Goats. They were only goats.

Mikos scowled as he looked into the smirking eyes of a boy maybe half his age. The child was the only one accompanying the flock of bleating creatures and didn't look concerned in the least of being in danger of any attackers lurking nearby.

"Did we give you a fright, sir?" the boy asked.

"Of course not," Mikos denied, "I was merely resting my horse. It miss-stepped." Even he could hear how unconvincing those words sounded.

The boy's eyes shifted towards the horse concerned and he kneeled down to felt the animal's leg. "I think it's only a sprain, but you should not ride him. Our camp is nearby, sir, we will share our food with you. Do you have far to go? It will be dark soon."

Mikos frowned. Their camp was near? "Since when do the nomads trespass on Salvire ground?" he asked hostile.

The boy didn't seem intimidated in the least. "We go where there is water and pastures," he said calmly, "the drought forced us to move more north. Come, we can take care of your horse in the camp. At night the animals of prey come out. You don't want to cross paths with them. And you wouldn't want the enemy to find you either."

"What about your goats?" Mikos asked wryly.

The boy smirked. "I'll leave them with my cousin. He is with his flock just over the hill." He turned and looked over his shoulder. "This way."

...

It was late when Iason finally reached the palace. He longed for a bath and a meal. And sleep.
A servant greeted him and quietly directed him to the rooms that were reserved for him and Vara. She was already getting ready for the night.

When he entered the room, a warm smile spread over her face and she rose to greet him. Gentle arms wrapped around his torso and a kiss was planted on his cheek and lips. "How are things?" she asked quietly.

Iason sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Channah is upset, but that was to be expected. I think I managed to ease her worries a little, but she was still crying when I left. It can't be helped though. It is Dimitris' turn to serve. Every capable man has been called to arms. It was only a matter of time before it was my family."

Vara bit her lip and placed a hand on his arm. "At least we managed to get the king to allow him service near Boncini. That way we can keep an eye on him."

Iason nodded. "That may be so, but I'll still have to treat him like every other soldier. I can't favor him over the others."

She offered him a sad smile. "Did you tell her she is welcome to reside at Boncini?"

"I did," Iason said, "for now she would rather stay at home. Zinon will keep an eye on her and Cassi while Dimitris is fighting."

Vara nodded. "That's understandable. As long as she knows she is always welcome."

Iason cupped her cheek and kissed her. "I love you."

"And I you," she told him earnestly, "go rest. I will order food."

"Thank you," Iason said, "how did the meeting go today?"

Vara shook her head. "Not much was discussed yet. It was mostly introduction. Tomorrow reports will be discussed. Also, lord Izem from Salvire has come." She looked at Iason with a sour expression. "A difficult man. I'd rather deal with Darius."

Iason chuckled. "That is a lot, coming from you. Don't worry, love, I will deal with him. He can't complain about the number of men we have sent."

"I think he will always find something to complain about," Vara sighed, "but let us not talk about the meeting tonight. It's been an exhausting day for both of us. Let's get some rest. I'll call for food, and water for a bath. Let the war wait until tomorrow."

...

He couldn't say he was comfortable following the boy across goat trails and stretched out plains. For all he knew the boy was a spy for the enemy. Still, he didn't have much choice. The boy was right. He couldn't ride his horse and night was already setting in. "How far is it?" he asked. They had left the goats with the boy's cousin, who had indeed been further up the road. The two had exchanged a few words in a dialect Mikos did not understand and then the boy had told Mikos to follow him. They were still walking. Apparently this 'nearby' camp was not so nearby at all.

The boy smirked. "You have no stamina. It's up ahead. You can already see the tents." He pointed in the distance. Indeed, a vague outline of what might be tents was visible and with it a spiral of smile, indicating a cooking fire.

His stomach growled. He hadn't eaten since this morning and he hadn't thought about bringing lunch. So much for claiming independence.

