The Amulet

The Amulet

Chapter One

Amarin hurried through the morning mist, one hand clutching his left side, blood oozing from the wound. He stopped listening. For now, he had lost his pursuers. They would catch him soon, though. Near exhaustion, Amarin saved what energy he had left to cast one last spell. Removing his amulet and holding it in his free hand, he gasped in pain, stumbling through the incantation. The sounds of pursuit could be heard once more as he finished casting the spell. The amulet vanished just a moment before his pursuers caught him.

“Give up, old man; you’re in no condition for any spell-casting. Surrender now, and I will spare your life.”

“As always, my king, your tongue betrays your true intent. I could always see through your lies. You know, that too.” Amarin raised his hand as if to cast a spell. Startled, the king reacted by stabbing Amarin in the chest with his sword. Amarin gasped in pain, falling to his knees.

The king shook his head, “Why did you make me do it. If only you went along with what I wanted.” The king said, sighing; he knelt down beside the stricken sorcerer. As the king’s men gathered around

Amarin struggled to speak, staring defiantly at his king. “You know too well… I could never go along with the betrayal… of your people.” His last thoughts were of revenge against a king he once considered a friend.

The king sighed, getting to his feet. He suddenly stopped and looked around, missing something. “The amulet? Has anyone seen his amulet? Quick, now find it.” The king commanded, telling his men to backtrack the way he came. The king waited as his men searched. “There is no sign of the amulet Sire. Shall we keep searching?” This area of the forest is overgrown and unused. Sire, it would be difficult to find anything even if you knew what you were looking for.”

The king felt reassured but wanted to be sure. “Make sure they search again thoroughly if they still can’t find it likely, no one else will. He had second thoughts. “Bury the body here, and when we return, make arrangements for rumours to spread about this part of the forest that will dissuade people from straying from the usual forest trail and send someone to keep watch for anyone who may enter the forest.”

“Aye, Sire.” The knight replied. Turning, he commanded his men to make a final search.

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Yasmin sat by the stream happily, dangling her bare feet in the water and humming to herself. The sun had risen, and she could feel its warmth on her back. A shiny stone in the water caught her eye. The stone seemed to change colour as she stared at it. Yasmin stood wading into the stream; she bent down, reaching for the stone. It felt warm to the touch despite being in the cold water. She studied it for a moment, fascinated. She thought the changing colours were just reflections in the water. But holding it in her hand, the colours still changed like the colours of a rainbow.

“Yasmin. Yasmin Ardal!”

“Coming, mother.” Yasmin wrapped the stone in her kerchief and tied it around her waist as she waded out of the stream; she sat, pulling on her sandals before heading back to her house. She still had some chores to do before lunch. Later that night, alone in her room. She got the stone out, staring at it again. The changing colours were hypnotic. Looking closer, she noticed two holes in the stone. She surmised someone had found it before her and must have attached a chain. “Perhaps it was given to a betrothed as a sign of their love.” Yasmin thought dreamily. She placed it under her pillow and went to sleep. That night, she had a strange dream, and for many nights afterwards, she had similar dreams. She dreamt she was someone else. Also, strange symbols appeared in her dreams. At first, Yasmin found the dreams confusing and even frightening. She tried to brush them aside and think of anything else, but she couldn’t escape them. Even sometimes during the day, the dreams haunted her, and the strange symbols kept reappearing in her mind’s eye. Nearly two years later, she finally realised what the symbols were. She practised in secret, casting the spells, although she failed many times. She persevered because she knew the dreams would never stop until she mastered the spells in her head.

At the age of twenty, her mother passed. It was a bad time for Yasmin. She was all alone and cried herself to sleep at night. Even so, she still had the dreams, but not as often. They, too, were beginning to fade from her memory. Yasmin also realised that the stone she still carried was the cause of her dreams. Several times, she wanted to throw it away but, for some reason, could never bring herself to part with it after several weeks of wallowing in despair. Yasmin finally got herself together and decided to go into the town. She visited the local apothecary; the owner dealt in rare items and knew a little about magic. She thought he might be able to tell more about the stone and why it gave her such strange dreams.

