Innocent Sorrow: A Tale of Twisted Hearts Book One

Chapter Nineteen

Feli looked up at the moon that hung low and large along the horizon. It wouldn’t be long before it set and the sun would start her climb. The rocky plains that surrounded them were lit only by the silver light of night, the camp having doused their fires a few hours prior, and only the sound of men chatting and horses shuffling sounded across the empty swath of land. The earth had changed from rolling hills of green to sparse plains the closer they got to the Beldanian border. Even further east, the land turned to golden sands but for now, the grass was a blessing for them. It seemed everyone could feel the increasing sense of anxiety and anticipation that swirled heavily in the air. Turning back towards the camp, she smiled when she caught sight of Nathanial as he headed her way. The tall, older man gave her a short bow as he neared her before taking the spot next to her, staring out at the same moon she had been watching previously. “The men are finished preparing…should we get ready to move out?” Feli heaved a sigh at his words and nodded. “Yes…I can feel it…something is going to happen. We still have a half days ride ahead of us, if we are lucky, we will make it to them by breakfast.” Nathanial nodded. “If you are correct, they will already be at war when we arrive.” Feli glanced up at him, her eyes shining in the silver glow. “That’s the point…” As she started to walk past Nathanial, he gripped her wrist though they stayed facing away from each other. “Feli, you don’t need to go into battle with us. You can head now to the canyon with the women and no one will think less of you. You do not need to see these things; you can keep your innocence.” Feli blinked her eyes rapidly, keeping the tears that stung her eyes at bay. Even Feliks had the decency to keep quiet for once as she thought over the offer. Finally, she turned and wrapped her arms around her brother figure’s waist from behind, her forehead resting upon his strong back. “As much as I would love to take you up on this offer…I cannot. The innocent heart you speak of is already tainted by a sorrow both my own and not. I must see this through to the end, no matter the cost. You are good man, Nathanial, and you are like a brother but I must decline your offer. This is something I must do.”

Nathanial placed a hand over where hers rested on his stomach and she could feel him heave a sigh at her words. “I won’t make you promise me anything but please…for my sake, try not to get hurt and if it becomes too much, come to me. My arms are always open for you, little sister.” She smiled against his back and gave a squeeze in response before pulling back and composing herself. “Come, we must inform the troops.” Nathanial could only shake his head at their small leader, following behind her with eyes twinkling with mirth. Her small stature hid such a large heart and strong will, it seemed impossible but he loved her all the same. She was his precious little sister and he would die making sure she made it home…

When they reached the men and women who followed them, Feli whistled once to catch their attention before giving out her orders. “I want the women and non-fighters to take the carriages and head further south till they reach the box canyon! All who are fighting are to follow me now; we will be going at top speed to the river where the Reickian army will be engaging Nyek in battle. We will be joining them so all who aren’t prepared or wish to sit out on this battle are to go to the canyon. I won’t condemn you for opting out because I can guarantee that we will take heavy casualties. The men we face will outnumber us, they will be better prepared and they have resolution we will never understand.” Murmurs rose at her words as fear coursed through the crowd but Nathanial quickly raised his voice to assuage their fears. “Calm yourselves and hear her out for she knows what she says!” Feli smiled gratefully at him before squaring her shoulders and continued on. “They have invaded our home, abused our boarders and insulted our people by their very presence. In return, we will show them with our knowledge of these lands that we are not a people to mess with! We are not doing this for Reicks; we are doing this for Beldan! We are doing this to protect our people and we will show them what happens when you play with fire! Now let’s get out there and show them how we burn!”