Chapter Nineteen ~ Priorities

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"Not all those who wander are lost."
~J.R.R. Tolkien

The first thing that confronted him when he arrived back at the Oak Clan was the news that Elroy had been there.

"He was looking for you," Cedric informed Duke. "He said to give you a message because he wasn't planning to be back. He said something about going to stay with a friend."

"That means Charles attacked his clan," Duke said sharply. "I need to go up there and see the damage."

"Perhaps that wouldn't be a good idea. He said something about Charles knowing that he was associated with the Wilsons. I also wouldn't be surprised if Charles knows you live here."

"Aye? How would he know that?"

Cedric raised his eyebrows. "You knew Elroy wasn't trustworthy."

"Ah... I suppose," Duke admitted. "But surely he didn't tell Charles anything about me."

"Well, I wonder if he did. How else would've he gotten away? The Hollands don't usually leave loose ends behind. I'm not sure he would've been able to escape."

"Ah," Duke replied, biting the inside of his cheek. He had to be careful because of Dani. He had to make sure she was safe, especially if Charles Holland had malicious intents. 

"Elroy didn't say anything about the Wilsons, though, did he?"

"No, so perhaps Charles doesn't know. Are you planning to stay here now that the Night Assassins are taken care of?" Cedric asked.

Duke immediately thought of Sophie. "Ah," he replied, biting his cheek harder. There really wasn't any reason to go back to the Fire Clan if Sophie was going to behave like she had. He was a little bit insulted and hurt that she thought so little of him.

"Alright."

"Or... perhaps I ought to take Dani to the Fire Clan," Duke speculated, suddenly changing his mind. Regardless of whether Sophie was nice or not, he had to make sure his sister was as safe as possible. "Just in case." Deep down he did want to go back and see Sophie. Perhaps he'd done something wrong. Perhaps if he spoke to her again, she'd come around.

"Well, it's up to you. She'd probably be safer there," Cedric replied. "Are you going to stay here?"

"Probably not if I take Dani there. I don't want to leave her alone, especially with them. Would that be alright with you?"

"Of course."

Duke nervously tapped his fingers on his thigh. "Right... then maybe I'll do that." He had to make sure Dani was safe. He really didn't have another choice.

"Well, I wish you luck. I suppose you'll be around here some," Cedric replied.

"Ah... I hope to be. I wasn't planning on having anything more to do with the Fire Clan." Even as the words came out, he stopped tapping his fingers and clenched his hands behind his back. He had wanted to be with Sophie, and the more time he spent with her, the more enamored he became. She was so mysterious, but in a soft, enticing way that he couldn't quite explain. Meeting her had been one good thing about the alliance between them and the Fire Clan. He already missed her—the little things like the way she absentmindedly twirled her hair around her fingers and the way she smiled at the ground when he complimented her. And the little dimple on her cheek—it was the most adorable thing he'd ever seen. He was certain she didn't realize how beautiful she was, but he was too afraid to say anything because she'd probably do the little thing with her lips and look away as if she was displeased—really, he couldn't tell when she was displeased. He just got the feeling that she was sometimes. Trying to guess what she was thinking was invigorating.

"Duke?" Cedric asked, and he looked up quickly, realizing that he'd gotten more lost in his thoughts than he'd intended.

Cedric raised his eyebrows but said nothing, though Duke was fairly certain his face was burning.

"Uh, I'll... I'll take her now, I guess. But if Charles does know, the whole clan could be in danger."

Cedric sighed and rubbed a hand over his jaw. "Well, I will say that the Fire Clan seems trustworthy. Perhaps they will help us. They've taken care of Jacob. At least, he hasn't been a problem since the duel." His eyebrow twitched as he finished the sentence, and Duke could feel his face beginning to flush once more. The duel had been a sight to see—a blur of flashy steel and golden hair.

"Right, well I'll try to be back and forth," Duke hastily informed him. "I just don't feel right leaving Dani all alone."

"Of course. Your sister must be your first priority," Cedric agreed. "All the same, I do expect to hear from you occasionally."

"Yessir. We will be back as soon as this blows over. Perhaps Charles really won't be a threat."

"Perhaps not," Cedric agreed. "Time will tell, but messing with the Hollands is never a good idea. You are better off playing it safe."

Duke dipped his head and turned to the doorway, not interested in thinking of the Hollands. They hadn't been a problem for him yet, and he wouldn't have been that worried if it wasn't for Dani.

As he stepped outside, he saw her with Will. It was easy to see that they'd been out in the woods because Will was carrying a brace of rabbits with one hand—his other held Dani's. Duke crossed his arms over his chest, watching them.

Will said something, and Dani leaned against him, giggling. A strand of hair fell into her face, and Will let go of her hand and brushed it back with his thumb. Then, to Duke's utter surprise and annoyance, he leaned in and kissed her.

Duke didn't move until Dani put her arms around Will's neck. "Aye!" he called out in a loud voice, and the two quickly pulled away from each other.

Will ducked his head. "Duke! I, uh... Gooday."

"It was," Duke answered peevishly, though it really hadn't been. Before he could say anything more, Dani had run to him.