Yasmin handed the stone to the apothecary. “It’s magic, right? What can you tell me about it?”

The man stared at the stone and quickly glanced up at Yasmin. “Well, erm, let me see, it has some magic properties, yes, but very little. If you like, I can buy it from you for, say… ten gold.” Yasmin stared at the man. She didn’t like the look in his eyes. He was clearly lying.

When Yasmin didn’t reply, he spoke again hastily. Clutching the stone in his sweaty hands, Jasmin could tell he really wanted the stone. “Twenty… no Thirty golds, and I’m being really generous. That is more than it is worth to anyone.”

Yasmin snatched the stone back. “ It’s not for sale at any price.” She turned to leave as the apothecary stared, confounded. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end, and she could imagine his eyes burning holes into her back as she left. On foot, Yasmin hurried through the outskirts of town with the occasional nervous glance back over her shoulders. She hadn’t liked the look the apothecary gave her as she left. She was halfway home before she felt sure she was being followed. She stopped thinking fast, and symbols appeared in her mindsight, a spell that would stop her pursuers. Three men suddenly came from behind, two armed with swords, one with a bow.

“We don’t want to hurt you. All we want is that amulet you’re carrying, and you can be on your way, no harm done.”The one with the bow spoke menacingly.

Yasmin didn’t answer. Her hands at arm’s length, close in front of her, moved in quick, precise gestures unnoticed by her attackers. The three men were lifted off their feet and thrown to the ground, their bodies jerking up and down. They screamed in pain as raw energy coursed through them, finally lying unconscious. Yasmin checked the three. “They will live; it might be a few hours before they wake up.” Yasmin decided to go back to town and inform the town guards what had happened. The captain of the guard was surprised when Yasmin showed him the three unconscious robbers. Later, the owner of the apothecary was arrested for conspiring with the robbers. Apparently, it wasn’t his first offence either. The next day, Yasmin went to a jeweller and had a chain made for the amulet. From then on, word spread about Yasmin. As time passed, she built a reputation for capturing bandits and pacifying troublemakers. Yasmin was respected and feared, for all knew she could work magic. Eventually, she hired her own men at arms and owned a small mansion. But Yasmin felt restless; something was nagging at her, urging her to leave. She felt there was somewhere she needed to go and needed to do. Yasmin didn’t know where or what. So, with her men at arms, she left all she knew behind and took the ship to the mainland.

Chapter Two

Yasmin sat towards the back of the inn, observing what was going on around her. It had been two weeks since her arrival at Port Caladyn. The first couple of days of her arrival were spent recovering from seasickness. However, in those days, she still managed, with the help of Hector Gabison, to get organised and send a few of her men to scout not only the port but the surrounding countryside. The men were mainly loyal to Hector, more than herself. They didn’t entirely trust a woman, albeit a sorceress. However, they gave Yasmin due respect and feared her because of her magic ability. Hector Gabison was one of the first to follow her, and he understood her the best. Yasmin knew he would follow her to Hades itself if she asked it of him. Yasmin’s feelings for Hector were reciprocated, although she had yet to tell him so.

Yasmin looked up as Hector entered the inn and made his way toward her. The site of him always made her heart race. He was tall and tanned with well-groomed fair hair, deep blue eyes and a pencil-thin moustache. He walked with a swagger, pulling out a chair he sat opposite. His handsome features regarded her with his usual calm air. “So, have the scouts returned? What do we know?” Yasmin asked seriously.

"The scouts reported back a while ago". Hector produced a map and spread it out on the table, pointing out several locations. “Here is where we are now, port Caladyn; about thirty leagues to the east is Tarmarin, ruled by Queen Germina. It’s a small country but with fertile, rich land. To the west is Sidaro. I believe the king there is called Luthor and is currently engaged in a pretend war with Queen Germina.”

Yasmin frowned, “Pretend war?”

“Technically, they are at war, but neither side has admitted it openly. There are forces amassed on both sides of the border, and King Luthor regularly raids across the border into Tarmarin. Only to be repelled by the Queen’s army. It is a deadlock at present.”

