User blog:Mauller/Absolution 022

Absolution, Chapter:022


The world felt different, as though I was looking through someone else’s eyes. Yet I was greeted by the same cloudy sky as when I left the barracks this morning.

My memory was still a patchwork of events. But I felt better when the girls comforted me. Deep down, something expected them to abandon me. Yet I had to tell them, it would have eaten away at my conscience.

Goldie supported me the most, which was a surprise. The girls remained quiet as though the dread had spread to them. But the hired guard’s deductions soon downplayed our fears.

With my memory being a patchwork quilt, she determined that we should not worry. Considering that I could not remember anything more than having killed someone. And that it had left a deep emotional scar.

It brought some comfort, but the pain of the phantom event still lingered.

Kimiko soon rounded up the girls and had them returning to work, much to their dismay. But a quick word from Goldie about giving me some space subdued their rebellion. She seemed the most level headed out of everyone at that time.

So to give myself some space and time to think, I decided to lay on some crates behind the caravan. Away from the hustle and bustle of the market stalls and busy street.

‘Hey boyo, whatcha looking so glum for?’ The silhouette of a woman came into view and blocked the sky. ‘Shouldn’t worry so much bout earlier.’

It still amazed me how the woman standing over me was Linette. Her face and overall body shape was no different. Yet the lack of horns made her less imposing.

‘I was just thinking, Lin.’

‘You do too much of that at times. And… are you feeling any better?’ She smiled and I could imagine her tail swaying behind her while she waited.

‘Yeah, maybe you are right. But I can’t turn off at times, it still feels wrong to me.’

‘well move over and let me sit.’ The toned woman sat the moment I shifted my head. ‘Now lie down.’

I looked at her and she patted her lap while smiling. So I moved a bit closer and rested my head. The moment I did she started stroking my hair while looking down at me.

‘Comfy boyo?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘well… yeah.’ I didn’t want to tell her the truth, I could have fallen asleep there and then.

<p class="MsoNormal">As I watched her, she closed her eyes and started humming. It felt strange, men from the band and my own experiences had shown that minotaur’s were beasts. Yet I was sat with my head on Linette’s lap while she sung a happy tune. It almost felt like she was a mother comforting a child.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I used to do this with my little sister alright…’ I looked up at linnet. She was looking down at me with an indignant look.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh, sorry. I didn’t realise that I said that… not that I meant it as a bad thing. I just…’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You thought we were all just rampaging beasts? and didn’t think me as the caring type?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well, you are rather…’

<p class="MsoNormal">Lin snorted then bopped me on the head. ‘Scary? Selfish? Single minded? Some muscle head who thinks about fighting more than other things?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘No, I was going to say boisterous…’

<p class="MsoNormal">Her annoyance became awkward when she stopped herself from replying. Seeming as if she were going to give me an earful. Instead she pinched my nose.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Ooh, you are a pain in the butt mart. If we weren’t hiding like this, I would kick you so hard.’

<p class="MsoNormal">We both started laughing before settling down. The petting was more welcome this time.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So, you have a little sister? I would almost think you and Amanda were sisters at times.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Linette looked down at me and frowned, but it soon turned into a smile when she ruffled my hair.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yeah, she must be twelve now. I have not seen her since she was four. I doubt she remembers me though.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yeah, oh. You know how to cheer a big gal up boyo.’ Lin chuckled then leant forwards and hugged my head. Leaving me in a cocoon of warm lap and bust. ‘I miss them so much, it’s another reason why I came on this journey. I needed to get off the farm. As much as I appreciate Mr Geoff helping me come to terms with my problem, I had to leave.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What do you mean by problem?’ The breast flesh that was squishing me started to jiggle when Lin burst into laughter. And I felt a little dissatisfied when she sat up.

<p class="MsoNormal">The laughter was soon replaced with a sigh, the large girl looked down then kissed my forehead.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You are sweet at times too.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I… try my best?’ I gave her a smile, hoping to lighten the mood. Earning a snort and a chuckle from the Tan girl.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I was like all the other girls back home when I was little. We all used to wrestle and rough house to find out who was the biggest Taur. We were all a scrawny bunch, it makes me chuckle thinking of how small I was.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘It must be nice to remember the fun times though?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yeah… but you see, as we all got older we got a bit bigger. Then the growing hit us and we started to get big. Just some got bigger than others. And in different ways.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So some of you became tall?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘you could say that; I was not the tallest of the bunch. I would consider myself a bit of a shorten.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I raised an eyebrow which only warranted a smile from Lin. ‘So you are only short?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Hey, I’m not that short boyo. But what I mean is… well.’ She put her hands on her bust. And from what I could gather, gestured them getting bigger.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You mean your boobs grew the biggest?’