"Duke! Duke, I was growing worried!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him. "The Fire Clan sent a messenger saying the duel was over, and you didn't come back. What took you so long?" Her words, muffled by his chest, came out in a rush, and she squeezed him tightly when she was finished.

He patted her back, glaring at Will over her head. "I came as soon..." he began, but stopped as he remembered why he hadn't come back directly after the duel. He supposed it wasn't fair to be this displeased with Will when he'd done far worse.

"I'm sorry," Will mouthed, looking ashamed. He took a step forward and continued in a low voice, "I didn't think you'd mind if I... kissed her. It was only that, I swear."

Dani pulled away from Duke and looked at Will, her face scrunching up. "Don't mind Duke. He's always been overprotective." She giggled and reached for Duke's hand. "But it's Stormi that needs looking out for. I'm happy with just one man." She stopped and looked at the ground, and Will grew beet red.

"I see," Duke said slowly and with some amusement. "Is there something you want to ask me, Will?" He grinned, though irritation still prickled his skin. 

"Duke, stop!" Dani chided. "I... I didn't mean that." She looked up from the ground just long enough to glance at Will before her gaze descended once more.

Will shifted from one foot to the other and put his hands in his pockets.

"Well, I assume your intention is to marry her," Duke went on, ignoring his friend's flaming face. "You are kissing her in public."

"Duke!" Dani said again, and she gripped his hand tighter. "Please stop."

"Sorry," he apologized, though he really wasn't. He knew that the conversation shouldn't happen in front of Dani but at the moment, he didn't care. He had a headache, and Sophie was driving him mad. Besides, Dani and Will had only known each other several weeks. He wanted to ask Will what else he'd been doing, but he refrained, knowing that Dani would be furious with him. Instead, he turned his attention to his twin sister. 

"Dani, remember when you said you wished to go to the Fire Clan?"

"Ah," she replied, only then tearing her eyes from the dirt and looking at him.

"Well, I'll take you now." Duke threw a glance toward Will, who was kicking a hole in the forest floor with his boot.

"Now? Why?"

"Come, I'll explain while I saddle a horse for you."

"Alright." She trailed after him as he went to the stables, standing with her arms crossed as he began to saddle a horse. "Why now, Duke? Aren't you planning on staying here?"

"Well, something's come up. Besides, you had wanted to go with me. Now is your chance."

"Is it a woman?"

Though he wasn't facing her, Duke could hear the sly note that had entered her voice. "Of course not, Dani. That wouldn't be a good reason for me to take you there."

"Well, tell me what it is then or I'm just going to assume it's a woman. Is she pretty, Duke?"

"Stop it. I am taking you there because it will be safer. If you must know, there are certain clans in the wood that wish to cause trouble. I just want to make sure nothing happens to you," he said as he cinched the saddle of the black mare he'd chosen for her.

"Well," Dani began in a determined voice, "just so you know, I'm not staying there. I want to visit and see why you are so happy to spend time there, but then I'm coming right back. I like it here."

"You'll stay there until it's safe for you to come back," Duke retorted, still rather miffed about Will and Dani's progression to handholding and kissing.

"No," Dani said stubbornly. "I don't think it's that dangerous. Besides, you left me all alone here before when I begged you to stay, so don't pretend you are frightened for me now. Like you said, Will is capable of protecting me."

Duke whirled around. "You've hardly known him three weeks."

"If you hadn't trusted him, you wouldn't have left me here alone. Don't pretend you are upset," Dani shot back, though her eyes had grown wide and pleading. "Duke, please don't embarrass him. I-I... well, I like him."

"Get on," Duke ordered, leading the horse to her. He was glad now that Father had insisted his daughters take riding lessons.

Dani's lips pressed into a tight line. "I need to bring something to wear if you are going to force me to stay there." 

"I'll wait." 

Dani spun around on her heel and exited the stables, leaving Duke to sigh in frustration. He'd left her alone at the Oak Clan, and now he was getting what he deserved. She was happy here, and he was glad she'd adjusted, but until he knew exactly what Charles was up to, he wasn't going to allow her to stay. He had enough to worry about. 

She reappeared from one of the wooden cottages in several moments, her belongings in a small bag made of deerskin. "Ready," she informed him, though she pursed her lips into a disapproving bow as soon as the word was out of her mouth. She mounted the horse, refusing to look down at him.

"Alright, I'm sorry," Duke resigned, patting her leg. "I'm sorry. I'll bring you back to Will as soon as I can. He's a good man. I'm happy if you are. Just don't do anything foolish, right?"

"As if I would," Dani replied snottily, tossing her head. "I know better."

Duke grabbed the leather bridle of the mare and led it from the stables. Father would be happy that Dani had found a good man in the forest, but he would probably be displeased if he knew what his son had been up to. Duke wouldn't allow it to happen again—not that Sophie would let him anywhere near her. He supposed now that he thought about it, he deserved her cold shoulder.

All the same, he didn't think he wanted anyone else. He'd try to apologize again.

The long ride was enjoyable despite the wet forest. A drizzle had begun, but Dani's companionship kept Duke's mind off the weather. Besides, it was probably one of the last times it would rain before winter. One may as well enjoy the precipitation before it turned to snow. 

