Chapter 13: Chapter 13

ALLIES OF MY HUSBAND

"Elaine."

I waved Syman's voice back out of my thoughts and continued dreaming my troubled dream. I watched pretty monsters attack a pharmacy...

"Elain, shall we get Arin?"

"I beg your pardon?"

I wasn't quite myself yet. Syman didn't mind. He grabbed my elbow and pulled me to my feet.

"Come on, we have to meet someone else!"

It was still the middle of the night. The trees around me were blurred in the darkness. Only the snoring from the men's camp reached us.

Syman didn't give me time to wake up, instead dragging me into the Scholarly City. He snuck around the men's camp with a big bow and dragged me to the Politics building.

"Eric!" Syman whispered as he knocked on the door.

Immediately she jumped up and we werepulledin. The tall man stood in front of us.

"Milady." He greeted me and led me through a door with one hand on my back. It was pitch dark. I couldn't see my own hand in front of my eyes. Brothers of the Black Knight leading me into dark rooms? That was right.

Eric left me alone when he pushed me far enough into the room. "Wake up! Come on, Arin."

Arin!? My heart jumped. Of course Arin! I was so tired I couldn't even put two and two together.

My husband sighed and got up noisily from the floor. Eric grabbed my hand and placed it on a cage bar.

"I'll be right back, I'll get Syman."

Eric's heavy steps recede. I waited for them to subside before addressing Arin.

"My lord?"

"Elaine!" Arin immediately grabbed my hand. "What are you doing here?"

"I have no idea."

"What?" His thumb gently stroked my knuckles.

"How are you, my lord?"

"My shirt is soiled." He laughed cheerfully.

"Nice that you're fine." I thought of how the dimples must have appeared in his cheeks as he laughed. And laughed along.

"I missed you, Elain."

Arin's hand ran up my arm to my face. He gently placed it against my cheek and stroked my cheekbones. I had missed him so much. And made such accusations against me... I was almost ashamed to be here, as if nothing had happened.

"Me too, Arin."

Eric had reappeared and came to us with a candle. Syman followed him. As they got closer, I finally recognized my husband. His face was dirty, his wrists bloody from the handcuffs he must have been wearing and sure enough, his shirt was dirty.

But he smiled at me. And his dimple was there too... I never knew how happy I would be to see him again.

"Arin, don't ride to your shelter. Wherever it is. Ride somewhere else."

Arin looked at Eric while Syman unlocked Arin's door. As Arin stepped out, he pulled me to his side and nodded to Eric.

"You help me escape, brother?"

Eric smiled sadly. "If you love something, you should let it go."

Arin didn't say a word, but his chest grew rock hard. I suspected he was holding back a bit, although I wasn't sure what it was.

"Go. Avan will expect me to help you."

Eric nudged Arin on the shoulder and turned to go.

"What about Taran?"

Eric shrugged. "I do not understand."

"Will he follow me again?"

Eric shook his head and Arin visibly relaxed.

"Thank you, Eric. Really."

Arin urged the horses so hard that Elain was clutched to his chest. If Avan got his hands on him, Arin would die. That's what he believed his aggressive brother could do.

"Arin! Where are you going!?" Shouted Syman, struggling to keep up with the Black Knight.

"Just go away." Elain clutched her fingers in his forearm as they vaulted over a fallen log.

They hadn't been riding for an hour when loud puffing of horses could be heard. His brothers. Arin wanted to explode in anger. Avan was having a good time, too, he was 100% sure.

"Arin!" Syman shouted in panic.

"I know..." he just replied and tried to come up with something.

But whatever he could think of, it wouldn't work. Splitting it up wouldn't make sense, nor would a spontaneous change of direction. The others were outnumbered.

Arin was quite sure. No matter where they rode, they would run into one of the brothers.

Elain didn't seem impressed by any of this. Arin didn't believe her facade, though. Suddenly the horse noises became quieter. That couldn't bode well. Arin stopped abruptly. Something must be waiting for them ahead of them. Arin knew that.

