He had come by in the morning, a story to avoid responsibility concocted over the night would have to suffice.

He stared at her charred corpse as I explained a most fantastical tale.

"She had become enraged at my refusal to abandon my post, so much so that she believed I would turn my back on her and force her away from her goals. In the night, I slept soundly, her knife in my shoulder was a most rude awakening."

I exhibited a wound I had created myself, his seeming acknowledgment allowed me to carry on.

"I truly am sorry that we have lost a soldier, your grace, I feared for my life in that moment and acted rashly, I saw no other way to avoid certain death if I did not strike her down where she stood. I do apologize, I-"

He waved his hand in a request for me to cease my excuses.

"That is enough, commander. We do not have the time to grieve, for our enemy lies nearest to us now." His voice was sturdy, just like himself.

He started to walk away from the fire and paused to look back when I did not follow him.

"Will you be coming along, commander? Or shall I assume that you intend to desert me as well?"

"Not at all, your grace. I merely was momentarily unaware of your purpose."

He glanced at me as though he did not believe my words, I had not taken any action to offend him, and he did not provide any resistance when I explained this self-manufactured plight of mine. I could not help but wonder whether he intended to be rid of me, as I took hold of all I would need for this final leg of our journey alone I watched him closely. He simply sat by a tree, feasting on the leg of some forest beast he likely slaughtered for dinner this last night.

I stood in front of him with all I would need waiting for his next order. He glanced at me and provided no words, merely rising from his seat and walking away. This time, I did follow him to our mutual destination.

We walked in silence, though I believe this was for the better. Any needless conversation may lead to an unfortunate discovery of the unforeseen circumstances that occurred last night. His grace was known to be direct, without a taste for the meaningless and benign. I would not need to worry about any dull discussion topics that would waste away my mind-

"What do you expect to come of this, commander?" He interrupted my praise with its contradiction.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"Pardon?"

"I am unsure as to what will be made of my estate after this incident is sealed in the past, and so I am curious as to your plans for this coming future."

We continued to walk in silence after this, as I considered what the right answer would be. I am sure that I have expressed my will to continue as a commander in his army, so why does he question me now? Does he believe that my interest has been swayed by this event? Did I not just prove my loyalty to him? Did I mistake some expression of disbelief for acknowledgment?

"You seem to be stuck in thought in regards to your answer." He once more interrupted my inner voice, but perhaps it was for the better. "I understand that you wish to continue under my estate, but I wish to understand what you will pursue should my estate cease to exist."

"Do you truly believe such a future approaches?" I responded with haste.

"I do not know." He responded in kind. "For every battle I have watched as the supreme authority, I have delighted in my victory, and the first battle which demanded my presence leaves the future of my estate and all those within it to my abilities in these coming moments."

His voice did not seem as sturdy anymore. He avoided looking at me whenever he spoke, even if he had turned around to ensure my presence, if he were to make any comment I would witness him turn away first.

"I understand well the politics of being a noble." He spoke once more. "My father ensured I was prepared for my future if nothing else, and I was brought up to always consider my position. When your soldier questioned nobles and our purpose, I did not rebut out of genuine disagreement, but rather a necessity to myself."

We stopped after he had finished that sentence, and he continued once we were motionless.

"Everyone holds the expectation that I am to be as every other noble is, obnoxious and not even deservedly so. I am supposed to fulfill the role of an adult who would rather imitate a child than accept the responsibility of my own actions than take any meaningful role in the success of my estate."

He had taken a deep breath and turned slightly toward me before continuing again.

"I have neglected this role, I have given to the people who appear needy, I have invested myself in the affairs of my estate at every opportunity and I have strived to leave my house in better standing than I was given at my birth. I have strived to give those under me the same opportunity, to provide a better childhood to their next of kin."

His eyes had finally met mine, and yet I could not view them in full detail, there was something in the middle of us.

"When I rebutted your soldier," he continued, "it was not out of genuine belief in our superiority, but rather a belief that my behavior which had neglected the role I had been assigned to resulted in the destruction of all I strived to create. I look at my future and all I see is the choice to let either my ideals or my estate crumble. The first time I have suffered defeat, and it has been the result of no fault but my own."

The obstruction faded, as a tear that had rolled down his cheek.

"I want to understand what you will do, commander." His voice had become more unwilling to continue on, he choked on his own spit. "I want to understand that, because I have not a single clue what I will do."

I did grasp the meaning behind his behavior as a result of his confession, and I knew at that moment what the best response I could offer was.

"I think, your grace, that such a question is more fit to be asked after our victory." A smile accompanied this offer of avoidance.

He looked at me for a moment, before giving a smile in return. He turned around, and we continued on our way.