The Great Empire

The Phoniex Rises

It had been weeks since we sent out our scouts to find Applyon. They still haven't returned I feared the worse we trained more of the civilians into decent warriors tho they were no match for me or Lilian. Tho the days we spent training the warriors we did grow ever closer her being around made my heart pound along with filling my stomach with butterflies I would watch her train her blonde catching the light ever so slightly I sighed softly watching her she took notice of me and called me over "James! Why don't we show the recruits what veteran warriors look like?" She smiled that damned smile how could I say no? "Yes of course let's spar" I stepped from my perch on the wall and moved toward a makeshift training ground drawing my sword thinking to myself all I gotta do is go easy she is a woman after, before I could finish the thought a shield was jammed into my gut as she swung her trident I ducked under the blade and looked at her and went on the offensive it was like we were dancing our blades crashed together as the men watched. I grabbed her and pulled her close going to bring the blade down. I stayed my hand I saw through her helm the most beautiful green eyes I have ever seen in that moment I know I loved her. Tho my moment was cut short when she swept my legs out from under me and put her sandal on my chest "and that soldiers is why you don't lose focus" the men laughed as my cheeks burned red inside my helmet "take a minuet men the commander and me need to talk" Lilian shouted and the men disbanded. She turned her attention back to me and offered me her hand I took it gladly and got up to my feet "that was sloppy commander something on your mind?" I wanted to speak I wanted to tell her how I felt. I couldn't however my mouth dried up my tongue swelled and my stomach was just full with butterflies I choked out "y-yes I'm fine thank you!" And scuddled off as soon as I was out of sight I started to smack my helmet "come on lad you faced down hordes by yourself its just a woman you can do this" with a deep breath I went back to talk to her but she was gone in her place a piece of parchment with the words docks tonight don't be late. I couldn't help but smile I rushed off to complete my duties. Night could not come quick enough but when it did I made ready wearing a purple tunic with my fathers symbol a gold rose on the shoulder I fixed myself in the mirror and head toward the docks  there was Lilian in a fine  green dress it didn't quite reach her knees and I noticed a little tattoo on her ankle  she looked stunning Aphrodite herself would be jealous. She noticed me staring and waved me over I cleared my throat fixed my beard and went in "good evening James" she smiled at me I couldn't help but smile back "to you as well Lilian you wanted to see me?" She nodded and nibbled her lip "yes commander I have something to say" she took a deep breath as if she was ready to speak for days "I've grown quite found of you the way you lead your battle prowess your stunning brown eyes and handsome face..." She covered her mouth quickly and looked down at her feet. I smiled wide as I stepped forward "Lilian I feel the same way I care deeply about you" I put my hand on her cheek she leaned into it softly my stomach doing flips and my heart pounding I leaned in closing my eyes and before I knew it our lips met it was bliss just pure bliss holding her as the moonlight rained down on us our silhouettes became one I vowed nothing would tear us apart not the gods not these heathens. The next morning I awoke to noises outside next to me laid Lilian I smiled and leaned down kissing her head choosing to ignore through ruckus outside until someone pounded on our door. Groaning I stood carefully trying not to wake her I opened the door "quit it with the damned..." My words trailed off as Applyon was at my door her eyed wandered down a bit "busy night commander?" She said with that same calm tone with more than a hint of sarcasm I covered myself and stepped outside "who let you through the fuckin gates?!" She laughed and pointed to two scouts by the gates "they did we saved them from a viking patrol" I sighed in relief then looked again "we sent out four scouts" Applyon pointed to some warriors dressed in centurion armor but it had orange paint across it alone with black metal "they chose to join us a fight the raiders who stormed your gates not long ago" I gritted my teeth they were free men to choose what they wanted tho I still felt betrayed "they spoke to you about that?" Applyon nodded and gestured for me to follow her which I did "we have brought food along with weapons and extra men to watch your settlement however I need you to bring a detachment of your finest warriors and march with us the vikings are making a move on a harbor near by" I chewed my lower lip before I agreed "aye I'll gather them up we can move out at dawn until then let us give you some wine and a place to rest" she nodded and walked off I waved over a older man one of my captains "gather some warriors and prepare them for a long march have someone bring wine to Applyon and her warriors" he nodded and ran off to do so. I was soon joined by a fully armored lilian who giggled behind me "commander a little indecent for a walk aren't we?" I looked down to see I had wrapped a blanket around me that did not cover my rear I cleared my throat "Lilian I want you to mingle with Applyons warriors I'll be marching with them soon" she looked up from her equipment check "you? Not we?" I shook my head "nay you will be here to make sure our people are safe" she nodded tho reluctant I kissed her head and moved to put my armor on. Our two worlds collided tho it was peaceful we drank sank and told war stories around many fires I laid with Lilian that night tho my mind would not drift off to sleep for many hours I wondered if I was making the right move it was to late to change my mind I looked over and dawn was upon us I kissed Lilian for the last time we would not embrace as lovers again as I donned my armor and left with Applyon it was time for vengeance.