“So why is this King Luthor waging a war of attrition on his neighbour? You say Queen Germina’s country is rich. Is that the reason why?”

“Hector nodded, “Mostly, he claims, they were both one country a long time ago and that they should be united again with him the ruler, of course.”

Yasmin grimaced, “No mention of what would happen to the Queen if two countries become one?”

Hector shrugged, “ He’s not married. He could take her as his wife. Failing that…” Hector raised a hand and drew it across his throat meaningfully.”

Yasmin’s face was blank, “I’m already taking a dislike to this King Luthor.”

Hector pointed to the north on the map, “It gets better. To the north is Emoprian, ruled by King Morgan. Who tends to favour King Luthor if he gets involved, then it’s over Queen Germina. King Morgan has the largest army of the three rulers. So far, he has remained neutral. But it’s rumoured he might soon join in support of King Luthor.”

Around Yamin’s neck, the amulet suddenly flared, something it hadn’t done for several years; it had been dull and lifeless for some time now. Hector noticed it also but didn’t say anything. “Why does the northern King favour King Luthor, and why intervene in a war that does not concern him?”

Hector shrugged, and his expression grew grave, “Unknown, but my guess is King Morgan is playing his own game.”

Yasmin frowned, then nodded, “Perhaps this King Morgan wants to rule, not just the north!” Hector didn’t answer, but looked down at the map with a heavy sigh.

“The wise move would be to support King Luthor for now. ” He said, finally looking up at Yasmin. He had a feeling that Yasmin would do the opposite. “I know you always favour the underdog, but taking on Two armies may be too much for even someone with your powers.” He concluded, trying to persuade her to take the safer course.

Yasmin was silent for several moments, biting her bottom lip and contemplating what to do. “Did you find anything related to any other magic users anywhere on the mainland?”

Hector shook his head. “Most who claim to know magic are just tricksters and the like. So, magic is not taken seriously here. People tend to laugh at anyone claiming to be a magic user or lock them as frauds or insane. Like I said, Yasmin, when we arrived here, it was best not to let it be widely known you can do magic.”

Yasmin smiled. "As always, you are looking out for me, Hector, but you should call me my lady in public at least.”

Hector returned the smile and grinned, “But we both know you are no lady. My lady.”

Yasmin chuckled and gave Hector a playful punch on the arm. “Behave, remember where we are.”

“Ouch!” Hector faked being hurt and rubbed the offending arm. “Oh, I just remembered one story about King Morgan. About twenty or so years ago, King Morgan put down a rebellion with the help of a sorcerer, so they say. But during the uprising, they had a falling out for some reason, and the sorcerer left, never to be seen again, so story goes. If true, that might mean there is a sorcerer out there somewhere, which is something you might need to consider.”

Yasmin frowned, looking down at the map; lost in thought, she brushed a golden lock of hair from her face. “That must have been around the same time the amulet came into my possession.” She had made her decision. “What lies just outside the port?”

“There are a few scattered settlements and empty land until, as I said, Tarmarin.”

Yasmin pointed to a point roughly halfway between north and south. “And this area?”

“Ah, the Kasin forest. It is said to be haunted, so not many people go there.”

Yasmin tapped her fingers on the table and nodded “I doubt it is haunted.” She paused, chewing her bottom lip. “There is no such thing as ghosts. Tell the men to get ready, and we’ll leave first thing in the morning.”

“You have decided then.” Yasmin nodded as the amulet again flared into life once more.

Chapter Three

The next day, Yasmin rode out with Hector by her side and her men close behind. The sun did not hold much warmth. A cold wind rose, and Yasmin pulled her cloak more tightly around herself as she surveyed the scene ahead. They passed a small settlement. The trail ahead meandered with a mixture of scrub grass and bracken.

Hector leaned in the saddle. “I think autumn will soon be here.”

