The woman had returned his smile, when he said that soon she’d be giving Yvan a run for his money. Proud, she knew better than to believe the words as anymore then they were; a jest.

“No, no!” Elyna reached out, touching his arm as she passed and made her way towards the barracks. She chuckled to herself. “I think I walked around enough of the city last night, to never want to leave the barracks again.” She grinned, knowing full well that they would be back on patrol in a matter of hours. “You’re very welcome to join me.” She told him, honest.

There was a brief pause as she followed his gaze to the sky. It was then that she started to walk a little quicker, jogging across the ground as the first heavy spots of rain fell. Elyna didn’t want to get caught in the rain before she had to.

At the door to the main dining hall, Elyna glanced across at Bennett, “do you think they’ll still be serving breakfast?” She wondered aloud before pushing the door open.

Her dreams were answered it seemed and the woman was able to load a plate with bacon, eggs and buttered toast. She balanced her meal with a glass of milk and made a careful way to one of the tables at the back of the room. The dining hall was still quiet, most knights choosing to sleep late or eat in their rooms.

She sandwiched the bacon and egg between the bread before slicing it in half, and half again. She licked her fingers free of the egg that had spilled out and took a large mouthful. Had she ever been so hungry? Elyna waited for Bennett to join her before smiling across at him once more. He was easy to smile at and the room was warm. She wriggled her toes in her boots; satisfied. A warm room, a good meal and good company after a morning of hard work. Was there anything better?

“Are you from Krome?” She broke the gap in conversation to take a drink of milk. “I-I couldn’t see all of your livery yesterday, but it looked like a badge from Krome?”

A big bowl of hot porridge and a warm drink were set down on the table before Malcolm took up a seat across from Elyna. He slipped out of his tabard, the v of his tunic deeper than the neck of the tabard had been, exposing a light smattering of dark chest hair. Malcolm folded the leather vest and set it down beside him on the bench seat. He took up a spoon and tasted the porridge before returning Elyna’s smile.

“I am,” he said. “As is Benjamin’s family. My wife was from Krome,” he explained, “it’s a wet and horrible place in Frost, but beautiful in the warmer seasons.”

Malcolm blew on his mug of tea before taking a sip. He decided the liquid was too hot and set it aside to cool while he worked his way through the bowl of porridge.

“What about you?” He asked. “I apologise if you’ve said before. Terrible memory.” He laughed, though there was some truth to it. Malcolm’s lack of short term memory was the result of a busy mind. He found it hard to focus, to live in the moment with all the responsibilities on his plate.

“You can’t be very old,” he said. “I mean,” he paused, what did he mean? “Never mind.”

“I’ll have to try and visit when the suns return,” Elyna replied with a polite smile. Malcolm had been married? Well why not. He was certainly of an age where she expected men to marry, or be considering it like Ben. His wife was from Krome. It meant that she had passed then, and for that Elyna felt her heart constrict. She wanted to reach out in that moment and offer condolences and her fingers twitched against the table top. Her gaze dropped to the exposed skin of his chest and she realised that it was uncomfortably warm under so many layers.

The woman unfastened the top button of her own tunic, feeling it tight across her throat. With it loose, there was a little more air and a slight chill cooled the warm skin on the back of her neck. She wore a shirt beneath the green wool tunic, so no skin was exposed, except the curve of her neck as it met her shoulders.

Elyna finished half of her sandwich and took another large gulp of milk. The liquid lined her top lip until she extended a tongue to claim it, hiding the action behind her hand.

“Burhan,” she replied when her mouth was no longer full. “Burhan all my life. But now I’ve seen Andaris, Venora and some of Warrick.” She ticked off the places on her hand with a smile. “First, see all of Renmere and then the world.” She grinned, serious in her desire to explore. No matter what her parents had in store for her future. There had to be a way.

“Old?” She blinked before shaking her head, “well old enough,” she added quickly. “Old enough to earn my shield.” Her mouth felt dry, so she took another drink. “I was eighteen in Bloom,” she swallowed her mouthful, I’m nearly nineteen now,” she hurried to add. “You’re not...you’re not so old yourself.” She teased him in response; although she felt as though the ground was slippery beneath her feet.

“It’s exciting,” he admitted, “seeing the world… once you get over the horrible sea journey,” Malcolm added. “I’ve been to Nejem under Yvan’s command. We stayed for quite some time.”

