HIGH WATCH

The fighting atop Highcliff was over . The heroes had won a great victory by surprising the Tarnakian Army in their own slave encampment. The prize for victory was more than to win a plot of land for humanity; to ambush the Tarnakian savages at their own camp had liberated the slaves as well.

Ki-la (KEE-LAH), the youngest Princess of the House of Vandar, should have been proud. Her kingdom had arranged the successful raid. The Tarnakian slugs had scattered beneath the efforts of Vandar's greatest champion, Eber0n. However, even Eberon could not emerge from such a battle unscathed.

The Tarnakian demons hadn't scattered without bloodshed on both sides. Many great soldiers from Vandar and neighboring kingdoms had suffered needless injuries. There were few fatalities to humanity; it did not erase the reality bold men and women living with injuries.

Ancar, the Sailor, arrived with The Fairwind, Vandar's best transport vessel for their injured. He solemnly helped load the weathered body of Eberon, the Strong. In that moment, Vandar's mightiest hero almost looked like any other poor soldier whom had been ambushed from behind. King Laus stood aboard The Fairwind and quietly watched as his own warriors were loaded to return to port. Danel, the Eldest Princess and Eberon's childhood companion, had access to healing magic and would, naturally, travel with The Fairwind in hopes of beginning the repairs on some of the worst bruised heroes before injuries should become fatal. Ki-la, the youngest, was to secure the borders at Highcliff and tend to the ex-slaves over the protection of a place to sleep and a hot meal.

Ki-la could not bring herself to turn to her duties. Her staff was forgotten as she looked out over the waters beyond the cliff's edge. Danel sensed them being watched as her younger sister gazed sorrowfully upon them from the cliff face. The older princess shot a smug glare at Ki-la and made an elaborate show of caressing Eberon's hand as her attitude shifted to concern. Neither King Laus and Ancar had noticed as The Fairwind began a slow, peaceful sail off into the horizon. Ki-la had, naturally, noticed the intended vibes and couldn't blame her sister...

Ki-la had been young and foolishly in lust over the older warrior. Who in the kingdom had seen Eberon's physique and WASN'T lost to thoughts of impurity in women or blind idol worship in men?

She should have recognized Eberon's character from the moment that, dead in the middle of a relationship with a Princess his own age and his lifelong companion, he had turned to the younger sibling in the request of an affair. He should have revealed the true character of Eberon, the Strong, then and there and Ki-la should have turned her affections elsewhere.

She saw nothing but his physique and she couldn't turn off her desires. It had generated a rift in the royal household (though, how swiftly had Danel forgiven Eberon over the true offense?) The drama of a rift in the kingdom was a distraction from a warrior's duty. Where was Eberon now due to a distraction just before an important raid? Furthermore, didn't the great hero deserve no less for his true revelation of character...?

"Princess Ki-la."

A voice chose this moment to still remember Ki-la by a royal title. She turned to face the speaker and an Elvish woman dropped down from the trees. She was Birdsei, the Archer, and Ki-la's oldest friend.

"Friend Birdsei." Ki-la replied.

"Your mind, eyesight, and royal lineage are needed here in leadership over this nurturing haven for the former captives." Birdsei chided her. "My eyesight is better for watching The Fairwind's voyage anyway."

Ki-la couldn't help herself and, for a moment, she and Birdsei both faced the water. It was pointless now anyway; Birdsei was right and the The Fairwind was little more than a tiny shadow on the horizon to Ki-la.

"Right." she answered. "Maintain your treetop position to watch for an ambush. There are more enemies than just The Tarnakian savages in our realm."

"Of course, Princess." Birdsei answered; then, in understanding: "I shall watch and alert you for The Fairwind's return as well."

"I thank you." Ki-la answered. "You are now and always were a true friend."

Birdsei struck a curtsy and bounded to where a hand athletically caught a branch to hoist her up. Ki-la then turned her attention to a nearby campfire where the newly freed citizens were being catered to by the remaining troops and their families. Meanwhile, Birdsei was hanging upside down from a limb if only to show off that she could.

"I know that Danel forgave Eberon for his misdeeds," the archer declared, "but are you so certain that you want to see him well again?"

For who Eberon revealed himself to be, there was only one appropriate answer. However, his heroic escapades were just too important to the free people. Besides...

"I...do." Ki-la murmured. "I...wish to see him well again and as a continued presence around the palace."

Ki-la then walked over to the campfire to oversee her current responsibilities. Today, she had to care for her people. Danel was in the better place to mend Eberon's wounds. Eventually, the two princesses could mend their relationship. Maybe even the day could come when Eberon would re-earn Ki-la's trust and respect...