War Of The Wildlands(16)

Reylana looked at her brother’s hopeful expression and sighed. She knew a village could be rebuilt in time, but this had been her home since she was born. Everything was changing and not for the better. “You should have some of your men start scouting the area to locate the other homeless clans. We need to know the locations of each clan and which still have villages that could be vulnerable. Those will probably be hit next and will need protection.”

“Now you’re starting to sound like a war leader,” Reylin commented with a smile.





Chapter 10




A bright, cloudless sky settled over the palace district as Yori moved through the marketplace. The aroma of freshly baked bread filled his nostrils, reminding his stomach that he had not yet eaten that day. He hoped that one of the merchants might have a menial task for him to perform which would earn him a few coins for a good meal. Eventually, he would be starting out on his long walk home, and he did not intend to go with an empty belly.

As he continued through the marketplace, he noticed a young woman was following him. From a distance, she repeatedly glanced at him and looked away quickly when he saw her. She carried a basket of wildflowers, and her light brown hair cascaded in soft ringlets over her shoulders. Bright yellow ribbons accentuated her tresses and brought out the brightness in her eyes. Looking at Yori once more, she gave a shy smile. He smiled back and stared at her curiously.

Slowly, she made her way from behind a merchant’s stall and began walking casually toward him. She browsed at each stall along the way, pretending she wasn’t interested in him at all. Finding an ounce of hidden courage, he began to move in her direction until he was standing next to her in front of a stall filled with fancy cloth and lace. As she admired a roll of embroidered satin, she glanced at him and flashed a smile.

“Hello,” he said.

“Hello,” she echoed, turning to face him.

Yori had very little experience speaking to women, especially pretty ones. This girl was breathtaking, and he found himself at a complete loss for words.

“It’s a fine day,” the girl said. “Are you a traveler?”

“Yes,” Yori replied, thankful that she had continued the conversation. “I’m from Enald.”

“I’ve never been there,” she said, shaking her head slightly and causing her ringlets to bounce. Yori’s eyes locked on the moving tresses as they danced upon her breast. Seeming to notice where his gaze had ventured, she slipped her arm in his and compelled him to walk alongside here.

“My name’s Arla,” she said as she walked.

“I’m Yori,” he replied, wondering where they were going. This was his first time walking arm in arm with a girl, and he was concentrating on his stride in an attempt to not trip over his own feet. Looking like a fool was one thing, but the thought of looking foolish in front of such a pretty girl was mortifying.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Yori,” she said. “I baked a fresh apple pie this morning. Would you like to have some?”

“Umm, sure,” Yori said, surprised by the question.

She continued to lead the way out of the marketplace and down the narrow street to a residential area. The neighborhood was filled with small houses built only a few feet apart from each other. The street seemed fairly clean, and few people were around.

Arriving at her home, she opened the door and motioned him inside. “My father is out for the day,” she said. “He’s gone on business and won’t be back until dark.”

She sat on the edge of a bed near the side wall of the house. Yori stood awkwardly, staring at the girl.

“Come and sit,” she said, patting the bed next to her.

Yori obeyed and sat next to the girl. She gave him a flirty smile and kissed him quickly on the lips. Yori was too surprised by her actions to respond. No one had ever kissed him before, and he was unsure how to proceed. She looked away shyly and glanced back up at him.

“Aren’t you going to kiss me?” she asked in a mischievous tone.

Yori said nothing. After a moment of silence, he placed a hand on her cheek and kissed her soft, warm lips. Though he’d never kissed anyone, he had watched closely as young lovers in Enald had passed by him in the marketplace. He was fairly certain he was imitating their actions well.

Arla seemed pleased with the kiss and giggled happily as he released her. She began unlacing her bodice, allowing her bosom to show through her thin chemise. Slipping the dress down off of her shoulders, she revealed her nakedness to Yori, who sat in awed silence, hungrily devouring the sight before him.

Instinctively, he moved closer to her, placing a hand on one breast. He caressed it gently and began kissing her neck passionately. Wrapping her arms around him, she began kissing him along his neck and nibbling at his earlobe. Forgetting himself in the moment, he allowed her to continue working up his ear until she slid her fingers through his sandy hair, removing the headband that hid his secret.