Bandits and books

Kael’s preparations go smoothly, as he expected. The most interesting part was meeting with the leader of the guard patrol he would accompany. A man close to Kael’s age, and a veteran soldier, he seems surprised when Kael approaches him.

“We welcome your presence, champion, although I’m not sure it’s needed. They’re just bandits after all. A particularly nasty band, sure, but still just bandits.”

Kael nods. “I’m sure you can, captain, but Lord Greyheart has sent me to ensure it is done. He believes this group to be responsible for the attempt on his life the other day.”

The man nods. “Fair enough. As I said, this is a nasty group. It couldn’t hurt having you along. Most bandits are people who are **** and hungry, just trying to survive, but this group…they’re different. Anyone who is a decent person would have left long ago. They do this because they like it.”

Kael shakes his head. “No qualms in putting them down, then?”

The man shrugs. “They’re like a rabid dog. Anything good about them is long gone. Mostly murderers and worse. And the leader is the worst of them all. They say he wears a cloak of human skin. Disgusting.”

Kael sighs. “Scum, as you said. Very well. I shall see you in the morning, captain.”

Kael extends a hand, and they shake. The rest of the preparations are simple, and by noon Kael is heading back home. It’s quiet when he walks in, and he removes his weapon and armor, returning them to his storage room. As he emerges, he finds Evie waiting, looking at him expectantly.

“Welcome home, master. All is well, I hope?”

Kael nods. “It is. I have a mission tomorrow, so I will be relaxing today. How are you?”

Evie bows. “I am well, master. The house is clean and tidy. I made up your bed for you as well. Do you need anything?”

Kael shakes his head. “Not at the moment, no. I wouldn’t mind some company, if you wanted to sit with me, however. Feel free to get yourself a book.”

Evie smiles at him. “Yes, master. Thank you!”

She rushes off to her room, and Kael can’t help but chuckle at her enthusiasm. What a change since yesterday. Last night’s events seem to have affected her strongly, not that he would complain. Seeing her smiling has warmed Kael’s heart, not to mention the first real night of sleep in a very long time. He sits down on the couch with a sigh, waiting for her to come back.

Evie returns with the same book she had yesterday, and Kael smiles as she sits down on the other side of the couch. “You really like that book?”

Evie nods, blushing a bit. “Yes, master. It’s so…exciting!”

Kael laughs. “I can’t disagree with that. Lots of fighting, and lots of…well, other things.”

Evie blushes even more. “Y-yes, master. It’s fun to read about.”

Kael nods. “It is. Do you have a favorite story so far?”

Evie looks down, smiling. She picks at the corner of the cover with a finger. “I do, master. The tale of Eglemore.”

Kael is a bit surprised. He’s familiar with the book, and he knows the story. It’s one of the more explicit, to be sure. A knight fights in a battle, described in vibrant detail. Upon his return, wounded but victorious, he is treated by the household maid, who bathes him and treats his injuries. Over the course of this, the bathing becomes something more, and soon both are naked in the bath. It would be a simple love scene, except that Egelmore is married. The wife enters, catching the pair in the act. However, the big twist is that rather than grow angry, she joins in.

A rather unrealistic tale, but definitely exciting. Kael looks at Evie, who is bright red with embarrassment. “I’m just surprised that you’re so interested is all, Evie. Not the sort of thing I’d expect a young woman like yourself to be so absorbed in.”

Evie shrugs. “Everyone has their fantasy, master. I like the excitement. I’m sorry if it makes you think less of me.”

Kael laughs. “Hardly. I’ve read it too, and…enjoyed it. It’s just unexpected. I’m glad you found something you like.”

Evie looks up, smiling. “Thank you, master. As always, you are kind and generous.”

Kael rolls his eyes. “Let’s not go too far, Evie. Let’s just relax for a bit. Go ahead and enjoy your book. Just keep it in your pants, hmm?”

Evie gasps, and actually giggles at his joke, blushing once again. “Y-yes, master!”

Kael chuckles to himself, leaning back and closing his eyes. As he relaxes, he reflects on how it’s already much better at home with Evie here. There’s a warmth, that has nothing to do with the temperature, that was never here before. It turns out that having her here makes him happier, just being in the same room.