A Wizard's War - 11. Rebel Encampment

The city of Mayweather was split into two sections on either side of the Belamere river, with New Mayweather on the west bank and Mayweather on the east. The town, like Belamere’s Crossing, was a prosperous town because it had a way to forge the wide river by means of ferry. But over the years New Mayweather had grown and become home to the wealthy and privileged while the original town of Mayweather was left impoverished and run down. Many had come to fear crossing in Mayweather because they were at the mercy of pickpockets in the less fortunate side of town. A stigma not addressed or resolved by the attitude of the New Mayweatherites.

Fortunately, Amos knew the town of New Mayweather well, since his father had several business dealings within the city limits. As expected, a former associate by the name of Ryder Bohanan had been gracious enough to open his home to the relocated Hawthorn and Hightower families. Bohanan owned several inns and had often put Bronn in a fine establishment while he was in town. Bohanan had a knack for supplying special entertainment, of which Bronn was often eager to take advantage. Amos knew Ellina and Cuthbert’s stay would be much less costly than the normal rate since they did not have a taste for such amenities.

Their reunion was sweet, and Amos hugged Ellina tightly as he listened to her begin to explain their long journey on horseback across the plains. Cuthbert had seen her to safety and Amos clapped him on the shoulder in thanks. Amos had also brought Suzanne along, who was happy to return to her normal duties at Ellina’s side. Over the next few days, Amos arranged for more permanent residence within the city limits. He also found where the Hightower’s were staying and offered any support he could.

Gretta was most concerned about her son, and Amos explained that while Gregor was alive, he was gravely injured. Gregor had stayed behind at the rebel encampment to heal under the care of magical practitioners. To the entire group, Amos had recounted their harrowing escape with the aid of a magic user. When later the cowled figure was revealed, she was a dark-skinned, slender woman with raven black hair named Lady Evynee of Palamere. Palamere was far to the north and was one of the first cities conquered by the forces of Lord Byron in his quest for power. A strong core of secret magic users and fighters had been following the armies of Lord Byron ever since, trying to exploit any weaknesses.

Lord Byron hailed from the Riven Kingdom beyond the Northern Reach, and after conquering his homeland he was still restless. There were bountiful harvests and prosperous towns to the south, ripe for the plucking, so Byron had taken his huge army and marched the treacherous path through the mountains. They gained power and strength with every city that fell and Palamere became their capital in the New World. Survivors and tradesmen were subjugated, forced to labor and make new weapons, armor, and supplies for the growing army. Able bodies were given the choice to join or die.

Lady Evynee and the rebel forces of Palamere had attempted to use magic and scouts to protect the people of Eldwood, but they were helpless as they watched the city burn. The army was too strong, and they decided to move on to help the next town in the army’s path. Upon arriving at Westwood, they discovered it already occupied by Byron’s troops, perhaps in some tenuous alliance or terms of surrender. Evynee had never seen Byron accept a truce or alliance, he simply took what he wanted and left the towns in ruin. They stayed and kept watch until they saw the massacre at Westwood begin to unfold. Evynee and her forces knew the next target would be Southport and they intended to lend their aid. They would not hesitate as they had in Westwood, action had to be taken to thwart the enemy.

Amos explained that he intended to return to the rebel camp and join with the forces in Southport. Southport was the last refuge, and with its high walls and position on the coast it would be a very defensible place to withstand Lord Byron and the Order of Belothemid. Ellina had objected, but Cuthbert agreed he would see to travel arrangements if the army was not stopped in Southport. Amos felt lighter knowing his family, Gregor’s family, and Mirva were safe and secure.

“I’m coming with you,” Mirva suddenly surprised him.

“Mirva…?” Amos was speechless.

“I’m sorry Mistress Hightower, but I must leave your service at once to pursue this endeavor,” Mirva spoke to Gretta seriously, “It has been my great honor to serve you and meet you.”

“It’s too dangerous,” Amos protested.

