Page 46 of The Warrior and the Monk

"About time!" a man called out to Anders, his tone jovial and full of affection.

A woman, older with weathered but kind eyes, added, "You look like a fine match."

"And we’ll see how well, soon!" someone shouted from the crowd, and a ripple of laughter spread through the onlookers, breaking the tension and making Wilder smile in response.

As they continued to walk up the gentle hill, the familiar faces of the town gathered around them, their warmth and good spirits evident. It was a beautiful sight—the green of the grass, the bright colors of the wildflowers, and the many faces of the people who had come to witness this moment. Wilder couldn’t help but feel the weight of their love and support pressing in on him. These were the people who had seen Anders grow, who had known him long before Wilder had stepped into his life. And now, they would see the promise that he and Anders had made to one another.

At the top of the hill stood a woman waiting for them, her posture regal and dignified. She was of a similar age to Frode—perhaps older—and she stood with a quiet strength. Short, round in figure, with graying blonde hair woven into an intricate braid that was pinned securely to her head, she seemed both wise and welcoming. Her long, gray-black gown pooled at her feet, spilling onto the grass around her, and she wore a white fur cloak draped elegantly over her shoulders. Wilder took in thesight of her, struck by her presence. She looked both kind and powerful, as though she held the power of generations within her gaze.

Behind her, Wilder noticed a large stone altar, its surface adorned with a delicate array of flowers, their bright petals contrasting with the rough stone. Around the altar, small candles were lit, their soft flames flickering gently in the cool breeze. The candles filled the air with the sweet scent of beeswax, and the whole scene felt sacred. Wilder’s mind began to turn over the significance of the altar. It had to be some part of the ceremony. Perhaps it was where they would share a drink, or where vows might be sealed with a gesture. He was intrigued but, again, uncertain.

With a subtle nudge, Anders leaned closer and signed,That’s the earl.

Wilder blinked, surprised. He had heard of the earl, of course—of her position, her influence—but he had not expected the ceremony to involve someone of such importance. “Oh,” he said quietly, understanding the significance of the woman before them. “I see. Still, an important figure then.”

Indeed.

The earl smiled warmly as she extended her hand to them both. “How nice to finally meet you, Wilder,” she said, her voice soothing and full of authority. Wilder’s first instinct was to apologize, to say he was sorry for not having properly introduced himself sooner, for not paying his respects as he should have. But before he could speak, the earl let out a soft, knowing chuckle.

“Don’t worry,” she said. “I know how it is to be newlyweds. The only company you want is each other.” She placed a hand on her heart and gave them both a sympatheticlook. “Now, are you both ready?” she asked, her eyes glinting with quiet joy.

Wilder took a steadying breath, his nerves settling a little. “I am. We are.” He looked over at Anders, a soft smile on his lips.

The earl’s gaze flickered over the two of them, her expression becoming a little more serious as she continued, “I understand there was some concern about the vows.”

Concern?Wilder thought with a scoff, the word almost comical. He knew exactly who had likely been spreading such rumors. “There is no concern from us,” he said firmly, standing tall. “We will say our vows to each other just as we speak at home.” He glanced over at Anders, his hands gesturing toward him. “Right, Anders?”

Anders’s gaze softened, and he nodded, his expression gentle but filled with the same quiet determination that had always been a part of him.

The earl’s eyes twinkled with amusement. She clapped her hands together, drawing the crowd’s attention. “Then let us begin, shall we?” she said, a touch of excitement in her voice. She gestured for them to step forward, and as Wilder and Anders moved into position, she settled herself just to the side, her presence still commanding yet filled with grace.

“Here, friends,” the earl began, raising her arms to address the crowd. “We have a man we have long known and long hoped would find his happiness. Anders, you have exchanged your sword and armor for a marriage and a household. How have you found your duties as a husband? Is it as pleasing as they say?”

The crowd chuckled at the earl’s words, and Anders responded with an enthusiastic nod, his dark curls bouncing with the motion. The audience laughed, clearly entertained by the lightheartedness of the moment.

“And here is the man whom Anders has chosen,” the earl continued, turning her gaze toward Wilder. “Wilder, you are not of this land—how are you faring?”

Wilder’s heart gave a slight lurch. He had expected to be asked this, but hearing it out loud made him pause. It was not an accusation, nor a challenge, but an honest question, as if the earl truly cared about his well-being. Wilder had no doubt that if he had answered otherwise—if he were unhappy or uncertain—she would have stopped the wedding immediately.

But Wilder was not unhappy. Far from it. With as much confidence as he could muster, he straightened his shoulders and said loudly, clearly, "What I do know I like. When I do not know, Anders guides me." He smiled warmly at Anders, his heart swelling with affection.

Anders squeezed his hand, his palm warm against Wilder’s. Wilder could feel his nervousness in the slight tremble of Anders’s fingers, and he realized that, despite everything, they were both equally anxious. They were in this together.

The earl gave a soft smile, her eyes filled with kindness and approval. “That’s good to hear,” she said, her tone almost maternal. Then, she raised her voice again, turning her attention to the crowd. “Now, for your vows.”

Wilder took a deep breath. This was it—the moment he and Anders had been preparing for. He could feel the eyes of the entire town on them, the pressure of the moment weighing on his chest. The earl addressed the crowd once more, her voice ringing out with authority and warmth. “Anders and Wilder will now say their vows. If you do not understand them, then you’d do well to remember that it is not for you.”

Wilder’s heart thrummed in his chest.That’s right, he thought.Our vows are for us.This moment, this exchange, was for no one else but the two of them. The people gathered herecould witness it, but only he and Anders truly knew the depth of their love, the promises they were about to make to each other.

He let go of Anders’s hands and stepped back slightly, giving him the space to speak freely. Anders’s hands were shaking, but when their eyes met, Wilder could see the love there, the same overwhelming affection that Wilder felt in return. Anders took a breath and began:

Love,Anders signed, trembling with emotion. He stopped and smiled, almost to himself.I love you so.All gathered here know me. They know how I was before I saw you. Before you, my heart beat for no one. It beats for you now. I place it in your hands.

Wilder’s chest tightened, and his throat burned. He wasn’t sure if it was the words themselves or the way Anders spoke them—so raw, so open—but his heart swelled in his chest. He was moved, and his voice was thick when he responded.

“I take it gladly, Anders.” Wilder paused, his heart hammering in his chest. “We did not have an easy start.” He turned to Anders, gently patting his shoulder in understanding. “I did not understand—anything. But I know you now. You are my husband. I am yours. Our lives are one.” He smiled, his voice clear despite the emotion threatening to break it. “What else is there to say, but that I love you?”

Anders’s eyes glistened as he reached for Wilder, and Wilder, overcome with love, rushed into his arms. They embraced, holding each other tightly as the crowd cheered around them. It was a beautiful noise—a symphony of joy and celebration, their love echoed in the sound of the people’s approval.

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