This day has been remarkable heat, the Druids dress to warmly. I can’t take the clothing off whilst in command and I wish I was back in my house with him; it’s been too long without him… I am not even sure he is alive but hope is still within me.
“Circe, King Oswald wishes to speak to you.”
“I do hope it’s something important apart from our armies killing legionaries.” Samuel laughs, he’s long haired and bearded, as are most of the men here all pale skinned, native to The Maderms. The Druids all wear robes or wander around naked, depending on the weather; I’d much prefer to just wear the robes. I walk through the trees towards the king’s tent, walking past Brunhilda who stops me with a brief smile and a wave,
“Hello Circe, what brings you here?”
“Oswald needs to speak to me.” The raven haired girl smiles and bows to me, her pale blue eyes staring into me. I reach the king’s tent and walk on in; I can’t get used to living like an elf but I’d be dead if not here.
“Ah, Circe I see you got the message from Samuel.”
“Indeed… well all he said is that you wished to speak with me.” The king laughs, I put my hand on Athene’s hilt; the sword given to me by Avenji.
“Yes, I have heard news of the XV Legion moving up towards the camp… that is a squad of at least a hundred men.”
“That should be easy… as the last legion we fought was at least a thousand.” Oswald looks to me and his daughter comes in,
“Boudicca, will you tell Commander Anni’ka of the trouble with the XV?” The fair haired maiden, who is built thicker than most men here but yet still, looks somewhat gorgeous.
“Yes, father… Commander the XV Legion has a high priority prisoner that we need, I believe you Brunhilda and Alexander have indeed had contact with this man… the kings-slayer, the wolf, the lone lion… some call him the serpent as he sneaks and slithers his way out of death’s clutches.” My heart beats faster, joy and fear spread throughout my body,
“And what do you wish for me to do?”
“We want him captured… you and Brunhilda will take a team of five men to capture Arkness alive.” I scowl at her and turn to her father who has sat in his arm-chair to keep his legs alive.
“So you expect me to take one of the most wanted criminals away from the false king and bring him back here without dying? Fuck that.”
“We thought you would be happy that he is alive…” I walk closer to Boudicca,
“Listen to me, I will not waste lives on a suicide mission to get him back, I will go alone.” Oswald stands again and looks to me, then to his daughter, who has been brought back down to the correct size.
“Commander you shall do as I wish or he will be indoctrinated to be part of the Alikian army and we shall all soon perish.” I snort and scowl at the old man,
“What makes you believe that Avenji will fall prey to such idle fancies from an oppressive army?” Oswald and Boudicca laugh,
“Did he not tell you? King Zachary Reotheon is his half brother… now if that doesn’t tickle his fancy then I guess the woman he fucked on a regular basis will.” I clutch harder on Athene and grit my teeth,
