Chapter 7: Rest for the Weary

Monea bit her lip hard to keep from hissing in pain. As if he was scalded, Ren quickly released her hand. It banged against her knee, and a hiss did escape from her.

“Are you all right?” he asked quickly. He tucked a stray tendril of hair behind her ear in a rare public display of affection. They were both so weary that he couldn’t bring himself to care what the others thought.

She nodded. “The salve stings. That’s all. But, if you’re going to stop every time I make a sound, it’s going to be a long night.”

“I don’t like hurting you.”

“I know you don’t,” she replied, kissing his cheek. “I can do it if you want. Or maybe one of the healers will be free in a moment.”

“No, the healers are busy enough. I can do this. You’ll just have to suffer through it, my lady.”

She smiled as she presented her burned hand to him. He was gentler as he resumed applying the salve. Although she would occasionally make a sound, he continued with the task. He was wrapping her hands in the bandages when she spoke again.

“Brenan said Edoru did well today. He’s really learned a lot from Rami and the others. You should be proud of him, Ren.”

Ren’s jaw tightened. “I am proud of him. I just can’t believe that the Council has children fighting now.”

“We were about his age when we started.”

“We had vastly difference circumstances from Edoru. We also volunteered. The Council didn’t force the decision upon us.”

“He did make the decision, Ren, and knew what he was getting into.”

He glared at her. “So, you have no problems with the Council drafting children into war?”

“I’m the last person to defend the Council and its actions. I just don’t want you belittle Edoru or what he has done. He looks up to you so much and boys are so fragile at that age.”

“He’s not a boy anymore, Monea. I don’t think he has been one for a while now.”

“Probably. But he still looks up to you. It would mean a lot if you would talk to him.”

“Trying to get rid of me so quickly?”

“Well, since you’ve bandaged me up, I really have no more use for you,” she said with a grin. “And Brenan looks free at the moment. We could probably find a secluded corner if I could run you off.”

He laughed softly. “Gods, I love you.”

“I love you, too. Now, go find your nephew. We’ll find each other later.”

“That had better be a promise.” He rose from the stool and gave her a brief but sincere kiss. “Behave yourself. Hate to bandage you up again so soon.”

“I can only promise to try.”

“That’s my girl.” With a final smile, he went in search of Edoru.

Monea rose to her feet and searched for some way of helping out. She quickly joined in passing out blankets and food to the more seriously injured Resistance fighters. The more able-bodied fighters were in different houses throughout the settlement and were able to care for themselves.

“My lady, you shouldn’t be doing that,” an older woman cried, trying to relieve Monea of her blankets.

However, the young Guardian waved the woman away. “We all have to do our parts. This is something I can do. Please let me.”

“You’re very kind, Lady Melion. May the gods remember you for it,” the woman said before hurrying on.

“May they remember us all,” Monea murmured.

Someone called out for a blanket, spurring her into action once more. By the time she and Ren found each other again, the only thought on their minds was sleep. They quickly surrendered to slumber.

* * * * *

“Belie can handle this one,” Rami said, placing a hand on Elara’s shoulder. “There is another who needs your help more.”

Nodding, Elara rose to her feet. “How many more do you think there are, Rami?”

“I know of three more, but I honestly don’t know for sure.”

“It’s a place to start.”

She tried to push her weariness to the back of her mind. There were people who needed her help, and she could always rest later. However, the combination of the battle and the healings were taken their toll on her already weakened strength.

Apparently her exhaustion showed. Rami asked if she wanted to sit for a moment before seeing the next injured person. But she shook her head. “I’ll rest after the injured have been care for.”

The patient was a young man just a few years older than Edoru. He had a nasty gash down the side of his leg that was still oozing blood. However, it was the blood around his ear that worried her.

“What is his name, Rami?” she asked as she knelt beside the boy.

“Arios. The mace didn’t make full contact with his head. It’s probably why he’s still alive.”

Elara nodded. “Can you bring me some warm water and bandages, Rami?”

With the other woman gone, she began her examination of the boy. He would groan when she probed a particularly tender spot. He mumbled constantly, but Elara couldn’t make out the words. She spoke calmly and quietly to him, offering what reassurance she could.