<p class="MsoNormal">Linette flushed and nodded. ‘I was only twelve… the other girls all grew a little every month… but you could follow mine by the week. It scared me with how quick things happened. By the time the other girls had enough to cup, I could support mine with an arm.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So you developed quicker than the other girls?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You could say that.’ Lin groaned then sighed. ‘by the time I was thirteen I already had a bust as big as the older girls. The others started teasing me about it, they called me the boobytaur.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You have to admit that is a little funny.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Not when you are thirteen and already ashamed of what is happening to your body.’ She knocked on my head a little rougher than before. But she had a big smile on her face.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Anyway, the worst part happened the night my sister was born. My breasts had been hurting that week and were rather sore. When I woke in the morning my bed was soaked, I thought I had wet the bed. I was so embarrassed that I asked dad to keep it secret.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So you felt embarrassed telling your mother?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well I…’ Linette scratched the back of her head. ‘Ma is kind of the… clan chief.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So does that make you a princess or something?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I’m not a princess!’ The embarrassed look on her face told a different story. After a few moments she looked away. ‘Only Pa calls me that…’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Okay, okay… Princess Linette.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The large girl grumbled before looking at me again. ‘Anyway… Later that day, I went to see Ma and my new little sister. She looked so cute at the time, I just wanted to hold her so much. And since Ma was so exhausted she let me cuddle the baby. But, while I was talking with Ma… my erm, boob, started feeling better. I was so lost in the relief while talking with Ma that I hadn’t noticed that my little sis was suckling. Ma and Pa looked amazed while I just stood there basking in the relief. It was only once I looked down that I noticed. My little sis was drinking it down like it was the best thing in the world. I let out the most girlish sound I have ever made when I realised.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So you found that you were lactating? The girls on the farm do that?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘But not a minotaur! Not unless we have had a babe, it’s not common for one of us to lactate like I do. And I didn’t know what to do at the time, I looked around the room then at Ma and Pa. They just seemed happy to let my little sis have her fill. And since my other boob still ached I let my sis drink from that one too. I felt so ashamed, I only perked up when Ma told me that my sis wouldn’t suckle from her when she tried. But when she was done with me, she suckled from Ma when I handed her back. It was like nothing had happened, she was so greedy when she was a baby.’

<p class="MsoNormal">We looked at each other for a few moments. I decided to sit up, Lin took the opportunity to lean against me while resting her head on my shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘It was not like I had much to give at the time, I was still only little. Ma’s had gotten huge by the time the baby was born. I still ended up helping as Ma’s wet nurse when she was busy. I think it made things worse in the end since my bust seemed to start growing again as the weeks passed. I couldn’t match the amount of milk that Ma made. Yet I still had enough to give my sis a snack twice a day by the time she stopped suckling.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I found myself wrapping my arm around her back and pulling her close. It earnt a content groan as she shuffled closer.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I was sixteen when I left home, I had already finished training with the other girls. I wanted to prove that I was as capable as the others, so I worked harder than the rest. But they still looked down at me as though I were something weird.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So you ran away?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I didn’t run away… well… I kinda did. I wanted to go out and prove to them that I could be the best. Yet my problem came back with a vengeance. You see, I didn’t know how to milk myself at the time or that it was a thing. Minotaur’s dry up after they stop feeding their babes. Yet no matter how long it was, I kept producing milk. I ended up helping other mothers as a wet nurse since I was so sore. But word got out and I were soon branded the wet-nurse daughter of the clan chief. No matter how many fights I won the losers would shame me with that title. So I was thankful when I came across Mr Geoff’s farm in the end. Funny enough it was Amby that found me and took me in.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I heard the creaking of wood and looked around. A single red and gold feather floated down from overhead. When I looked up I noticed a hood peeking down from the roof of the caravan. Plume waved back at me and was soon pulled away by goldie. The hired guard nodded when I looked up at her and I did so in kind.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So Amanda found you? How did that happen?’

<p class="MsoNormal">Returning my attention to Linette rewarded me with a smile. The back of the caravan was quiet considering it was parked near a wall. Although the noise of the throng out front could still be heard.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yeah. I was in a pathetic state at the time, I was mostly bones and muscle when she did. It a bit funny when you think of it, my girls full of tasty milk yet I couldn’t find food for myself. She gave me her lunch since she was out exploring for the day. I don’t remember eating anything faster than that time. It almost came back up again.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Linette chuckled. ‘But she helped me back to her home. The girls I met were so nice to me that I burst into tears. Minotaur’s often have to fight for what they want, being pampered like that moved me. But boyo, the Holsteins soon taught me how to milk myself. It was the most relieving thing. A few teased me at first since I didn’t know and were surprised when I told them I was a mino. They thought I was some highland breed with my long fur and big horns. I was so scrawny. It was a relief to find a place to sleep, eat and relieve the girls.’

