Saved.

Arerto looked up just as the hilt of a sword hit her on the head stunning her and dropping to one knee, She struggled to lift her own sword glancing up to see the blade coming down again. just as she expected the blade to connect there was a clash of steel on steel and a scream and groan as the attacker was felled. Arerto lost the fight to stay conscious but when she did come round her wound had been tended.

She lifted her head and saw Sabine sitting next to her makeshift bed looking at her. "Your majesty you're awake!" said Sabine. "what happened Sabine I sent you back," said arerto. Sabine came closer and replied" Yes you did your majesty but I ran into Colonel Mathais and he is on his way with a column of troops" Arerto raised herself on one elbow looking around at the injured soldiers. "What of the outpost and the enemy and I know you saved me Sabine thank you"

"Majesty the outpost barricades are being rebuilt the enemy retreated and are just outside of arrow range. Yes I did my job your majesty I owe you my life." leaning a little closer Sabine continued. "majesty why do you treat me different than others"

Sabine was nervous as she waited for an answer.

Arerto looked at Sabine then whispered back. " Sabine I treat you differently because you are my equal in strength and wisdom. I also treat you differently because I think I am falling for you."

Just then arerto collapsed on the cot **** again while Sabine stared at the last comments wondering if she had misunderstood. Was Arerto just delirious Sabine would have to wait until she was awake again.