"My lord?" Confused, Elain stiffened.

Syman pulled up beside him. "What is this? We just shook them off."

"How well do you know Avan?" Arin could actually feel it. It was a trap.

"Well... I think I know you all quite well."

"Then think."

It couldn't be true that only Arin smelled the bait. The boy had been his squire for two years, damn it! Apparently Syman suddenly remembered that too and became more serious.

"He's going all out..."

Arin laughed hard. "That's pure fun for him!"

"What do we do now?"

Elain broke the sudden silence and turned slightly to Arin. Again it was her troubled eyes that made Arin pressurize. He forced a smile onto his face.

"Are you afraid for me?"

"But I would never do anything to my little brother."

A deep voice suddenly tore Arin's nerves. avan.

Arin wasn't the least bit surprised. He had already suspected something like that. Avan's expression was blank, his back straight and his shoulders as broad as ever.

"Brother." Arin grumbled.

Avan examined Arin closely, then smiled irritably. "So you let yourself be searched for two years and then break out of prison as well. How stupid do you think I am? Did you think I didn't know that Eric will help you again? Did you think I would let you go? Simply that way?"

Of course he didn't think so. Arin wasn't stupid either. He would never underestimate anyone.

"I'll half kill you if I have to. So save yourself a tantrum."

Arin wasn't angry. He was frustrated. He didn't want to go back. "Don't take me there. I beg you."

"Save your words. Your wife can come with you. I discovered your hiding place a long time ago and had your things fetched."

That didn't surprise Arin either.

It annoyed Arin that he got goosebumps at Avan's pitch. Being bossed around like a little kid in front of his wife... He felt like a seven-year-old kid again, like he did when his father died.

Avan gestured elegantly in a direction.

"You know where to go."

It was interesting to see how Arin's attitude had changed. I only knew Arin as a notorious knight, a proud man, and his squire's big cousin.

But now Arin was the little brother. Who even asked for something. And yet he still looked masculine.

"I will not go voluntarily, brother."

Arin stated and, probably automatically, wrapped his arm around my waist. Avan's eyes turned dark and angry.

At first he seemed relaxed, almost exuberant and attractive. But suddenly he scared me. He looked like he could crack Arin in the skull with just one punch. Instinctively, I grabbed onto Arin's forearm.

Avan dismounted from his horse. He reminded me of a wild cat just before it shredded its prey. Avan looked up at Arin, who apparently hadn't expected this reaction.

"Get off."

I was reluctant to let go of Arin. He introduced himself to Avan. He seemed as young as he actually was. A twenty-four year old man. Not like a black knight. Avan eyed him silently, an aggressive gleam in his eyes. Arin tried to keep his expression blank.

"Say it. Say it again, I think I misheard."

"I will not go with you voluntarily, brother."

It happened so fast that I couldn't really realize it. But Avan had beaten Arin.

I was only sure because the smack continued to reverberate in the forest. Arin swallowed, but stood immovable in front of Avan. He clenched a fist and punched Arin in the stomach. Arin's moans sounded like all the air had left his lungs. Syman reacted faster than I could even think.

He jumped off his horse and ran to Arin. He placed himself between Avan and Arin. But before Syman could say anything, Arin grabbed his sleeve and pulled it back. I felt so stupid. What happened here!? How should I help him!? I was so shocked...

With Syman out of the way, Avan continued to pound Arin with his fists. Finally, Arin fell to his knees, gasping and spitting up blood.

"And now?" Avan's voice wasn't even exhausted, but hopeful.

Arin gasped and shook his head. "I can not..."

Avan seemed frustrated. "You stupid bastard! Get on your horse and do as you're told!"

Arin shook his head again. Syman turned away, and when I looked back at the brothers, all I saw was Avan punching Arin in the ribs.

Arin cried out so loud and in pain that it brought tears to my eyes. Slowly it had to be over again! I got off Pocket and headed to Arin. Syman stopped me in time.