Rami quickly returned with the water and bandages. With practiced efficiency she cleaned and bandaged the wounds. Then she checked his reflexes another time. She hoped that it wasn’t her imagination that they were improved.

“Someone needs to stay with him and makes sure he doesn’t sleep,” she told Rami. “I’ll check on him later. However, with that head wound, he can’t sleep just yet.”

“I’ll find someone and then we’ll head to the next one.”

“You’re a tough young man, Arios,” Elara murmured, stroking the boy’s hair, “and a fortunate one at that. Now I know you are very tired, but I need you to stay awake. The head of yours needs time to figure itself out again. Don’t go to sleep, not right now.”

Brenan knelt on the other side of Arios. “I’m going to stay with him. I won’t let him sleep. You can go on to the next one.”

Elara gave him a smile as she rose to her feet. “Thank you. He can’t have anything more than water right now. Even then, he can only have a few sips at a time.”

“I’ll take care of him.”

With a final smile to the boy, she followed Rami to the next patient.

* * * * *

The small courtyard was a welcomed relief from the frantic activity of the house. He wasn’t surprised to find the Guardian of Hope outside, gazing up at the three moons. She appeared tired like the rest of them. However, unlike many of the fighters he had seen inside, she had no injuries.

“How did we fare today, Cassandra?” Paul asked as he sat next to her on the bench.

“Better than I had hoped,” she replied, “but several of the Resistance fighters are seriously injured. They won’t be able to help when the Empire’s forces return again.”

“How long of a reprieve do you think we have?”

“I don’t know. I would guess three or four days to allow them to regroup. I would merely be hopeful if I expected more.”

“Three or four days doesn’t give us a lot of time for us to regroup ourselves.”

“I know.”

They sat in silence for a while, lost in thought and listening to the night sounds. A question began to plague Paul. He finally gathered his courage to ask it.

“Cassandra, have you seen anything about how this will end?”

The Guardian of Hope studied him for a long moment. He thought she wasn’t going to answer him, but she surprised him. “You want to know if we will win.”

“Yes, I do.”

“We will win. That much I have seen. Cignus will be free.”

“But at what cost?”

“I don’t know,” she replied, looking away to gaze at the moons again. “The visions don’t always give me clear answers and they rarely give me the answers I want.”

“That’s frustrating.”

She smiled. “You have no idea.”

“Well, I think I will head back inside. Leda will be looking for me soon, if she isn’t already. Try to rest, too, Cassandra.”

“I will, Your Highness. I’ll just linger a moment longer. Good night.”

The Guardian waited for the prince to leave the courtyard before she sighed, certain she was once again alone. She hated giving half-truths as answers. While her hands had been tied by the gods a long time ago, it did nothing to appease her guilt.

Paul had asked the cost for the freedom of Cignus. She couldn’t tell him that the cost had been decided yet. Or tell him that the cost was her decision to make.

* * * * *

Scylla was glad she found Elara asleep in a tiny room off of the kitchen. The woman had been exhausted from the battle, and the injured surely drained of her of what energy she had left. She wouldn’t be in any shape to fight any time soon, but the Guardian wondered if they could make her see that.

“We should be sleeping ourselves,” Dido murmured.

Nodding, Scylla closed the door quietly. “Where do you think we should go?”

“I think we should stay on the ground floor.”

“Preferably close to the prince and princess,” Scylla said, finishing her sister’s thought. “I’d sleep on the roof if I get could just get horizontal.”

Dido smiled. “Hopefully, it won’t come to that.”

The twins quietly make their way through the house, careful not to disturb those slumbering around them. They were fortunate enough to find an empty room, little bigger than a closet, next to where Paul and Leda slept. Not even bothering with a light, the women quickly prepared for sleep.

“We won today,” Scylla murmured as she stretched out on her bedroll.

“Yes, we did. Go to sleep, Scylla.”

She smiled. It reminded her of when they were still girls. “All right, I’ll be good. Sleep tight, Di.”