They didn't reach the Fire Clan until late in the afternoon. When they rode into camp, Dani kept her horse as close to Duke as she could. She was holding her chin up, but he could tell that she was uncomfortable. 

"It's alright," he assured her. "They aren't that much different than what you've grown used to."

Darius came riding into camp from the opposite direction. When he saw Duke, he grinned widely, hopping from his horse and passing the reins to another clan member. He came jogging over, still smiling. "Well, well. You just can't stay away, can you?"

"Uh, something came up," Duke explained. "Elroy."

"Oh?" Darius asked, and Duke shook his head, not wishing to discuss anything in front of his sister.

Darius caught the hint and turned to Dani. "And who is this lovely lady?" His tone was playful, and Dani smiled coyly.

"This is my sister, Dani." Duke replied, keeping his voice stern. He gave Darius a hard look.

"I see." Darius blatantly ignored the warning stare and offered Dani his hand. She took it, dismounting gracefully.

Duke clenched his jaw but said nothing more. Darius wouldn't dare to do anything foolish, and if he did, Duke would simply knock him senseless. He wasn't going to have someone touching his sister without his consent. "Sophie said it was alright if Dani stayed here," he informed Darius. "I think it'd be safer for now, if it's still alright."

"Of course," Darius replied. "I'm sure Sophie had a room prepared." He turned his back to them, looking toward the stone building. "She's around here somewhere. Perhaps inside."

"Right. I'll check," Duke responded, putting a hand on Dani's elbow. "Let's go."

Dani went with him willingly, casting a curious glance over her shoulder at Darius. "Who is Sophie?"

"The Clan Protector."

"What's a Protector?" Dani asked. "I've never heard of one."

"Uh, the person that protects the clan."

"A woman?" Dani's voice rose in surprise. "I thought that—"

"Women can fight too, Dani."

"Yes, but... not as well."

Duke looked down to see her chewing thoughtfully on her lip. "This one can," he replied.

"Oh?" Dani stopped worrying her lip and grinned in realization. "So, is this woman the reason you spend so much time here?"

"Dani, stop it."

She grinned mischievously but said nothing more, though perhaps only because they met Sophie coming down the hallway just then. 

Duke's heart began to pound. She was walking with Ghost, her officer. Her hair was still down, and it fell over one shoulder. Even in the dim light of the corridor, it managed to mesmerize him.

 She'd been saying something to Ghost, but she looked up and raised an eyebrow at the sight of them. "Duke," she greeted coolly. "We didn't expect to see you back so soon."

We. She'd said we. Duke wasn't sure why, but the word choice bothered him. "Ah... I brought Dani. It seems Charles may cause trouble."

"I see," Sophie replied, not asking for further explanation. "Well, there's a room for her in here. I'll show you to it."

"In here?" Dani echoed, and Duke looked at her in surprise. Her voice was a little bit high, as if she was unsure of herself, but she was staring at Sophie.

"Ah," said Sophie in a clipped tone. "We've extra rooms in here. Duke, are you staying too?"

Dani gripped his arm with cold fingers, looking up at him pleadingly. 

He smiled down at her. "Of course. If she is, then I am too."

"Alright. Well, you know where your room is," Sophie responded, turning and going back the way she'd come.

Ghost dipped his head and brushed past them, headed outdoors.

"Is that her?" Dani whispered, leaning close to Duke.

"Ah. Please stop."

"She's pretty."

"Dani, stop," he hissed in annoyance, afraid that Sophie would hear. She was already upset with him. He had no idea what would and wouldn't upset her further, but he was fairly certain that hearing him whisper about how fetching she was would not please her.

The room was small without anything covering the stone walls. There was small cot, a washbasin, and a hearth though—more than enough for comfort. Dani smiled politely and dipped her head to Sophie, murmuring a thank you under her breath.

Sophie merely nodded and left the two of them alone. 

Dani turned to Duke as soon as Sophie's rigid shoulders went through the doorway and out of sight. "I don't like it here," she stated flatly. "I want to go home."

Home. It was good to hear her refer to the Oak Clan that way.

"Dani, I promise that I'll take you back as soon as I can. It's just that there are troubles up north, and I really don't want to have to worry about you. You'll be much safer here."

"Fine," she replied, her jaw tightening. "Whatever you think."

"Please, Dani. Don't be unhappy with me," he coaxed. "Come, how about we find something to eat? You must be hungry."

"Fine," she repeated, following him out the door. "But please, Duke. Don't leave me here alone." She was looking around in a frightened manner, and Duke frowned, feeling guilty about forcing her to come.

"Look, it's only for a little. Like I said, this is about your safety. I'm sure you'll get used to it like you did the Oak Clan."

"Right." Dani trailed after him as he went to the main room. She sat in a chair when he pulled one out for her, but she kept her gaze on the tabletop, clearly unhappy with him. 

Duke pinched his lips together. It was going to be a long day, but at least he would be able to spend it here. Tomorrow though, he'd try to find Elroy. And he knew exactly where to look. 

Rodger would be his first stop. 


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