Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 2

who still stood at the crest of the hill, sending orders via flag.
    Coward! No general of the Veris Kingdom would stand in safety as his men fought and died! Conrad's generals fought beside their men, sharing in their victories as well as their defeats.
    The infantryman's gaze followed his and Arick was satisfied to see a look of anger cross the soldier's face. No doubt there'd be treasonous words spoken in camp tonight, uttered low and quiet so the General's sorcerer would be unable to hear.
    The sorcerer was a wicked, dangerous charlatan, relying on smoke and mirrors and stolen magic to confuse the opponent. Arick had done his best to draft a strategy that would defuse the advisor's theatrical tricks, but Maris held the trust of the rulers, while Arick was simply a semicaptive strategist. Still, he'd managed to accomplish his most vital goal: Sai was alive and undiscovered. If Maris and the General learned of his identity, Sai would survive, but his magic would be torn, raped from his very soul. The sorcerer was a fusion of dark arts and trickery, but he'd kill for the prize a true mage like Sai would present. The thought chilled him.
    He'd hoped to turn the soldier's attention from Sai, but the man studied him carefully. "He's big. I'll need help moving him. Maybe a litter." Arick cursed under his breath. While the soldier went in search of help, he scuffled in the torn soil, pushing Sai's sabre deeper into the muck. He then took a breath, gently moving Sai, retrieving the lost scimitar, the twin of his own.
    They fit together perfectly and their song rang through his head, lifting his heart a bit. Quickly, he sheathed them in the case Sai had long ago made for the pair. As far as he knew, no one had ever connected Sai the Sword Master with Blood Raine. If they did, his efforts to rescue the man would be futile. Still, he couldn't abandon the sword.
    As a small group of men worked their way toward Sai, Arick surveyed the corpses that littered the ground. Sai had fought like a madman. The Delphine warriors had spotted his pale warhorse and the distinctive sabre and had fallen on him like locusts. They'd paid with their lives, as berserkers were best left alone. If the blades hadn't saved them both, Arick would be on the ground with the dead.
    Before Sai awoke, he needed that shoulder tended to. With a sick sensation in his gut, Arick deftly twisted the dislocated limb, coaxing it back into place.
    Sai's brilliant eyes flashed open, and then rolled back up into this head. He bit his lip till the blood welled up, but didn't make a sound. The pain must have been phenomenal.
    "By the Gods, Sai, I am so sorry. I have missed you so very much." He risked a single gentle touch, and then stood back, still hiding Sai's weapon. He watched with feigned indifference as they lifted the man and carried him away.
    The battle still raged on in the distance, and it was Arick's duty to reconnoiter. He had every opportunity to run, to bolt from the field and take his freedom. Yet the leash they held captured him completely. Arick could no sooner leave than he could plunge a knife into the heart of his son.
    He closed his eyes, praying for the boy's safety. He added a prayer for Sai. A breeze cut through the stifling air, lifting the heavy hair from his neck. Arick removed his helm and wiped away the sweat, grateful for the momentary respite.
    "Gods. A breeze is much appreciated. Wind would be better." And what would be even better would be a summer storm, the sort that would wash the blood from the dirt and grass. He'd be washed clean as well, and together, he and Sai could escape somewhere safe, even just for a moment.
    He ached to touch Sai again.
    In the distance, he heard a rumble, like the deep drums of war. The breeze picked up a bit more and Arick tucked his helm under his arm. He followed the infantrymen who carried Sai's great body as though it was a load of wood, staggering under his weight. He'd no doubt pay for his dereliction of duty, but Arick had already lost everything he loved. All he wanted now was to safeguard Sai, and hopefully free him, never to see his lover again.
    ****
    Sai jerked awake to a clap of thunder. He struggled against the ropes that bound him, shouting Arick's name behind the gag that robbed him of his voice. Eyes wide open, he stared around wildly, fighting the urge to panic.
    Panic was fruitless; he couldn't move no matter how hard he tried. Instead, he fought to steady his breathing and evaluate