A Drink Before Battle [M/M] ✅

18: So Persistent

In the time it took Sevei's wound to heal, there was no further sign of the enemy. They kept the camp on alert, even so. On a sunny afternoon the two Generals, with Sergeant Kahan and Nal, rode out to inspect the scouting stations along the river beyond the camp's borders.

In an open meadow along the riverside, Kahan and Nal spurred their horses to full gallop and set up a game of chase. Sevei and Urskatha slowed their mounts to a walk, allowing the other two their moment of fun. They watched as Kahan stood in her stirrups, then swung one leg over to stand on one side of the horse's body, leaning into the wind as the horse continued to gallop at full speed.

"She's picking up Sekkha trick riding pretty quickly," Sevei commented, impressed.

"She's always been a good rider," Urskatha replied. A tightness in his voice drew Sevei's attention, and he turned to see Urskatha's face tense with a barely concealed fright at the sight of Kahan's stunt.

Sevei chuckled. "If you're so worried just watching her practice martial skills, how will you ever manage when she's off on her own?"

The fear in Urskatha's eyes turned to sadness as he gave a silent nod of agreement.

"Have you discussed my offer with her?" Sevei asked. "With Kyrzhan's help, she wouldn't be all on her own, and you'd have an open line to keep in touch with her."

"It does seem to be the best option."

"I'll ride into Tharlburg tomorrow. I need to meet with a few suppliers anyway, and talking to Kyrzhan directly is probably better than putting anything in writing. I may be a day or two if you can keep holding things down here."

"Will you stay there... at his place?" Urskatha asked, keeping his eyes steadily on the two playing in the field.

Sevei didn't miss the wistful note in his voice, and had to bite his lip to restrain a smile.

"That's the plan," he answered. "Would you prefer that I didn't?"

Urskatha averted his gaze, turning his head as Nal raced past after Kahan. "Why would I care?" he snapped.

"Why did you ask?"

"Just... making conversation."

"Do you make conversation with me now?" Sevei asked, losing control of his lips as they slid into a silly grin. "Ask me anything. I'll answer."

"Why didn't you stay here in Brinland with Mr. Damah? You seem close. You seem to worry about him."

"Mm... I do. Back then, my parents were still alive, but both in poor health, and their doctors were devouring our family fortune. I joined the local guard because it was good money, and I could stay close. That was the beginning of my military career. By the time they both passed away, I was entrenched. Once you've made some accomplishments and some family, it gets hard to leave."

He watched Urskatha's expression slide into a dreamy melancholy and inwardly kicked himself. He hadn't meant to go there.

"To answer your real question," Sevei said cheerfully, "Kyri and I are not lovers. We really aren't suited to each other. Kyri is... enthusiastically amorous. Not the kind to settle for one person."

"And you are?" Urskatha kept his face forward, his expression withdrawn and unreadable. "... the kind to settle?"

Sevei looked at him steadily, his grin falling away into absolute sincerity. "For the right person, I wouldn't consider it settling at all. One is enough for me, as long as that one thinks I'm enough."