<p class="MsoNormal">She stopped leaning against me then stood and stretched. ‘Anyways, me and Amby got on well. All the other girls were a lot older or younger than her. So she didn’t have a close friend. Funny enough, we used to fight all the time. My Geoff would have to break us apart. Amby is stronger than she looks and very passionate. I wouldn’t want to be on her wrong side.’ Lin started to chuckle. ‘Although I did beat her butt a good few times.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The clearing of a throat brought our attention to the end of the caravan. ‘Whose Butt were you beating Linette? From what I remember, you worked yourself up so much that you beat yourself up.’ Amanda stood there with her hands under her bust. Her human form was very pretty and almost looked like a painting with how her ringlets framed her face.

<p class="MsoNormal">I looked at her and she smiled. ‘Hey Amanda, me and lin were just having a nice chat.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh… hey Amby.’ Lin laughed and scratched her head. ‘yeah, was just telling him about how we met.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Amanda huffed then walked over. ‘Well, did she tell you the part about how she tried stealing my lunch?’ Lin’s face went red. ‘Or how I beat her butt because of it.’ The tan girl almost looked pained. ‘From what I remember, I only gave her a sandwich because of how pathetic she looked.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Aww! Come on Amby! You spoiling the story!’ Linnets face was now a mixture of embarrassment and pain.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh? You mean changing it so you look better? I remember what happened, you were waiting up a tree.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘No Amby don’t!’ Lin rushed over to her friend.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘And you planned to jump me when I passed, but instead you-‘

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Nooo!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Slipped and fell flat on your face.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Why Amby?’ Lin stopped when she reached Amanda. Her upper body hunched forwards while she moped.

<p class="MsoNormal">Amanda chuckled then hugged her friends head into her bust. ‘It’s alright, the rest was still true. We did fight a lot but became friends. Although I didn’t bring you home because I was being nice, I just thought you were pathetic and needed help.’ She looked at me while still petting the moping Lin. ‘We fought all the time because of that moment, but we did become good friends. Even acting like sisters at times. Lin was very much a young Minotaur when she was sixteen. Though she has cooled down a bit over the years.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I’m still a proud Mino Amby….’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Of course you are…’ Amanda chuckled and pet Lin on the head.

<p class="MsoNormal">I watched the girls as they talked for a bit longer before Lin stood and hugged Amanda. They both laughed before returning their attention to me.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lin grinned while resting an arm on Amanda’s shoulder. She was still tall although not as tall as before. ‘Any way’s Boyo, we best get back. We did say we would behave and help the squirrel.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Amanda snorted then chuckled. ‘She’s not a squirrel Lin, but you are right, we should go back and help. We will see you soon Martin.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The girls frowned but perked up and gave me a hug before returning to help Kimiko. I had lost a few hours in the day and felt as though I was forgetting something.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘The sweet’s! Merse is going to kill me with how long I have been.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I hurried to the baker’s district as fast as I could. It was a race back to the barracks in the end.

<p style="text-align: center;"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">Merse was sat with her feet on her desk. Paperwork strewn over its surface while two empty boxes of sweet rolls occupied one corner. The remaining box was perched on her lap. One of the sticky treats in a hand while she read a document in the other.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Hmm… a little higher.’

<p class="MsoNormal">As I expected, she did not take well to me returning late. My duties had gone from running errands to massaging her feet. Although she had plenty of people to call upon for help, she seemed to take a liking to me doing everything for her.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh, Malachi returned earlier, he should be in his office. He was surprised to hear that you were working for me. And as much as I regret letting you go, he did ask for you to go see him.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The white haired soldier looked past her paperwork while taking a bite from her sweet roll. It was obvious that she enjoyed her position of power.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So, what now?’ I looked past her foot and she shrugged.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well, I guess I have to let you go, considering he does outrank me.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What do you mean by that?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Just go see him, he’s a different beast when in the barracks. And he is less pleased with people making him wait than I am.’ Merse smirked then took another bite from her sweet roll. Her eyes narrowing in amusement as she watched me finish with her feet before washing my hands.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh, I will see you tonight Mart. Remember this round is on you!’