“I watched those butchers take my home,” Mirva was near to tears, “I had to flee to protect my sweet Jemma. If I can do something, anything to stop them, I will.”

“I believe you,” Amos agreed reluctantly as he looked into Mirva’s determined face.

“She has my blessing,” Gretta nodded and then gave Mirva a tight hug. An honor she’d never bestowed on any servant before.

With the family’s affairs in order and Mirva at his side, Amos began his journey back across the plains. He was eager to see Gregor again and hoped he had not succumbed to any infection or illness while Amos had been absent.

The rebel encampment had been on the move since they had escaped from Westwood with any survivors they managed to save. In three days’ time they would arrive at Southport just before the armies of Lord Byron would be at the gates. Gregor had just begun to hobble around on a crutch the healers had provided him, and he made his way to the forward command tent.

“What’s your business here?” a soldier from Palamere asked gruffly.

“I wish to see the Lady Evynee,” Gregor spoke, “If she’s not too busy.”

“She’s too busy,” the soldier responded, “now, move along.”

“Are you sure you can’t at least ask her if she’ll speak with me?”

“There are strict instructions not to disturb the strategy meeting.”

“Ok, I understand,” Gregor nodded disappointedly. He turned to leave when a woman spoke from behind him.

“You’re from Westwood, right?”

“Yes,” Gregor turned back to see the lovely Lady Evynee standing there.

“Did you have any close contact with the sorcerer?” Evynee asked, “I’m curious what he was doing there.”

“I’m sorry,” Gregor shifted uncomfortably, “What sorcerer?”

“Auren,” Evynee responded, “He’s a practiced liar. You probably would only know what he wanted you to know, but I thought it worth asking.”

“I did not interact really,” Gregor answered, “but he was staying with my friend, Amos.”

“And where is he?” Evynee asked.

“He went to New Mayweather to make sure our families were safe and then he will return here to help us. I saw him swinging an axe, he could be an impressive fighter.”

“I’d like to speak with him when he returns,” Evynee nodded and then started to leave.

“Wait…” Gregor called out.

“Yes?” Evynee looked curious, “Was there something else?”

“I came to thank you,” Gregor blushed, “for saving us. This was the first chance on my feet to come speak to you and say as much.”

“I only wish we’d acted sooner,” Evynee smiled weakly and then disappeared back into the tent. Gregor struggled to turn and then hobbled back toward the tent that had been set aside for the injured. He felt so helpless since the fight in Westwood. Evynee had arrived and she single-handedly slew countless enemies as they escaped. It was effortless and graceful the way she had moved in battle, like a prowling feline huntress. Seeing her without the cowl and armor was even more enchanting, long flowing black hair cascaded down around her shoulders. She was stunning.

Gregor shook his head and realized there were more important things to focus on than his pathetic crush. He couldn’t forget Amos kissing him either. He thought they were about to die, and he did love Amos in a way. Why crush the big goof right before they were going to meet their end? But then they hadn’t died and not another word had been spoken about it since. When Amos did return, he’d undoubtedly want to talk about his confession; this left Gregor feeling guilty and uncertain.

Amos and Mirva arrived at the rebel encampment the following midday. Amos had managed to secure them a couple horses and the return journey had been much faster than his journey to New Mayweather. Amos with Mirva in tow walked purposefully to the healer’s tent to find his friend and he was delighted to find Gregor sitting up and laughing as he was being observed by one of the healers.

“Gregor!” Amos exclaimed, “I’m glad to see you up!”

“Amos!” Gregor smiled up in surprise, “And Mirva? By the name of Raigar, what are you doing here?”

“I’m here to help in the war effort,” Mirva answered, “Any way I can.”

“You are both probably crazy for coming back here, but I’m sure glad to see you.”

Gregor propped himself up using his crutch and then began to hobble toward them.

“See what I can do?” Gregor chuckled, “Pretty soon I’ll be back to fighting strength.”

“Just don’t push yourself too hard, dear,” Mirva chided.

