which still existed today because of him, and in the refreshing cool breeze that whispered across her face as they approached his village.
Truly, his god was with him.
And still nothing could have prepared Willow for the large hamlet named after the county when she entered it a short time later. It was an oasis at the edge of a barren wasteland. Small, thatched roof cottages were shaded beneath trees! They were young, with leaves as green as spring unleashed and skinny brown trunks promising shelter in the years to come, for creatures otherwise left to burn under the merciless sun. Cobblestone paths and small, private gardens burst forth with color, decorating each cottage. A slight breeze brought the scent of something sweet, but unfamiliar to her lungs and all around her, Willow heard the twinkling of metal wind chimes that hung from every door front and every tree, like leaves playing a melody for the breeze that brought relief.
She loved it here instantly.
The sound of children laughing was music on the wind. They called Caleb’s name, and when he dismounted, they gathered round him like moths to a brilliant light.
Willow watched him from her place atop his mount and the world around her slowed to catch and savor every nuance of her warrior angel’s face, the beautiful way he moved, bending to lift a little girl with golden curls into his arms. He smiled at the child and Willow held her breath, for his eyes softened in an explosion of color, of life, of fierce love. His lips spread into a wide grin that fulfilled every longing, every wish Willow could ever dream. He was life in the midst of desolation. He was tall and strong, a savage warrior against all he thought was wrong. And yet, his powerful fingers moved delicately over the sweet face of innocence.
“Did you bring the apples, Caleb?” the child inquired with wide blue eyes.
“Yes I did, Selena.” His voice was gentle while she smoothed her tiny hand over his golden streaks with familiar ease. As repayment for her affection, Caleb kissed her small nose. He carried her to the cart and laughed softly at her delight when he sat her at the edge with her short legs dangling over the side. The other children followed him. Willow smiled when he juggled some apples in the air before handing them out. He was happy and Willow finally understood his soothing, serene nature. Nothing upset him because this place… these people… were all he cared about.
Gathering in the delightful sight of Shondravar, Willow spotted Jonas handing out potatoes and cucumbers, onions and cabbage to people who wore smiles as wide as his own. Their faces were smudged with dirt and dust. The clothes they wore were nothing more than rags sewn together by careful, caring fingers. But they celebrated and laughed and the men of the hamlet patted Jonas’ back with heartfelt thanks as their food was offered freely to them.
Willow was sure that everyone had left his or her cottage to greet the Warriors home, for the hamlet was alive with people, and every face was filled with love and admiration for the man who dedicated his life to saving them. But when Caleb’s eyes found Willow among the throng, it was as if she was the only person there. He set Selena’s feet on the ground. His gait was strong and slow, like his smile when he went to Willow. Silently, he raised his arms and lifted her out of the saddle. When she stood before him, he reached behind his back and produced a perfect white lily and offered it to her as if it was the only possession he owned. She stared at it for a long time before she took it from his hand and held it to her nose where she closed her eyes, inhaling its sweet perfume. When she opened her eyes again, Caleb was watching her.
“Thank you,” she whispered, and her vision blurred with tears because she understood how precious the blossom was to him—and he had given it to her.
He dragged his gaze over her face like a slow, agonizingly tender caress and laid his hand over hers. “Every princess needs to have something priceless.”
Standing this close, he consumed every one of her senses; she could hear him breathing, smell the earthy scent that clung to his clothes. She moved in to breathe him in more deeply. She tilted her head to gaze up at his face.