Soul Healer

Chapter 10 - Tempers Flare

>>> CHAPTER 10 <<<
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More horses are needed to support the growing army. The ideal stock should be traded with the Kimleen. They are the best horse breeders in all of the southern areas.
They are a proud people, and do not sell their horses unless they find the buyer worthy of such a trade, no matter how much money is offered.

Talking for hours you have finally agreed on a strategy. Bane is to travel to the Kimleen, accompanied by a squadron. He knows their leader. King Xluda is a hard man, but fair. Bane will seek audience, and hopefully he will be able to persuade the king to part with some War Horses. Bane hopes that king Xluda will be less reluctant to part with some horses, when he hears a detailed report about your Ceenaq troubles.

At first you wanted to go as well, but both Ares and Bane objected. Upset about their refusal, a heated discussion was heard in the mighty halls.
Trying to reason with you, they finally managed to persuade you. The horses are needed and fast. You won't be able to travel with the speed required on such a mission. Health is greatly improved, but the Ceenaq are everywhere. The risk of them launching an attack is too high. If they hear you are leaving, they will follow. Or worse still, they will attack Wistaria.

Worried about Bane you wanted Ares to accompany him. Infuriated at such an idea, Ares close to blew his fuse. Refusing to even consider leaving your side, tempers flared.
The discussion intensified and escalated. Bane tried in vain to calm Ares down.
The louder Ares roared his refusal to leave, the calmer you became and increasingly insisting he should leave and help Bane.

Amused Bane left the great hall, letting you both know he would return once you had come to an agreement.

Pacing the great hall Ares continued to shout his refusal to leave. Throwing his hands in the air, getting more and more frustrated and agitated. Throwing his sword to the ground, demanding to stay and be by your side.

Watching him pace the hall with fiery strides, you began to notice small but important details. His clenched fists. The way his eyes looked at you. Such desperation and fear, when he thought you were not looking in his direction. The slight tremble on his lips.

Realizing he thought you were using Bane to get rid of him, your heart bleed for him. Unable to see him in so much pain and despair, you quickly get out of the chair walking towards him.
Grabbing his arm, you make him stop.

"I refuse to leave", he roars so loud, Istaq decides it's time to run for the hills and hide. "I will not yield. You cannot possibly say anything that will change my mind!"

Seeing his entire body shake just a fraction, before he manages to suppress his hurt, you find yourself fighting the need to cry. This fierce warrior has managed something no man has ever been able to achieve. You care about him. You care about his feelings towards you. Sure you have never been completely heartless. But this feeling is different.
You have hurt him deeply with your demand. Forgetting how he has repeatedly told you, he needs to be by your side. To protect you always. The fact that you have hurt him with your demands, makes your very soul twist in agony.

"Ares" you say, trying to calm him down.

"NO!", he roars. Furiously he starts pacing the room again.

Running after him, you throw your arms around his waist, making him stop as if hit by a lightening rod.

"Volcanic hothead", you say with a sad half smile. Making his eyes grow wide with surprise. "I am so very sorry. I have hurt you. My reason to ask you to accompany Bane, was never an attempt to get rid of you".

Leaning closer he slowly calms down. His eyes focus on your lips. Taking in every word, holding his breath.

"I wanted you to go with Bane, because he his my friend. Yes I know he is also my General. But he will always be my friend first. I wanted you to go with him, so you could protect him if he gets into trouble. Never because I wanted to get rid of you".

A beautiful trembling smile appears on Ares lips, as you continue. "You my hothead, can protect him like no other. Please forgive me for hurting you. The decision is yours".

"I am staying. I go where you go!" Eyes glow dangerously, as he continues, "Do not try to make me leave you ever again".

"So be it", you agree. "Let's tell Bane your not tagging along. I doubt he will be surprised though", you say.

