was still thinking about William.

When there was a lull in the conversation, a though struck him and he asked abruptly,"What duties do we have today?"

Falen spared him a glance. "None," he said distractedly. "We weren't assigned any."

Dirk dimly remembered reading something along those lines in Captain Aetil's message.

The message. That message had led him to William.

Setting his jaw, he resolved to stop thinking about the little weakling for now.

He turned his attention determinedly to the conversation of his fellow soldiers beside him.