“Yes, camp mother,” Gregor grinned at her, and they both laughed, “Maybe that’s the role you can play here, make sure the soldiers wash behind their ears.”

“Someone has to keep everyone in line,” Mirva elbowed Amos next to her. Her laughter faltered when she saw Amos staring awkwardly at Gregor.

“I was so worried about you,” Amos grasped Gregor’s shoulder and completely killed the mood with his somber expression.

“Well, I’m on the mend now,” Gregor shifted on his good leg, “You know, Amos, Evynee asked for you to see her when you returned. She had questions about that abbot, Qualls.”

“That can surely wait.”

“No, seemed pretty important,” Gregor urged, “Maybe you should head over to the command tent right away.”

Amos had the distinct feeling that Gregor was not as thrilled to see him. For the entire journey he had longed to be by Gregor’s side, and now that they were reunited, there was an invisible gulf between them. An awkwardness, that had never existed before Amos had confessed his true feelings, had settled between them. Amos wondered, not for the first time, if he’d made a mistake.

“Yea,” Amos shrugged miserably, “I’ll go now.”

Amos made his way to the forward command tent and discovered the flaps were open. Within, was the smell of roasted meat and the Lady Evynee along with several generals were dining on fresh game and corn they had found during travel. He excused his interruption and introduced himself.

“Ah yes!” Evynee exclaimed, “Tell us all you know of Auren. Did you get a sense of what he wanted in your town?”

“I…” Amos hesitated, “I believe he killed my father or had some part in it. He had been very interested in my father’s new ward, a survivor from the goblin camp where I was held prisoner.”

“I’m sorry, goblin camp?” Evynee asked, “Here, have some corn, sit down, and tell us from the beginning.”

Amos joined the gathered soldiers and recounted the events leading up to his father’s death and the eventual fall of Westwood. He found that he was constantly painting Simon in a positive light as he told his story, but at the same time he was so angry with him. Where had he gone? Had Simon aligned himself with Auren Qualls?

“So, he just claimed to be a peace-loving abbot for the Order of Belothemid, while convincing a random farm boy to assist in killing your father?” Evynee summed up after Amos finished, “Well, I’m thoroughly confused.”

“It doesn’t make much sense when you word it that way,” Amos agreed uncomfortably.

“And this ward, Simon?” Evynee pressed, “You said he was separated at the goblin camp, do you know why?”

“Not really,” Amos shrugged.

“But then he was returned with the rest of you, just in time for a miraculous escape,” Evynee pointed out, “Seems a little too convenient.”

“You think he’d been coerced into betraying us from the beginning?” Amos asked suddenly alarmed, “But Simon had seemed so genuine.”

“Did the abbot seem genuine?” Evynee asked.

“I suppose,” Amos agreed, “but he was always suspicious, an outsider. Simon was more naïve and he’s always lived in Westwood. He wouldn’t have conspired with the beasts that killed his own parents.”

“Didn’t he want to claim the land his parents left behind? You said that was important to him. Who knows what promises Auren made to the boy in secret?”

“Where is any of this going?” Amos was suddenly angry at the impromptu interrogation, “It hardly matters now.”

“I didn’t mean to diminish the memory of your friend,” Evynee replied apologetically, “I just know that Auren Qualls does very little without some ulterior motive. Your insights have been helpful.”

“I wish I knew more,” Amos shook his head, “Perhaps I can’t see the situation objectively, but despite everything, I think Simon was doing what he thought was right.”

“The greatest harm often starts with the best of intentions,” Evynee mused, “On another note, your friend says you are quite the fighter.”

“I don’t know about that,” Amos shrugged, “but I would like to help in the fight ahead.”

“We have a few days left to travel. General Herzod…” she indicated a dark-skinned man to her left with a shaved head and long white beard, “can see you swing your axe and maybe offer some pointers. A little training never hurt anyone.”

“Rule one: try not to die,” General Herzod grumbled, “Rule two: take as many of the bastards with you as you possibly can.”

