Araman

~ 3 ~

   Alarmed by the sudden interruption, the General Kassen looked to the source of the noise in confusion. It came from behind his door, which was then unexpectedly knocked open by a large armed soldier.

When he looked back to the strange young woman who he had woken up to, she was gone; his hand was still stretched out towards her face.

Forgetting about his illness, which seemed to have disappeared miraculously, the General threw the sticky sheets off himself and stumbled on weak legs to the now open window.

The armed, shirtless soldier rushed frantically into the room, brandishing his sword and followed by a second slightly smaller guy in his sleeping clothes.

"We heard something smash!"

Both men looked around the room, perturbed to find that the General was the only one there. Awake and standing.

"Well I'll be dammed!" The first one said, sheathing his sword and saluting. His broad shoulders and top heavy appearance was more evident half clothed and his sandy hair was cut close to his skull.

"It's a miracle." The second one said and shouted for the nearest passing maid to fetch the King. His brown hair was longer and sticking out in all directions. He was leaner but no less muscular than the first man.

The General leant on the window sill, hoping to see the woman who he was sure had saved him.

Maybe it was a dream, he thought. But she still seemed so close, even now he was out of his unconscious state. He could still smell the honey scent of her golden hair.

Shrugging the feeling away he turned, smiling to his guards and close friends, Derio, still in his saluting position and Sitnen, mouth open.

"How many times have I told you?" Kassen said to them both seriously. "Knock before you enter, I could have had a lady in here!"

He smiled cheekily at them and they laughed. Forgetting formalities both Derio and Sitnen embraced the General.

"Nice to have you back, Kassen. Should have known you'd pull through." Sitnen said slapping his old friend on the back.

"Yeah, we've all got women to meet still." Derio added winking at the other two.

"Would you like me to send out a wanted notice for you?" Kassen said with a mischievous look on his face. "Desperate woman needed. Good pay."

"Crap shag!" Sitnen added.

"If I wasn't so happy about Kassen being back you two would be done for!" Derio said, playfully putting up his fists.

"Can we place bets on that?" Came a voice from the open door.

All three looked up and saw Prince Derend leaning against the doorframe. "Was almost starting to miss you." He laughed.

"Can't get rid of me that easily, Derend." Kassen replied and smiled at his half brother.

"Kassen?!" A small girl ran into the room and jumped on the General embracing him warmly.

"Thought you were gone for sure!" She said shakily, trying to hold back tears. She didn't want to cry in front of the men.

"Don't be silly, Sherin. I'll always be here for you." They rubbed noses and Sherin giggled.

"I don't think it's a good idea to be jumping over him like that, he is still recovering."

Everyone stood alert as King Dagerten entered the overcrowded room.