Plea

Now Cordia understood. That’s why Jaris had come. He was finally going to join up with the army. Though she had known he was going, and though she only loved him as a friend, it was still a little difficult for her to bear. She let go of his arm, walking a little ahead of him at first. But he caught up to her and took her arm again. “Cordia, don’t be cross,” he said pulling her back toward him. “You knew I was going.”

“Yes, yes, I did,” she admitted, turning to face him. “But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.” She looked at him, straining to see his face in the dim moonlight. “I’m not mad, Jaris. I’m sad. I’m sad for all of us, sad that this war ever had to happen.”

“I know, I know,” he said, putting his arms around her. “Me, too. But I have to go. We’re leaving this Saturday. All of us, riding out together. Only leaving about forty militia behind