Chapter 9: Part 2

The sparring grounds were located right outside the barracks, between the quarry and the dungeon. Occasionally we used the grounds for entertainment, having some of our prisoners fight one another to the death. It had become a popular pastime.

The sun's rays beat down heavy on my olive-tan skin. The air was completely dry with not a single cloud in the sky. The crunch of red sand beneath an approaching pair of boots announced Lieutenant Orion before I saw him. He was a tall man, his body in peak physical condition, his light tan skin already glistening with sweat from the intense heat of the day. Half the women in town tripped over their feet at the sight of him walking down the street. I had never understood it. His face was average at best. Maybe it was the height.

"Commander Kira. You summoned me."

"Yes. Come, let us spar. My body itches for exercise." The Lieutenant gave an audacious bow in response. I sucked my teeth. Completely unnecessary. This man was always teasing me. I unsheathed my sword and waited for him to get into position.

"Ready?"

"Always," he said, a coy smirk crossing his face.

I lunged with everything I had, closing the distance between us quickly. He read the move and dodged at the last second. I came back with a downward slash. He positioned his sword to block and our blades clashed hard.

"I don't remember you being this good." I said, genuinely amused.

"It's been a while since we last sparred, Commander. You didn't think I was lazing around, did you?" He pushed me back and I lost my footing. Without a second for me to adjust he was already airborne, sword swinging down toward my head. I dodge-rolled out of the way and steadied my stance for a counterblow. He read me again and swept my feet instead. I hit the ground with a loud thud, shook my head to refocus, and blocked his next strike from the ground. I drove my boot into his stomach and got back up.

"That was a low blow, Commander," he said with a wince.

"Be glad I didn't go lower." I closed the gap again with speed, feigning a diagonal slash. Without time to think he moved to cover his right side. Gotcha. I followed immediately with a headbutt to the face. He reeled back with a howl and went down hard. I leveled my sword at his chin.

"You always did fight dirty," he said, pinching his nose to slow the bleeding.

"The world we live in doesn't allow us to fight fair, Lieutenant." I extended my left hand and pulled him up.

"I think you broke my nose." Blood was flowing freely now with no signs of stopping.

"Let me see." I stepped close to examine it. "Not broken. Bruised and bloody. Get some cloth on it." I sheathed my sword and started back toward my private quarters.

"Kira, wait." His hand caught my arm. I turned.

"I've told you to address me as Commander, Lieutenant Orion."

"I know. Just — can we talk for a second?" He led us to the benches at the edge of the grounds and sat. I followed reluctantly. "Something is really bothering you. I can tell this runaway slave has you worked up." I turned my gaze out over the sparring grounds, over the garrison stretching beyond it. "Kira. Please. Just talk to me."

I looked back at him. The concern in his eyes was genuine. I hated that.

"There is an immense pressure I carry constantly. Being the first woman to run the largest slave garrison in all of the land is not a small thing. Especially when my father was the one to place it in my hands. He had tremendous faith in my abilities. To let a single stain taint his legacy would be unforgivable." The Lieutenant reached out and placed his hand over mine. Our eyes met for a brief moment. I looked away and withdrew my hand.

"Kira, I understand the pressure. But you still need to breathe. We've been running nonstop after one man. I think you should let him go. One lost slave will not taint you or your father's legacy."

I scoffed. "Easy for you to say. You're not the one in charge here, are you, Orion."

"No. I'm not. But I'm still your Lieutenant. And your friend." He paused. "Let me be here for you."

The silence that followed was thick with the weight of everything he wasn't saying. I looked up at his face and my eyes went to the scar that ran from the bottom of his chin down to his neck.

"I'm sorry, Orion. I can't. Not with our history." I stood and walked away.

I pushed through the door of my chambers and dropped face-first onto my bed. The Lieutenant was right about one thing — I needed sleep. I absolutely hated it when Orion was right. My eyes had barely fallen closed when the banging at my door started. I dragged myself upright and crossed the room.

Standing in the doorway was Jebediah, one of my guards at his shoulder.

"Jebediah. Is there something you wish to discuss?"

"Commander Kira." The wild look in his eyes told me everything before he said a word. "I've figured it out. I know where Jasper and his group are heading."

I raised an eyebrow. "Jasper. So this slave has a name." I leaned against the door frame. "Where are they heading?"

Jebediah's eyes went wide with something between excitement and madness.

"Somewhere with a large body of water."