Chapter 22: Side by Side at Last

“Look none of us are perfect,” Amelia said softly. “We try out best. That is all we can do.”  Luz’s head bowed slightly, the crimson light in his eyes softening to a more vulnerable hue as her words sank in. “You really believe that?” he asked quietly, his voice stripped of its commanding edge. “That out best is enough? Even when our best gets people killed?” his gauntleted hand moved from her arm to cup her cheek gently, the cold metal a stark contrast to the warmth of her skin. “You have always been better at seeing past the flaws,” he murmured, a hint of his old smile returning. “Even when I could not see it myself.” The tent flap rustled as wind picked up outside, remind them of the impending battle and the roles they were forced to play.

“Our best is all any of us can do,” Amelia said gently. “Come on, let’s go.” Luz nodded slowly, accepting her simple wisdom with a sigh that seemed to carry years of burden. The crimson in his eyes softened further as he straightened his posture, preparing to return the mask of the commander. “Alright,” he agreed, his voice regaining its authoritative command tone. “Let’s go.” He released her cheek reluctantly and moved toward the tent entrance, pulling back the heavy canvas flap. Outside, the Corrompido army waited in silent formation under Salvaxe’s watchful gaze. “Remember what I told you earlier,” Luz reminded her quietly as they emerged into the pre-dawn chill. “Stay close to me during the initial advance. When things start collapsing, find shelter immediately.” His armoured form cast an imposing silhouette against the rising sun, but his left eye flicked toward her with a glance that held both warning and protective concern.

“Do not worry,” Amelia whispered reassuringly. “I can handle myself. Father taught me everything he knew about hunting…” a genuine smile touches Luz’s lips. “Of course he did,” he replied, his voice carrying genuine affection. “Your father was an amazing hunter. I should have known you would not be helpless.” His armoured hand briefly brushed against hers as they walked toward the waiting army. “Still,” he added with mock seriousness. “If you get separated from me during the chaos, find the highest tower in the city centre. The view will give you options.” Salvaxe spotted them emerging from the tent and began striding over with that predatory grace characteristic of high-ranking Corrompido. Luz’s expression hardened instantly into commander mode.

“Commander,” Salvaxe’s voice dripped with artificial cheerfulness as he approached, his black eyes scrutinizing the interaction between Luz and Amelia. “It is a day’s march to Cidade dos escravos. We should plan ahead where to spend the night before the siege.” Before Luz could answer, Mestre Escuro appeared. “We will camp at the old watchtower on Montaxe Dividida, just outside Cidade dos escravos,” Mestre Escuro said in a commanding voice. Luz’s head snapped toward Mestre Escuro, his crimson eyes narrowing with immediate professional respect. “Montaxe Dividida,” he acknowledged crisply. “Excellent choice for reconnaissance. The watchtower provides clear visibility of both Cidade dos escravos’s northern gates and the coastal approach.”

Luz turned back to Salvaxe with renewed authority, gesturing for the Corrompido lieutenant to fall into step behind them. “Prepare our vanguard units for departure within the hour. We will send scouts ahead to confirm the tower’s condition and scout for any surprises.” As they started walking toward their mounts, Luz glanced over his shoulder at Amelia. “Montaxe Dividida has strong defensive positions but limited shelter. Stay close to me when we set up camp tonight.” Mestre Escuro watched their interaction with keen interest before vanishing in a swirl of shadowy magic.

“Will I be riding with you?” Amelia asked as they approached Luz’s black destrier. His armoured stride slowed as they reached his massive black destrier, which snorted steam into the pre-dawn air. The creature’s dark coat absorbed what little light filtered through the bruising sky, making it appear almost invisible against their approaching horizon. “Yes, you will ride with me,” he stated firmly, his crimson eyes meeting hers with finality. “My horse is trained to carry double its own weight. Besides…” his voice dropped lower as Salvaxe fell several paces behind to consult with subordinates. “I will not risk having you lost in this army’s chaotic formations. If something happens during the march, I want you where I can see you.” He placed a gauntleted hand on the saddle pommel, testing its stability for her weight. “Can you manage this height? Or do I need to lift you up?”

“I think I can manage,” Amelia said with an excited smile. She moved closer to the massive black destrier’s left side, to gather the reins in her left hand while holding a bit of the front of the saddle for stability. She turned slightly toward the horse and placed her left foot into the stirrup. She pushed off the ground with her right leg, using a combination of leg strength and a controlled upward spring, so her body rises as she straightens her left leg in the stirrup, bringing her torso up alongside the saddle. She then leaned forward slightly over the horse’s back to keep her balance, giving Luz a view of her backside that made him clear his throat in frustrated arousal.

Once elevated, she swung her right leg in a smooth arch over the horse’s back and her hips rotated as she guided herself into position. Finally, she lowered herself into the saddle, adjusting her seat and posture. The way her midnight robe flowed around her legs as she settled in the saddle stirred something deep within him. “Good,” he approved gruffly, mounting behind her with fluid precision that belief the weight of his black armour. His arms encircled her waist securely as he took the reins. “Hold on,” he instructed, his voice a low rumble near her ear. “This beast moves faster than most carriages.” Without waiting for Salvaxe’s signal, Luz urged the destrier forward at a trot that quickly transitioned into a confident canter.