When they reached the camp, the boy waved his arms in greeting. "I bring a guest! Prepare a meal for him. Call my father! His horse needs tending!"

Several people came out of their tents to have a look. Small children were running past them to one of the larger tents. Not long after, a man came out to meet them.

Mikos felt incredibly self-conscious.

"Where are the goats, Samir?" the man asked.

The boy bowed his head. "I left them with Amin, father. This stranger needed help. His horse is lame. I could not let him wander the plains alone."

The man shifted his eyes towards Mikos. "Be welcome at our fire, heir of Salvire." He placed a hand on Samir's head. "Go greet your mother, boy, and tell Malati to prepare bread and wine. See if the lamb is roasted yet."

Samir nodded and dashed off.

His father stretched out his arm in a welcoming gesture. "Come, sit at our tent. We will prepare a meal for you. I am called Aseem."

"Mikos," Mikos replied awkwardly. What had he gotten himself into now? "How do you know who I am?"

Aseem smirked. "You have your brother's look on you."

Mikos blinked confused. "You know my brother?" The question was both surprised and eager. If they really did know his brother then perhaps he would finally learn more.

"Hmmm," Aseem nodded as he guided Mikos towards one of the tents. "One of our kindred tribes was the one who saw him get taken. He was tending the goats in the mountains when Balor troops passed by. The boy, he ran to inform Izem, guided them through the mountains. By the time they found him, it was already too late." Aseem pursed his lips and shook his head in disapproval. "It's what they do, Balor men. They take the boys and maim them so they cannot produce offspring. Then they send them back home. The women they take to bear them children. Sons, they raise as their own. Daughters are sold to serve as wives of other tribes, or as slaves. The mothers who bore them, they kill."

Mikos paled at Aseem's words. He had known Balor was cruel, but this...

Aseem studied the boy carefully. He wasn't at all like his father. This one, though reserved and coolly, had a gentle heart.

"They..." Mikos swallowed, "they found him in the camp?"

Aseem shook his head. "They found him wandering the mountains, sick and injured. Izem... he sent him to court, named his other son heir." He glanced at the boy.

Milos sat there silently, his eyes lowered to the ground. It wasn't like he had wanted this to happen. He hadn't asked to be heir or for his brother to be injured and disowned.

"Eat, yeah?" Aseem said. He waved over a girl who approached them with a large tray of food. Flatbreads, cut meat cheese, and wine to go with it. On the skewer was a lamb roasting.

The girl placed the tray between Mikos and Aseem and retreated again. Mikos' eyes followed her curiously. She was attractive and slender. She did not speak to them and kept her eyes downcast as she disappeared back into the tent.

"Eat," Aseem said as he motioned towards the food.

"Will the others not eat with us?" Mikos asked.

"Samir, he is taking your horse to my cousin's tent. They will tend to it. He will eat later."

Mikos nodded meekly. He didn't dare ask about the girl. Carefully he took one of the flatbreads and dipped it in the meaty sauce. It tasted delicious.

Aseem grinned amused at the boy's hunger and leaned back. The movement made Mikos look up. He swallowed his food and cleared his throat. "You are not eating?"

Aseem waved his hand. "Here, we feed our guests first. Is the food to your liking?"

Mikos nodded. "It is delicious, thank you." He felt a little awkward being the only one to eat. Funny, how that did not bother him at home, where he was waited upon the entire time.

The boy's eyes shifted back towards the tent's entrance where the girl from before now sat kneeled with some what looked like household chores. Her skin was sun kissed, her hair dark and long. Slender wrists attached to elegant hands. Her every move was graceful.

"She pleases you," Aseem's amused voice broke his reverie and he looked down, ashamed of having been caught staring. What if he had offended these people?

Aseem turned his head to look at the girl. "She is my niece. My wife and I, we took her in when her parents were killed. Raiders invaded their camp and took everything they could. What they could not bring, they destroyed. Her brother was murdered defending her. She managed to get away and find our camp. She has been with us ever since. She is not promised to anyone yet."

