I WILL FIND YOU.

Chapter 68: Dinner

Left alone Minda grabbed his cane and with some effort went over to the river only a few feet away to wash his hands. Following behind was Xianli who was still sniffling from the earlier accident involving the spices.

It took some time but Minda reached the river. General Lei had chosen the spot because of it's easy access to water and Minda had no problem kneeling to wash his hands. Next to him Xianli shoved its little head in the fresh water hoping to get some relief.

"Maybe it was because I was overtired earlier but the sound of the soldiers isn't as bad now." Minda thought as he looked around. He still felt uneasy by it but seeing the men and being outside helped calm his nerves.

"Do you require some assistance?"

!!!

Minda was once again taken by surprise. This time it was Sir who appeared next to him.

"Sorry?" Minda said. Once again unable to hear the question because he was startled.

"Do you require some assistance standing up?" Sir repeated. Minda looked down and he honestly did need help getting back up off the ground.

"Yes, please." Minda said. Sir held out his hand and helped him.

"Have the earplugs helped?" Sir asked him as he brushed off the dirt from his clothes.

"They have. They were a bit uncomfortable at first but after wearing them for awhile I got used to it and I was able to sleep well." Minda said.

"That's great. When traveling it's important to sleep well."

"I'm sorry if I've caused problems for everyone."

"We've all had difficulty with nightmares and traumatic experiences. What makes for a great soldier is not to succumb to the fear but to look forward to the future. Are you able to look forward and picture a bright future?" Sir asked.

Minda wasn't expecting the conversation to become so intense. Caught a bit off guard he could only say the first thing that popped into his head.

"I can with Kai."

"Being able to spend your days with the man you love can certainly make the future brighter." Sir said in a soft pensive tone. Minda couldn't help but think there was more behind his words. Before he could ask about it someone called Sir over and he had to leave.

"I'll ask Kai. He should know." Minda thought as he slowly made his way back to his seat.

...

After moving around for too long Minda was exhausted and could only sit quietly on his stool. Xianli hopped up on his lap and enjoyed his attention.

"How are you feeling?" Kai suddenly asked from next to him.

!!!

"Why does everyone keep scaring me today?" Minda complained.

"Who scared you?" Kai asked in a deep voice. His fists clenched and ready to hit whoever made Minda uncomfortable.

"No one is scaring me on purpose. Everyone just seems to appear out of nowhere." Minda said. Kai looked at him and immediately noticed the problem. Unlike him Minda had always lived in an estate with servants that announced their arrival or departures with soft spoken and respectful voices.

"It will take time but you'll soon get used to it." Was the only thing Kai could say in response.

"I'll try." Minda responded without much confidence. Kai understood and sat down next to Minda while they waited for dinner.

"Did anything else happen while I was away?"

"I cut some veggies and seasoned some of the meat skewers." Minda briefly said.