Yasmin nodded, looking up as clouds began to gather overhead, “Yes, there is no warmth in the sun. Let’s pick the pace up. I think it may rain later.” Hector turned and shouted to the men to quicken the pace. “We should try and get to shelter before nightfall,” Yasmin added. As expected, it started to rain before dark, just as they arrived at another settlement. The inn was small and had only enough spare rooms for Yasmin and Hector. Her men found shelter in the stables or wherever they could stay reasonably dry.

By morning, the rains had stopped. The land was wet, and the air felt fresh as they set out again. Unlike the day before, the sky was cloudless, and the sun felt a little warmer. Shortly before noon, they came to a fork in the trail. They stopped for a short while. Yasmin considered where to go first. “Let’s continue north for now.” Hector looked a little surprised but knew better than to question Yasmin once her mind was made up. They passed another small village when Yasmin stopped and turned to Hector. “Have the men make camp here. We will continue alone for now.”

Hector gave Yasmin a questioning look but decided to hold his peace. Yasmin clearly had something on her mind and seemed unusually quiet since the morning. He turned and gave orders to make camp and wait. Yasmin and Hector continued along the trail, with the undergrowth on either side growing denser. Eventually, Yasmin stopped sitting up in the saddle and pointed ahead. “Is that the Kasin Forest ahead?” Hector’s expression was thoughtful as he stared ahead at the line of trees that seemed a little foreboding. “I guess it must be. Are we going to enter the forest? Are you looking for something in there?” Yasmin nodded. “Hector gave Yasmin a puzzled look. “Like what or who?”

Yasmin chewed her bottom lip. “I will know when I see it.” Around her neck, the amulet began to glow. As they travelled further into the forest, Hector noticed that Yasmin paid close attention to the amulet. When it glowed bright, she continued ahead. When it became dull or stopped glowing, she changed direction until it began to glow brighter again. Suddenly, the amulet flared with a dazzling light momentary, blinding both Yasmin and Hector. “I think we are here,” Yasmin said, dismounting. She looked around, scanning the undergrowth and searching. Hector dismounted and began searching the undergrowth also. “You know we were followed part of the way, don’t you?” Hector said, brushing low-hanging branched out of the way as he followed Yasmin.

Yes, I was aware we were being followed, but whoever it was left while we were still on the main trail,” Yasmin replied. Suddenly, she stopped, facing a clump of raised ground. A bright light shone from the amulet, and a ghostly figure appeared in front of her. Hector stepped back involuntarily, making a sign to ward off evil. “I thought you said there was no such thing as ghosts?”

Jasmin was unconcerned, “ There isn’t.” she replied.

“Then what is that if not a ghost?”

“A memory spell stored in the amulet until I found the previous owner,” Yasmin explained.

Hector mulled over what Yasmin said for a moment. “ You mean…”

“Yes, he is buried here. I needed to find his grave in order to trigger the spell. Now be quiet while I listen to what he says.” The ghostly figure seemed to be speaking, but no words came from his mouth. Yasmin watched motionless, until it finally vanished. She stood silent for a moment, then found a gnarled tree stump to sit down. She chewed her bottom lip, deep in thought. Hector noticed she looked a bit pale.” Are you alright, Yasmin?”

Yasmin shuddered and sighed. “You know, I always knew the dead sorcerer wanted me to find his grave and somehow.” Yasmin paused, shaking her head. “I don’t know, left a compulsion, an imprint in the amulet that would bring me here.”

Hector looked puzzled and concerned for Yasmin. “A compulsion… imprint. What does that mean?”

Yasmin stood and paced up and down, thinking furiously. She stopped going through the events since she came to possess the amulet. “You remember I told you I found the amulet when I was only six years old?” Hector nodded, still confused. “I remember you telling me how you found the amulet. What does that have with its imprint thing or whatever?”

“What I didn’t tell you since I came to own the amulet. I had dreams. They were more like nightmares at times. Over the years, the dreams faded. But when I was young, I dreamt that I was someone else with the amulet. I presumed later they were the sorcerer’s memories, Now, though, when I come to think about the dreams, I realise they were different people in those dreams.” Yasmin paused, considering. “I think the amulet is much older than I thought and maybe older than any previous owner of it believed.” Yasmin paused again. “I will sound insane, but I’ll say it anyway.”