"Wait. Come here", he says. "I need to hold you. Calm my soul amore". Wrapping his arms around you, he drags you close against his body. Making you rest your head against his chest. One arm firmly wrapped around your waist, the other applying a slight pressure on your back, making you practically immobile. With a content sigh, his chin resting on the top of your head. Taking deep breaths he calms himself.

Closing your eyes, you relax and make him carry your weight. Raising you hand you rub his back, removing his tension. For a while your both lost in the embrace. But reality returns when you hear a slight cough.

Bane has returned. "Everything sorted now? Good. So I leave alone. That won't be a problem". With a wide grin he continues. "It's not as if either of you could bare be without the other, even for a short while any way. Why not talk to Ares about War Horses while I'm away? He has some knowledge on the subject you know". Turning around he speaks, "I take my leave Majesty. Try not to miss me too much". With a low bow he leaves.


"Some knowledge", Ares grumbles. "Insolent oaf".

"You know how to handle War Horses?", you ask.

With a wide grin and a hearty laughter he answers, "Yes I know a thing or two about War horses, meu amore".


Truth revealed Ares knows more than a thing or two. He is an expert in mounted combat and a highly sought after War Horse trainer and handler.
Wanting to know more about how to train a War horse, you ask him if he will teach you.

Delighted to hear your interested in something he feels very passionate about, he leads you to the beautiful palace gardens and makes you sit down.
Pouring you a glass of wine, he speaks. "This is going to be a lengthy lecture my love. Do not hesitate to stop me if you get bored".
With a gentle smile he continues, "We might as well order some food while we're at it". Calling a servant he asks him to bring some food and more beverages.

"Have you ever experienced the honor to ride a War Horse, o meu tesouro?"

"Yes", you reply. "After a lot of training and several encounters with our enemies, my father found me worthy. He picked a horse for me". With a low chuckle you continue. "The horse he chose for me was fine and valiant enough. But goodness he was quite a whimp".

Ares laughs, "Choosing the correct War Horse for you, is not an easy task meu corazón. Any random War Horse won't do".

"You have no idea. My father got so frustrated with me. So many fine chargers were presented before me. Magnificent steeds, but they we're not my other animal half. I tried to tell him I needed a horse that was my warrior soulmate. He just laughed at me at told me I was being silly. That any horse could be broken to fit any rider".

With a frown Ares answers, "that is NOT the way to pick the right charger. Trust is a must. The horse must trust it's rider. With the correct care and match, the horse will bond with the rider. Forming an unbreakable bond".

Listening you nod in agreement. "My father finally gave up and asked Bane to assist. He took me to the corral. Told the stable boys to collect 20 chargers. And then on we went like a military lineup", laughing you continue, "made me stop in front of every horse. Just stand in front of each horse for a while. Every time going - no, no. No good. Not that one either".

With a nod Ares comments, "that is the way. The connection may be frail in the beginning, but it is there. One just has to know how to look for the signs".

"None of the 20 were acceptable, so he asked the stable hands to bring more". With a groan you remember the ordeal. "Finally after several hours, there we are. A stable boy is struggling to hold a chestnut stallion. A young and inexperienced steed. Eyes so wild. Poor thing sweating like crazy. So I'm asked to approach the chestnut. The stable boy holding on to the lead rope with all his strength. The horse dancing sideways. I start walking towards him. Stopping several feet from him. Just standing there, my side turned towards him".

With an approving nod Ares listens to your story. It's obvious he likes to hear how you behaved, when you approached the horse.

"My father wanted me to just walk up to the horse and grab the lead rope. I told him no. For maybe half an hour I just stood there, humming a tune with a low voice. At first he ignored me busy dancing around sideways. Doing a good job annoying the stable boy". Eyes twinkle as you remember.

"Meu corazon, your actions were textbook worthy. How did you know to behave in such a way?" Gently his fingers caress your palm.

With a shrug you answer, "It came natural. In my mind it made sense not to approach until he had calmed down. He had worked himself into a semi hysterical male hormonal frenzy".

