A Raven's Reflection

Temporary Rest

Alastar

I watch as the members of my platoon sit around as Alamira makes sure each and every one of them is taken care of. She visits each man and checks their wounds, even if they are as minimal as a scratch behind the ear. She smiles at each of them, and it's genuine. I'm rather annoyed with her lighthearted personality, but everyone else seems to enjoy her presence.

I lean back on the rock I have been sitting on and fold my knees into a more comfortable position.

In two days time I will be home and Alamira will no longer be my problem, and I cannot wait.

"Commander." I turn my head when addressed by Tyric.

"Yes?" Tyric shifts his sheathe at his waist and looks towards the ground.

"Sir... May I say something that is certain to test your patience?" I bite my tongue. It no doubt has something to do with the Crown.

"Only because I've known you so long Tyric."

"Sir. I-I don't think we should deliver Alamira to the General." I pause, letting Tyric continue, so I can comprehend just exactly what he is saying. "We don't know what he will do with her... And she's such a lovely girl."

"Lovely?" I jump off of the rock and land less than a foot away from Tyric. "She is the new Natural Crown. She's dangerous." Tyric scoffs at the word and his expression turns angry.

"Dangerous? She is a child!"

"She is our mission!" My face is right in front of his. I can feel his breath hit my cheeks and I can make out the smallest of scars on his skin. "Nothing more!" Tyric's golden eyes widen at my words and he steps away from his commanding officer.

"Nothing more?" Pain overcomes his face as he realizes we see very differently on this topic. "Nothing more? Sir-" I hold up my hand and close my eyes.

"I wish to hear nothing more Tyric. Please go." Tyric lets out a huff before turning on his heels, leaving me alone with the setting sun.

I decide to move my men to a safer place before it gets too dark. They walk in a somber line, most of them cannot even bring themselves to mount their horses. Even my usual drunks are sober as a stone, a desert stone. Alamira walks alongside Tyric and Rostone, telling what appears to be an intense story with the use of her hands. The two men smile at her as they walk.

"What exactly do you plan to do to her." I look down off my horse to find Valine walking next to me, leading the horse carrying Raveline.

"I, do not plan to do anything." I return my attention to the line ahead of me and steady Glory's reins. "Once I deliver her to the General she is no longer my problem."

"What does the 'General' plan to do to her?" I am sure that the cold air hitting my back is from Raveline's cold stare.

"Whatever it is, it is not my problem." Raveline's horse whinnies and Valine is forced to let go of the reins. She rides ahead and cuts me off, pulling the reins harshly and staring deeply into my eyes.

"I want you to know Alastar, that the only reason you and your men are alive is because of Alamira. If it was up to me I would've killed you already." I straighten my back in attempt to not seem intimidated by the girl, but she is very intimidating. "Alamira does not agree with the ways I keep her safe, and she has grown rather fond of some of your men." There is a flash of purple in her orange eyes. "The moment Alamira Crown is in any evident danger I will make sure that she is left unharmed, no matter what that means for you or your men." She turns her head quickly, her raven black hair turning with her, and gallops to the spot in the line where Alamira walks Valine looks at me with blank face and jogs to catch up with her.