“Say what?” You are definitely not insane, Yasmin. So say it; you’re confusing me.”

“I believe the amulet is alive!” Hector gaped at her, totally at a loss for words. “See, you think I’m insane now, don’t you?”

“I don’t think you’re going insane, Yasmin. Maybe you are just overthinking this and reading too much into it.”

Yasmin shook her head, “No, I’m not overthinking; it all makes sense to me now. The dreams, how I came to possess the amulet. The dead sorcerer laid a compulsion spell on the amulet so whoever found it would go and find his grave and seek revenge. I already learned that from the memory spell, and he was definitely murdered. It doesn’t explain how the amulet ended up with me. I’m sure he cast a spell before he died so that the amulet vanished, but he didn’t know where it would go. There were also the symbols in my dreams.”

Chapter Four

Hector felt more concerned for Yasmin. “Is she really going insane? No, she is just overthinking; maybe she is tired. “Symbols?”

“They were actually spells. I didn’t know then, as I was too young. It was several years later when I finally realised and began to practice the spells. There is no way the dead sorcerer could have passed all that knowledge through the amulet to me. Also, the previous owners of the amulet he couldn’t have known about either.” She paused, thinking again. “Perhaps through use, the previous owners leave a little of their selves in the amulet, and in time, it became aware and alive in its own right in some form.”

Hector mulled it all over. His head down, insane, it sounded, yet it made a weird sort of sense as Yasmin explained it to him. Besides, he believed in Yasmin; looking at her, she seemed perfectly calm and composed. “Whatever else she might be, she was not insane.” He wasn’t sure he believed the amulet was alive, but Yasmin did. For now, that was enough for him. He took a deep breath. “Okay,’ let us assume the amulet in some way is alive. What do you intend to do next?”

Yasmin chewed her bottom lip, troubled by this sudden realisation. “There is one thing that makes me truly afraid right now based on what I have just discovered.”

Hector frowned, “What’s that?”

“As the amulet passes from owner to owner, I believe it becomes more powerful, and it bestows that power on whoever owns it. It scares me that I might become obsessed with power and that I might lose myself, if not me, the next owner. I think the amulet seems indifferent in how it is used; it has no feelings like a human being, and that terrifies me. Hector put his hands on Yasmin’s shoulders and pulled her close. “You are neither insane nor are you the type of person to be easily turned by the power of the amulet.” He paused, enfolding her in his arms. “We will work this out together, okay? Don’t think about it for now.”

Yasmin rested her head on Hector’s shoulder, feeling his warmth and taking in his musky male scent. She felt grateful, safe and comforted by his presence. Finally, she gently pulled away and smiled, looking into his eyes. ”You always know how to make me feel better.”

Hector smiled back roguishly. “Of course, I’m very good at making the ladies feel better.”

Yasmin let out a slight tinkle of laughter despite trying to keep a serious face.” You rogue, you break all the ladies’ hearts.” She paused, becoming serious once more. “You may be right, though; I might just be overthinking things.’ Let’s head back.”

Hector was relieved to see Jasmin back to her usual self. “I think we should go back a different route in case we are followed again. “ Hector said as they mounted up. Jasmin nodded, “Good idea.”

“So I assume King Morgan had the sorcerer killed not long after they had a disagreement. “ Hector said as they rode back back.” Jasmin frowned, thinking, “Yes, the sorcerer assumed the king would kill him for defying him and fled. He did not want to go up against the king he once considered a friend. Whether it was the king himself or someone else at the king’s instigation is unclear.”

Hector considered a moment, “So what now? Are you going to avenge the sorcerer?” Jasmin looked askance. “Avenge! No, I’m not the same as the sorcerer. Justice is what I seek.”

“I expected to hear you say something similar.” Hector nodded and smiled ruefully.