"Hormonal frenzy?", Ares comments laughing. When you nod, dimples form at the corner of his mouth. Raising your hands you feel an irresistible urge to caress them. Completely forgetting you were telling him about War Horses.

Feeling your touch his eyes look deep into your very soul, as he lowers his face towards yours. Stroking his chin, a low rumble escapes him, as he leans his face into your palm. With feather like movements you trace his features, drawing a low moan from his lips. Leaning closer you let your lips caress his brow, down his cheeks, making him shiver. Soft fingers gently touching his lips, kissing the corners of his mouth.

Iron arms grab you, forcibly pulling you up on your feet. Dragging you hard against his chest, making it difficult to breath. Pulling you closer, he mumbles with an uneven breath, "Amore, meu corazon". One hand behind your head forcing you closer, his lips take possession of yours with so much force you can feel his teeth. With a growl his lips become more demanding, as he claims you as his. Sweet surrender is your response. He can feel it the way your body responds to his, your fingers in his hair. Opening his mouth, he deepens the kiss, his tongue flickering across your lips, demanding access. This time you are the one moaning.
Liquid heat flows as you accept the duel, tongues caress, as his lips devour yours, taking the kiss deeper still.

"Mine, alma xemelga amado, meu querido", mumbling against your lips, kissing you again with passion that is all consuming. "Never felt so alive, so precious. I never knew. So alone before you came". Adoringly he looks into your eyes. His voice trembles, as he looks at you with so much hope. "Can you love me? I will do everything. Never will I allow anyone to take you from me. I would die for you".

Hearing his words you feel a sadness so deep. Trying to speak you feel like crying. Your eyes glaze over and you feel like screaming out in sorrow, as you remember all the beautiful souls now gone forever.

With an oath he silently curses himself for being so impatient. "I'm so sorry meu corazon. Never meant to hurt you". Pressing your closer. Making you lean your head against his neck, he whispers trying to calm you. "Cursed be. Alpha hormonal overload".

Slowly his words settle calming both your heart and soul. Clasping his shirt your hand wrinkles his shirt, as he holds you closer, gently whispering soothing words. Fighting you rein in the sorrow. Brushing your lips against his neck, you make him whimper, and cuddle you against his chest.

"Alpha hormonal overload?, you speak, voice breaking.

"Yes"' he whispers gently cupping you face, making you look at him. "Alpha", he whispers with a light kiss. "Hormonal", another kiss. "Overload", another kiss caress you lips.
"How can I possibly make you understand how you make me feel, meu querido".

Unable to stop you feel yourself once again being drawn into his gaze. What he says next, makes you tremble.

"For twas not into my ear you whispered, But into my heart. Twas not my lips you kissed, But my soul".

You have no idea how to react. Bewildered you look at him. He is so incredibly caring and sweet.

Feeling your body going tense, he places a gentle kiss on your lips, as he continues. "Let us take a seat, doce anxo. The food will be served shortly". Reassuringly he continues. "Do not be afraid, I would never force you to love me. I know how you hurt inside. You are not ready. Just know you can rely on me. Never hesitate to ask me anything".

Gently making you sit down, he cuddles you against his body. Never have you felt so safe and loved. Taking your hand, pressing tender kisses on the palm.
Dark eyes so smoldering, yet affection so visible seem to caress your features. "I was so alone before I met you. I never knew how it felt to love. I need you to know you are my everything. My sun, my moon, the very air I breathe. You make my heart soar".

Hearing servants approaching, he gently brushes a tear from the corner of your eye. "Let us eat miña pequena mágoa, and you have to tell me more about the chestnut stallion".

Embarrassed you forgot, you try to hide your face. With an affectionate chuckle he asks you what you'd like to eat. Lost in your thoughts you do not hear what he's saying.

"Miña pequena mágoa?", he says.

"What are all those words you speak? I do not know what they mean?"

"Some day I will tell you", he answers. "But for now all you have to know is somehow I've been blinded, by the sunshine glow of your smile".

