Taking sides

Chapter 5: A test of loyalty

The Templar horrors and soldiers seemed to have boundless patience, or no emotion registered with them anymore, I couldn't be sure. I, however, did not. Especially for tasks I would rather not do. I was restless.

I stormed over to General Samson's tent, the only fellows I saw as I raced forward were the horrors who merely grunted an acknowledgment, anything more was beyond them now. But they could take orders and fight. I was not sure what to expect when I reached the generals tent I heard groaning, at first I thought maybe he was injured, so I ventured closer wearily, the groans becoming louder and I realized that they sounded more like sexual groaning. I was now sure, and it made me wish I had not come over in such haste.

I felt a familiar throbbing between my legs, I missed sex. I was no virgin but it had certainly been a while, so much so that even Samson's cries stirred me. I shook my head disgusted with myself. I tried to leave before anyone noticed me but a dalish elven woman sauntered out stuffing notes into her top, her outfit left little to the imagination. I felt a greater sense of embarrassment when she gave me a wide smile, then wandered off.
I was a little taken back that Samson was paying for sex, I had known men who did so but I had never seen the transaction, it made me feel a little dirty for witnessing it. I must have lingered too long as Samson called out. "What do you want?"
I slowly approached the tent, I felt relieved to see at least he had his pants on. I stepped inside. I shouldn't have been surprised but his toned torso was something to be admired, my eyes lingered for a moment.
"You here for a show or did you need something?" He pressed growling under his breath.

"My apologies general I wondered when we would be moving out? I was unaware you were otherwise engaged." I felt warmth in my cheeks.

"Bloody hell love, surely you have seen your fair share of cock, there is no need to be so bloody embarrassed. Or maybe I am wrong, maybe you prefer the ladies. Either way, I have no time for romance, and I prefer a willing partner so this serves its purpose. The red hasn't killed me off yet."

"I understand sir, I will wait outside."

He looked amused at my anxious expression; it seemed as if he decided to continue trying to force a greater blush across my cheeks.

"Wait a moment. I forget I am not the only human in the camp now, maybe next time I will pick you up something. Just curious as to your preference?"

"What does this matter? We have work to do." I tried to end the conversation, but this only seemed to encourage him.

He walked over, pulling alarmingly close. "So what is it you fancy?" He continued drawing closer until I had no more room to back up, I could feel the wooden frame of the cot pressing into the back of my legs. He leaned in, I leaned back. He burst out laughing and backed away. I finally had room to breathe. He was intimidating, that was why my pulse quickened, and why I needed to steady my breathing, or that's what I told myself.

I pulled up, feeling foolish. I walked out and returned to the midst of the camp.

Samson followed soon after in full armor. It was only then that the soldiers and horrors seemed to react, their eyes looked to him with what I could only guess was some sort of reverence, some of their expressions were hard to read as their features were distorted by lyrium growths.

"One of main Lyrium supply lines in under threat. Our new recruit here will be joining you on this run. You will take your orders from lieutenant Cruise, I will be watching from a distance. Do not disappoint me, save the supply, and make sure any written communications don't make it into the wrong hands."

"I was one of the best in Kirkwall. Sir," I remarked with confidence.

"Good. Finally giving me some useful recruits, Samson," He joked.