Male Bonding

Meanwhile, outside the cabin the men were setting up tents. The women’s laughter could be heard from outside.

“Sounds like they’re having fun.” Derek grinned and Dave nodded his agreement. The two had finished setting up their tent and both were sharpening their swords.

“You’re really attached to that thing, huh?” Trent interjected. Dave nodded and stuck his hand out to Derek, who obediently handed him a notepad and pen.

It was a gift from my father. It’s the only thing of him that remains so I don’t like people touching it.

Trent read the note then asked curiously, “Was you father a barbarian? And why does Derek carry the pen and paper if you’re the one who needs it?”

Dave began writing while Derek answered the second question. “When we first partnered up as mercenaries I got frustrated because I didn’t know what he was thinking. I started carrying a notepad and demanded he write his answers. We’ve worked together so long now that it’s rarely necessary, but it became a habit.”

Trent nodded and then read Dave’s reply.

Yes, my father was a barbarian. My mother was a southern noblewoman. As you might imagine, their union was frowned upon. There’s nothing but this sword and one portrait of my mother, left to prove they existed.

“Sounds difficult. But you forgot the most important thing they left behind- you.” Dave’s looked at Trent in surprise. “Oh, you can get surprised too? You hardly ever react. I’m not even sure if you’re listening most of the time. My parents also had a forbidden love. My mother was a mercenary's daughter and my father a young heir to a rich commoner family. Not quite as intense as your story, but there’s a similar result. Anyway, that’s why I don’t look down on woman fighters,” Trent pointedly looked at Derek. “My mother was a better swordswoman than my father, better than most men, really. Haha apparently she challenged her future father-in-law to a duel when he refused to give his blessing on their marriage. He lost and the price was not only his permission, but he had to allow my father to inherit the business still. There was a lot of tension with my father’s side of the family, but after I was born my grandparents calmed down at least. My aunts and uncles never did acknowledge their union but they couldn’t do anything about it. Both my parents were capable in their own right.”

“So did your mother teach you swordsmanship?”

“My mother and grandfather, her father. I also learned business from my father. But because of the royal family’s tricks, my family was framed and lost everything. I was away, studying, so I was the only one who survived the purge.” Trent gritted his teeth, murderous intent seeping out.

“I see why you joined this group.” Derek quietly responded and Dave patted Trent’s shoulder.

*********

Demi had just finished setting up his Tent when Tyler approached. Jer, whom he was sharing with, had went to fill their canteens. Tyler sat down beside Demi and awkwardly started a conversation.

“Before Jeremy gets back, I want to apologize.” Demi, who had yet to acknowledge Tyler’s existence, turned to look at him with raised eyebrows. Tyler, though embarrassed, continued. “When I first saw you and Taya on this mountain, I really was suspicious. Someone I know, who should be on the opposite end of the kingdom, was right in front of me. It made more sense when I realized that Taya was Tali’s sister, but I was still guarded. Actually, Tali chewed me out once you guys left. She feels a lot of guilt towards Taya, even though it wasn’t her fault. But as an older sibling, I understood that guilt. That’s part of the reason I’ve been so insufferable. When we met again, you were with Jeremy, of all people. Jeremy looked at you with the respect he once had for me. I guess, no, I know I’m jealous. I felt like you had replaced me.”

“Jeremy might respect me, but he doesn’t see me as his brother.”

“I know that. But I made a mistake when we were kids and it put a strain on our relationship. Things got better, after the war, but then I fled the capital. I thought perhaps I had run out of chances with him.”

Tyler lowered his head, somewhat dejected. Demi flicked his forehead. “Stupid. You’ve only run out of opportunity if one or both of you dies. I’ll give you some space, so fix it.”

Demi left, passing Jeremy on the way. Demi thanked him as he grabbed his canteen. “Where are you going?”

“I want meat for breakfast so I’m going to see if there’s game nearby. Taya gets angry when she’s hungry.”

“Ah, I guess she does. Do you want company?”

“Not from you; you and your brother need to talk. I’ll take the kid with me.”

Jer made a face filled with reluctance. “You’re so patient with someone who’s so ungrateful.”

“Pfft. Compared to what I’m used to, Tyler is simply childish and annoying. Jeremy, ” Demi called, his face devoid of humor. “I can only dream of having the family that you have. Don’t waste it.” With that, Demi leisurely walked away, calling for Chris to follow. Jeremy watched them leave and stifled a laugh. Chris was excitedly following Demi like a chick follows its mother.

“Jeremy, come here for a minute. I know you’re angry at me, but there’s something I want to say to you while I’m still able.” Jer took Demi’s spot beside Tyler. “I’m sorry. You were right that I was being unreasonable. The truth is, I’m jealous of Demi. You follow him so well.”

Tyler looked at his brother incredulously. “You’ve been an ass because I follow the grande duke? I’d have to be an idiot not to follow him. Did you not just see Chris following him like a puppy?”

“Haha, well I guess you have a point. His highness has a way of drawing people in without even trying. And I know you’re not an idiot. I made a mistake when we were children. You’ll never know how much I regret it. So when I saw the respect you have for his highness, I couldn’t help but be jealous. I don’t really suspect him of anything. I know how hard his life was in the palace and that the king would never have involved him in any of this. And I don’t really think he would turn on the kingdom despite his experiences. I was just being petty because I wanted to distance you from him. It was wrong and I just apologized.”

“Ha...you really are so childish. Which of us is older, huh? If you want my respect, you’ll have to earn it. I’m not longer a child who will blindly follow you. You’re my brother and I love you, but this and that are different. I got over that incident ages ago. Sure, I feel rivalry towards you, but that’s pretty normal among brothers. I didn’t realize you thought I was still holding a grudge.”

Tyler was embarrassed. “I see. I guess I misunderstood this whole time.”

“I was a bit sulky that you left without saying anything to me. If you had time to write a note to dad, you had time to knock on my door and say you were leaving. Do you know how worried the whole family is because of you?” Jer slightly raised his voice in frustration. Tyler pulled the fuming Jer into a hug.

“I’ve missed you, brother.” Jeremy’s eyes softened.

“Yah, I’ve missed you too, you dope.” The brothers’ laughter rang in the night air.

Demi returned to camp with three rabbits and some type of bird. Chris, smiling broadly, had caught three birds. “Girls, go to bed!” Demi yelled, as he passed the cabin. “I caught breakfast, I’ll set it up over the fire to smoke over night.”

“I’ll do it,” Tyler offered, taking the prey from Demi. “Chris, you help too.” Demi watched their retreating figures for a moment before turning to Jer.

“Did you sort things out?”

“Yah, we did. Thanks.” Jer smiled as Demi ruffled his hair.

“Don’t mention it. People will think the ice duke has gone soft.” Jeremy laughed.

“Your highness, I know you have the dukedom, but do you have any thought of taking the throne? I think you would make a great king and the crown prince is no longer in the way. I also heard that the queen died.”

“If I’m being honest, it’s something I don’t really want to do. I never had any ambition for the throne; I just wanted to stay alive. Haaaa, however, I do think it’s something I’m going to get pushed into regardless of my will.”

“As a citizen, I hope you’ll be my king. But as a comrade, and hopefully a friend, I’ll support whatever choice you make.”

“Thank you, Jeremy. If I do become king, I’m dragging you to the palace with me. I refuse to suffer through all that paperwork alone.” Demi grimaced and Jeremy laughed until tears formed. It was a rewarding night.