War Prize (A Roman Britain story)

Chapter Twenty Four

"It also leaves your left flank open to attack," Kailen said as he gently tapped her exposed side with the flat of his sword. "You have to be aware at all times."

Aurelia was breathing heavily, perspiration dampening her forehead and she wiped it away with the sleeve of her shirt. It was a lot more difficult than she had anticipated. Not only did she had to find a way past the sword to the man to deliver a blow, she had to protect her own body and endure the thud and vibration of metal striking metal. The ricochet alone could drive the dagger from her weakened grasp and nerveless fingers.

"You're doing well," He assured her, but she couldn't be sure if he was just saying that to spare her feelings or he could actually see improvement. They have, after all, only been practising for a couple of hours now and she was exhausted.

"You know you could always fight dirty," He mused.

She raised her eyebrows at him. "How do i do that?"

"Like this." He stepped closer, hooked a booted foot behind her own heel and pushed her. Her arms windmilled before she fell into a heap into the ground.

She blinked up at the sky before scowling at him. "You're right, that is a dirty move."

He laughed and offered her a hand up. She readily took it but then heaved him down on top of her, the look of surprise on his face was worth the strain n effort.

He laughed breathlessly, propping his upper body up by his arms so he didn't squash her with his weight. "You learn fast."

"I try." She grinned.

Kailen was about to kiss her when they were interrupted by someone clearing their throat behind them.

Kailen huffed out an exasperated sigh. "Go away, can't you see we're busy?" He called out without turning to see who it was.

"I have news from Caratacus on the border," The voice said and the desired reaction was instantaneous.

Kailen was up and he spun around to face the man, the messenger who stood a little awkwardly away from them.

Aurelia stood up slower, brushing herself down, but her heart was in her throat the whole time.

"What news?" Kailen demanded.

The man was perspiring heavily and Aurelia wandered if he had ran the whole way here. His skin had a ashen quality to it as he talked. "The Romans have been sighted by our scouts. The whole legion will be here by evening."

It had been anticipated from the very start, but knowing that a whole Roman legion will be on their heads that soon was a shock to the system.

"Call everyone to arms," Kailen order the man. "We must have all the defences done by the time they get here. Everyone else must be prepared to leave the village."

The man nodded, racing off towards the village.

"So this is it," Aurelia said in a daze. "A roman legion against the Silures."

Kailen turned to her. "And with them Aquilla."

Aurelia's eyes found his and he was watching her with an intense expression. "Yes," she rasped.

"Is that going to change what is between us?" He asked neutrally.

Her answer burst out of her with force. "No. No, it changes nothing. What i fell for you and the tribe-"

She didn't get to finish her sentence. Kailen reached her in three strides and then kissed her within an inch of her life.

Finally, they parted and Kailen said, "when this is all over and the Silures are triumphant, i want you to marry me."