Page 108 of Upon Buried Embers
Harsh, but true.
Rohan says something to Kaldar, and then he places his hand on top of the fence, leaping over it like it’s nothing before he strides toward us, the people around congratulating him.
I can’t take my eyes off him.
Bloodied and bruised, he’s never looked fiercer, and my stomach flips in a way I’m not sure I understand, but like as my eyes drift over him.
“Are you discussing training?” He asks Calian when he reaches us.
“Yes, weapons first, then Kaldar will train her in hand-to-hand combat after.”
He nods. “Weapons are more urgent, hand-to-hand will take much longer but we should be able to help her with the basics.”
They’re talking like I’m not even here. Why don’t I like him doing that all of a sudden?
I fold my arms and look away.
“I know some games won’t have weapons, but hopefully others can help defend her.”
“She will be defended,” Rohan replies. “Let’s start with something small, daggers will fit her best.”
Why don’t you ask me?
“Yes, I was thinking duel wield, that way both hands are armed,” Calian replies.
“Am I needed?” I ask, getting frustrated and daring to interrupt.
Rohan pauses, glancing down at me but his eyes light up. “Is there something you want, Elf?”
Calian looks between us. “I’ll see you later.” He walks off toward Kaldar, who’s receiving kisses from Olaf.
Rohan takes a step closer to me, and I breathe in his scent of burning wood.
“Well?”
“No… Nothing, it just seems I’m not needed.”
He huffs and comes closer to me, breath tickling my ear. “Come and bathe me, and I need my braids re-done.”
Why do I like that he’s askingmeto braid his hair? It makes me feel useful.
Needed.
“Okay.” I go to turn back to the cabin, but he halts me with a hand on my arm.
“No, come to the spring pools.”
I frown, but I follow him as he turns down the hill and into the treeline to the right. We pass others, Rohan making sure some of the injured are alright on our way.
“Are you better?” Asseya asks, as she walks with us.
“I am, thank you.”
“So polite, girl.” She moves a few strands of hair from my face, and I pause as she places it behind my ear, giving me a soft smile. “I’m glad to see you looking well.”
Rohan grunts, folding his arms and looking away.
“Am I keeping you, Dragonbond?”
