Love Death and Loneliness Read online

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  “How dare you defy my orders?” Prince Elijah shouted, the thin tent walls doing little to muffle his voice from the others.

  Rasi didn’t answer, knowing the futility of arguing.

  Wolf, however, pleaded their case. “Sir, we were trying to save one of our top sold…”

  “That is of little solace when you break my rules,” Elijah interrupted. “Both of you—one month leave without pay.”

  Rasi nodded, feeling slightly relieved to have escaped with such a lenient punishment. Wolf didn’t argue either, likely just as relieved.

  Elijah glared at Wolf, “Get out.”

  Wolf bowed and left the tent with a supportive glance and nod to Rasi.

  With Wolf out of sight, but doubtfully out of earshot, Elijah screamed, “These soldiers seem to gravitate toward you, only the gods know why, and when you have them disobey me, that is intolerable. I should have your tongue.”

  Rasi avoided eye contact out of respect.

  Elijah continued, “Do you realize the penalty for such insubordination is death?”

  Rasi stared to the dirt ground.

  “I asked you a question,” he screamed.

  “Yes sir, I realize that.”

  “I should hang Wolf just to get that point through your skull but he is too good a soldier and I am acutely aware that hanging you would bring repercussions from the men.”

  “Terik is a good soldier as well, sir.”

  Elijah’s face reddened and he grinded his teeth. “Rasi,” he said with a grimace, “You take this month off and when you return, if you attempt such insubordination again, you will swing from a rope, I swear. Is that understood?”

  Rasi nodded.

  “That is all. Leave me.”

  Rasi bowed from the tent.