Kindly edited by @CollinHarrison4
"Only two?" Serenity asked.
"Where is this army?" Sanlina added. "And did he not leave with three?"
Juno stood, her concerns of an awkward meeting with a princess fading as the shouts were repeated throughout the camp. The Answer was returning on horseback, without an army, and with only one other. "Something has gone wrong." Irrational anger grew in her belly as she imagined a princess treating Kelton with less than the respect he deserved.
"Mayhap nothing," Audria said. She looked at Serenity, who nodded her agreement. "They leave on foot and return on horses - a good sign. Best if we hear his words before we envision night terrors."
"Aye," Juno said, though she walked stiffly toward the south, smoothing her best skirt with its now forgotten stain. Serenity, Sanlina, and Audria marched behind her. Daphne surprised Juno by moving up alongside as if her support would add to what was to come. The scarred young one walked with visible pride. It had the strange effect of grounding Juno's imagination, allowing her to toss away the more outlandish thoughts. If Daphne could shake off the ills of her past, then so could Juno. Kelton returning was, in and of itself, a victory.
To Juno's surprise, it was not O'fan or Cory who rode next to Kelton. A man, as tall or taller than Kelton, was riding at his side atop a dappled gray horse. Their mounts slowed as they arrived, Kelton ignoring the shouted questions as his eyes scanned the camp. Juno was about to raise her hand when Kelton's eyes found her amongst the gathering crowd. He dismounted and handed the reins to his new companion, who took them without question. There was a seriousness in his steps as he ignored his army's requests and moved directly to Juno.
"Has something..." Juno began, then was silenced by the most welcoming of lips. Kelton wrapped his arms around her, his lips melding into her deliciously. Her imaginations of what-may-be dissipated as what-is was made clear. He missed her as much as she missed him. Her fingers combed into his woven locks and pulled him close as she feasted on his warmth.
It was the laughter that broke their embrace. Remarks better spoken in private were traveling amongst the army, urged on by Audria who found it a playful thing.
"I should have allowed you to come," Kelton said. His smile now possessed the unique quality that only appeared for Juno.
"Did it not go well?" Juno asked softly. Her curiosity was warring with her desire to let the world melt away so she could become a singularity with Kelton.
Kelton shook his head, his eyes never leaving her. "Yanda is all that I remember and more." He took her hand in his and turned to his confused army with a booming voice. "The Sorinnians are a day behind. They bring bows and the skill to use them, swords enough for all, and..." He faltered as his men, most with swords on their hips, became apparent to him. "Where did these blades come from?"
Juno laughed, having absorbed Kelton's glee. "Fingers said a door was left open. It seems the King's armory in Shunneer is now an empty husk."
"Where once we had a trickle of blades, we now have a flood," Kelton announced with pleasure. "And know this: the Queen travels with the Sorinnian army, and her heart is bound to the end of the Promise."
"The Queen?" Juno asked, her question barely a whisper in the din of cheers that followed Kelton's revelation.
"Aye, my love," Kelton said, turning back to her as if she were the only thing of importance. "It seems a wind pushes us, and we need but glide along to achieve our purpose."
"And who is this?" Juno asked, indicating the man Kelton had returned with who was now standing just behind them.
"Ahh," Kelton said, his eyes appearing to remember the rest of the world existed. He turned to include the man in their private space. "A dear friend, a brother from house Tarvakian. You have heard me speak of Filgot in the past."
