Fighting Hearts: Chapter Twenty

"So in order for us to keep Arden from hunting us down like other rebels, we have to supply him with a generous portion of our crops. Here you are," Elizabeth says, handing Tryan and me each a bowl of soup.

"Thank you," I say, as she takes a seat next to Joshua on one of the logs across from us.

Elizabeth has taken us to a fairly large camp of Berirind rebels. There are about thirty to forty men, women, and children who live and work like a small village. We are seated around a large campfire circle with a warm fire blazing in the center. Several people are seated on logs around the fire talking and eating, while others tend to things around camp, bustling in and out of tent-like shelters.

"You are quite welcome. Now, I have told you about us, but I still don't know much about you."
I slowly sip my soup, not wanting to open my mouth and say something wrong, and glance over at Tryan, who lowers his bowl.
"Well, as I said, my name is Tryan and this is Cecily. We're traveling to the capital to help Cecily's brother."
"What happened to him?"
"He is a knight in King Mykal's army and he was captured by Arden."
"Oh dear. Jonathan's wife, Olivia, was taken prisoner by Arden to make sure we behave ourselves and keep bringing him food. So, you see why Jonathan is so bitter and doesn't trust anyone."
"That must be hard for him," I say, sliding closer to Tryan so our arms are touching.

Elizabeth gives me a funny look.
"So, tell me about the two of you. Are you together?"
I look down at my soup and nervously push around a piece of potato.
"It's … um … uh … it's complicated," Tryan says, taking my hand. I look up at him and then over at Elizabeth.
"We've been away from home for almost a month," I explain. "We fell in love during that time, so my father doesn't know."
"What does it matter if he knows?"
"He wouldn't understand. He expects me to marry a ... certain type of person. He would never allow me to marry Tryan," I finish, my voice catching in my throat.
"Well, you love each other, don't you?"

Tryan squeezes my hand. "More than anything," he whispers.
"Then don't worry about what your father says, Cecily. Marry this man that you love. Your father will get over it when he sees how happy you are."
"You don't know my father," I say with a bitter laugh. "He doesn't tolerate disobedience very much."
"Surely, he cares more about the happiness of his daughter."
"Like Tryan said: It's complicated."
"Love is always complicated. That's what makes it worthwhile."
I squeeze Tryan's hand, taking in Elizabeth's words.

I realize how true they are. Love is hard, especially the love between me and Tryan. But it is worth it. I know Tryan has come to the same conclusion when he leans over and kisses the side of my head.

After we finish our soup, a small woman with short, curly dark blonde hair offers to take our bowls.
"Would you like some dessert?" she asks, her green eyes glinting in the firelight.
"No, thank you," I say. "I'm full."
"I'll take some," Tryan smiles.
"Alright, I'll be right out with it."
I let out an involuntary shiver as the woman walks away.
"Are you cold?" Tryan asks.
"A little," I nod and he feels my forehead with his hand.
"You have a fever again," he frowns, running a hand through his dark hair. "It seems like no matter what we do, we can't keep your temperature down."
"It's been almost a month, Tryan," I say softly. "I'm running out of time."
"Not if I can help it," he says, determinedly, squeezing my hand.
"Running out of time for what?" Elizabeth asks, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "Is something wrong?"
Tryan meets my gaze and I open my mouth to say something but Elizabeth holds her hand up to stop me.
"Let me guess; it's complicated."

I nod sadly, wishing I could tell her everything. I miss having a woman to confide in. I miss Moira.
I sigh and rest my head on Tryan's shoulder, still shivering. He slides out from under me and starts pulling his cloak off.

"Here, let's get you warm."
"What about you? It's so cold out," I object.
"It only feels cold to you because your body temperature is so hot."
I let him wrap me up in his cloak, which is still warm from his body heat, and nestle in closer to him as he wraps his arms around me.
"That feels much better, thank you," I smile up at him and he kisses the top of my head.
The woman returns and hands Tryan a warm apple pie type of dessert that makes my mouth water.
"Thank you," Tryan smiles at the woman as I reach over and snag a piece of apple and pop it in my mouth.
"Mmmmm," I smile contentedly.
"Hey! You said you didn't want any!"
"I don't. I just wanted a taste," I smile and kiss his cheek. I smile at the woman. "Thank you. It's delicious!"
She gives us a sad smile and turns to leave. I watch her duck inside a tent and then I turn to Elizabeth.
"Did I say something to offend her? I didn't mean to."

"No, you didn't offend her. That is Brynn, another cousin of mine. She lost her husband about a year ago. It's been rumored for a while that Jonathan, her sister Kaline and their friend Kaya had something to do with his mysterious death, but no one has been able to prove anything. It's hard for her to see the two of you so much in love."
"I can't even imagine what that must be like. I can't believe her own family would do such a thing."
"Just like yours, our lives are complicated as well."
"How many cousins do you have here?" Tryan asks, taking a bite of his dessert.
"Well, there's Jonathan and then Kaline and Brynn and their brother, Thomas. The five of us run the camp."
"Wow! The five of you are in charge of all these people?" I ask.

"It's not that difficult really. We all work so well together, it's like a well-oiled machine. Kaline, the oldest, is in charge of the children and their studies. Then, there's Brynn, who is our head cook and Jonathan is right in the middle of us. I am the medic around here and Thomas, the youngest, is our weapons master. We've never had any major problems yet, just dealing with the capture of Olivia."
I involuntarily let a small yawn escape.

"Oh, dear, I have let my mouth run away with me," Elizabeth says. "You two must be exhausted. We should get you settled for the night. Cecily, you can stay with Kaline and Kaya. Thomas has room for you, Tryan."
"Thank you so much for dinner, Elizabeth," I say, standing up. Tryan sucks the remnants of his apple pie off his fingers and I make a face at him.
"What?" he asks, innocently. I roll my eyes, but I find that it doesn't bother me as much as it would have a month ago, but, then again, a month ago, I wouldn't have rolled my eyes either.

"Here, I'll take that," Elizabeth says, taking Tryan's plate. "Kaline's tent is on the other side of the kitchen area, Cecily. I can take you over there if you'd like."
"Actually, I was wondering if we could take a little walk before we turn in," I say. "The moonlight is so beautiful."

"Of course. Kaline's tent is the one with the decorations out front. She and Kaya love to keep the place vibrant. Thomas' tent is next to the stable."
"Again, thank you so much, Elizabeth. Goodnight." Tryan says.
"Goodnight. Sleep well!" Elizabeth calls as we head toward the edge of the camp.