Jeanne felt the muscles in her neck stiffen as she stretched her neck. Her legs now burning with even the slightest of movements. She was afraid this would be the effect when Hypatia’s sword singing had finally subsided. Using both hands, she lifted her lower limbs out and let the warmth of the fire comfort the soreness.

“Everything all right?” she heard Leonidas say to her as he rolled over to face her.

Jeanne took a deep breath. “I honestly don’t know,” she said after a long pause. “Nothing makes any sense.”

“What do you mean?”

“Ever sense we got back to this damned piece of dirt, everything I thought I knew has been everything but that. I come home and I’m a hero, when by all right I should be a pariah. Two men who belong to a family I longed to end with bloodied death, one’s given me a chance at find some peace and the other,” Jeanne stopped, turning to Stefan, who was wheezing softly in his sleep. “The other might not live no for this world, giving his life for mine.”

Leonidas moved to the log Jeanne sat on. “I can’t imagine this is easy.”

“Do you?” Jeanne said. “You forgave the woman who threw you to the wolves.”

“No I didn’t,” Leonidas said to her.

“What?”

“I only accepted her apology because I needed to. I didn’t know who else might’ve been after me and I needed whatever protection I could get. But I never forgave her. I don’t know if I have the strength for such a magnanimity. If I was being honest, I don’t what I’d do if I ever saw her again.”

Jeanne looked up, her eyes fluttering as tears ran down her cheeks. “Then why do I feel like this? Why can’t I do just …”

“Given into the rage?”

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“Yes! Anyone who crossed me with a look or a slight I’d have no problem slugging them in the face. Hell, Kel and I traded more blows when we were younger. But now … now I don’t know what’s happening.”

Leonidas took a deep breath. “I won’t say I know for certain what you’re feeling. But it might be possible that you possess a certain strength of character few would give you credit for.”

“What do you mean?”

“Revenge doesn’t take much to enact, and bring out the worst in a person. But I’ve found those who stayed their hand and keep those impulses from guiding their actions have a resilience few can possess.”

“I don’t know how much of that I have left for this one.”

“I know, it’s been rough for everyone.”

“I just want this to be over with. To be back on a farm, worrying about harvests and feeding animals.”

“We all long for the life we gave behind for this profession. But think of all the people who you’ve helped, those who won’t know the trials and tribulations we’ve had to endure.”

“It would be nice to enjoy such things in better circumstances.”

“I won’t deny that one,” Leonidas said to her, “I’ve been wanting to be back at the clinic for a while now.”

“I think I might’ve been spoiled a little there.”

“Just wait until I start charging rent.”

“You’ve said that before, you know.”

“I have?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, I’m going to need to write this down then.”

“If you do, I’ll have the pup nibble on you.”

“Jeanne, I think the poor thing is going to asleep for a good day or two before that’s even possible.”

Both turned to see the little dog sleep soundly, with the occasional soft whimpers.

“Is he housebroken, Leonidas?” she asked him.

“I honestly can’t remember.”

“That … that might be something we should’ve figured out beforehand, love.”

“True. But I think we can handle that when we get back home.”

“Fair enough,” Jeanne said, before turning back to Stefan. “How do think he’ll fare?”

“I honestly don’t know,” Leonidas replied. “I can’t get the arrowhead out until we’re back to your hometown. And that’s if I can take it out.”

“Hmm,” Jeanne groaned.

“What?”

“I honestly didn’t think I’d have anything remotely close to sympathy for Kolville. But now … now it’s the only thing I can feel.”

“Like I said, I think you have a lot more strength and resolve than a lot of people give you credit for. But I think it’s my time at watch, why don’t you get some rest and I’ll see you in the morning.”

Jeanne nodded, moving to where Leonidas had been resting, cuddling the small dog next to her. Thoughts racing in her mind kept her an easy slumber, pondering questions which she did not want to find an answer demanding to answered. Sleep did not come to her until sheer exhaustion forced her mind to some semblance of rest.