“Lovely,” Evynee spoke sarcastically while smiling brightly and all the soldiers in the tent laughed. Amos was suddenly wishing he’d stayed with his family.

As the day began to draw to a close, Amos helped Gregor into their new tent. Amos had spent most of the afternoon preparing a space for them to stay together and he was eager to show him. Gregor was impressed, but also just seemed tired and ready to sit down. After Gregor was sitting comfortably on his bedroll, with a log to prop him up, Amos brought them food that was being prepared in the camp. Some sort of stew, that they both ate eagerly.

“Where is Mirva staying?” Gregor asked.

“She actually helped cook this food,” Amos smiled, “She made fast friends with some other ladies in the camp.”

“I’m glad she’s here.”

“Me too,” Amos nodded, “I protested at first, but she deserves to fight back as much as the rest of us.”

“I wish I was more useful.”

“You were injured. You need to take time and heal.”

“I’m a lot further along than I would be, thanks to those healers! I wish we’d known some magic users sooner, could have come in handy. Remember when I broke my leg trying to make a man-kite.”

“That’s still a stupid name,” Amos laughed.

“What else would you call it?” Gregor shoved at Amos’ arm, “It’s a kite that a man can fly on.”

“Except you didn’t fly,” Amos corrected, “And the ‘man-kite’ was in pieces when you hit the ground.”

“Better days,” Gregor held up his soup bowl in a toasting gesture and then tilted it back to drink the remaining broth out of the bottom.

“Better days,” Amos agreed.

Amos took the empty bowls and set them aside before settling back down beside Gregor. Gregor cleared his throat as Amos laid a hand over his on the ground between them. Amos waited for Gregor to turn and meet his gaze before kissing him, but Gregor did not move or blink.

“I thought…” Amos started, “Is this wrong?”

“No,” Gregor looked nervously around and removed his hand from beneath Amos’.

“Then what is it?” Amos asked.

“I’m not really attracted to men,” Gregor confessed, “or at least I’ve never thought I was.”

“But you said…” Amos began again.

“Yea, I love you,” Gregor blushed, “You’re like a brother to me and I didn’t know what else to say before we were about to die.”

“Oh, I see,” Amos felt like he’d been punched in the gut and sweat broke out on the back of his neck even though he felt ice cold and foolish.

“Don’t look like that,” Gregor winced at the pained expression he saw on Amos’ face, “Why can’t we be the same old pals we’ve always been?”

“We will be,” Amos agreed, “I just have to get over what I’m feeling.”

“Come here,” Gregor wrapped his arms around Amos and drew him close, “You’re such a big, tough guy but you always mope around so glum all the time. I wish I could cheer you up.”

Amos let their foreheads rest together as Gregor hugged him and then cautiously, he looked up and met Gregor’s gaze. He found everything about Gregor’s face so rugged and handsome and the eyes so filled with joy and kindness. He kissed Gregor again and Gregor didn’t pull away or tense up, he just let it happen.

“You’re also very stubborn,” Gregor smiled.

“I just finally know what I want,” Amos confided, “and it took so long for me to admit it.”

“I have to admit,” Gregor leaned in, “You are not bad at kissing.”

Amos met Gregor’s lips again and they both lingered for a long moment.

“I do have a few pointers,” Gregor joked as they parted and then Amos was laughing with him.

“Come here,” Amos moved in and began to kiss more passionately, and Gregor melted against him as their mouths and then their tongues began to intertwine. They finally parted and they were both panting with unexpected excitement.

“What the fuck are we doing?” Gregor asked, “This has to be a bad idea.”

“At this moment, I don’t really care.”

“I can’t believe I’m feeling this way with another man,” Gregor blushed.

“What way?” Amos asked.

“You know…” Gregor pointed knowingly at his crotch and Amos noticed for the first time the tented fabric there. Amos had been so caught up he hadn’t considered the tightness in his own pants either.

