Does It Hurt?

Thinking that he had the higher hand in the deal again, Ethan came to his feet and brushed off his clothes. They remained dirty nonetheless, earthen and ashen stains painting the beige shirt and brown overcoat down to the ornamented shoes. His face said that he was disappointed in the distrust that was shown him, but everyone in attendance knew that it was well-deserved. Well, maybe everyone but him. "What proof do you think I can get my hands on here? I can tell you that the leader calls himself Ve, but how will you confirm it? If you want to know where he is, you just need to trust me."

Katherine exchanged a gaze with Nathaniel. Then, for the first time, it was the man who spoke. "No, thanks."

And that was the only thing he uttered before he pushed the boat off the shore again, this time stronger and fast enough that the stunned Ethan couldn't react in time.

Left behind on the island, Ethan was flabbergasted. Then he called after them: "Hey, what's with the deal? I offered my help here, that should be counted, right? You will come again?"

Nobody answered, and he could do nothing but yell as the boat distanced itself and landed on the other shore.

"Was that really wise?" Katherine whispered to her husband. "If we could find the leader, we could remove Loki altogether, not just cut off some limbs. If this is the win, shouldn't we take all chances, even if it is a trap? I don't trust him... but I don't know if this would still be worth it. Though I of course love how you left him hanging. That was kinda fun."

"Hm." With a subtle smile, Nathaniel went on land and offered her his palm. She took it and gracefully descended the boat. His smile grew broader when she brushed him by without looking back at the lake even once. "He is not anxious enough to spill everything yet. Most likely, he only wanted to give us some crumbles. Since we need to reorganize anyway, I figured we'll convey any decisions later. On the topic of reorganizing, any proposals for our young guests?"

"Shouldn't you ask Frey first? He is closer to them than me."

"But you are closer to me than him. You know what I can and cannot provide. Besides, he is wary of me. And I have to say, I don't quite trust him either." In passing, Nathaniel nodded appreciatively at the guards on the shore, who watched Katherine and him from beginning to end.

They had never seen their commander this indulgent and talkative before. He even smiled so softly! Why could only his wife get such good treatment? The guards felt a bit sour at heart but dared not show it. Instead, they hurried to salute and returned their gazes to the prisoner.

"So, how is it? Any suggestions?" Nathaniel continued as they strolled in the direction of the camp.

"Hmmm." Katherine's finger landed on her lips, tapping softly. "First, I want to treat the wounded. Children and guards. Are there any?"

"Of course. But are you sure?" Nathaniel's gaze landed on her belly while his fingers interlinked with her other hand. Though he didn't say it, Katherine felt his unwillingness and it made her smile.

"Sweety, you're adorable. I understand and will be careful." Going on her tiptoes, she pecked his cheek and watched the surprise flash by his eyes. She chuckled. "I will find out what they want this way, okay? Then I'll tell you and we'll see what is possible."

Nathaniel blinked, the overload of sweetness stagnating his mind. "... okay."

"Great!"

The next three days passed without a hitch. The camp gained liveliness by the hour, shedding the gloom of battle and the dread of prolonged confinement.

The young mages, as Katherine learned, had different dreams. A few wanted to return to their parents (that wish could easily be granted) but for most, something like home never existed before. Here was where they differed: some wanted to visit the mages' school, some wanted to have a mundane life and never touch magic again, while most just did not know what to do at all. There were children who only asked for a teddy, a hug, or a goodnight kiss. And then there was that one girl, Delia, who sobbed while she spoke. "Can you let me go? Please? I want to be with master. He helped me be a good girl. Please, let me go."

Katherine had to suppress her rage while gazing at the burn marks on Delia's thin arms. Then she took a deep breath and pulled the girl from the chair into her arms. "You are already a good girl. That is why you don't need to hurt anymore. You hear me, Delia? You are good. We won't hurt you. You are safe with us."

When the shyness passed, some children started to interact more with the other inhabitants of the camp. After all, these were the ones who supplied their food and shelter. From then on, Katherine and Lady Brandon were always surrounded by groups of children who hindered anything they wanted to do.

Some soldiers had the same cute problems. Having no experience with children, most of them would only helplessly gaze at the lost puppies that followed in their wake. Dellinger, however, was different. When he had free time, Katherine saw him playing hide and seek or catch in between the trees. So, one evening when she didn't know how to console Delia anymore, she just sat her on Dellinger's lap.

Instantly, the girl stopped crying and gazed at the man with wide-open eyes. Dellinger gazed back in confusion, then up at Katherine. "What...?"

"Just hold her for a while, okay?"

Dumbfounded, Dellinger nodded. "Alright, ah, then..."

Yet before they could interact much more, Delia wriggled off his lap. Surprisingly, she did not return to Katherine. Over Dellinger's shoulder, she must have caught sight of Pather who fumbled with the ladle in one hand as he balanced the bowl on his knees. Though Katherine had treated the arm stump, the hand could not be replaced and some burn scars were left on the side of his head.

The girl now followed these scars with her finger while Pather stiffened, his jaw clenched tight. "Were you also bad? Does it hurt?"

When Pather remained unresponsive, Katherine was about to intervene. However, Delia acted before she could. She sat down on the log that functioned as a bench and leaned her head against Pather's shoulder. She just sat there, and after a while, Pather started eating again. As if Pather's silence was contagious, Delia did not say a word, but she seemed strangely content.

Only one day later, Pather conveyed to Nathaniel that he'd resign. Strikingly, Delia clutched onto his remaining hand when he announced his decision. Nathaniel offered him a post as a steward instead, but Pather declined. He'd decided to return to his hometown and take up his family's business, a small shoe shop. Delia, as it seemed, had decided to accompany him.

This episode strangely reminded Katherine of Pete, her resigned former guard, and an idea popped into her head. According to Jack, didn't Pete find himself a woman by now? Maybe... he would also want some children?