<p class="MsoNormal">I rolled my eyes when she smiled. ‘Oh sure, see you later Merse. it was, Fun.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The privileged soldier wiggled her fingers as if to shoo me away. So I grinned then left, but poked my head back into her office just after leaving. ‘where…?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Down in the barracks, back of the main hall, down the left corridor. You can’t miss his banner.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Thanks.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I left in a hurry, yet the woman’s laughter still reached my ears as I closed the door. I would get her back one day, she still teased me about the first night I stayed in the apartment. I was more than happy that I could call it my own now, considering I was paying rent. Although at a reduced rate thanks to the favour Antonio owed Merse.

<p class="MsoNormal">I could have had the apartment for free but I felt bad about the arrangement. So I chose to pay at least half the rent. It was funny haggling Antonio, he still insisted on me having it for free. I would have to find out what Merse did for him.

<p class="MsoNormal">During my moment of self-reflection, I found myself at the back of the main hall without realising.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well I can see why she said I would not miss it.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Hanging above a double doorway at the end of the corridor was a large banner. It depicted a mountain with a sword carved into its surface. Having met Malachi, I knew it must have been his. A few more offices lined the corridor with their own banners over their doors. But none were as large or ornate as the one at its end.

<p class="MsoNormal">The moment I was within a few feet of my target, the doors burst open. A young man flew out of the office and almost took me out.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘And you better not do it again! I run a tight ship around here and I won’t have some whelp thinking he can do as he pleases!’ Malachi’s voice boomed down the corridor. I looked back and noticed a few heads poking out of the offices. The young man looked up at me with fear in his eyes before he ran off. One of his eyes looked as though it was going to end up with a wonderful bruise.

<p class="MsoNormal">One thing was out of place, there was an outline of a handprint marking his cheek. But it looked far too delicate to be a man’s. And Malachi didn’t seem the slapping type.

<p class="MsoNormal">It looked like he should have kept his hands to himself. A bit more restraint, but I guess he learnt his lesson. Being around the girls taught me enough about that, I think I am ready for almost anything now.

<p class="MsoNormal">With a smile on my face I turned to enter Malachi’s office. But what greeted me in the doorway sent my heart racing and left me breathless.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh, Hello. Apologies but may I pass? You are blocking the doorway.’ A woman was standing there, she smiled in amusement while inspecting me. Her head tilted to the side and her dark hair rolled down her shoulder. Her eyes sparkled like dark pools and drew in everything around her. Her delicate yet full lips curled into a smile as she walked towards me. Her fine gloved hand raised up to my head and her finger pressed against my forehead.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Hello? Is anyone home?’ She chuckled and I felt my heart jump. I shook my head and gulped, taking a quick step to the side so she could pass. The long dress that she was wearing clung to her body in a sensual way. Accentuating her modest bust and hips.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh, sorry. I was just lost in though.’ I chuckled and scratched the back of my head.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh? I see, well don’t get lost in thought too often. You never know what might happen to you.’ The woman chuckled and then glided down the hallway. A few other prying eyes were watching as she passed. Although she was no taller than me, she appeared to dominate the hallway.

<p class="MsoNormal">I jumped when something large grabbed my shoulder. And turned as fast as I could to see what it was.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Hey Lad, I was meaning to come find you.’ Malachi looked over my head and down the corridor. He waved and the woman waved in kind before she disappeared around the corner.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Who?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘The Lass? Oh she’s a beauty hey? Heiress to a duchy east of here. She had some trouble with one of the Newbies while she was out shopping, so I had her come down to give her story. The whelp couldn’t keep his hands to himself while drinking with his friends. But she is a fiery one, soon put him in his place. He got angry from the humiliation in front of his mates and thought he could get his own way. But she soon sent him flying.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘With a slap?’

<p class="MsoNormal">Malachi burst into laughter. ‘Oh no lad, the slap came first. She knocked him flying with a left hook.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh, I thought you might have done that just now since he came flying out the door.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘No lad, I might be strict but I wouldn’t lay a beat down unless it was well deserved. I will punish you if you do something disrespectful, but I wouldn’t beat you for it. He sent himself flying out the door with how quick he hurried away. Damn near knocked himself out when tripping on the rug.’

<p class="MsoNormal">It lightened the mood a little. But I could not get that woman off my mind, I could still picture her stunning face and eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You zoning out again lad, best if we talk in the office. I still have work to do you know?’

<p class="MsoNormal">I shook my head then hurried into Malachi’s room. It was far bigger than I expected and lavish in its decoration. In front of the windows, opposite the door, was a large desk and high backed chair. At one side of the office a large fireplace burned and warmed the room. In front of it a few chairs were positioned on either side of a table set for tea. And on the opposite wall, numerous shelves stood, filled with books scrolls.