But her twin gave no response. The Guardian of Compassion was already asleep. Scylla followed her quickly into slumber.


Rest for the Weary Monea bit her lip hard to keep from hissing in pain. As if he was scalded, Ren quickly released her hand. It banged against her knee, and a hiss did escape from her. “Are you all right?” he asked quickly. He tucked a stray tendril of hair behind her ear in a rare public display of affection. They were both so weary that he couldn’t bring himself to care what the others thought. She nodded. “The salve stings. That’s all. But, if you’re going to stop every time I make a sound, it’s going to be a long night.” “I don’t like hurting you.” “I know you don’t,” she replied, kissing his cheek. “I can do it if you want. Or maybe one of the healers will be free in a moment.” “No, the healers are busy enough. I can do this. You’ll just have to suffer through it, my lady.” She smiled as she presented her burned hand to him. He was gentler as he resumed applying the salve. Although she would occasionally make a sound, he continued with the task. He was wrapping her hands in the bandages when she spoke again. “Brenan said Edoru did well today. He’s really learned a lot from Rami and the others. You should be proud of him, Ren.” Ren’s jaw tightened. “I am proud of him. I just can’t believe that the Council has children fighting now.” “We were about his age when we started.” “We had vastly difference circumstances from Edoru. We also volunteered. The Council didn’t force the decision upon us.” “He did make the decision, Ren, and knew what he was getting into.” He glared at her. “So, you have no problems with the Council drafting children into war?” “I’m the last person to defend the Council and its actions. I just don’t want you belittle Edoru or what he has done. He looks up to you so much and boys are so fragile at that age.” “He’s not a boy anymore, Monea. I don’t think he has been one for a while now.” “Probably. But he still looks up to you. It would mean a lot if you would talk to him.” “Trying to get rid of me so quickly?” “Well, since you’ve bandaged me up, I really have no more use for you,” she said with a grin. “And Brenan looks free at the moment. We could probably find a secluded corner if I could run you off.” He laughed softly. “Gods, I love you.” “I love you, too. Now, go find your nephew. We’ll find each other later.” “That had better be a promise.” He rose from the stool and gave her a brief but sincere kiss. “Behave yourself. Hate to bandage you up again so soon.” “I can only promise to try.” “That’s my girl.” With a final smile, he went in search of Edoru. Monea rose to her feet and searched for some way of helping out. She quickly joined in passing out blankets and food to the more seriously injured Resistance fighters. The more able-bodied fighters were in different houses throughout the settlement and were able to care for themselves. “My lady, you shouldn’t be doing that,” an older woman cried, trying to relieve Monea of her blankets. However, the young Guardian waved the woman away. “We all have to do our parts. This is something I can do. Please let me.” “You’re very kind, Lady Melion. May the gods remember you for it,” the woman said before hurrying on. “May they remember us all,” Monea murmured. Someone called out for a blanket, spurring her into action once more. By the time she and Ren found each other again, the only thought on their minds was sleep. They quickly surrendered to slumber. * * * * * “Belie can handle this one,” Rami said, placing a hand on Elara’s shoulder. “There is another who needs your help more.” Nodding, Elara rose to her feet. “How many more do you think there are, Rami?” “I know of three more, but I honestly don’t know for sure.” “It’s a place to start.” She tried to push her weariness to the back of her mind. There were people who needed her help, and she could always rest later. However, the combination of the battle and the healings were taken their toll on her already weakened strength. Apparently her exhaustion showed. Rami asked if she wanted to sit for a moment before seeing the next injured person. But she shook her head. “I’ll rest after the injured have been care for.” The patient was a young man just a few years older than Edoru. He had a nasty gash down the side of his leg that was still oozing blood. However, it was the blood around his ear that worried her. “What is his name, Rami?” she asked as she knelt beside the boy. “Arios. The mace didn’t make full contact with his head. It’s probably why he’s still alive.” Elara nodded. “Can you bring me some warm water and bandages, Rami?” With the other woman gone, she began her examination of the