Blood Ward

Chapter 10

When we stopped for camp thatnight, I was beginning to worry about Beast. I hadn't seen himsince I'd sent him off before going to see Val. I was ready to goout and look for him when Beriima came back into camp with him on herheels. "This one says he belongs to you," she said curtly.

"Beast!" I cried excitedlykneeling as he bounded toward me, tackling me and licking my face. Ilaughed happily to have him back. "Good boy," I said.

"He is a very intelligentcreature," Beriima said. "We conversed extensively."

It was a common talent amongelves to be able to speak with animals, but it was still strange tohear. "You'll have to teach me that," Anders said.

"That is not possible human,"she snarled.

Beri did not have much of a senseof humor which made Anders all the more determined to suck it out ofher. I think the only thing stopping her from ripping his head offwas her brother Daeron. According to her, they were twins born of theNelanryl clan, but any resemblance was purely physical. Theirpersonalities were vastly different. In spite of that, they were veryclose, one not going far without the other.

I ignored their squabble and gaveBeast some dried beef from my pouch. "Good boy," I repeated,patting his head. Then I stood and made my way over to Stefan who hadbeen silently glaring at me since we'd left the Elven camp. "Wouldyou fancy a workout?" I asked, hoping he would spar with me, so Icould attempt to explain myself without having to get emotional.

He looked me over and finallyafter what felt like an eternity, he sighed, set down his sword andstood. I discarded my weapons as well and we walked over to an openspace. Circling each other, I loosened my muscles and waited for himto attack. We started off slowly, trading blows not meant to hurt. Asour bodies began to work on their own, going through the motions,Stefan spoke up. "Ana... What has gotten into you lately?"

"I've always been like this,"I admitted. "I've just never been in a position where I needed tobe."

"You've become like a forceof nature... Strong, beautiful... determined. I don't know where Ifit in your life anymore. You don't needme like you used to. It hurts to watch you blossom and know I'm notthe sun who gives you that strength," he said sadly.

"I know I've been a bit harshlately, but it is frustrating to feelthe rightness of a decision and be questioned at every turn. I needto keep my head. The others look to me as their leader. If I'munsure, they're unsure," I reasoned.

"And I am the one holding youback. To me, you will always be the one who needs protecting when itis obvious that is not the case. I'm sorry Ana..." He ducked outof the fight and walked away, leaving me sweaty and dazed. Did hemean what I thought he did? Stefan wouldn't leave me... He lovedme... I loved him. I wanted to chase after him, but I was too stunnedto do anything but watch him go back to sharpening his sword.

Finally when I was able to move,I walked slowly to the tent we shared and crawled inside, not in themood to talk with anyone. I waited for Stefan to crawl in next to meand tell me what a fool he'd been, that I was his one and only, buthe never came. I felt a twinge of excitement when the tent flaprustled, but it died when Beast came slinking in to lie next to me.He whimpered softly in sympathy and I huddled close to him, buryingmy face in his fur. I cried myself to sleep for the loss of my love.