Hiraeth

Chapter Eight

The morning after the battle brought a sense of clarity that was almost jarring. Sunlight poured through the castle's arched windows, bathing the grand hall in a warm glow that contrasted starkly with the chaos of the night before. Sage sat at the long table, her fingers tracing the cool surface of her cup as she stared into the amber depths of her drink, lost in thought.

"Hey, you alright?" Kade's voice broke through her reverie, drawing her attention. He slid onto the bench beside her, his expression a mixture of concern and admiration.

"Just... thinking," she said, forcing a smile. The adrenaline from the fight had faded, leaving behind an exhaustion that clung to her bones. "I can't believe we actually did it."

Kade leaned back, crossing his arms. "You were a beast out there. Didn't think I'd see a lady wielding a sword like that. You might just put the knights to shame."

Sage chuckled, feeling a flicker of pride. "Let's not get carried away. I just got lucky."

"Luck? That was skill. I've seen knights crumble in the face of danger, but you-" he shook his head, "you were something else."

She appreciated Kade's praise but couldn't shake the gnawing feeling that danger still lurked just beyond the castle walls. "Still, we need to be ready. They'll come back, I know it."

Kade's expression shifted to one of seriousness. "We should train. And I can help with that."

Before she could respond, a commotion at the far end of the hall caught her attention. The heavy wooden doors swung open with a creak, and in strode Beckett, his presence commanding as always, but today there was an edge to him that piqued Sage's curiosity.

His hair was still damp from a morning wash, and he wore a simple tunic, yet there was a fire in his brown eyes that hinted at the turmoil beneath the surface. As he approached, the atmosphere in the hall seemed to shift; conversations quieted, and all eyes turned toward him.

"Gather the guards!" Beckett commanded, his voice firm. "We need to discuss last night's attack and prepare for any further threats."

Kade stood, his posture shifting to one of alertness. "What did you find out?"

Beckett gestured for them to follow him toward a secluded corner of the hall, away from prying ears. Sage's heart raced as she hurried to keep up with the two men, the weight of their seriousness settling heavily on her shoulders.

Once they were out of earshot, Beckett turned to them, his brow furrowed. "We've received word from the patrols. It seems the attackers were part of a larger group that's been targeting neighboring territories. Their motives are unclear, but they're gaining strength."

"And we're a prime target," Sage interjected, her voice steady despite the unease creeping into her stomach.

Beckett nodded, his expression grave. "Exactly. We need to strengthen our defenses and gather intel. I want every guard prepared for another attack."

"What can we do?" Sage asked, her eyes narrowing. "I don't want to just sit back while you handle everything."

"Are you sure you want to get involved?" Beckett asked, arching an eyebrow. "It's dangerous, Sage. I won't risk you for the sake of-"

"I'm not some fragile lady who needs protection!" she snapped, frustration bubbling to the surface. "I fought alongside you last night. I know what I'm capable of."

"Calm down, both of you," Kade interjected, stepping between them. "We all want the same thing here. How about we work together, figure out a plan?"

Beckett sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright. We'll need to train and gather information. Sage, if you insist on being part of this, then I want you to learn how to fight properly. Kade can help with that."