He eyed the woman’s sandwich rather envious of the bacon she had folded into a piece of bread with egg. Porridge had become his meal of choice, however, especially in the morning. It was easy, warm and filling. It would see him right through until dinner time. He knew if he had taken bacon, he would only be hungry again by lunch.

Benjamin often teased him about his fluctuating weight. Malcolm tended to beef up in the summer and slim right down during the colder seasons. Harvest had been hard on them all, hardest of all on Malcolm, who had put in a lot of overtime to earn a vacation in Frost, only for it to be stripped away by the captain.

“Burhan,” Malcolm echoed, “we were practically neighbours then.” He winked and ate another spoonful of porridge.

“Almost thirty now,” the knight confirmed. “What I wouldn’t give to be eighteen again.”

Once his bowl was empty, he set it aside in favour of the warm cup of tea, cradling it between his hands in an attempt to warm them up.

“You’ve never been to Krome?”

“Katelyn is from Nejem,” Elyna replied, though suspected that Malcolm was fully aware of that. Perhaps they had even met during the same assignment that had taken Yvan to the foreign land. “I was asking her last night, oh!” Elyna grinned as she realised that her questions had gone unanswered, Malcolm seemed willing to share answers. “Is everything made out of sand?” She was still curious and decided to only ask one thing at a time.

She finished up the third quarter of her sandwich and eyed the man’s tea. It was warm and she loved to hold heat within her hands. Elyna regretted her choice of drink, but had hoped to be healthy and improve her strength with the cold milk.

“And what I wouldn’t give to be a little older,” Elyna chuckled. Perhaps then, Yvan would take her more seriously. He would listen to her concerns when she voiced them. “Perhaps we should meet somewhere in the middle and lie about our ages.” She mused.

“Krome?” She frowned a little, it was hard to explain how she had travelled with a retinue, unable to see much of the landscape, or anything really beyond the walls of the noble Keep they stayed in.

“I visited,” she conceded, “but I don’t remember very much from being there.” That was the truth. It was a string of boring days where the adults had sat and talked and she had sewn or sat quietly. There had been a dance, she remembered, and she had spent most of the night hiding in a broom closet, avoiding her family.

Perhaps it was time to change the direction of the conversation; and steer it away from herself. Elyna finished her meal and her drink. “I’m sorry about your wife.” She said eventually.

“With sand,” he confirmed, “mixed with other materials. You do seem to end up with sand in everything though.” He smiled. “Food, the house, clothing… especially when the wind picks up.”

Malcolm took a chance to take another sip of tea while Elyna spoke. “There really is very little to see in Krome,” he said, “outside of the forests and farms. It all feels a bit cold in Frost, all those stone and wooden buildings.”

The cup of tea was emptied then, though Malcolm chose to hold it in his hands, if only for the warmth. He had remained quiet for a spell, choosing only to listen for a time. When Elyna mentioned his wife, Malcolm looked down into the empty cup. A small, rather sad smile graced his lips for a moment before falling away, features neutral once more.

“Some years ago,” he said, as if to mark the obvious pain that came with the memory.

He blinked, looked aside for a minute and was then able to face Elyna with a smile. A change in subject, he thought, before following through.

“How would you like to take the horses out tomorrow at first light?” He asked, “after training.” He turned the cup in his hands, running his thumb over the handle.

The young woman tried to imagine a world where everything was sandy. Impossible, she smiled to herself. “I’ll have to see it for myself, one day. Nejem and Krome. I heard that the lake was beautiful? A nice place to visit?” There had to be something that he liked about the place he called home.

“Burhan is just trees, trees and mist.” She lifted a shoulder in a shrug. At his obvious pain, the woman wanted to reach out once more. What was it about the man that made her feel protective? He was clearly very strong and capable, but seemed to carry the weight of the world on his broad shoulders. “I’m still sorry.” She replied and let the silence extend.

Elyna watched the rest of the dining room, a few more knights filling in and collecting up their breakfasts. No one that she recognised.

“I would love to,” she replied and looked back with a smile. “I’m trying to help exercise the horses in the stables, I’m sure they’ll let me borrow one for a ride...but training first?” Elyna grinned. “No one will be able to say I haven’t earned my shield if I’m able to drop them on their behind.”

She stood, balancing her hands on the table. “I’m going to get a tea… would you like anything?”

Malcolm had grown quiet, thoughtful. It was a harsh reality, the loss of Vanessa and the fact that he had little to no time to spend with their children. At least he had the day, he thought.