<p class="MsoNormal">Decorating the centre of the room was a large rug along with a few weapons stands. Each housing a different type of weapon, all polished to a shine.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Nice hey? One of the small perks I have, they even wanted to give me a bigger room.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The large man closed the door behind me then went and sat at his desk. He gestured for me to sit on one of the chairs in front of it. I walked across the room while taking in the various decorations. One in particular surprised me.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Is that you?’ I pointed to a portrait above the mantel piece. It appeared to be a younger Malachi who was wearing military dress clothing. And on his chest were numerous medals. The smile he was giving made him seem proud of his achievement’s.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘That old thing? Yeah, a different me from another time. Now come sit, I will call for tea.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The upholstered chair was soft and supporting. A far cry from the wooden chair I used in Merse’s office. Malachi had already started his paperwork the moment he sat. Although the pile was small, he seemed to be writing far more on each sheet than I had seen Merse.

<p class="MsoNormal">Just as I was about to speak, one of the side doors to the office opened. A young servant entered while carrying a tray. He walked over to the desk and set about pouring tea for the two of us.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Will that be all High lord commander?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘No need to use that title Lad, Sir will be more than enough.’ The large man picked up his tea cup with a finesse that I had not seen before. ‘You can go now Lad.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh, yes High… Sir.’ The young man looked as though he had seen a ghost when he hurried away. Malachi watched him as he left before returning to his tea and paper work.

<p class="MsoNormal">He glanced at me and I gave a questioning stare. ‘High lord commander?’

<p class="MsoNormal">Malachi waved his quill as though trying to swat away the question. ‘Don’t worry about any of that Lad. Just call me Malachi, besides, we have more important matter to talk about.’ He smiled then sipped his tea.

<p class="MsoNormal">He also had his pinkie outstretched as he drank! Things were getting very weird.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I never took you for a person to have such a large office.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The Barbarian chuckled and placed his tea cup down. ‘Well I never took you for someone who could make it here down the old road. But we all have our surprises.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So you did set me up?’

<p class="MsoNormal">Malachi’s eyes curled as he read a piece he had just written. ‘Oh aye, I just thought you were another wannabee that wanted in on the fame. Didn’t expect to hear half the stuff about you when I arrived. The part where you changed back into a grown man tickled me. Although not as much as hearing that you got caught by a bola.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well, I try my best.’ I grinned which earned a chuckle.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘But onto more pressing matters Lad and the reason I called you here.’ The large man put his papers away and crossed his arms on the desk. ‘With the reports coming in and with how the last attack went, we need every able man. Merse tells me that you are a diamond among rhinestones. That you either know what you are doing or pick it up quicker than she has seen before. She tells me she also had you helping train new recruits.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What does that all have to do with me being here?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well it has a lot. You see, the commanders and officers have been trying to take you off Merse’s hands. They knew you were acting as her assistant, but she kept them at bay. She even stopped one of the commander’s daughters from getting into your apartment one night. You would be surprised what people will do.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What?’ I felt shocked, I had no idea what Merse had been doing. Although when I thought about it, I had noticed a few people watching me whenever I passed.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Aye lad, poaching good recruits is a sport for many of the officers. Even the lords try taking men of their liking for their own private guards. So when someone exceptional like yourself turns up, it becomes a huge game to them.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘And what about yourself?’

<p class="MsoNormal">Malachi smiled. ‘Well, it all comes down to you in the end. I can’t and won’t ever offer you riches or fame. But you have met the band and know they are a good bunch that stick by each other.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I looked around the office while mulling over the idea of joining. Besides the single portrait of the Barbarian commander in his younger years, it was sparse and humble in its furnishing.

<p class="MsoNormal">Having heard what goes on in the ranks of the army surprised me with how selfish it all seemed. But I had already made up my mind before coming to the city.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I will do it.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The smile on Malachi’s face was warm and amused. ‘Good, then you can start when you have finished your work with Merse.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Do I have to?’ That earned a belly laugh from him.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh aye, I know she is a handful but she’s the best damn woman in this army.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well, I best go then. No doubt she will want another box of sweets at some point today. It would be a nice walk to the bakers if it was not raining.’ I stood then walked to the door, Malachi seemed deep in though when I looked back.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh lad, one more thing before you go.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I opened the door and raised an eyebrow. ‘yes? What is it?’

<p class="MsoNormal">The smile on his face grew as he picked up another piece of paper.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You will be Eleanor’s guardian from now on, she is in the mess with Teia. Have fun!’

<span style="font-size:11.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">I nodded then closed the door. What he said only dawned on me when I was halfway down the corridor.

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