Once Upon A Fae

Chapter 30

"A farewell is necessary before we can meet again, and meeting again after moments or a lifetime is certain for those who are friends." 

Richard Bach

Chapter 30

Faith held Jaden tighter against her breast as she stumbled over a tree root. The sounds of Micah's soft whines from Calix's arms seemed to pierce the quite as the small group moved quickly through the forest. Though Faith would have preferred to travel while it was light for the safety of the young, she understood that was not feasible. Each mile they traveled was one step closer to safety. As it was the sky held a hint of light signaling the dawning of a new day and they had barely cleared any distance.

She knew this was partly her fault. But leaving behind her brother and most of the family she had began to build was difficult. While she had hurriedly packed what they would need for their trip, the warriors had split into their groups. By the time she and the young had joined the rest, the medical unit had been ready to depart with Luch standing in their midst. No matter how she and Dmitri begged he would not be swayed on his decision.

"My sister, this is my path. I was given a gift that can help many. How could I selfishly deny its use." Luch's eyes were hollow as he explained his reasoning. His pale face held no emotion.

"You promised me Luch." Faith cried out. The tears she had been holding at bay slipping down her cheeks. "You promised you would have my back. That you would be by my side through our new life."

"And if you needed me that is where I would be. But you now have your mate and your young. It is their place to walk at your side." Luch then pulled Faith into his arms. She held tight knowing it would be their last embrace for some time. "This will not be forever. The twins have already said that we will meet again. But for now you must follow your path as I follow mine."

"I will miss you little brother. And know that I am proud of the male you are becoming."

"And I am proud to call you my sister. Go in peace."

"Go with my love." Faith whispered as Luch walked away joining with the males he would serve beside.

Now she and the young hid at the edge of the forest as the males prepared to make their way into the city. Thanks to Team Leader Hannibal's foresight and Henut's planning transportation and supplies were waiting for their group. Now they would just have to get to them without the council knowing.

Dmitri came to Faith taking Jaden and holding the sleeping toddler close. Pulling Faith into him he ran a comforting hand through her hair.

"Soon Solynoshko Moya. Soon we will be safe and you can rest. I want you and the young to wait for us here. The smaller the group that enters the city the less likely we will be noticed."

"Will you miss this? Do you wish you could stay?" Faith worried that eventually Dmitri might come to resent her and the pups for keeping him from his purpose. Much like with Luch she would let him go if that is where his heart lay.

"Will I miss being a warrior? Yes in many ways. I will miss my brothers. I will miss knowing that I have helped someone who was unable to protect themselves. But I have no wish to be fighting in this war."  Gripping Faith's chin he stared deep into her eyes. "Do you know that almost every male volunteered to be our guard? They did this not for fear of war and death. They did this because it is a part of our very soul to want to protect our pups. My mate, there is no honor to be had in war. There is no valor in death. Our true honor comes from the results of our actions. Those few innocents that we have protected. The weak that we save. So am I disappointed in being sent to protect you and our young? Never. For this is a truly noble task of war."