Ch. 52: Think Before You Act

Still, she was new to this. Perhaps I could give her some pointers . . . She was MY Champion after all. When she led, it reflected me. And since she clearly was maintaining her survival, it'd be wise to make sure she didn't screw anything up.

"As a leader you should remember that not everything is do or die - When in battle you get caught up in that concept. War is . . . complicated to say the least. Power, strength and determination are greatly used, yet people tend to forget patience, understanding and calculation. What you did was what a soldier would do - eliminate the issue. It's effective, however there are multiple ways a situation can be handled. Think of all possible outcomes and courses. When in doubt, give the opponent a choice. It gives you time to think and allows you the freedom from guilt."

She still looked disturbed, "I gave Gustof a choice. He chose to be insubordinate."

"War is like that. Sometimes the opponent chooses poorly. You should've been thinking more on your own options at that moment than what his choice would be. If you would have, you wouldn't have gotten injured and he may not have died at your hands."

"You're saying it's my fault he's dead?" Her eyes were wide with dread and hate.

"I said he may not have died at your hands. Insubordination is met with death regardless. Your injury is the defining result here. Think before you act."

She appeared solemn. Obviously killing didn't suit her no matter how good she was at it. Seeing this gave me an unexplainable feeling; I didn't want to see her mental struggle. I tried to shake it off and ended up saying, "You have mercy within you . . . Killing is not easy no matter who you are."

That got her attention. She looked back at me with renewed anger, "You're the one who put me in this position. I wouldn't have to kill if it weren't for you."

I sighed, "Blaming me for your troubles yet again? You were given a choice -"

She cut me off enraged once again, "A choice! You would've had me killed and probably Richie too! How is that a choice?"

Suddenly a tall dark man came rushing into the tent. I reached for my sword on impulse, but paused before drawing it. I remained seated while on guard; This man was unfamiliar to me.

-- Ezran --

"Lady Ezran, is everything alright?" Rodair came in alarmed. Apparently his task didn't take nearly as long as I thought it would, but he was a sight for sore eyes. My temper immediately cooled down when he entered. Still, I had the brief impulse to allow him to rip the demon limb from limb, yet I knew deep down that would place Rodair in danger. He would be executed and possibly the alliance between Gorvant and the Empire could be jeopardized.

Rodair saw Baymun still sitting and I could see the fire light within his piercing blue eyes, "Is this intruder causing Lady Ezran grief? Shall Rodair dispose of this intruder, m'lady?"

I pinched the bridge of my nose letting out a small sigh, "No Rodair. As much as it would please me, you can't kill him. He is the Crown Prince of the Bodach Empire. You should probably kneel."

Rodair looked back at me confused, nevertheless he knelt down with respect, "Crown Prince."

Baymun simply waved his hand for him to stand, "I suppose this is the renowned Lord Rodair of Gorvant."

"The Crown Prince is mistaken. Rodair is no longer of Gorvant and has no claimed land - Rodair is now entirely devoted to Lady Ezran."

Baymun's dangerous violet eyes shot back to me, "I see."

I inwardly groaned. My emotions were everywhere no thanks to this unnerving demon and now I had to deal with Rodair's overly-protective presence, "Rodair we were just finishing up our conversation. Why don't you go out and have some fun? There's a party going on in the camp - I'm sure you could find some enjoyment hmm? There's women."

Rodair looked at me with complete devotion, "Is this an order m'lady?"

My brow furrowed in frustration, "It's merely a suggestion, my friend. I told you I don't wanna order you around."

Rodair stood to his full height (which was a sight in the tented enclosure) and gave a toothy grin, "Then Rodair will be standing guard outside the lady's tent." With that he gave a cautious bow to Baymun and walked out.

I bit my lip while scratching my head. What was I going to do with that man?

The demon cleared his throat, gaining my attention once again, "It seems you know how to gain loyal followers."

"Rodair owes me a life-debt, nothing more. Once it's repaid I'm sure that he'll go back to his homeland."

The demon looked sceptical but kept his opinion to himself. I pursed my lips and remained silent. If he wanted to continue a conversation, he would have to make the first move.

Baymun appeared deep in thought as he looked at me intently. Seeming to come to whatever conclusion he was thinking of, he nodded his head in approval.

I found this very odd, but before I could say anything Baymun finally broke the lull as he rose from the chair, "Well I suppose I should get going - It's a long trek back to the Bodach Palace. Before I go, I did want to let you know that my brother Prince Iren will be joining the campaign within the next month or so as he is turning fifteen. I hope that you'll train him adequately."

I didn't get a chance to respond before he turned on his heel and called over his shoulder, "By the way you did have a choice - No one asked you to enter the Bodach Palace in the first place. That was your decision - Here are your results."

With that he walked out the entrance without one look back.

----

What in heavens was that all about?

That demon was so strange - Why would he help me and what did he mean about training his brother?

I was so confused by the entire encounter that I dejectedly laid back in my cot trying to work through my complex emotions. That awful prince unnerved me more than I cared to admit and I'm sure he could tell he did too.

I wanted so bad to stab him, slice through every attractive part of him to disfigure him completely.

To hear his piercing screams as I tortured him endlessly for the pain he inflicted upon my people, and yet I strangely had this pit feeling of . . .

I don't know, maybe admiration?

He was brilliant; the way he spoke, the advice he gave, the way he handled himself. Every movement was made with careful thought, every syllable uttered with precision. He was so detailed in everything - it was damnably captivating (not to mention intensely irritating). I hated him, but I couldn't help but admire his complex mind, which made me hate him all the more!