Conquer

~9~

Photo by Adrien Olichon on Unsplash 

The second day of being accessed is absolute hell. We are expected to swim laps in the lake in our military gear. My limbs practically float away in the thrashing waters, my lungs replacing air with liquid. 

Throughout the process all I could hear was General Hedge's yelling, telling us to strive for improvement and beat the person beside us. He has a very competitive side, that one.

Anyway, while I was crawling onto land with the rest of the tired men, I thought of the going-away gathering tonight. I highly doubt I'll be moving much to break one dance move. But I don't mind. The only dance moves I know are linked to being twirled by a man. 

Leo looks at me, breathing heavily. "I am never setting foot in that lake again."

This causes me to snort out a lazy laugh. I don't even bother to conceal my smile, which softens my face and defeats the purpose of the dirt along with my facial structure.

Leo smirks, saying, "You have a pretty smile, Andrew."

"And boy's can't be pretty?" I raise an eyebrow.

"No, that's not what I was meaning," Leo stammers, his neck turning pink.

Once standing, I offer him my hand. "Come on, Valdez, dance time."

Leo gladly takes my hand, and we make our way back to base with all the other stumbling soldiers. It doesn't even feel like I am walking, my limbs just numb and exhausted.

"I don't think I'll lift a finger tonight," Leo mumbles.

I whine, "Why not?"

"Like you are going to dance too," he snorts.

I roll my eyes. We bump into a soldier, and he blinks rapidly at me.

I smooth my hair over, and say, "Sorry, my dude."

He seems to force a chuckle, hiding surprise - though I don't know why. "All good. I just am letting everyone know that the party is being held in the forest."

Leo and I exchange a confused look. I speak first, "Whatever do you mean?"

Then Leo, "Bro, you're tripping."

The guy closes his eyes for exactly three seconds, before replying, "I was told this my General Hedge. Do you want me to take you to him and question his choice yourself?"

"But why in the forest?" Leo says in exasperation.

"Cause they were concerned about having a party," the soldier emphasizes his words, "in the middle of a valley may draw unwanted attention."

"I thought it was called a gathering," I resist more, slightly finding the annoyed look on the guy's face amusing.

He pinches the bridge of his nose. "If you really don't believe me, tell General Hedge that Thomas Barns sent you."

"Your last name is Barns?" Leo laughs. "That stinks."

I smack him in the arm. "It does not stink, Thomas."

Thomas Barns cringes a little, and waves his hands, "Call me Barns."

"Okay...Barns."

Leo whistles. "So, gathering in the forest. Which side?"

Barns blinks. "Which side of what?"

"Of the forest."

"Oh, right. Yeah, uhm, your right, right now."

"Dude that was a confusing answer, but okay...." Leo looks to his right and nods. "Got it."

Barns lets us go, and we proceed to our separate tents. But before parting, Leo says, "Do you think he was weird?"

"Who? Barns?"

"Yeah."

I shrug, "Maybe a little, but perhaps it's just how he is."

Leo shakes his head, "There's something off about that guy."

His parting words trail me as I make my way to the tent. It does seem odd that the gathering was moved last minute, but maybe it is because they got more developments of the war going on. 

We are leaving tomorrow after all. 

Hello everyone!!! I hope you have been doing well. I have been working on some developments in terms of my dream to become an author. I'll tell you all one day, don't worry! 

Hmmm and Barns is in THIS story as well.... 

Have a great day/night wherever you are! - The Fangirl