The knight lifted his head and forced a smile that said he was still listening. “I’m sure if you stay with Ser Yilmaz’s crew, you will get there sooner than you know. He likes to depart Aramane near the end of Frost and usually spends half of Bloom in the city of Nejem,” Malcolm said. “Ask him about it next time you see him. I’m sure he will agree you are ready to see the city of sand.” The knight was sure to leave out the details as to why Yvan liked to travel to Nejem every Bloom. It was to spend the season with Leonide while the weather wasn’t too hot before accompanying her home. Elyna didn’t seem to mind that he was married though, so perhaps she wouldn’t mind that.

“Of course, Krome is beautiful,” Malcolm agreed. “Lots of trees, just like Burhan, but a bit more farmland too.”

When Elyna offered tea, Malcolm shook his head and rose. “No thank you, I think I’ll get back and sleep. I’ll see you tonight.” He winked, smiled and departed.

XXIX Frost KI


The second night shift had gone without incident. Elyna had been assigned to patrol with Benjamin and if she was honest with herself, she hadn’t enjoyed it as much as the night before. Still, it had been a learning experience. Benjamin had been quiet as they walked, saying even less than Malcolm which was saying something. The silence had been less comfortable and Elyna had found herself peering into the shadows, stamping her feet to stay warm whenever they paused beneath the streetlights. She uttered no word of complaint and followed her orders. She found Ben intimidating, being as he was such a large bear of a man. If he didn’t want to speak to her, then she wasn’t going to push her luck. The young woman had faith in their Commander however, that he wouldn’t have partnered her with someone who wished her ill. Not that he wanted to look out for her, in particular; but Elyna understood that he wanted all his team to finish their patrol and return safely home.

After the mid-moon hour had passed, Benjamin seemed to relax. He asked her where she had grown up and shared his own experience of visiting Burhan. Elyna learnt more about the accident that had seen Owen Bennett break his arm, and discovered that Ben was fond of telling stories that embarrassed his fellow team-mates. Although he kept his thoughts regarding the Cavalier to himself, along with any tall-tales. She took it as a sign of respect that he had for the man, and it made her smile. Elyna didn’t mention Yvan, and nor did Benjamin and the silences became a little more comfortable. If nothing else came of their long, dark patrols through the streets and the icy rain, Elyna was grateful for the chance to get to know the crew, and for them to know her a little better. Perhaps, she thought, they might start seeing her as more than an interloper or the girl who was warming Yvan’s bed.

So far, Malcolm, Katelyn and Benjamin had asked similar questions. Where was she from, did she really want to be knight, how old was she? Answers she’d been happy to give. The rain, by the third-fold hour was sheeting down. It felt more like drops of ice being flung from the sky. It landed hard on the cobbled streets, bouncing up again, and Ben ducked beneath a stone arch, swearing as he beckoned her under. Elyna hesitated before diving after him. Despite her weather-proofed clothing, she was soaked through and counting down the minutes to the end of their shift. She wrapped her arms around her chest, shivering.

“Shouldn’t we keep patrolling?” She asked, reluctant.

Benjamin laughed, “no one else is out in this,” his voice was a low rumble. Light from a street lamp flickered on his face, almost doused by the torrent.

Elyna grinned and peered at the empty street. He wasn’t wrong, anyone with any sense had run for cover. Even if there hadn’t been many people to start with. It felt like hours since they’d seen another person.

“So, you’re not seeing anyone?,” Ben leant back against the wall of the arch, just staying dry within the recess. “How come you’ve not end up with a lad your own age, huh?”

Elyna smiled to herself, leaning back against the other wall, she crossed one leg over the other. She peered behind her, staring at the street as the rain continued to fall, like a waterfall crashing down the road. “You and Kat,” she shook her head, still with the same quiet smile, “you make it sound like there should have been a line of suitors.”

“Sure, why not?”

Elyna laughed, “you know, before last mid-winter I’d never even shared a kiss?”

Ben stared at her and she chuckled, mindful of the people that must be sleeping in the nearby houses. If the rain hadn’t woken them, then she didn’t want to.

“Well that seems like madness.”

She chuckled again, and turned back to study the streets, “I’m not one to make friends easily,” her shoulder lifted in a shrug before grimacing. Water slid down the back of her neck. She loved Yvan. She loved him for who he was, for his pale eyes and the blonde stubble that lined his jaw. For the strength in his arms and his way of absolute command. “The heart wants what it wants,” she replied after a while. “Rain’s letting up.” She looked back to Benjamin with a smile.