It was dark when they finally got back to camp. The men huddled around several campfires, chatting and cooking. After getting Yasmin settled by a fire with some food, he went to speak to the men. Yasmin was about to turn for the night when a scout rode in. Yasmin watched as the scout talked to Hector for several minutes. When they finished, the scout went and sat and ate with the men. Hector came across to Yasmin. “What is the latest?” Yasmin asked,

“The scout has been to Poria, the capital; it is a two-day ride from where we are now. There is a large town just north of here where we can resupply that will bring us into King Morgan’s territory.” He paused briefly. "The reason why King Morgan hasn’t joined King Luthor yet is that he has his own problems with barbarians raiding down from the far north: “Oh, and one more thing: King Morgan has an heir, an illegitimate son apparently. They say the son is a ruthless tyrant. King Morgan had sent him with some of his best men to drive the barbarians back several times without much success. ”

Jasmin mulled this news over for several minutes while Hector waited. “This is interesting news indeed. We will resupply first, then go and pay our respects to King Morgan and his heir.” Hector gave a low whistle and shook his head. “Aren’t you taking a huge risk? I thought you were going to help Queen Germina?”

“Yasmin chewed her bottom lip and gave a cheeky smile. “I am, eventually, but there is no reason we can’t make some gold along the way as well.”

“Well, I hope you know what you are doing; otherwise, this could all go sideways very quick,” Hector replied, thinking that Jasmin was about to get in over her head.

Jasmin frowned, unconcerned, “Don’t worry. I know my limits and what I’m doing. Get some rest. We will leave early in the morning.”

Jasmin lay awake for a while thinking about the amulet. She felt sure it was alive in some way. There was no other explanation. She fingered the chain around her neck and held the amulet in her hand. “If you could speak, tell me what you would want from me?” she asked. Silence was the only reply, Jasmin sighed. “I knew it. I’m going insane trying to talk to a stone.” She turned over, thinking, “I’m most likely the youngest to possess the amulet.” She paused, thoughts swirling around in her head, and sighed, trying to sleep. Still, she could not sleep. “So that means I have owned it the longest. Maybe it is not entirely indifferent. It, too, is influenced by its current owner, and the longer one owns the amulet, the more it aligns with its owner.” She turned again, unable to stop thinking about the amulet, her mind in turmoil. “The dead sorcerer was a good person, I believe. So… The amulet chose me… because I’m good also…Well, I think I am, anyway. It could be that the amulet chooses its new owner based on the previous owner. Who has to be someone with the potential to be able to use magic as well.” She wanted to believe that was the case because it made her feel more at ease. At length, she finally drifted into a troubled sleep.

Chapter Five

Yasmin woke shortly after dawn feeling irritable, having had little sleep. Hector and her men at arms were already up and having breakfast. “You look as if you haven’t slept at all,” Hector said, bringing her some breakfast. Yasmin gave him a scornful look and ate her food without saying a word. “I guess I am right then,” He said with a look of sympathy that turned into an ironic grin. Yasmin stuck her tongue out at him. Finishing her food, she felt in a better mood to speak. “How long before we reach the town,” she asked.

Hector considered a moment, “According to the scout, we should be there before noon if we leave soon.” Yasmin handed him the empty plate as the men began to pack up. “Better get ready then. We will need to buy some tents as well as other supplies. The nights are getting cold, and it is not fit to sleep in the open at this time of year.“ Jasmin said, frowning as they mounted up. As Hector predicted, they arrived in the town well before noon. Hector dismounted and helped Yasmin down. She gave a ghost of a smile. “He could be a perfect gentleman when he wants to be.” Yasmin glanced around the town, which seemed to be busy and prosperous.

