Love Stories

Chapter Twenty-One

It was official. Kamarra and Runderin were at war. There was such a sudden burst of activity that everyone felt, a change in everything. The soldiers were mustered. The fighting was understood to take place in the desert, not in either country. Runderin had to march southeast while Kamarra marched northeast. They both had quite the trek. The caravans that ordinarily made the route were halted. There would be no more products of Grace in Runderin, until the war was over. Turyn had always been an ally of Runderin, but in this case they didn't provide any troups. Runderin's dock was a fine idea but it didn't give any benefit to their country. It wasn't worth their people dying for. Some people didn't think it was worth Runderin's dying for.

                        There were elements involved that few understood. It wasn't all about the dock. But such speeches were saved for the soldiers and the lords. Arguments were over. Now there was only a determined line in every man's jaw, a purpose to their step and a reason worth dying for. The whole thing just confused Leah. She'd barely decided to love Derian before he was whisked away and she'd hardly seen him since, and it was a week later. It made her uncertain and wary, she spent most of her time by herself pacing. If they ever saw each other it was in an awkward place full of people. No one could expect to give them privacy because no one knew they needed it.

                        It was on the last night, the night before he was to depart, that they stole a moment alone. There was one last feast that everyone was invited for. It was winter then and the air outside was cold, but Leah braved it in hopes that Derian would follow. People were trying to laugh and trying to be merry, but tomorrow their soldiers would be marching to the unknown. Life, death, there was only one option. And people had to die, didn't they. Who would it be?

                        Derian slipped out after her, shrugging his blue jacket off to give it to her. Leah gave a small smile of thanks. "This is crazy," she said after a moment.

                        "What is?" He leaned on the railing near her.

                        "This whole thing," Leah said, staring out over the gardens. "Everything that's happened in the past two weeks."

                        "A bit. But we've survived it this far, eh? We'll make it. I don't know where, but we'll make it. I promise."

                        Leah looked at him. "That was before we were anything."

                        "I know." Derian bit his lip and looked down. "I'm sorry. I bring you around and then I leave."

                        "It isn't your fault." Leah turned toward him and now she took his hands. "I wasted time, but I won't now. You're leaving tomorrow and I have to confess something. I think I love you."

                        "Aw, ma'am, you shouldn't be saying those things to no soldier boy," Derian drawled. His smile made his possible death not so near. "It might go to my head and then I won't know what I would do."

                        Leah smiled back. "You'll come home because you have many reasons to."

                        "You're right I'll come home." Suddenly she was in his arms. "I'll try better than my best."

                        "Good." She fought back the threatening tears. "This time it is unfair."

                        "I know, I know. But... it's alright, I'll be back before you know I'm gone. You write me. And I'll write you. Every day."