Guardian (Sequel to Fearless)

Chapter Twenty Four

Both Zayn and Kayde were agape at this accusation.

"By whose account?" the general asked.

Hench took a deep breath, shutting her eyes for a long moment before speaking. "By mine, sir general." And there it was. For years, the only one to ever know Hench's backstory had been Master Dyran. Kayde had indeed been curious his entire time as a guardian about what had inspired the mighty woman to be a guardian --and now? Now he wish he never knew. A sourness cloyed at his belly, and it threatened to spill its contents.

The general immediately pulled out his stationary and began writing a letter. He spoke to them as he wrote. "As standard protocol, I'll have to send out scouts first to confirm the situation at hand, not that I doubt your claims are truthful, but --as I said-- protocol. And then, unfortunately, this call-to-arms needs to be approved by not only me, but by Emperor Rus as well, since the claims are against a baron. I will send him a letter as soon as possible, however," Zayn assured the both of them. "And when he gives consent... I'll not only give my go ahead; I will aid in your march." The general was disgusted at what he'd just heard. He couldn't stand by for something like this. "I'll send word to your master when I have everything at the ready as well as the reports that are brought in by my men. Do you have any other witnesses that can account for what you found at that hamlet?"

The promise of aid made Hench smile slightly before answering the question. "Yes. I was on a mission protecting Azabela Stryder and Sorella Havers and their caravan. If need be, you can contact them. I'll even circle where they're staying right now on your map, if you'd like. Also, my trainee can write a statement."

"Very well. I'll send men to find Azabela and Sorella. Do have your companion send a sealed statement through your master."

"I will get it done." A moment passed, and Hench borrowed a writing charcoal from his desk. "I appreciate this, sir general," she thanked him as she circled the location of her betrothed on his map. The scribbling only lasted for a few minutes. Now, the woman replaced his charcoal and looked up at him. She exhaled quickly, and her demeanor changed entirely.

A minute passed.

Hench finally spoke again, clasping her large hands together. "Now, on happier terms... congratulations on the Token victory last year. Master Dyran extends his congratulations as well. The tale of it all still spreads, indeed."

General Zayn nodded, and a trace of a smile appeared on his mouth. "I am sure it does. It was surely one that changed the country. I couldn't have done it without the former Rogue-Captain Gwenneth."

The mood lightened at the mention of Iris. Kayde finally somewhat gained back his composure after hearing Hench's horrifying story. He was the next to speak. "Who is doing spectacular at her training by the way, by her mentor's account."

Zayn smiled a little. "Good to hear, indeed. Are you teaching her again, then? Is it your account?"

"I am not and it is not," Kayde answered. And then, he winked. "Too much trouble, she is. I left her to someone else." He sobered, "Ah, I jest. I would've indeed taught her if I'd known she was coming for training. She was snatched up before I got the chance to make that call. But I assure you, she's in capable hands indeed --even if she is a handful."

"Who is training her?" Zayn asked.

Kayde just grinned devilishly and looked to the large woman. Zayn saw that Hench was grinning too and concurrently shaking her head.

"You're not wrong about the handful part," she agreed. Now, the general understood.

"You've been training Iris?"