“After you,” he extended his hand, gesturing to the dark street.

They reported back with the rest of the crew, filled in Bennett with their news and took their leave. Elyna had been grateful to crawl into her bed the night before, but exhausted she forced herself to go to the baths before sleeping. She soaked in the hot steam, warming herself through before making her way back to the barracks to sleep.

This time, she ate before training, tucking into a bowl of porridge in the dim-lit dining hall before making her way once more to the practise courts. Most of her clothes were hung up to dry out in her room; leaving her in a shirt and a tighter fitting woollen tunic then she would usually wear; one that her mother had chosen in a deep navy blue. At least the rain had faded to a light drizzle. In customary dark leggings, and a long knee-length tunic, the girl paced back and force through the mist of rain, with her leather coat pulled close and fastened. Sword in hand she went over and over one of the movements Malcolm had shown her the day before. She stood in the near-darkness before the sunrise. The ground was frozen beneath her feet, but all the snow had washed away with the rain. It made the stone slick and uneven and she was glad of the grip on the bottom of her boots. She held her arms steady, balanced her weight between her feet and imagined an opponent before her. She could smell breakfast from the dining hall, fresh bread, fried meats and the bitter tang if coffee. She could taste warm milk and oats on her own teeth, along with the mint she had used to freshen her breath. Smoke curled from nearly all of the barracks room and settled in the mist, creating a smog of trapped air.

Elyna swung the sword, in a practised sweep, at the head of her imaginary opponent, dropped it to each of the arms and then the legs. She worked slowly, warming up her muscles. Her breath came in a thin white cloud and she stepped forward, repeating the motion before trying to incorporate one of the more intricate movements that Malcolm had shown her. Repeating the actions over and over, before she switched her hands on the blade and led with her other leg and started the drill again. The fine rain ran down the line of her nose, down her neck and collected in the collar of her shirt.

Malcolm had been late to rise. His watch the night before had been a long one, partnered with a very unhappy Thomas. After a straight hour of listening to Yvan’s son complain about his father’s rumoured relationship with Reyes, Malcolm had finally told the man to be silent. “I’ll address it, if there is anything to address,” he said, ending the conversation.

That night he had slept hard, rising with the sun. The knight sat on the edge of his bed, senses returned to him slowly. He had regarded the day with such hope only the morning before. Now, with what he had to say, some of the joy had been sucked out of it.

On his feet, washed up and dressed, he made his way to the practice courts. There was a weight to each step, a kind of reluctance that held him back. No matter what way he looked at it, bad news was bad news. He arrived at the practice courts to find Reyes working on the moves they had covered the day before.

He couldn’t help but smile then, finding whatever weight had burdened him was lifted all of the sudden.

“You’re really giving it to your opponent.” He teased. “I think he’s dead.”

Malcolm took up one of the practice swords and raised the weapon. “How about you try that against me?”

Elyna lowered the weapon before she twisted to greet the man with a smile. She knew better then to turn with it still raised, it was a sure way to cause an accident and injure a friend. Was the Cavalier a friend? He had certainly seemed the most friendly out of the crew so far. But not in any way that was inappropriate; of course. Just as a good leader of men and women.

“Oh he’s dead,” she grinned and indicated the blank space behind her. “Him and the rest of the battlefield.” The woman settled her stance when he returned, spinning the sword as she waited. It was a bad habit, she knew, but it was one of the ways that she found a central calm.

As Malcolm had asked, the woman stepped forward with the same sweeping strokes, followed by the sly thrust towards his core. One that he had taught her the day before. He seemed pleased with her progress and they went over and over the movements, until they were both satisfied that it had been committed to memory, along with the counter strike that could block the attack.

Practise swords away, Elyna buckled on her belt around her hips. Setting it comfortably beneath her coat as they made their way to the stables. She had made arrangements to borrow a chestnut mare by the name of Ember and made short work of readying the horse to ride. Leading the animal out from the warm, dry shelter she laughed. Ember was reluctant for the first few steps before dropping her head to nose at Elynas hood, one that had fallen back from her hair.

Elyna stroked the horses nose then ran her hands along the girth strap, correcting the fit before mounting up. She pulled up the wool and leather hood that would keep the fine rain off of her neck. The shoulders were wider then her own body and caused the worst of the drizzle to fall to her sides. The woman turned, looking around the the Cavalier.