I will see about the supplies and tents if you want to find somewhere to eat and freshen up,” Hector said. Yasmin nodded, “Okay, but don’t spend too much; we are getting low on funds. If you can’t get enough tents, the men can share,” Yasmin said, frowning with concern. Hector gave her a wave of the hand as he walked in the direction of the hardware store. Yasmin found an eating place with a bathhouse outside. Despite being low on funds, she gladly paid the extra for a good hot bath. She couldn’t see any sign of Hector when she came out later, so she started to explore the town. A ruckus down the street caught her attention; walking towards the disturbance, she saw a merchant shouting and cursing a servant who had dropped some of the merchants’ goods as a few onlookers watched. The merchant kicked the servant several times as he lay sprawled on the floor in a fit of anger. “Bloody clumsy, good-for-nothing, dropping and spoiling expensive merchandise. I’ll have you whipped when we return.” He was about to kick the servant once again when he suddenly tripped and landed on his back. Jasmin stood over the merchant and looked down at him. “You should calm yourself, good sir. Look how lovely and blue the sky is today. Even down there, we all live under the same sky, so we should treat each other the same, don’t you think?” There were a few laughs from the onlookers. Yasmin helped the servant to his feet. “ Are you okay?” The man bowed several times, not speaking in case he further provoked his master. The merchant struggled to get to his feet but could not seem to get up. “Oh, I almost forgot, sir; what is the matter? Can’t you get up? Or is it maybe you like it down there so much.” She made to give the merchant a hand several times but let him slip down again. “Oh, you are a bit heavy, sir. I doubt I can lift you, and your servant here is so thin and fragile that I doubt he can manage to get you up either.” That brought laughter from the onlookers, much to the merchants’ chagrin. The merchant sputtered indignantly, mouthing curses, his face bright red, anger and humiliation flashing in his eyes as he finally got to his feet. He pointed an accusing finger at Yasmin. “Woman, how dare you… you...” He stopped looking around, realising others were watching.

“I hope you were not going to curse at me, sir. I’m a lady, and after all, I did try to help you get up; it is not my fault you tripped and are so heavy.” Yasmin said with feigned innocence. He mumbled incoherently, giving Yasmin a suspicious look, finally leaving, still complaining at his servant. Hector stood further back from the commotion, watching; finally, he came up, shaking his head. Yasmin glanced at Hector with a cheeky smile. “You were watching, weren’t you?”

Hector nodded, “I thought we agreed not to draw unnecessary attention. What good does it do to help the servant? He will probably get more of a beating later because of your intervention.” Yasmin sighed, “I know, but I couldn’t help it. That fat merchant deserved it and more for mistreating his servant, and I didn’t use any noticeable magic.” Hector frowned, “I think we should not stay here any longer than needed.” Yasmin gave Hector a concerned glance. “Have we got all the supplies and tents needed?” Yasmin asked. “Yes, and I have money left after some battering. As expected, there are not enough tents, so some of the men will have to share.” Hector replied, looking around cautiously

Jasmin noted Hector’s alertness. Has the merchant spread the word of being tricked by her, or did he suspect her of using magic? Well, then we can leave right away,” Jasmin said.

Leaving, Hector set a quick pace. Soon, the town was far behind them at nightfall; they camped by a stream. Hector organised the camp setup and then came to help Yasmin erect her tent. The men had already completed setting the other tents, and guards were posted at Hector’s orders. “Erecting a tent has never been one of your finer points,” Hector said, watching Yasmin struggling to fix the tent poles with a grin. Yasmin pouted at him and stamped her foot. “Well, don’t just stand there; help me get it up.” Hector shook his head slowly and smiled, “Yes, my lady.”

Yamin stuck her tongue out. “You know that is not very ladylike, “ he said, taking over and erecting the tent in short order. Yasmin sighed; Hector was about to leave when Yasmin grabbed him by the arm. “Stay,” she said. Hector stared into her eyes, seeing a longing mixed with fear and uncertainty. It reminded him of when they first met and how vulnerable she was then. Since then, Yasmin had grown more self-assured and confident. Now, for some reason, she was like that young woman again. Hector was several years older than Yasmin. When they first met, he felt drawn to her and wanted to protect her like a younger sister. In time, though, Hector had grown to love her for the woman she was and admire her courage and determination. He put his arm around her, pulling her close as he lifted the tent flap. Yasmin shuddered but did not resist.

Under-captain Ash Caspon watched as the lady and Hector entered the lady’s tent. He nodded. “It was bound to happen sooner or later.” He commented to himself in a low voice. “I thought the general was sharing our tent tonight?” one of the men asked Ash. “I think not this night ."Ash replied. dryly.