Pushing the contents of the prior evening aside, I dressed and headed downstairs for breakfast. Passing by Killian's study I saw a small map out on top of his desk. He had camps and soldiers marked on our boarders in blue and the enemy in red. It seemed based on his setup the enemy was drawing near.
My father hadn't mentioned any impending war or conflict occurring, which caused me to become concerned. As I flipped through pages upon pages of notes from Commander McCarthy discussing the whereabouts of the military arms and where our lines of defense were becoming weak. He sent an urgent letter asking for reinforcements. Killian had begun a draft in response, but seemed to have left the letter unfinished.
As I was about to read the letter I heard someone clear their throat behind me. I jumped and looked up. Crossing the short distance between us, Killian strode over and lifted the letter out of my hands.
"I had thought that after your night you would still be in bed. What are you doing in here?" Killian asked, his tone accusatory.
Thinking for a second I responded, "I was just passing by and saw all this. I guess my curiosity got the best of me. Who are we fighting? I don't remember my father ever mentioning war."
Killian pursed his lips in a thoughtful manner. Then placed his hand on my hand, led me to the doorway saying, "These manners are none of your concern. We are simply preparing in case something does happen."
"Then why is Commander McCarthy sending you letters asking for reinforcements on the front line?" I asked, not allowing the subject to be changed.
"Commander McCarthy is simply running drills. He's preparing for any scenario that may occur."
I couldn't push him for any more information as he seemed to have a response for everything I threw his way.
Trying to appear satisfied with what he told me, I approached him with the intent of leaving. Killian placed his arm across the door blocking my only way out.
"I don't want to see you in here again without my permission. Do you understand?"
"Crystal clear."
With that, I took my leave. I could hear him walking close behind me. We entered the main dinning area almost simultaneously. Our meal was placed in front of us, and we ate, as usual. With complete silence. Killian was the first to excuse himself, and moments later I did the same.
After last night, I wasn't sure how to speak with him. The issue from this morning only made matters worse. Killian and I had little to discuss. And my nightmares were becoming more vivid than they had been before. It seemed the more time I spent with him, the more mystery shrouded us.
I wanted to know exactly what was happening on the front lines, and I knew someone who could give me the answers I wanted. With a name in mind, I made my way towards the training yards.
Standing outside with some of our more well trained troops I found Anlon. His laugh alerted me to his presence as he pushed one of his men to train harder, to be alert of all his surroundings, not just the ones he could see. I approached, when Anlon locked eyes with me and raised a hand as to halt his men. The men stopped, bowed to me, then went off to a training range not far from where we stood. I could hear swords against swords as the men trained.
"Lady Aine, what brings you here?" Anlon asked.
Smiling I retorted, "I just wanted to see the progress of our men is all."
Looking at me skeptically Anlon replied, "Somehow I doubt that is your true intent. Let me make a deal with you. If you are able to make me stand down, I will consider an audience with you. Then you may ask me any question you like."
"That does not seem fair. I am not as trained as you are in the art of combat, and how do I know you'll stick to your word?"
"I am a knight Lady Aine. I always stick to my word. Do we have a deal?"
Considering this for a bit, "Deal. But you have to answer all my questions."
"Hahaha you caught me at my wording. Okay, I will answer any question you may ask.
Lifting a waster from the stand, he threw it in my direction. Quickly I caught the wooden sword and got into a fight stance. Smiling, Anlon lifted his own waster and motioned for me to attack.
I ran, lifting my waster and swinging into his direction, he lifted his sword in response and threw me backwards. He swung his sword and slapped me across the ass. He laughed as I rubbed my bottom and got back into my stance. We kept eye contact as this went back and forth, on and on.
Finally, I felt I had the upper hand. I lifted my sword and swung, stopping right before nailing Anlon across the face. His eyes went wide, but he smiled. I was confused, until he looked down and gestured for me to look in the direction his eyes were fixed on. Just as I had a deadly blow so did he. His sword was resting gently on my rib cage.
We were at a draw. Dropping my sword, I had lost, but so had he.
"It's a draw Aine. I suppose had you gone through I would have died instantly, as where you may have survived my blow. I will give you this victory. Go ahead and ask me any question you like."
Breathing heavily, I stopped and caught my breathe before I asked the questions burning in my mind. Then I spoke, "I happened to be looking on Killian's desk and noticed some military paperwork and defensive strategies laying out. What do you know about this?"
Anlon laughed, "Were you snooping Lady Aine?"
"I'm the one asking the questions," I replied.
"Okay, okay. I'm not sure what you found. I have no knowledge of any military strategies taking place. Maybe trainings."
Anlon seemed genuine in his response. Either he knew nothing or Killian had gotten to him before I had. I asked my next question hesitantly, "The other night I had an odd dream. I saw a man, he looked familiar but so distant in my memory. What do you know of a man my father's age with brown eyes and red hair?"
"There are many men in my division who fit that description m'lady. Do you know of anything more specific?" Anlon asked.
"There was a fire. I was a child in the dream. He appeared and rescued me. I'd ask my father, but he'd just tell me it was my imagination. Please, do you know of anything?" I was desperate. I needed to know who this man was, why was I dreaming of him and this awful fire!
Anlon sighed, "I don't know much. I'm well versed in fighting techniques and the battlefield. Killian brought me along for protection of you and himself. As for your past, I'm sorry, I don't know anything."
I had one last question, "That's fair. Alright, last question. Who is the woman Killian's heart belongs to?"
Anlon's eyes shot wide. Then he composed himself and smiled, "Is the lady falling for the lord?"
"No, I'm just curious," that was mostly true.
"I don't know her name. He spoke of her once. A long time ago. We were fourteen maybe. He described her as elegant and brave. She had firey red hair and vibrant green eyes. Actually she sounded a lot like you. When I asked if you were the lady he described when we met two years ago, he told me that was the first you two had met. The woman he loved he had met as a child. That was all he would speak of it. I'm sorry I can't give you more information m'lady."
After our discussion I said my goodbyes and headed towards the manor. As I approached the front yard, I felt a presence near.
"Did Anlon give you the information you wanted?" Killian stepped out from behind a tree asking the question. I swore that man followed me around all day just so he could pop out of no where and frighten me.
"Oh! It's you! Killian, you know you shouldn't hide in the shadows and scare ladies. I could have taken you as a criminal," I shouted, half joking/ half serious.
Killian smirked, "Are you going to answer my question?"
I suppose I had that coming. I decided to answer the question. Even though I was slightly reluctant, "I think I've gotten the questions I wanted answered. Were you following me?"
"I happened to be heading to the training grounds when I noticed you engaging in sword fighting with Anlon. I didn't expect you to be so well versed with a sword. Did your father train you?" his question seemed so curious.
"I've never held a sword in my life. I don't know where I learned to do that," I replied honestly. His incredulous look told me he didn't believe me.
"Must be natural talent," he retorted, "then again, maybe you learned to fight in your dreams."
With how my dreams had been, that was very much a possibility. I laughed at how crazy it sounded but also for how much it scared me.
"Will you join me for dinner?" He asked. As though he sensed my hesitation, he continued, "our father's will be coming. We should be eating together when they arrive."
When he put it that way..."yes, I will meet you this evening. If that is all, I will be on my way."
He bowed his head as a sign of acknowledgement. I walked away and headed to get ready.