The air around the training ground was warm and full of noise. Men shouted, swords clashed, and the scent of sweat and dust filled the air. I leaned against one of the wooden posts, watching as Uncle Fridolf barked out orders to his soldiers, his deep voice echoing across the field. Adrik stood beside him, arms crossed, looking sharp and serious as always.
For the first time in days, I actually felt alive again. The pain from my wounds had faded, my strength was back, and my confidence... well, that was finally returning too.
I smiled faintly, adjusting the cloak around my shoulders as I walked toward them. "You both look like you’re preparing for war already," I said, my tone light. "Can’t we rest a little before the bloodshed begins?"
Adrik glanced at me and snorted. "You’re only saying that because you hate waking up early for drills."
I laughed softly, flicking a speck of dirt off my dress. "Maybe. But you can’t blame me. Watching men hit each other with sticks isn’t exactly thrilling."
Uncle Fridolf turned to me, his sharp blue eyes narrowing slightly. "If you find it boring, perhaps you should join them," he said dryly.
I rolled my eyes. "You know that’s not my strength, Uncle. My power isn’t in the sword, it’s in my mind."
"Exactly why you should learn to use both," he replied.
Adrik smirked, muttering under his breath, "She’d probably stab herself before hitting an enemy."
I shot him a glare. "Careful, Adrik. I’m feeling generous today, but I can still make your next meal taste like ashes."
He chuckled and walked away, shouting something to the men.
When he was gone, I turned back to Uncle Fridolf. He was studying a map laid out on the table, his brow furrowed. I walked closer and glanced down at it. "So, what’s the plan?" I asked. "When do we strike?"
He didn’t look up. "You’ve only just recovered, Belinda. You should rest."
I sighed, crossing my arms. "I’m fine, Uncle. Look at me, standing, breathing, completely healed. You can’t keep me out of this."
He gave me a sideways glance, then went back to the map. "You sound too eager. That’s dangerous."
"I’m not eager," I said quickly. "I’m being practical. Damon is weak right now. The timing is perfect. If we attack now, the triplets won’t stand a chance."
That finally made him look up. His expression was unreadable for a moment before he said slowly, "You think Damon’s weakness guarantees victory?"
"Yes," I said without hesitation. "He’s one of their strength. Without each other, they’ll crumble. Everyone knows that."
Uncle Fridolf let out a quiet laugh, but there was no amusement in it. "You still have a lot to learn," he said. "Kael and Rowan are not to be underestimated. Damon may be weak, but that doesn’t make them powerless. They were trained together, raised together. Their bond makes them dangerous."
I frowned. "So what are you saying? We just sit here and wait until they get stronger again?"
"I’m saying," he replied firmly, "that rushing into battle without strategy is suicide. We need to train our men better. Strength is not enough; discipline wins wars."
I bit my lip. He had a point, but patience was something I didn’t have. "Fine," I muttered. "Train them, plan, whatever. But we can’t wait forever. Opportunities don’t last long."
He gave a small nod. "I know."
For a moment, the air between us was quiet, only broken by the sounds of soldiers shouting in the distance. I looked at him again and decided to ask what had been on my mind for days. "Uncle, what about the guard you sent to find more about Lisa?"
His expression hardened instantly. "He isn’t back yet."
I frowned. "It’s been two days. Do you think something happened to him?"
He finally met my eyes. "Maybe. But I won’t assume the worst yet. We’ll give him two more days. If he doesn’t return by then, I’ll send more men to look for him."
I nodded slowly. "Alright... but I don’t like waiting."
He smirked faintly. "You never did."
I shrugged. "Can you blame me? Every time someone disappears, it’s either bad news or betrayal."
His eyes flickered slightly at that, and I caught it, a flash of something, suspicion maybe. I frowned. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Because," he said calmly, "I know you, Belinda. And I know you could betray me if you thought it would get you what you want."
I froze, staring at him. "What?"
He looked completely serious now, his voice low and controlled. "Don’t act shocked. You’re clever, and I respect that. But cleverness and loyalty don’t always walk hand in hand. I’m warning you, don’t try anything funny."
My heart skipped, but I forced a small laugh, pretending to be amused. "Uncle, come on. Betray you? Never. You’ve done too much for me."
He leaned forward slightly, his eyes sharp as knives. "Good. Keep it that way."
I swallowed hard and nodded, still wearing the fake smile. "Of course. You have my word."
He studied me for a few more seconds before turning back to his map. I exhaled quietly, only realizing then that I had been holding my breath.
After a moment, I tried to lighten the tension. "You know," I said softly, "sometimes I think you don’t trust anyone."
He didn’t look up. "That’s how I’ve stayed alive this long."
I smiled faintly, though inside, something twisted. "Still," I murmured, "a little trust never killed anyone."
"That’s where you’re wrong," he said without missing a beat.
I didn’t reply. I just watched him as he traced the map with his fingers, his mind clearly miles away. I wondered what he was thinking about Lisa, the triplets, or maybe about the past.
Later that night, I sat by the fire in my room, staring at the flickering flames. The men outside were still awake, sparring and shouting. I could hear Adrik’s voice somewhere, loud as always.
The door creaked open, and footsteps followed, slow, familiar, and confident. I didn’t have to look up to know who it was.
"Still awake?" Adrik’s voice was low and rough, carrying that teasing warmth that always made my heart skip.
I looked over my shoulder and smiled faintly. "You sound surprised. You know I hardly sleep."
He walked closer, his dark hair slightly messy, his shirt half unbuttoned from the long day. The faint scent of smoke and leather followed him. He stopped right behind me, glancing at the fire. "You’ll burn yourself if you sit that close."
"Maybe I like the heat," I said softly.