“I enjoyed our ride the other morning,” she couldn’t help but grin. “Even though the weather is terrible, I have to admit I’m looking forward to stretching Embers legs.”

Malcolm had laughed at her announcement. “Slayer of legions.” He teased, smiling at the young knight. “I only hope I am challenge enough.” Malcolm countered.

It was far too easy to lose track of time working alongside Elyna. He found the woman interesting and brave. It took a lot of guts to fail in front of a stranger, willingly. If there was any judgement from the man, it was quiet, unspoken. As long as the woman was prepared to listen, he found himself more than happy to teach.

Outside of the city walls on horseback, Malcolm took the lead, encouraging the horse to trot along the road only to canter down the hill into the valley below. They took the road towards the docks, veering right once it opened up beyond the woods, and raced across the open fields.

It was there Elyna was able to beat him, galloping into the unknown, flicking earth and snow up behind her. Red snorted, keen to keep pace, something Malcolm didn’t discourage. They raced until the city was a spec in the distance, and turned once the horses were out of breath.

Malcolm dismounted and took up the reins, leading the horse beside him as he walked through the snow. It was nice to be out in the fresh air. Two or three days in the city, especially Lowtown, was enough to make him want to get outside.

Red ducked her head to rip up a few strands of grass the snow hadn’t managed to kill, sniffing about in search of more while the man looked back. He watched Elyna get down from her horse and offered up a warm smile when she looked his way.

“How was your watch with Benjamin last night?” He asked, hoping to start a conversation that might lead effortlessly into what he had to say. “I was hoping you wouldn’t mind working with Katelyn tonight. It’s not often I let two women patrol together… in fear it will invite trouble,” he explained, “but I know yourself and Katelyn are more than capable of defending yourselves.”

Malcolm used the toe of his boot to brush snow aside for Red to graze upon whatever lay hidden beneath. “Thomas isn’t pleased with what he assumes is going on between yourself and the captain. He’s asked me to write to Yvan. He wants his father to transfer you to another unit. We both know Yvan won’t do that,” Malcolm said. “I thought I might talk to you, have you convinced him whatever was happening is purely a misunderstanding?”

There was no denying it, Elyna enjoyed Malcolm’s company. She found him easy to be around, which was unusual for her. A shy child placed under undeterred pressure, she had grown up somewhat reluctant to speak. Untrusting, and unwilling to open herself up to the kind of criticism that she expected. But she didn’t feel under pressure from the Cavalier, she felt that he waited without judgement and made corrections that were neither cruel or unnecessary. After two mornings of training, she had learnt a lot under his tutelage. As they rode through the frost-covered countryside, she found herself wondering if she had learnt as quickly with Yvan the Frost before. Yvan was a different man entirely, exacting and precise in what he wanted; demanded. He didn’t tolerate weakness and so she had learned to push through when she was tired and to try harder. He expected perfection, and in many ways, she had learnt more than simple warrior’s skills. She had learnt how to deal with the pressure and the sense of panic without crumbling and feeling crushed by it.

Lost in her thoughts, Elyna was taken by surprise when Malcolm let his horse go in a run. Ember whinnied and stretched out, eager to catch up. It was then that Elyna balanced in the stirrups, her hands lifted along the neck of her mount as she let the horse have her head. They flew across the snow-covered meadow. Her hood pushed back by the wind, she smiled from ear to ear as her cheeks started to sting from the whip of it. Laughing, she finally turned Ember in a wide circle to slow her. Panting, she circled the hose, patting her neck before pressing a kiss to the mane, inhaling the smell of horse, hay and leather with a satisfied sigh.

Swinging her leg over, she dropped into the snow with a thump and crossed over to the Cavalier. Elyna dragged her foot through the white powder, watching it gather on her boots as she cleared a patch of grass for Ember to nose through. Though her horse watched Red with a reasonable amount of suspicion. The young woman planted a hand on her hip, staring at the distant city as the wind tugged her hair free of it’s braid.

“It went well,” she smiled and planted a hand on her hip. Turning back to the man she couldn’t help but wonder about his wife. Who had she been to tame Malcolm Bennett? Why did she keep wondering about the man beside her? “He told me a little about your brother, how he fell off his horse,” she still winced in sympathy. “He didn’t share any embarrassing stories about you though,” she couldn’t help teasing the man although maybe that was dangerous. “You know I’ll work with whoever you assign me to, ser.” The woman added then. Hopefully she had gained a little faith in her ability to work as a professional.

