Page 23 of The Lost Guard's Healer

“There you are,” she says.

“And there you are,” I simply say.

She giggles and curls a lock of hair behind her ear. She’s come to a stop so close that I can smell the floral perfume in her hair, and is looking up at me with wide, captivating eyes. I can’t help but stir at her proximity.

“I was hoping I’d run into you. We haven’t met yet. My name is Wini.”

“Tarin,” I say.

She giggles again, making me think I’ve missed a joke. “I know who you are. You’re leaving the festival so soon? It can be dangerous out here. You should really have a companion when you retire to bed.” She bats her eyes at me, inching closer and closer.

“I’ve heard how dangerous beds can be,” I say, “but I’m confident I need no companion. Thank you for your concern, Wini. Perhaps there is a young man out here in need of your protection.”

“One poor soul to save at a time,” she says, flashing her eyebrows.

“How old are you?” My guess is barely out of her teens.

She smiles demurely and leans into me, filling my senses with her floral scent. She takes my hand and presses it onto her considerable breast. “Old enough.”

I feel myself drift closer to her parted lips, but I snap out of it and step back, retrieving my hand from hers.

She appears confused.

“You should go back to the festival,” I encourage her.

Her scrunched face shows she is deeply offended. “What is wrong with you?”

I sigh. “My wife would not approve.” It isn’t technically a lie.

“She isn’t here.” Her alluring nature disappears. “We are here. Now. At this moment.” She scoffs. “I thought you were a man.”

“I am… old fashioned.” And very uninterested. “And I am exhausted. Enjoy the festival, Wini.” I give her a pleasant smile to tell her there are no hard feelings, but she scoffs again and strides away, shaking her head.

I do my best to put the young Wini from my mind, trying not to think of the wild night of fun I could have had with her, and make my way out to the nearest lookout spot beyond the trees. I have to admit it’s been quite some time since someone has stirred me like that, and I have half a sense to go back and find her. But I know that wouldn’t be right. I couldn’t. My Sia wouldn’t like what she sees when she looks down on me in the heavens. I couldn’t do that to her memory. Not a torrid night of sex with a random voracious vixen. One whose name I’ve already begun to forget.

Once I’m happy with the mindset and skills of the person keeping watch beyond the village, I head back to find a place to rest. My ankle has started throbbing.

Later in the evening, one of the village elders, whom I learn is named Audric, makes a speech about their recent losses, and how they will come back stronger than before. They will honor their dead by thriving in their memory. That earns him a raucous round of applause. His speech ends with a blessing to their god. I’m surprised that they only have one god, rather than the many gods known to the Oathlands. I’m in no mood to get into a religious debate with them.

After the speech, the dancing and music begins and thrives through the night.

The table of village elders keeps my attention for most of the night. I can’t help but think that these people are hiding something from me. What is the real reason I can’t speak to the elders?

Another thought takes precedence in my mind. The thought of leaving. I will see how strong my legs are tomorrow and consider leaving, perhaps. I can’t stay here. I have a life to go back to, and a daughter and brother to reunite with.

I just wonder what I’ll be leaving behind here.

Chapter ten

Rourk

Iwake up with a pounding headache the next morning and see that I’m being watched. A scrawny dog is in the hut with me, panting lightly with its tongue out. I think I’ve seen this dog around the village but it’s beyond me why it’s so interested in watching me.

I get up, wincing at the throbbing in my head, and shoo the dog away. It stays in place and cocks its head curiously.

“Get out of here,” I say hoarsely. “Go on.” It doesn’t look to be leaving anytime soon.

I push myself to my feet and wave my hand wildly at him. “Go!”

---