Avan pulled Arin's head up and immediately knocked him down with his fist. Blood spurted from his nose and mouth and his body seemed so collapsed. Like a whipped dog, he knelt before Avan, who spat and hauled Arin to his feet.

When Arin saw me, he grimaced in pain and looked down. That look nearly killed me. Avan threw Arin at Pocket, who staggered before he could hold Arin down.

"You're the same idiot as before!"

Arin sniffled to stop the bleeding, which of course didn't help.

"I can't let this happen to me without a word..."

"He's dead, Arin! Who are you still running from!?"

Arin was exhausted and about to fall when Syman ran to him and pressed against Arin's back. If Avan hadn't grabbed Arin by the collar, he would have crushed the skinny boy under him.

"Get on your horse, Arin. Who will speak to us at the castle."

Arin grimaced in pain again. I was afraid his stubborn pride still wouldn't have had enough and would speak again, but he pulled himself onto Pocket without protest but panting.

As Avan went to his horse, he stopped by me. My gaze had to reflect my angry horror. But he didn't say a word. He looked at me for a long time. As if he were judging me. Then he left me, mounted and rode slowly back into the forest.

Syman sighed wearily and looked down. Arin just sat there. Flayed and probably humiliated. I couldn't get his look out of my head. I was sorry, but I didn't know where to go to spare him this moment...

"Elain, I'll mount Arin so I can support him. Could you ride my horse? I trained him well."

"I..."

...was disappointed. I wanted to support my husband, but I'm sure Arin would prefer to see Syman. It made me so sad that he didn't say a word.

"I'll try it."

He nodded and led me to his horse where he worked on the saddle and reins.

"Unfortunately it has to be quick. Avan won't give us much time to catch up."

"Where will we meet them?"

"First at the castle. They're faster than us."

"Why don't you wait for us?" Not that I wanted to see Avan again...

"Avan has made his point, he knows Arin is coming. That's the way it is... So he doesn't have to wait for us."

Something else confused me. "If Avan can handle Arin alone, then why all nine brothers?"

"They've been looking for him for two years. No one knew if he would fight back or how he would react otherwise. Arin is a little different..."

"Then why on earth did he let himself be treated like that?"

Syman helped me mount and adjusted the stirrups for me.

"Because it's Avan."

"Now I'm confused."

"Avan and Eric. That's the way it is."

With that he went to Pocket and sat silently in front of Arin. Still, Arin took the reins and steered Pocket, so he was fine up to that point.

----

LICK THE WOUNDS

When Avan reached his brothers, he left Taran to his horse and washed his hands in the river where their camp was situated. He had to think of Arin again, whose blood he was rubbing off his ankles. Why did Arin have to take it this far again? Why couldn't he forget his stubbornness for a moment and listen to his brother? Why the hell did Arin only ever do what he was supposed to do when Avan almost had to break his bones?

He was still pissed when he thought about Arin just trying to sneak away. And that after two years.

Taran dropped down beside him. He was the only one who never shyed away from Avan, that's why he had always been so easy with him.

"Say it already..." Avan murmured.

"You must have hurt him." Threw it to Taran and scowled.

Laughing, Avan nudged Taran into changing his cheeky look.

"You underestimate him."

"But not you..." Taran saw the blood in the river and closed his eyes with a sigh.

"I'm not arguing with you, Taran."

"I didn't want that either. I just want to know if he's coming..."

"Naturally."

Taran spat. "How do you know that? After you've done that, he'll run away in defiance, again!"

Avan didn't like Taran's tone. He looked sternly at Taran, who grinned uncertainly and stared into the river.

"I know because I raised Kora, you and Arin. I know you better than you know yourselves."

Taran didn't believe him. "He's been away for two years, Avan...how well can you know someone?"

"Arin's never been just headless. He knows I have something in mind when I say or do something. When I tell him to come, he comes. He always has."