However, whatever good feeling she thought she might have earned, the woman realised was a façade. She found herself looking away from Bennett. Elyna smoothed her hands down Embers’ nose, why were her eyes burning, prickling as thought irritated by dust or some kind of spice. So this was why he had wanted to ride out with her? To tell her to end her relationship. Her mouth settled into a line, lips pressed together as she considered what Malcolm said.

“I…” She let out a slow, uneven breath, turning to set her back to the man. “But it’s not over.” Elyna set her shoulders, she wanted to hunch. To protect herself, but he had bought her out here to the open and there was nowhere that she could hide. “Do you think…you think I’m someone who falls in and out of love with the seasons?” The woman found herself pressing her teeth against her tongue. “I’m not.” She confirmed, angry. Why did she feel so betrayed by Bennett?

Elyna turned from him and Malcolm knew that in asking the woman to better hide her relationship with the captain, he had offended her. “Not at all,” he replied, “I do not dare to know your mind, nor do I think you fickle,” he confirmed.

Malcolm balled a fist and rubbed at the centre of his chest, a strange, nervous habit or useless attempt to see off heartburn. He watched the horses for a time and undid one side of his mare’s reins to give her more rope.

He couldn’t imagine what it must be like to fall in love with someone who had once upon a time, promised their heart to another. He couldn’t share a person, he didn’t think—was the idea so new age or old ways long forgotten?

“Walk with me?” He requested of the woman, leading the horse half-heartedly. Malcolm had always found it easier to think while he was moving. He had thought it awkward to stand there, his mistake hanging in the air like a knife over his head.

“Thomas has endured a lot in the last two years. Leonide raised him, but as you know, she is not his mother. He works so hard for his father’s attention and seems to accept anything, positive or negative from the man. I think he feels threatened by you and perhaps even envious of the closeness you and Yvan share. I’ve never seen or heard of Yvan training anyone, not even his own son—yet you say you have his favour?”

Malcolm fell quiet then, what more could he say? How could he make Elyna understand that this request wasn’t about her.

He held his hands behind his back as he strolled along beside the woman, watching the ground. There was tension following them, making the air thick.

“I don’t want to see you transferred,” Malcolm admitted. “I think you’re going to make a well suited addition to this team… I just don’t want that to be at the suffering of existing members.”

Had it been wrong to ask this of her? Doubt was a vicious and rather persistent emotion. It nagged at him now after spending the night torturing himself with what he would say, Malcolm could only be sure that he had said the wrong thing.

“My brother should be back tonight. If you like, I can put you on watch with him. Katelyn is so close to Thomas, I wouldn’t want her to pressure you into a decision, just as I don’t want to now. I apologise, Reyes—it was merely a suggestion for peace and no more.”

Elyna considered his request to walk, and almost refused the man. She looked over Ember’s neck at the city and wondered if she should simply ride back. It would be easier than facing the conversation to come. Talking about Yvan, Thomas and Leonide was not something that she wanted to do. It was easier to be with Yvan, without acknowledging the man’s wife. Something that Thomas wanted to make impossible.

She bowed her head a moment, Malcolm had been kind and he had been fair so far. Elyna knew that she owed him her respect and this courtesy at least. She turned and followed. Ember plodding behind at her heels, still wary of the other mare. It was hard to feel sympathy for Thomas, when the man had been nothing but nasty. Was this who she was now? Elyna wondered, someone who was cold enough to ignore the plight of others? She felt shut off from the young man’s pain. His father was a grown man, Thomas should live his own life.

Elyna twisted the rope in her hands, wrapping it around her palm and pulling it tight. “You know I have trained with Yvan,” she replied simply. It wasn’t a case of her bragging about it or inflating her worth to the captain. Malcolm had witnessed the evidence of it himself, hadn’t he? Her jaw felt tight, tongue held behind her teeth.

“I’ll work with Katelyn,” Elyna said eventually. Her footsteps crunched through the snow, leaving a deep trail as they walked. The rain faded away and left the air bright, crisp and finally dry. A weak winter sun rose in the distance, but it offered little warmth. “Request the transfer,” she lifted a shoulder in a shrug, “he’ll accept it, or he won’t. You’re my commander and I’ll work with whoever I’m ordered to, Roland, Thomas, Heath, Katelyn...” Malcolm would make the best decisions for his team; but he underestimated her if he thought she would be pressured into one thing or another. She glanced at him then, hurt. Perhaps he hadn’t seen her in any better light than any of the others.