“Can I?” Amos asked, but before there was an answer, he was massaging Gregor’s erection through the fabric. Gregor squirmed with pleasure at the touch.

“We shouldn’t be doing this,” Gregor suggested again, but then they were kissing some more. Gregor turned too sharply as his hips tried to move in rhythm with Amos’ massaging hand and he winced in pain.

“I’m sorry!” Amos suddenly jerked back, “Did I hurt you?”

“My own fault,” Gregor settled back a bit, “got a bit too excited.”

“Maybe we shouldn’t do this while you are on the mend,” Amos considered.

“Just going to get me all stiff and then call it quits?” Gregor winked.

“I didn’t mean…” Amos looked awkward now and uncertain.

“I want to see yours,” Gregor said, “I’m curious and we have this opportunity…”

“Umm, ok,” Amos stood clumsily to his feet and unfastened his pants. They dropped to the ground, and he pulled his undergarment off after them. His large erection flopped out into the open and Gregor let out an impressed whistle.

“Damn,” Gregor eyed the massive meat that was now at eye level, “I always suspected you had a big one.”

“Thanks, I guess,” Amos chuckled nervously.

“Sit down here,” Gregor patted the ground, “I’m not ready to put it in my mouth or anything, just wanted to see it.”

Amos sat down next to Gregor and his heart was pounding in his chest. He was so excited to be naked next to this gorgeous man. Amos absently stroked himself as he looked Gregor over.

“If you help me pull my pants down,” Gregor offered, “I’ll show you mine.”

Amos complied and helped Gregor remove his pants, exposing his full erection. It was about half the size of Amos’ own erection, but it was so perfectly shaped, curving up slightly into a thick mushroom head. In comparison Amos felt his own erection looked like a fat worm that got squished at the end and then hooked left.

“It’s so nice,” Amos heard himself saying out loud. Gregor chuckled at the response.

“You’re one to talk,” Gregor elbowed his friend, “Most guys would love to have a monster like yours.”

They both sat silently stroking themselves for a time and then they kissed some more. Amos was getting very excited as they kissed more intimately, and then he reached over and grasped Gregor’s lovely dick in his free hand. Gregor moved his own hand and let Amos take over. They both began to moan as they kissed and rolled their tongues over each other. Amos pumped their dicks harder and faster. Hot fluid began to pour out of Gregor and then several hot jets of cum spewed up into the air before splattering across Gregor’s abdomen.

Amos groaned in pleasure at the sensation and began to pour his own cum out over his hands and it leaked between his fingertips as he stroked up and down. Without thinking Amos licked his fingers that had only moments ago been on Gregor’s dick and he tasted the salty cum.

“Did you just taste me?” Gregor looked stunned.

“I often just…” Amos looked embarrassed, “I eat mine a lot after I…”

“I don’t think I’ve ever tried…” Gregor looked down and then scooped a little off his abdomen with a finger. He licked it tentatively and then made a face. “Not very good, is it?”

“I dunno,” Amos blushed, “I thought you tasted ok.”

“And yours?” Gregor asked, indicating Amos’ other sticky hand.

Amos raised the hand uncertainly and Gregor opened his mouth. His heart fluttering with excitement, Amos placed a couple fingers in Gregor’s mouth, and he sucked them clean.

“Still not great,” Gregor grimaced, “but a bit sweeter than mine.”

“That was amazing,” Amos collapsed against Gregor’s shoulder with a broad smile on his face.

“It did feel very good,” Gregor agreed, “But I don’t know what it means for us. I want you to understand that.”

“We probably rushed things,” Amos worried.

“I’m glad that you know what you want,” Gregor put his arm around Amos, “I’m just not as certain yet. I worry this was a mistake, only because I don’t want to hurt you.”

“No, I understand,” Amos assented, but deep down he was giddy, and his mind was racing at all the things he longed to do with Gregor and all the things he hoped to share.

“Can we put our pants back on now?” Gregor asked in feigned annoyance and they both laughed.