"What?" you answers. "Ares stop", you groan feeling your face slightly blushing.

"Never", he chuckles. "Miña pequena mágoa. Tell me what you'd like to eat?".

"I'll just have some bread and olives. I'm not very hungry".

"That won't do", he answers. "You haven't eaten all day. I will get you some meat and fruits also. Just stay and relax, and I'll be right back". Kissing your hand he swiftly moves towards the table.

You frown as you watch how he keeps adding more and more to the plate, that apparently is going to be your dinner.

With a big smile, he puts the plate in front of you saying there has to be room for dessert also. Then he turns to get some food for himself.

Wide eyed you stare at the plate, then at Ares and then back at the plate again. There is no way you can eat that much. Having filled his own plate with an abundance of food, he returns and sits down next to you. So close his elbow brushes against yours.

With a silent laughter you wonder how to deal with the lovestruck male. You do not want to hurt him in any way. But good lord, there is enough food on your plate to last you at least a week. Deciding not to mention that you start to eat.

Happy he watches you eat, silently watching your every move. Desperate he wants to hear your voice. But you seem content to just eat, staying quiet for a while. "Querida raíña", he asks. "Do you want to tell me what happened after you met the chestnut stallion?"

Lowering your gaze, you seem lost in the memories for a short while. Then you begin to speak, just as he was about to reach out and touch you, his eyes dark with concern.

"The chestnut", with sadness you hesitate a little. "He got more and more agitated with the boy holding the lead rope. When he tried to take a bite out of the boys arm, I decided it was time to step in and take charge of the situation".

"Miña pequena mágoa, that was very fool hearted. It could have been a severe and dangerous mistake.", Ares objects.

Raising you hand you stop him. "This is my story", you scold him with a wicked smile.

Laughing he asks you to continue.

"So up I went. Grabbed the lead rope and asked the stallion to behave. I swear he froze on the spot".

With a hearty chuckle Ares huskily says, "he never knew what hit him, the poor critter".

"He lowered his head towards me, looking at me as if I was some foreign entity. Magnificent he was. I guess he decided he liked me then, because he rubbed his head against my chest, almost making my loose my balance". With a wide grin you continue. "I have no idea what it was that made him like me, but the connection was instant".

"I know what is was he saw in you, doce anxo", Ares coarsely mumbles. Leaning closer he takes you hand, and presses it against his chest.

"No distractions. It's story time", you say, making him send you a smoldering glance.

"No alma xemelga amado, it is getting very late. Unless you insist to finish the story, I suggest we wait with the rest until tomorrow. I know there is no happy ending in your story". Softly he reaches out, and brushes his fingers across your lips. Concerned he continued, "It would sadden me greatly, if you were to sleep with pain in your heart. But if we stop now, you will fall asleep thinking about your chestnut friend". Dragging you closer into a gentle hug, he continues, "what was his name, amore?"

Meeting his eyes you whisper, "He was called Tar-Ardamin".
Taking an uneven breath, your voice trembles as you continue, "You are right. I would rather fall asleep remembering how me met. I will tell you what happened next tomorrow". Touching his face, you gently caress his cheek, making him swallow hard. "I am very lucky our paths crossed. I will fall asleep dreaming about Tar-Ardamin. With fondness I will remember our many escapades. Tomorrow I will tell you more".

"I look forward to hear more about Tar-Ardamin, meu corazón desexa", Ares says. "Now I believe it is time we retire?". With a gentle arm around your waist, he walks you to you chaimbers, leaving you with a kiss on your cheek. With a low bow, he takes his leave. "Ata mañá. Bos soños meu tesouro. Desexo-lle unha boa noite de sono. Soño de nada, pero boas lembranzas sobre Tar-Ardamin".

You wonder what it was he said. Judging by his tone of voice, it was something good. Sweet nothings aimed at you, and something about Tar-Ardamin. With a smile you get ready for bed.