I WILL FIND YOU.

Chapter 101: Border

"Is that it?" Minda asked as he stretched his thin white neck for a better view.

"It is."

"It's... smaller than I thought it would be." Minda said at a loss for words. The border he had been hearing so much about lacked the impact he expected. If he didn't know better he would have mistaken the place for a small rural village.

"Don't be too disappointed. It's the border but that village is for the locals. The barracks where the soldiers live is further away. Then beyond that is the border itself." Kai explain when he saw the disappointment on Minda's face.

"Is it safe to have a village so close?"

"Our relationship with the locals is important. We buy food and other necessary items from them. Some soldiers have also moved their families to the village. It's a valuable relationship and we support each other in this difficult harsh environment."

"What do they do when there are enemies?"

"The border itself is further away. Most enemies don't get this far inland. If they do, it's because they snuck past our defences and the locals will send up a signal to tell us when that happens."

"It sounds scary." Minda admitted.

"The locals are some of the toughest people I know." Kai said with a touch of nostalgia. Minda leaned his head against Kai's shoulder.

"Do you miss living here?"

"The past had its moments but the future with you is where my heart lies." Kai said, his arm tightly wrapping around Minda's waist as he held him close.

"While we're here is there anything you want to do or people you want to meet?" Minda asked.

"All the people I care about you've met or will meet when we get to the barracks. As for things to do, there is one place I'd like show you."

"Where?"

"You'll find out tomorrow." Kai said with a mischievous grin.

"Don't keep it a secret. Tell me now." Minda demanded, his curiosity peaked.

"Be patient." Kai said with a light chuckle.

"You and your stupid secrets." Minda grumble. His words were harsh but Kai could see a smile on Minda's face.

"Do you hate me?" Kai teased.

"No."

"Do you love me?"

"... Don't ask stupid questions." Minda said. Kai wasn't put off by Minda's response and snuck a light kiss on Minda's blushing cheeks. Feeling shy Minda went quiet as he hid his face against Kai's broad shoulders. His cute reaction tickled Kai's heart as they rode past the final village before reaching the barracks.

...

After passing the village, Minda could see the barracks. It was surprisingly impressive. There were fields of rice and wheat. That looked to have been harvested not long ago. Scattered about were some other vegetables fields. It was the most plant life Minda had seen in the two weeks it took to ride through the Deadlands.

Past the fields were the training grounds and several buildings. The buildings themselves looked well maintained and large. Impressed,  Minda's eyes darted around trying to see everything.

"Honey, are those buildings where the soldiers live?" He asked.

"They are. Each squad or team of twenty-five soldiers has their own building to live, eat, and store their possessions."

"Twenty-five! Isn't it small for that many people?"

"It's a bit crowded but as soldiers space isn't an issue. What's important is having a warm safe place to sleep." Kai explained.