boy. He would groan when she probed a particularly tender spot. He mumbled constantly, but Elara couldn’t make out the words. She spoke calmly and quietly to him, offering what reassurance she could. Rami quickly returned with the water and bandages. With practiced efficiency she cleaned and bandaged the wounds. Then she checked his reflexes another time. She hoped that it wasn’t her imagination that they were improved. “Someone needs to stay with him and makes sure he doesn’t sleep,” she told Rami. “I’ll check on him later. However, with that head wound, he can’t sleep just yet.” “I’ll find someone and then we’ll head to the next one.” “You’re a tough young man, Arios,” Elara murmured, stroking the boy’s hair, “and a fortunate one at that. Now I know you are very tired, but I need you to stay awake. The head of yours needs time to figure itself out again. Don’t go to sleep, not right now.” Brenan knelt on the other side of Arios. “I’m going to stay with him. I won’t let him sleep. You can go on to the next one.” Elara gave him a smile as she rose to her feet. “Thank you. He can’t have anything more than water right now. Even then, he can only have a few sips at a time.” “I’ll take care of him.” With a final smile to the boy, she followed Rami to the next patient. * * * * * The small courtyard was a welcomed relief from the frantic activity of the house. He wasn’t surprised to find the Guardian of Hope outside, gazing up at the three moons. She appeared tired like the rest of them. However, unlike many of the fighters he had seen inside, she had no injuries. “How did we fare today, Cassandra?” Paul asked as he sat next to her on the bench. “Better than I had hoped,” she replied, “but several of the Resistance fighters are seriously injured. They won’t be able to help when the Empire’s forces return again.” “How long of a reprieve do you think we have?” “I don’t know. I would guess three or four days to allow them to regroup. I would merely be hopeful if I expected more.” “Three or four days doesn’t give us a lot of time for us to regroup ourselves.” “I know.” They sat in silence for a while, lost in thought and listening to the night sounds. A question began to plague Paul. He finally gathered his courage to ask it. “Cassandra, have you seen anything about how this will end?” The Guardian of Hope studied him for a long moment. He thought she wasn’t going to answer him, but she surprised him. “You want to know if we will win.” “Yes, I do.” “We will win. That much I have seen. Cignus will be free.” “But at what cost?” “I don’t know,” she replied, looking away to gaze at the moons again. “The visions don’t always give me clear answers and they rarely give me the answers I want.” “That’s frustrating.” She smiled. “You have no idea.” “Well, I think I will head back inside. Leda will be looking for me soon, if she isn’t already. Try to rest, too, Cassandra.” “I will, Your Highness. I’ll just linger a moment longer. Good night.” The Guardian waited for the prince to leave the courtyard before she sighed, certain she was once again alone. She hated giving half-truths as answers. While her hands had been tied by the gods a long time ago, it did nothing to appease her guilt. Paul had asked the cost for the freedom of Cignus. She couldn’t tell him that the cost had been decided yet. Or tell him that the cost was her decision to make. * * * * * Scylla was glad she found Elara asleep in a tiny room off of the kitchen. The woman had been exhausted from the battle, and the injured surely drained of her of what energy she had left. She wouldn’t be in any shape to fight any time soon, but the Guardian wondered if they could make her see that. “We should be sleeping ourselves,” Dido murmured. Nodding, Scylla closed the door quietly. “Where do you think we should go?” “I think we should stay on the ground floor.” “Preferably close to the prince and princess,” Scylla said, finishing her sister’s thought. “I’d sleep on the roof if I get could just get horizontal.” Dido smiled. “Hopefully, it won’t come to that.” The twins quietly make their way through the house, careful not to disturb those slumbering around them. They were fortunate enough to find an empty room, little bigger than a closet, next to where Paul and Leda slept. Not even bothering with a light, the women quickly prepared for sleep. “We won today,” Scylla murmured as she stretched out on her bedroll. “Yes, we did. Go to sleep, Scylla.” She smiled. It reminded her of when they were still girls. “All right, I’ll be good. Sleep tight, Di.” But her twin gave no response. The Guardian of Compassion was already asleep. Scylla followed her quickly into slumber.


Chapter 8: Regrouping Jupter's Gone