to put him to other duties.” With that, the lieutenant left.
Will stood alone, while the occasional soldier walked by and gave him an amused look. “Goddamn it,” he swore. Once again, he heard Sven’s voice in his head, “Never volunteer.” He promised himself he would never disregard the old man’s advice again. He hoped he wouldn’t have to wait for long.
An hour passed, and he began to wish they had taken off his armor before chaining him up. He was getting tired, but he couldn’t sit down to rest. He tried bending his legs and letting his wrists take his weight, but the iron shackles cut into his wrists.
The afternoon passed slowly, and at some point, he realized he was still wearing the ring. He hadn’t been armed, so the guards had only divested him of his belt knife. He admired their integrity in not taking such an obviously valuable ring. Maybe there is still some good in this world, he told himself.
A horn blew, announcing that mess had begun, and Will’s well-trained stomach rumbled in response. He looked at his belly. “You’re a better soldier than I am.” He supposed he should be grateful he hadn’t needed to pee. He’d been standing in the sun so long that the sweat soaking into his gambeson had dehydrated him and saved him from the need.
Supper ended, and soldiers went by, returning to their tents, but Will didn’t bother to watch. He kept his head down, trying not to think of the meal he had missed. A shadow fell across him, and when he looked up Tiny and Dave were standing there.
“You look like shit,” said Dave cheerfully, but Tiny held up a waterskin, offering it to him to drink.
After several long swallows, Will asked, “Are you going to get in trouble for giving me water?”
Tiny shook his head. “I don’t think so. There’s no rule saying you can’t have water.”
“Then why hasn’t anyone else given me water?” said Will.
Dave grinned. “Probably because they don’t give a damn. Makes you think though, doesn’t it?”
“About what?”
“That maybe you shouldn’t have deserted, asshole,” said the ex-thief.
“I didn’t desert,” protested Will. “I had orders. Sele—Isabel said she would fix it.”
Tiny shook his head again, this time sadly. Then he fixed Will with sorrowful eyes. “I warned you, Will.” He patted his chest. “This is gonna get you in trouble every time.”
“It’s true! Where is she?”
Dave chuckled. “I feel for you. I really do. She hasn’t been seen since you left.” He stepped forward to pat Will’s back comfortingly. “Which means you, my friend, are well and truly fucked.”
“You might be better off not mentioning her,” suggested Tiny. “She seemed important. If she ran off with you and you’re back without her, it might be better to just take the whip for being a deserter.”
They gave him some more water, but eventually they had to leave. Dave waved as they left. “Good luck, Will. I’ll toast you with my first drink every holiday.”
Will wanted to swear, but he didn’t bother. Instead he did what he did best. Stand by his post. He chuckled ruefully. Apparently, I’m here because I didn’t stay at my post. Now I don’t have a choice.
A short while later, another familiar voice called his name. “Will?”
It was Eric. “Evening,” said Will with forced cheer. “How’d you know I was here?”
“Some of the guys from Company B passed me the message. Did you really desert?”
“I vehemently deny that accusation.”
“Then tell me what happened.”
So he did, giving Eric an abbreviated version that left out most of the interesting details regarding Selene and his dealings with the fae. He made sure to include everything about Annabelle Withy, though he left out what had happened to Tracy Tanner. When he finished, Eric looked at him in disbelief.
“It sounds like they should be giving you a medal, not chaining you up. Is that all the truth?” asked Eric.
“I’d swear it on my life.”
“Have you told them?” He nodded in the direction of the command tent.
“I haven’t had a chance. They staked me here as soon as I got back.”
There was a noise from behind, and Eric started to back away. “I think they’re coming for you. Good luck. Try to think of a more believable story. They’re never going to buy the one you told me.” Then he was gone.
“It was the truth!” Will shouted after his cousin. Why won’t anyone believe me? Twisting his head, he saw four more guards approaching.
Chapter 64
Will was on his knees