Broken wings

Chapter 15

A few hours later I gently wake Roman up. He rolled away from me in his sleep. He mumbles something as he stubbornly pulls the blankets over his head. For a moment I consider sneaking out, but I know nothing is preventing him from following after us.
"Wake up. It's time." I nudge him again. He shoots upright with big eyes.
"I forgot." He admits when he blinks up at me. I smirk softly at his wild hair peaking in every direction. The moment I look away and get out of bed, my expression shifts in a more grim one. I take out my dagger and turn it around in my hands before turning it into a sword and inspect it as well while Roman dresses to head out.
"Did I damage it?" He looks apologetic up when he sees me look. I shake my head softly before putting it away again.
"You're a good fighter, but promise me you won't be brave if things grow out of hand." I stare into his eyes. "Run away from danger instead of towards it." I add. He looks at me and I can see he wants to argue with me. But then he casts his eyes down.
"I promise." He sighs.
"Thank you." I nod. "Are you hurt in any way from yesterday? Logan can take care of that." I look him up and down in concern. He shakes his head
"I'm fine." He replies as he fastens his belt around his waist. His sword hanging securely on his hip. I give him a curt nod and head out to the kitchen. It's still dark outside. No one else is up at this hour. Roman fills some flasks with water and shoves some dry bread in his mouth for breakfast. I hand him an apple as well. He smiles grateful before biting down in it as we go towards the stables where my brother would meet us. I look surprised when I see light coming from the stables. I walk closer. Gesturing at Roman to be careful. Relief washes my worry away when I see it's just Patton. I nod at Roman to say it's okay.
"Oh, hello, sire. Virgil." The smaller man smiles tired at us. Thomas in his arms. I tilt my head curious.
"He didn't want to sleep so I thought I'd bring him here for just a moment in the hopes he'd get tired soon enough." The small man explains. I nod understanding while Roman is already preparing Karaliene for the trip. Putting the flasks of water and some extra food in a bag hanging over her back.
"You're a good parent, Padre." He smiles softly at his stableman.
"Half of the time I'm not even sure what I'm doing." Patton admits as he stifles a yawn.
"You love him. That already goes a long way." Roman replies. As he grabs the saddle.
"I hope so." the blond man sighs. Desperate to do right for his sister's son. "Sometimes I wish she was still here." He whispers softly as he looks down at her baby. His index finger tickling his tiny round belly. I rest my hand on his shoulder. Subtly untangling his sadness as I give him a reassuring squeeze.
"I'm sure she's watching over both of you proudly." Roman assures him. Patton smiles grateful up at the two of us.
"Thanks, sire." He nods. " You too, Virgil." He looks over his shoulder at me. "I know you sometimes come in to calm him down at night. I really appreciate that." He continues. I feel my cheeks burn when I realize he found out. I didn't think he knew. Aside from the past days where I've been solely focused on Roman at night, I've been checking up on Thomas as well when I hear him cry.
"Uh, d-don't mention it." I stammer flustered over being so caught red handed. Why didn't he ever mention anything before? Now I look like a fool.
"Well, he seems sleepy now, so I'm heading back in. Good luck on your trip." He looks down on the baby before smiling up at us and waving. Roman waves him goodbye before turning towards me with a grin.
"You're secretly just one big softie, aren't you?" He teases.
"Shut up." I look grumpy at him before going up to Stormcloud. "Hey, boy." I whisper as I pet him gently.
"Admit it. You care more than you let it shine out." Roman continues amused. I glare at him. He snickers before looking away to his horse. I turn my head when Logan arrives.
"They're already leaving." He speaks up without greeting us first. I nod serious.
"Let's hurry." I comment. Roman climbs onto Karaliene's back as he waits for my brother to pick a horse as well. Him and I jump on our horses as well and Roman starts walking. In a trot we rush towards the volcano. The sun slowly fighting the dark. Birds wake up and chirp all around us. Nature is ready for a new day. My brother and I share a tense look. Are we ready as well?