Ash-colored Despair (27)
The lord watched him furtively with a frown on his face, then scratched the back of his head and smiled awkwardly:
- Looks like I went too far. I apologize if I hurt your feelings.
The longboat looked at him silently for a few seconds with a cold gaze, then grabbed the reins and slowly walked across the courtyard.
The horsemen were already lined up at the castle gates, ready to depart. While inspecting the formation, Longboat suddenly noticed Talia on the dusty road and stopped abruptly.
Her light brown hair, neatly braided, sparkled in the sun like pure gold.
The longboat peered carefully into the face, pale with fatigue, then handed the reins to the squire and slowly approached her from behind.
The woman, already reaching for the handle of the carriage, shuddered and turned around, staring at him with hostility.
- W-what do you need...
The longboat, who had already extended his hand to help her rise, slowly lowered it.
His wife looked like a hunted game who saw a predator in front of her.
Panic froze in her frightened blue eyes, and somewhere deep inside, in an unclear point in his stomach, he felt a painful twitch.
He squinted, peering at her face for a long time, and then took a step back.
As the distance between them arose, he noticed how the tension gradually subsided from her body, and a strange bitter taste appeared in his mouth.
Trying not to pay attention to the reaction of his own body, he spoke calmly:
- From today I will ride on horseback. A separate detachment of guards will walk next to the carriage. If something happens, call.
A slight look of relief flashed across Thalia's face.
Trying to hide it, she lowered her eyes and answered sharply:
- Do as you wish.
After which she almost ran inside.
Longboat, who had been standing at the door all this time and watching her, sighed heavily and turned away. It seemed that all her efforts to get her used to his touch were in vain.
However, given his hasty actions last night, this reaction was not surprising.
“...Perhaps we should stay away for a while.”
She was timid and vulnerable, like a wild foal. To reduce her wariness, she should have stayed away for a while.
Feeling the bitterness in his mouth intensify, he jumped into the saddle without a word.
“Once again, thank you for accepting the invitation, your lordship,” the lord, who was waiting at a distance, came up again and spoke.
The longboat, directing his horse to the head of the formation, nodded briefly:
“I’ll try to solve the problem with the looters as quickly as possible.”
- Thank you! Hope to see you in Calmore soon! - thundered the owner of the castle.
The longboat immediately spurred his horse. When he crossed the gate, the horsemen followed him in orderly order.
All of them reeked of wine fumes. Looks like they were having a lot of fun last night.
The longboat leisurely glanced at them and, turning to Tyrone riding next to him, said dryly:
- Bring Lucas to the head of the column. Until we return to Kalmor, I will train him myself.
The man looked at him with concern.
What, is he afraid that he is going to finish off the green youth?
Longboat made a mocking face and added coldly:
- Don't make me repeat it.
-...I’ll bring it now.
Tyrone turned his horse and rode to the end of the line.
After a while, Lucas, with a tense face, galloped forward.
Longboat looked at him without expression and nodded his chin:
“From now on, you will lead us.” Forward.
Tension suddenly appeared on his face, which had not yet gotten rid of its youthful softness. It was as if he already felt what difficulties lay ahead of him.
Longboat nodded again:
- What are you waiting for? Forward.
Lucas hesitated, but finally swung the reins and rode out.
Longboat, looking at his straight back, added hoarsely:
- From now on, you have no right to leave the route without permission and leave my field of vision. If you fail, you will be held responsible for it.
- Your Grace, the young master is still inexperienced...
— Tayrone el Drakan.
The man, who began to object, immediately fell silent.
Longboat issued a stern warning:
“Next time if you interrupt me, you’ll pay.”
An icy silence reigned in the ranks.
Everyone seemed to understand without words that this warning applied to everyone.
After casting a sharp glance at the riders, Longboat turned his eyes back to Lucas.
- Let's touch.
Lucas glanced over his shoulder and spurred his horse. The longboat immediately followed him.
They planned to make a detour through the northeast and only then head south.
Having reached the borders of the former kingdom of Arex, they will turn west, and the path will end in Kalmore.
This will take a maximum of two weeks.
This was enough to start raising my brother.
The longboat kept a close eye on the road, keeping pace with Lucas.
Unless there was a direct threat, he had no intention of intervening.
Fortunately, he confidently drove his horse, without deviating from the route.
However, having no experience in leading such a large detachment, Lucas continually led the column into narrow paths, forgetting about those coming behind.
In the end they had to go back, and Lucas's mood visibly dropped.
- Study the map properly. Tomorrow we should reach the outskirts of Brinac.
When they reached the parking lot in the evening, Barkas sternly addressed his brother:
“If we’re late again, you’ll be responsible.” So stay focused and do your duty.
-...Why is it my fault right away?
The longboat, dismounting and leading his horse to the river, froze and turned around.
Lucas looked at him stubbornly and defiantly:
“It’s my brother’s fault that he takes out his childhood anger on me for yesterday!”
Heavy sighs were heard from different sides.
There was also tension on Lucas' face. But, apparently considering himself safe, he behaved proudly, with his head held high.
Longboat took a deep breath and slowly came closer.
Lucas lifted his chin arrogantly, his eyes flashing angrily.
Longboat chuckled, extended his hand and sharply threw back his tousled dark hair, then grabbed the back of his head and came close to his pale face.
“If I really wanted to take it out on you, I wouldn't bother.” I would just drag you to the training ground.
The last of the color disappeared from his tanned face. Longboat leaned closer and added softly:
- Be glad that you are still underage. And that you are my brother. Otherwise, he would have been standing where Alec Gutvan is now standing a long time ago.
-...
- If you understand what I mean, apologize like a human being.
-...Sorry, brother.
- Fine. I forgive your insolence.
He continued softly but coldly:
“And remember: soon you will have to apologize to my wife for the way you loosened your tongue.” Now she doesn’t even want to see you, so for now I’m just giving you time.
Lucas bit his lip.
Longboat calmly looked at the face flushed from humiliation, and then, as if shaking off his irritation, he let him go.
“Now go about your duties.”