Blaekerian: An Epic Fantasy Novel (In Progress)

An Apology

The cloth made door was constantly being opened and closed. Medics going in and out. Patients being led inside. The tan fabric of the flap had smears of red that held to the fabric. That’s not coming out. There were less people sitting outside in the elements which was the good thing. 

Hirnam stood at the entry, his arms crossed in front. His sword on his back. He looked good. If Vyra hadn't fought alongside him only a few hours prior, she would have thought that the dark skinned merc had not taken part in the siege. He had no noticeable wounds on any part of his exposed flesh. His hair was done up in those braids that were customary for Hirnam. He really stood out from the common soldier in that way.

He noticed her as she approached. He stood straight and looked ahead, embracing the soldiers parade stance. He didn’t look at her when she came to a halt beside him. 

“Admiral,” he said, his eyes fixed ahead. 

“Hirnam. Have you brought Orin?” 

“He’s just inside. He’s resting now.” Vyra breathed easier, but not too easy. She had grown to like having the young man around. She turned about and surveyed the area. Soldiers were gathered about a fire that smoked up into the late afternoon sky. A group of three gnarmocs were arguing loudly about who had broken through the front gate first. A female human and a male dihrsa sat at a small round table, arms interlocked in a test of strength. The male was winning. 

“Look,” Vyra said. “I didn’t mean to reprimand you both. I may have been too hard on you.” Hirnam turned his eyes on her for the first time. His eyes were dark and hazel. “It was a long battle and perhaps I was taking it out on you. You both did your duty today. What needed to be done.” She stopped and turned away from those eyes again. They were too mysterious, unknowable. She would get lost in them if she wasn’t careful. “I’m sorry, is what I’m trying to say.”

The silence went on for a moment. She turned back to the arm wrestle going on. The dihrsa had almost pinned the woman's arm down now. 

“There’s no need for that, ma’am.” Hirnam said. “Nothing to be forgiven.” The woman winked at the dihrsa man, with a smile. He blanched, unsuspecting. Then she drove home his arm to the table. A group nearby watching erupted in laughter. One point to the woman. The woman smiled cheekily and the man, after a moment of confusion, did so back. 

Hirnam's shoulders eased down and his face changed from the no nonsense type to the loose and carefree one Vyra had come to know him for. He held back the tent flap before her.

“Admiral?” He said, saluting in a playful fashion. Vyra smiled and saluted back. 

“Merc.” She entered the tent.