Chapter 8

Caleb and his men had set up camp, he didn’t want to be caught out in the dark. He was fuming still, and was now pacing around the fire.

            “Captain…the scouts you sent ahead just returned, they saw a fire in the distance.” Benett said. “What do you want us to do?”

            “Nothing for the time being…it’s too dark to risk a fight…we’ll rise early in the morning and then we attack.”

            “Yes sir.” Benett said, excusing himself to inform the men of the plans.

            “Good work Benett.” he said, staring into the flames. “We have them now.”

            Emir looked up at the sky, “You should sleep.” he told Emma.

            “What about you?” she asked.

            “Someone should stay up and keep guard. Caleb will be awake by now, and he’s probably on the warpath.” he said, looking at her.

            Frowning she said, “Should we put out the fire?”

            “No…the fire will give us protection from any large animals, and we’ll need the warmth tonight…” he said, “The benefits of the fire outweigh the risks.”

            “Alright…if you’re sure.”

            “I’m sure.” he said. “Tell me, princess, did you ever learn to fight?”

            “Of course not…” she said, “Why?”

            “You learn tomorrow, if we run into Caleb I can’t protect you and myself, and fight off his men. You’re going to have to protect yourself.” he said.

            “I have no objections to that at all.” she said. “What am I going to learn to use?”

            “A dagger.” he said, “I only have one sword, and a dagger would be easier for you.” he said, observing her short stature and petite features.

            “Alright.” she said, nodding in agreement.

            “I also think I’ll teach you some hand-to-hand combat.” he said.

            “Hand-to-hand?” she asked dubiously. “I don’t know about that…”

            “What happens if you get disarmed?” he asked. “You can’t just rely on weapons.” She sighed, he had a good point.

            “Can I ask you something?” she asked.

            “You just did.” he said. She rolled her eyes at him. “Fine, ask.” he said.

            “Where did you learn to fight? You said you were Clergy, and well…Clergy generally don’t fight.”

            “My father was a general, he taught me before I was selected for the clergy.” he said. “He was hoping I would be selected for the military, but wasn’t disappointed when I selected for the life of a priest.”

            “Oh.” she said, that made sense to her. “What about your mother?”

            “My mother?” he asked, “What about her?”

            “Was she military as well?”

            “No, my mother was a noblewoman.” he said. “So, she was happy with my elevation in status as well.”

            “You…don’t sound happy when you talk about your parents.”

            “They weren’t the best parents.” he said, “I wasn’t abused or neglected, but their love for me was more on what I could do to elevate the family status.” He looked into the flames intensely, and then shook his head. “It doesn’t really matter…and you should get some rest.”

            She looked at him, but didn’t say anything. She could tell he didn’t want to talk about it, and she didn’t exactly want to annoy him. He was the only person in her life right now who would treat her decently, and she was not about to ruin that. She laid down on her back staring at the stars and the moons. Before she knew it she had drifted off to sleep.

            The next morning Emir tried waking her up, before the sun had even risen. She groaned slightly, not waking up. He rolled his eyes, and tried again.

            “Time to get up,” he said, shaking her.

            “I don’t want to.” She replied.

            “Tough,” he said, “We need to get moving before Caleb and his men find us.” That got her attention and she sat up.

            “I’m up!” she said, stretching before standing up. “What can I do?”

            “Put out the fire and get rid of the evidence that we were here.” he said, while he started packing up. She nodded and set about doing just that. She put the fire out using dirt, to prevent massive amounts of smoke, and then started covering up the evidence that they had been there. She got rid of the extra wood, discarded food scraps, and covered the fire pit.

            “Done.” she said a while later. “Are we ready?”

            “Just about.” he said, “I just need to finish packing up my hunting supplies.” he said, as he was putting his bow over his shoulder. “Do me a favor and see if there are any streams by the caves. We’re on the edge of the desert and forest, so there might be. If you find one, fill these up.” he said, tossing her two canteens.

            She caught them and set off.  She looked around, near the edge of the forest, and looked around. She examined the area for hints of water, and then listened, hoping to hear the babbling of a brook or the sounds of a river running through the area. She was ready to give up when she tripped over a tree root sticking out of the ground. She tumbled head over heels and ended up sitting in a small creek.

            She sighed; of course she would find a water source by falling into it. She stood up and filled both canteens in the creek. She looked up and sighed when she saw the sky, it was turning grey quickly. She headed back to where Emir was. When he saw her he started laughing.

            “I told you to get some drinking water! Not to go swimming!”

            “I didn’t go swimming…” she snapped. “I fell.” That just made him laugh even harder.

            “Well, did you at least get water for drinking?”

            “Yes.” she said, dryly. “I did.” She threw the canteens at his head.  He caught them both. He smirked slightly at her.

            “Let’s get moving princess. I’ll teach you how to fight once we’ve found someplace secluded.” he said.

            “We’ll probably want to find somewhere to protect us from rain. The sky was grey near the forest.” she said.

            He groaned, “Great.” He said, walking on towards the edge of the forest. She followed him.

            “It’s just a little rain.” she said, “What’s the big deal?”

            “If it rains that means no fire.” he said, “That means no way to cook food or stay warm.”

            “Damn…” she muttered, walking besides him.

            “Exactly.” he said. 

Reviews

[jjwilbourne]

Good job, KMC.
I didn't find anything that stood out to me as off putting. The character interactions are nice. I'm not sure where this is quite going yet, but I'm hoping that at some point the tables turn and Emma can teach emir something.
I shall read on

[NoelHC]

Again,I only have minor comments
the He said She said thing of course, but you know that now : )
discarded food scraps, and buried the fire pit. I suggest discarded food scraps, and covered the fire pit.

I am loving your story KMC!

[KMC]

Thanks! I am glad you like it!