Mikos shifted awkwardly. He wasn't sure how to respond to that. Was Aseem suggesting something? Yes, the girl was pretty, but that did not mean he had to think about marrying her.

"You are of an age, I think," Aseem continued.

Mikos flinched. Definitely a suggestion then. "My father would not approve, I think," Mikos said cautiously.

Aseem watched him slyly. "I think, Izem would not approve of his heir riding out unaccompanied either."

Mikos looked down and gritted his teeth in annoyance of the reminder.

"Have you eaten enough?" Aseem questioned when he noticed Mikos did not touch his plate any further.

"Yes," Mikos nodded. "Thank you," he added after a slight pause.

Aseem nodded and took one of the remaining flatbreads. Tearing off a piece, he started eating. "You can spend the night here. It is not safe to travel during the night. In the morning we will send you on your way."

"They will worry when I don't return home," Mikos mused.

"Hmhm," Aseem nodded, "perhaps next time you will not be so hasty in seeking adventure."

Mikos looked away ashamed, accepting the reprimand.

"It can't be helped now," Aseem said, feeling sympathy for the young lord, "you are welcome to stay with us."

Mikos glanced back at the girl that still sat in the tent opening, spotting a vague smile on her lips. He looked back at Aseem and nodded. "That would be most welcome."

...

A daughter! Elora smiled tiredly at the small bundle in her arms. The child had seemingly been in a hurry for it had been born so fast. Even now, it seemed impatient as it moved its little head back and forth as if to take in everything around her.

The newborn's small hairs had a hint of red in the otherwise light color and it fascinated the mother immensely. She wondered what this child would look like growing up. She looked up at Darius hesitantly. She knew he wished for sons, but would he love this child?

Darius sat down at his wife's bedside and ran a finger along the child's cheek. A daughter. After two sons, he supposed he didn't mind. It was to be expected there would eventually be a girl. He just wasn't sure how to handle a girl.

"You are not upset?" Elora asked hesitantly. She wanted him to love this child the same as he loved his sons. She wanted this girl to have the same opportunities as the boys.

Darius lifted his eyes to meet hers. "She looks perfect," he said in wonder. He leaned over to kiss the child's brow and then kiss his wife.

"Will you treat her just like you treat the boys?" Elora insisted.

Darius frowned. "You want her to be raised a boy? Riding and hunting? Learning to handle weapons?"

"I want her to be educated, to be loved and acknowledged."

Darius placed a hand on the child's head. "She will be loved. You will never have to worry about that. And my sister was taught how to read and write, how to play instruments. My daughter will be no different. As far as female skills are concerned, I will leave that part to you." He scrunched his nose.

Elora couldn't help the soft laugh that escaped her lips. "Don't worry, my love. I will not burden you with skirts and flowers."

He scowled at her. "Now you make fun of me."

She smiled. "But you love me for it." She sighed and looked back at the child in her arms. She wondered what it would be named. Something soft and gentle, she hoped, for the boys both had strong names as boys should have.

Darius smiled at her lovingly, still wondering how much he had changed since meeting her. He felt lighter, les burdened, happy.
He stood up from the bedside and stooped to kiss his wife's brow. "Rest," he instructed her, "I'll have it announced."

Quietly he left the room.

...

He awoke with the sound of bleating goats. Confused, he blinked his eyes and sat up with a start. For a moment the tent was foreign to him, but then he remembered the events of the previous day.

Mikos looked around the tent, but it was vacant. They must have let him sleep, because he could hear voices outside.

Slowly he walked towards the tent entrance and studied the camp. People were busy with food, mending clothes, managing children. There was activity everywhere, yet it had a homely feel.

Mikos stood there hesitantly. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to do. Could he just ask for food? Or should he wait to be invited? He didn't know the proper etiquette here.