The woman looked away once more, “I don’t want to cause anyone suffering,” she admitted, “but I’ve faced far more pressure then you, or any of the others could ever think to place on my shoulders.” Her mouth set again, pressed into a hard line. Truly, they had no idea. “If they wish to test me, Ser. They’ll find themselves disappointed."

The knight stopped to stare at Reyes. It was a firm no, without so much as uttering the small but powerful word. Elyna spoke of pressure and the man couldn’t help but stare. What would she at a mere eighteen years of age know of pressure or even wish to presume that she could state, so matter of factly, that her burdens were any heavier than anyone else’s? Truly he was astonished. She had even gone as far as to dare him to request the transfer and, in that moment, a small part of him wanted to grant her wish.

Whatever strange charm he had imagined, was washed away in the span of a single conversation. Elyna was young, Malcolm had to remind himself, ten years younger than he.

Malcolm turned to his horse and fastened the reins once more. “In that case,” he said, “it would do neither of us any favours to treat you any differently than I would any other knight.” He paused to climb up onto his horse and looked down at Elyna. “You were scheduled to work with Thomas tonight, I made an exception, but I see now that was a mistake. I expect you to meet him at the western gate come sundown.”

Malcolm let out a short, sharp whistle then and Red put some distance between herself and Elyna before jumping forwards into an excited canter. Malcolm headed for the road, but rather than turn for the city, he carried on towards the Yilmaz estate.

“I have neither expected, nor requested to be treated any differently.” Elyna replied, her expression still set. Hard and unwavering she stared at the man and wondered who he was, truly. He seemed so angry with her now, and that was something that she regretted. “Yes, Ser.”

With little time to protest, and nothing to say; the woman mounted up on Ember and collected the reins. She watched as Bennett rode away, turning away from the city and following the road that she knew so well. He had given her orders and she would follow them. Another fledgling friendship set to a match and burnt to ashes. Elyna didn’t make friends easily, or well; she knew that.

She also knew, as she followed the trail back towards the city; that she had overstepped with Bennett. Elyna had hoped to find a place to belong in the crew, but knew now that it would not be possible. She let out a quiet sigh as she followed the road back, a pair of late birds float overhead. This mistake was hers, she knew. She had been defensive, angry at the conversation that the man had raised. Had he been trying to do her a kindness? Elyna pulled her hood up against the rising wind. She didn’t want any special treatment, she just wanted to fit in somewhere, anywhere. Even if that place was only in Yvans arms.

Dear Sir,

I hope that my letter finds you in good health. I’ll admit that I am not usually one to put words to a page, and so apologise for my clumsy attempt. Although as you will read, this will not be my last apology to make.

I find regret in your sudden departure from our team. First, for any part that I have contributed to this occurrence and for causing you any trouble. Second, that you felt I caused disruption to the point of requesting my transfer.

My desire to continue as a Knight has been called into question. Although I can admit to missing the open skies, I feel that this would be a poor reason to transfer back so suddenly. My devotion to the Iron Hand deserves to be proven, and I will strive to ensure that this is so.

Were time given to me anew, I would speak differently to you during our last encounter. I worry that in causing your ire, a potential friend has been lost. I would agree to facilitate your request for further discretion and will work accordingly to ensure this going forward.

I’m rambling, I know and seem incapable of making a clear point. Perhaps I should just be plain. I am sorry. I doubt our paths will cross in future, and I find myself sorry for this also.

Good health and happiness, Sir Bennett.

Elyna Reyes

Dear Sir,

I hope that the passing season continues to find you in good health and spirit. Frost is so often dark that it is easy to forget the true sense and touch of a warm sun and believe that perhaps it will never return.

Your brother, Owen was kind enough to pass on your regards and I only wished to send my own by return. Though, I dread, in truth what you must think of me. The choices we make in life carve our path, like a sleigh through winter snow. I understand that looking at the path I carve of my own life must seem a fools endeavour and hopeless. I’ll admit that it is. For there is no future and no hope to write my own destiny. I take the chances I am able to seize. Foolish, reckless and damned though they must seem.

My apologies for putting so much of ink to page, with our acquaintance so brief and impersonal. I seek only to wish you health and happiness upon midwinter.

