THE FAILED MAGE

They had travelled steep inclines until reaching some level terrain, whereupon they crossed some narrow rope bridges and up a winding dirt trail and some stone steps until they reached the grounds of the temple. They were challenged by the scouts, but were let through easily when it was made clear that Knight Captain Commander Arduani was returning from her scouting foray.

The guards gawked at Princess Noriko, bowed and wished her well. One even jumped to his knees in reverence, tears in his eyes. Lawrence hadn’t been there when the princess was taken away to see her father. He was too tired and Sakura needed looking after. He found a spare tent for her and her family and she was now resting. Lawrence was as well, though his tent was several rows away from theirs.

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Is she sleeping, or is she worrying about something else?

Luckily her entire family and most of her friends were with her. Many could not say the same.

She had looked well-worn before they reached the temple, and though he hadn’t seen it for himself, he heard from Tomiichi that she suffered a nosebleed, something that has only happened on one other occasion. Her family was worried, particularly her mother Yukio.

It seemed he was concerned for her wellbeing as well. Is this why I can’t sleep? he wondered. Is there something between us?

Of course, her family would never approve. He was an outsider, a mercenary.

He drifted off into much needed sleep amidst the patter of rain and the far off dinging of a blacksmith working his trade among the various other sounds of an encamped army during nightfall.

Before sleep completely took the failed mage, he remembered that he needed a new sword.