"Did you sleep well?"

Mikos turned his head to find the pretty girl from yesterday standing next to him. She supported a small basket on her hips, filled with figs.

"Yes," he nodded, "I did." He was surprised she was speaking to him. He had thought she wasn't allowed since she didn't talk to him last night.

"Eat something," the girls said and she pointed at the fire. "After you have eaten, we will send you on your way. Elyah will accompany you towards the stream where Samir found you."

"Where is Samir?" Mikos asked while looking around. He hadn't seen the boy yet.

"With our uncle," the girl answered, "they will bring your horse. It only miss-stepped. The injury is not serious."

Mikos opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off by another voice.

"Malati! Bring our guest! He must eat!"

The girl turned to the source of the voice and grinned. "I am bringing him, aunt. Save some of the cakes for him. He seemed to like them last night!"

Mikos felt the heat crawl to his face. Had he taken too many last night?

The girl, Malati, laughed when she saw his expression. "Don't feel shy," she said, "I am glad you enjoy them Eat as many as you please. Come." She walked him to the fire and served him a plate. "Enjoy, I will prepare a meal for you to take with you."

Mikos watched her leave as he awkwardly ate is food. These people were so different from what he was used to. But it wasn't unpleasant.

Children were running around laughing. People were busy everywhere. It must be a nice life, Mikos wondered, even if these people didn't have many possessions, they were free to go wherever they wanted. And still they didn't seem to lack anything.

Suddenly, his own life felt like confinement. Once his father would return, he would tell the man he'd make his own decisions form now on. He wouldn't be treated as a child any longer.

"Malati." Mikos tasted the name on his lips and smiled.

...

The day had started early. There was a lot to discuss and no one wanted to be away from their own estates longer than necessary. Stregare, Moraye, Santos, Genvi, Verene, Valais, Matís, Boncini, Vertalis, Horas. All the lords of the provinces were present. Then there was lord Izem di Salve from Salvire in Tirèze, and Byron no Tolais, representative of king Elon of Lavos.

She liked Byron. The burly man had a roaring laugh and was very amiable. There was a genuine smile in his eyes wherever he went.

As much as Vara welcomed the refreshing change in the otherwise boring meeting, lord Izem did not. She had caught him glaring at the party from Lavos several times and could tell he was gritting his teeth to stop himself from shouting at the man. He couldn't, of course, seeing as both of them were guests in a foreign land. It would do no good if they insulted their host and ally.

It was entertaining to watch. Especially because she felt slightly awkward with some of the lords. Stegare and Matís had once vied for her hand in marriage. Moraye and Verene both had ties to Stregare. Vertalis and Horas had been rejected as potential suitors. Now all of them were sitting at the same table with her while she had married a man with not a drop of noble blood in him.

At social gatherings she had been able to avoid them. Now, she had no choice. At least there were a few friendly faces to put her at ease. Riccardo Prias was here, and Iolaus' father. Ophelia's oldest brother had also come to represent Santos. And she had Iason, who pressed her hand comforting underneath the table.

"Our troops managed to destroy the stronghold in Fis," Byron provided, "Balor retreated for now, but our spies have found evidence they are regrouping."

"It is true," lord Matís said, "we have seen fortifications at the Northwest border. A small group managed to infiltrate Balor, but messages are slow. Lord Horas has made warships available to attack them from the coastline while our men attack from land."

Lord Horas nodded in agreement. "Keeping them occupied from two sides at the same time seems to be effective. We need to keep them disoriented. It divides their attention."

"We have also noticed it," Iason said, "since Boncini joined forces with Salvire, the number of attacks at the border have immensely decreased on both sides."

"They have," Izem reluctantly confirmed.

"The North border holds firm," lord Vertus informed them, "we thank you, my king, for the extra men you sent. Also, king Darius." He nodded at Izem. "We regret he could not be present, but please convey our gratitude as you return to Tirèze."