Now Taran smiled happily, knowing Avan was right. Avan understood. When Arin fled, Taran's heart broke. He was the loneliest person on earth. Then, when the rumors about Arin started circulating, they were all shocked.

"He must hate you... For not having a choice."

Avan didn't care. why? Something had to be clarified. Arin just had to grow up.

"Wo ist Eric?"

They all knew that very well. He pouted with the wineskin because his plan had failed. When Taran read Avan's gaze, he laughed again.

"I want to bet with you, Avan!"

"Sometimes you're like a child, Taran..."

Even though he sounded stern, Avan was amused at how relaxed Taran was. Besides, he was curious.

"Your sword against my purse. If Arin doesn't come after all, you get him."

Everyone knew that Taran never carried any money. If so, just enough for food. He was simply way too greedy. Avan's sword was way too valuable for those few coins.

"Okay, then against my most expensive ring."

"Taran, you will lose."

"Not this time!"

That's how he was. He knew he couldn't defeat Avan with his fists, so he kept trying a bet. In twenty-five years he hadn't won once. But he needed it again and again. So Avan agreed.

We didn't stop until the next evening and set up camp. A small river was nearby. Arin lit the fire. After that he didn't move from there. Syman brought him water in a bowl but otherwise did not speak to him.

Even if I was unsure, I sat down with my husband. He didn't look up or speak. I didn't see my knight any differently than before.

I dipped my clean handkerchief, Ulrike had given it to me, in the cold river water and carefully dabbed the blood away on his lip. Arin kept his eyes down.

"Are you in pain, Arin?"

He just mumbled softly.

It was also a stupid question. But what else should I say!? I washed the cloth in the bowl and wiped his nose. The dry blood wouldn't go away that easily.

"Maybe you should bathe in the river, Arin."

Again he said nothing. When I got to his jaw, he jerked back silently. Hesitantly, he held his face out to me again. But it didn't help, the blood couldn't be washed off.

When I didn't continue, Arin lifted his eyelids and met my gaze.

"Why are you stopping?" His voice was hoarse and you could hear how dry his mouth was.

"It's no use. I'll only hurt you if I keep going. You should take a bath."

He immediately looked away again, but grabbed my hands and pulled me to his chest. I felt him twitch in pain, but he still held me tight.

He grabbed my chin and pulled me to his lips. Surprised, I didn't resist and allowed it. A hand pressed me against him, he pulled me onto his lap. I knelt beside his thighs and was just a tiny bit taller than him.

His hand slid from my back to my hips and down my leg. He went under my dress up my thigh and stopped at my bottom.

He whispered against my lips, "I can't wait, Elain. Whatever. I don'twant to wait any longer..."

I couldn't contradict that. Even if I was surprised by his outburst of emotion, I didn't mind at the moment. Not out of pity, but because his sudden desire stirred something in me. I felt daring and beautiful.

Arin seemed to sense what I was thinking. In any case, he didn't wait any longer. He grabbed his waistband, pulled my skirt up and grabbed my hips with both hands.

I was nervous and a little scared. But my desire was far greater than that. I stroked his thick, full black hair and already felt its tip at my warmest point. Which he massaged with his skillful fingers.

He suckled on my neck as he slowly lowered me onto him. It was exhilarating. It burned and felt unfamiliar, but it was far too beautiful not to enjoy.

"God in heaven..." Arin growled, biting my shoulder lightly.

His hands traveled up my waist and held to my chest. He pulled my neckline down so far that my shoulders and breasts were exposed.

"You look so beautiful..."

Arin had a much deeper voice, much darker eyes and such a fierce demeanor. My husband was simply attractive. Any way I looked at him... his strong chest and firm arms directing my hips without much effort.

After Arin possessed my breasts, I lost track of time. Let alone my brain function. I moved instinctively. Arin groaned and sighed. It drove me crazy how he reacted to the simplest movements. Until we were both so worn out that we both could only let go...