Ch. 63: Not Subjection - It's Liberation

Was it really that simple? As we made our way back to the rest of the army, I had to wonder why the King changed his mind so quickly. Besides that -

"Iren, do you care to explain how we are going to provide so much FREE resources to the Weemason Kingdom?" I asked incredulously. Where did this Prince think resources came from? His arse?

Iren chuckled, "Ezzie we have all kinds of resources. The Bodach Empire is extremely wealthy - my brother won't mind sending some things our way to help them out. And it will be a show of good faith . . . We will be here for the following month smoothing things over with the King and a treaty shouldn't be too far behind. Honestly, a treaty with the Weemason Kingdom would be highly beneficial - their jewel mines are world-renowned! We can't pass up such a great opportunity!"

I bit my lip as we walked. This kid was indeed good. Too good perhaps. He kind of made me feel inadequate.

But were things really that simple? Would the demon prince just 'send things our way' because he didn't mind? My gut said Iren knew what he was talking about, but my hate said demon-boy was not so simple.

"What happened in there?" Rodair grumbled. He was clearly not pleased with the entire situation.

Iren's violet eyes immediately began to sparkle, "Oh you should have seen it Rodair! Ezzie, Kovin and I were captured by some tough looking thugs - we couldn't even fight back because the King and Queen were held hostage! Then this sicko wanted to mess around with our Ezzie, but she was amazing - as always - and broke his neck with her thighs!" Rodair gave me a sharp look, but Iren kept going, "It was sooo cool! Then Kovin rescued the King and Queen, we alerted you guys, and I actually figured out the drawbridge thing - which was hard by the way - and you know the rest . . ."

Iren stopped for a breath then furrowed his brows, "We really need to get some answers from that unconscious guy. I wonder how long he'll be out? Kovin, what exactly did you do to him?"

Kovin rolled his eyes, "Nothing that could be worse than taking his life. He should be awake within a day or so."

Iren and Toval gave knowing laughs as I felt Rodair's stare on my head. I could tell he wanted to know more on what went down in the torture room, but I wouldn't meet his eyes so he knew to wait. I didn't want to get into the fact that I was the object of some man's lecherous intentions - It was vulgar and degrading. Couldn't men just keep it in their pants?

We kept walking until we made it back to the campsite where I was greeted with a concerned Illana and an overly dramatic Richie.

"Thank heavens Ez! When we saw the lantern and the drawbridge lower, I had this horrible feeling that something bad happened! What happened? Why didn't you come back sooner?? You weren't hurt were you? I should've been with you -"

Richie was grabbing my shoulders, looking me up and down to check for possible injuries when Illana's sharp voice cut him off, "Geez Richie, give the lady some space will you? If she HAD any injuries, you'd be agitating them even more."

I bit my lip to stifle a chuckle as Richie turned her way with a fierce glare, "Nobody ASKED you."

"And no one said to put your grimy hands all over Lady Ezran." Illana turned her beautiful deep eyes my way and asked sweetly, "M'lady are you alright? Do you need anything?"

Richie rolled his eyes, "Oh sure - now act all prim and proper."

I shook my head at their antics, noticing that we were the center of attention.

"I'm completely fine - not even a scratch. Apparently I wasn't going to be harmed regardless . . ." Before anyone could ask I quickly raised my hand, "If you've got any questions, Iren's a fantastic narrator. Now please excuse me, I'm gonna go get these wet clothes off."

It was still raining, I was soaked to the skin, and I was done for the evening. So many questions were running through my head about why someone was looking for me that I didn't feel like talking - unless it was to the unconscious thug we left inside the fortress.

Iren stepped forward bobbing his blonde head and waving his arms as he spun his version of what went down tonight. I headed back to my tent to rest, but upon entering I realized Rodair was following. He came in behind me and began asking questions, much to my dismay.

"Lady Ezran, Rodair has failed once more. Rodair should've been there with m'lady. Did a sicko really try to have his way with m'lady?" Rodair's strong demeanor showed obvious displeasure.

I felt a twinge of guilt in my heart for his deep loyalty. Why was he so loyal anyway? Wasn't he ready to go home and be with his people?

"Rodair, I don't expect you to be by my side at all moments. You've GOT to stop beating yourself up so much every time I'm in danger. You've been so incredibly loyal - you have nothing to prove. You've upheld your oath by just being my friend and caring so much . . . If you'd like, you can be free of this obligation . . ."

Rodair's piercing blue eyes looked down with a hint of anger, "M'lady wishes to rid herself of Rodair's presence? Is Rodair too much of a burden?"

I widened my eyes while shaking my head, "No - that's not what I meant. You're NOT a burden. I just want you to be happy Rodair. I don't want you feeling obligated to follow me and keep putting yourself through unjustified guilt."

Rodair's eyes softened and he reached out his big palm to pat my head gently, "Rodair will follow m'lady into the great abyss if she so wishes it. Rodair will never willingly leave m'lady's side, even if the life-debt was fulfilled because Rodair has found his place in the world and it's alongside Lady Ezran."

I looked up in confusion, "But why? You're a Lord - a leader of Gorvant. Why would you subject yourself to remain by my side?"

"This is not subjection - it's liberation. Knowing what m'lady wishes for her people, for ALL people . . . It's a noble and just cause - Rodair wishes to be a part of a bright and equal future. Rodair will shield, assist - anything m'lady needs to ensure her goals are met."

Concerned, I asked truthfully, "What if I fail? What if things never change or what if I change? The future is too precarious - you shouldn't place so much faith in me. I don't know if I can bear such responsibility."

Rodair's eyes twinkled as his large calloused hand continued to gently stroke my hair (which was oddly comforting), "M'lady shouldn't worry about trivial 'what if's'. No matter what m'lady does, right or wrong, Rodair knows m'lady's intention is for the greater good. And Rodair also knows that as long as m'lady has others who count on her, m'lady will always strive to reach her goals."

My heart was so full at this moment. For a strong, wise, giant of a man to follow me, to have such profound faith in me because he believed so strongly that I was on a righteous path . . . It was truly humbling.

Rodair slowly took his hand off my head and gave a big toothy grin, "Rodair will leave now so m'lady can get some rest. Please don't try to push Rodair away anymore."

I smiled, "Never again, my friend."