Lord Izem inclined his head.

"Calling all available men to arms has also proven successful," Cyrus added, "there are many capable fighters amongst them. Rotating them ensures that the villages still flourish. The land can still be worked. So the harvest is not in danger."

"There is another matter that needs to be addressed," Iason continued, "There has been a raid recently and two villages were burned down. We managed to capture the attackers, but many have lost their homes. They found temporary refuge at Boncini, but we don't have the resources to house them all. My king, is there anyone who can take them? These are hardworking people."

King Marcos frowned in thought. "How many people are we talking about?"

"Two hundred souls, my king," Vara answered, "children too."

"My lords?" king Marcos looked around the table.

"Moraye has already taken in refugees from the attack on Sylice, my king," Gaspar Strega said, "as well as from the villages surrounding our estate. We don't have the room for more people."

"Stregare is facing the same issue, my king," Quintus Strega added, "we regret it, but we cannot aid the lady."

"There is room at Genvi," Riccardo offered, "we can take in fifty people. Perhaps my wife's family can also provide shelter at Tempa. I will send out a missive."

"We would be most grateful," Iason inclined his head.

"The Vale can also assist," Iolaus father spoke up, "in the South we do not suffer many attacks from Balor, being far away from their borders. It is Valais' turn to send their men to war. If the villagers are willing to work the field in absence of the men of Valais then we can provide for them."

"I am sure they won't object," Vara smiled at him, "thank you, my lord."

"Has the matter been settled then?" king Marcos asked.

Iason bowed his head. "It has, Your Majesty. Thank you."

King Marcos nodded. "Let's move on."

...

Mikos followed his guide back down the goat trails.

Elyah was a few years his elder and seemed to know his way across the plains well. He was talkative but still observant of his surroundings.

Mikos' hand moved to the saddlebag he had been given before leaving. There was a flatbread in it, a few figs and some of the cakes he had liked so much. There was also a water skin filled with fresh water. He could hardly believe their generosity. The land was facing a heavy drought and they still provided him with het valuable liquid, knowing they needed it more than he did. Honor told him to repay his debt. He just had to think of a way to do it.

"There," Elyah pointed ahead. Amidst the herd of goats sat three figures. One was clad in nomad garb, so Mikos guessed this was Samir's cousin, who they had left the goats with yesterday. The other two had horses with them and wore Salvire colors.

Once they noticed Mikos and Elyah approach, the two riders stood up. Elyah lifted his hand in greeting and Samir's cousin waved back.

"Lord Mikos," one of the riders spoke, "are you well? All of Salvire was in an uproar when you did not return. We feared you had been taken by Balor tribes."

"A search party was sent out," the second rider added, "it was already dark when we came across the nomad. He informed us you were with his tribe for the night and would return her in the morning. The two of us, we stayed here, while the rest returned to Salvire. My lord, if anything had happened to you, your father would have all of our heads!"

Mikos accepted the well-earned scolding. They were right. He should have thought more clearly, but he had been stubborn and angry. If he wanted to defy his father, there were other ways of doing so. "I am well," he told the men, "these people took good care of me. It was not my intention to worry anyone. Let us ride home. My father does not need to know a thing."

The two riders exchanged glances.

"Am I making myself clear?" Mikos said stiffly when he noticed this.

"Yes, my lord," the riders bowed, "as you wish."

"Good," Mikos said. He turned to Elyah. "Send my thanks to your family. I will find a way to repay you."

Elyah clacked his tongue. "Do not insult us, young lord. We ask nothing in return. You were our guest. There is no debt between us."

Mikos studied him a moment and gave a serious nod. "Very well," he said, "but if you ever have need of anything, I will do what I can to provide it." Even if his father would disagree.

Elyah smirked and his cousin, too, chuckled. "Very well," he said, "we will accept that."

Mikos nodded again and turned to the riders. "We ride for Salvire."