Elyna

The woman set her quill down and studied the sheet of parchment as she waited for the dark letters to dry. Somewhere in the background of the rooms Yvan kept over winter she could hear the man sigh. He was bent over his own books and letters, with the same weak winter light coaxed in through the window.

Elyna stared at the words and let out a quiet sigh of her own. The breath whispering past her lips. Why had she set so much to the page? She wondered. Why had she ventured so much of her own thoughts? She sat back on the wooden chair and closed her eyes, trying to block out the tiny voice that nagged, telling her that she had no one else to speak to. But why choose Ser Bennett to speak to? Why did she care so much about what he thought of her?

Because he had been disappointed, she pressed her teeth against her bottom lip and tried to forget the expression on his face, anger, frustration...but mostly she believed she had seen disappointment in his eyes. The same disappointment she feared in her own expression in the mirror. For some reason, she needed to justify herself to him, to explain herself to herself.

The letter was folded, sealed and the woman stood. Elyna pulled on her heavy winter cloak over her jacket and pressed a kiss to Yvans cheek on her way out of the door to deliver the letter to the local clerk who would see it delivered.

To the Sovereign Duke of Mayce, Defender of the North. Dearest Brother, greetings and fondest love.

I devoured your letter in hopes of an explanation, only to find kind praise and undeserved gratitude. Brother mine, how you vex me so. You must think me uncouth. Such a heart of gold must weigh on you.

I wish you were here to enjoy the long nights alongside me on the wall. How I miss you, dear brother. The hours fall away so slowly in your absence. A shadow looms over the crew, a black dog at our heels. The orders are harsh and the cold weather crueler still.

Do make some attempt to respond to Miss Reyes. She has been quiet lately and if you have her ear, then it is more than even I can boast.

I yearn for spring and pray it is far kinder to us all. Brother mine, keep well and send my love to my dear nephews. Until our next adventure, yours faithfully, Owen Bennett.



Dearest Owen,

Forgive my late reply. The hours are short, though I do not count myself blessed, for time is of the essence and every moment with the boys, most precious and cherished by me.

Do look after yourself. The weather is changing and the smell of Bloom threatens the air. The snow in Warrick is already melting and the river once again flows. I will do my utmost to heed your wishes.

May the Seven keep you. By sun and moon, I count the days until we are once again reunited.

Eternally, Malcolm Krome.



Miss Reyes

With my regards, I too send an admission of guilt. Time has not been a friend to me this season. How fare the crew and our good captain?

Trust that I did not flee the unpleasantness of our last encounter with any untoward thoughts or feelings, but rather, as stated then, only with the interests of everyone concerned, to weigh. I apologise for having overstepped. When the captain offered I take some time, I would and could not deny him.

I hear our paths will cross again come spring when our ships dock in Nejem. Until then, fare thee well.

Malcolm Bennett

The handwritten letter was brief, folded and pressed with the same seal marking that addressed to Owen. A wolf’s head encircled by bound arms, that of the brothers three, depicted in black wax.

The woman had accepted the letter as it was delivered. The seal was unfamiliar to her and so curiously had seen it opened quickly, only to be set aside for several days once read, and reread again. Not a true fan of writing, Elyna found herself considering her words and if replying at all was truly appropriate. In the end, she woke one morning with a bleak grey dawn and found herself staring at an empty sheet of parchment.

Dear Sir,

I must admit that your response brings me some comfort. I am able, at least to hope that our acquaintance is not so soured by our last encounter. I only continue to regret that there was such unpleasantness to be had between us. Of course, your thoughts turn to the wider implications of our subject of discussion. I do not feel that you overstepped in your enquiry. Please do not believe that I think any ill of you.

In report of your questions, cold weather has caused a spread of coughing sickness through most of the Iron Hand. It does not seem to be severe and seems to last a handful of days before passing without ill effect. For some, if it lingers, it brings a fever which has proven more dangerous. Although I’ve not heard evidence that any have passed from the illness. I will keep the Seven close in my heart in the hope that none will be claimed. As a few of the crew are recovering, our hours on the walls and patrolling are extended. I pray too, that the additional burdens will not increase the number of sick.

Our Captain fairs well, although speaks fondly of the forthcoming trip to Nejem and warmer weather.

I will admit surprise, and yet something akin to delight in the news that you will rejoin us in Nejem. I wish you good health Sir, and the blessing of their Sevens.

Reyes.

The note was carefully folded and returned to the address that had been provided.