A Ranger shall ever comport himself with the utmost moral rectitude. He shall permit not his actions, his person, nor the venerable Rangers to be sullied or disparaged, for he stands as the very personification of the Senate and the Republic. A Ranger shall ne’er permit himself nor his deeds to tarnish the honor of any soul, save in the earnest pursuit of his sacred duty. Should a Ranger find himself unable to uphold this solemn charge, he must employ all measures within his grasp to restore the honor of the Rangers. – Tenet of Honor, Creed of the Ranger
RIN
“Good night, Illana,” Rin said, “I’ll try to come see you before morning patrol. If not, I’ll come here afterwards.” He took a step off the dais, but Illana held his arm tight.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Illana asked, a warning tone in her voice.
“To the embassy,” Rin answered. He felt Illana’s anger through their connection.
“Why would you be going to the embassy?” Illana asked with a cool tone that belied the fire in her eyes and through their connection.
“Regulations require me to stay at the non-commissioned officers’ quarters in the barracks,” Rin said, keeping his own voice calm. Selene and Sasha were suddenly between the two of them. Selene looked over Rin’s shoulder at Morelli, who was waiting patiently as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening.
“Ranger Morelli, would you be so kind as to inform your superiors that Rin will report to them in the morning? Also, would you please come and retrieve him in the morning?”
“Now, wait just a damn minute Selene-” Rin started.
“Of course, Hero Onale,” Morelli said. “Sergeant, I’ll see you in the morning.” Morelli saluted, did a smart turn on his heel, and strode out of the room in perfect martial fashion.
“Illana, why don’t you retire for the night?” Sasha asked, keeping her eyes fixed on Rin. “Don’t worry. He’ll be up in a bit. Selene and I need to talk with him.”
“Thank you, Lady Sonya,” Illana said. Crystal Guardsmen escorted her out of the throne room. Rin felt a warmth flow through their connection when she looked over her shoulder and smiled at him as she walked out the doors. Once the heavy doors shut, Rin spun on the two women.
“You not only undercut my authority with my subordinate, but you completely disregarded my duty to the Republic!”
“Rin, calm down,” Selene said, but Sasha put her hand on Selene’s arm.
“You’re right on the first point,” Sasha said, “Selene should not have asked Ranger Morelli to leave. We should have let you handle that.”
“You’re also assuming that I can stay here. Rangers are required to stay at the embassy.”
“Rin, you were already being very loose with that, and we all know it,” Sasha said. “Otherwise, you would have come to Lisandra first. As every other ranger is required to do.”
“There were exigencies of the hunt,” Rin said.
“Of course,” Selene said, with that knowing tone. Rin narrowed his eyes. He hated when she used that tone.
“Rin, we’re not trying to dismiss your devotion to what you see as your duty,” Sasha said.
“Stop. You’re both doing that thing where you play off each other so that I can’t argue,” Rin said. The two women looked at each other for a long moment. Then, they laughed. Rin just looked at the pair as they laughed.
“You’re right,” Selene said. “We were. Which isn’t fair to you. So, let’s make this simple. The two of you need each other. You know it. She knows it. We know it.”
“That doesn’t change what is required of me,” Rin said.
“Yes, you have a duty to your republic, but I’m sure the ambassador will understand,” Sasha said. Rin felt his frustration
“Why are you both fighting me so hard on this?” Rin asked.
“Look at all of us. Of our little band, none of us who survived our adventure have had particularly good lives after we brought Illana home. None of the happiness we expected. Your reunion with the princess is the one bright point in this mess. Reminds us of better times.”
“I still don’t think it’s a good idea for me to sleep near her,” Rin said.
“Like when you slept next to her for the two months when we travelled back to Lisandra?” Sasha asked.
“Because that’s all we did! We just slept next to each other! We never went any farther!” Rin shot back before he could stop himself.
“Of course, you didn’t,” Selene said. “If we thought you were going to, we would have sat on the two of you to keep you apart.” She traded a look with Sasha. “Not that I think we could have even if we tried. The princess was very determined, if I remember correctly. The point is that we knew we could trust you then. Just like we know we can trust the two of you now.” Rin looked down at the floor, not wanting either of the women to see his eyes.
“Are you sure?” Rin asked. “I’m not the innocent boy I was back then. I didn’t know what I was missing.” Two sets of eyes narrowed.
“You—” Selene looked scandalized.
“What did you expect? I was sure I’d never step foot on this continent again. What exactly would I have been saving myself for?”
“Illana is not some whore you bedded back in the Republic,” Sasha replied, “You know that. I can see it in your eyes every time you look at her. Can you honestly tell me that you would do anything to hurt her?”
“Go to Illana,” Selene said, walking over and embracing Rin in a crushing hug. “We’ll see you in the morning.” Selene walked out of the throne room. Rin looked over at Sasha.
“Stop stalling and go upstairs,” Sasha said, “You both need your rest. I have a feeling this will be the best night’s sleep either of you have had for a decade.”
Rin decided to stop fighting and let himself be pushed up the stairs to the Imperial Quarters. He walked into Illana’s room. Illana was already in bed, so he held her hand until she fell asleep – much as he did the first night after their return to Lisandra. Then, he kissed the top of her head, threw some blankets on the floor, and went to sleep. When Rin woke up, he felt like he just had the first truly good sleep in longer than he could remember. Sasha was right. Damn it.
“Rin, stop moving,” Illana said, drowsily. She snuggled up tighter against him. She was so warm. He’d forgotten how warm she was in the morning.
“Illana, what are you doing down here?” Rin asked.
“I’m trying to sleep. Quit talking and go back to sleep. The maids will be in here soon enough to wake me.” Rin’s protests died as Illana nuzzled his chest. He enjoyed the moment’s peace. Sweet Protector, he forgot how much he missed waking up next to Illana. He stroked her pale golden hair.
“You’re not sleeping, are you?” Illana murmured. There was an odd mix of amusement and annoyance in their connection.
“No,” Rin answered. She looked up at him, and he fought down familiar urges. She was so beautiful in the first light of morning. So many things he forgot over the last ten years.
“I suppose I should be flattered,” Illana said with a mischievous smile as she moved in closer. “Am I that desirous now?” Rin felt his cheeks heat. She leaned even closer and whispered into his ear. “That’s what you get for making me blush in front of Selene and Robar yesterday.”
“Wicked girl,” Rin said. She gave a mock pout. Rin chuckled and bent down to kiss her. She pulled away and crinkled her face.
“What?” Rin asked.
“You didn’t have this the last time I woke up next to you,” Illana said, rubbing the morning stubble on his face. Rin was amazed at how comforting the touch felt.
“It’s itchy.” Illana gave him an imperious look. “You will tend to that as soon as we are roused by the staff.” They both chuckled and kissed again.
“Yes, your highness. As you command, your highness,” Rin said. They both grinned at the old joke. Satisfied, Illana tilted her head up. Rin was more than happy to oblige. Before their lips could touch, the doors to Illana’s room slammed open. Rin gripped the butt of his revolver, but just barely kept him from bringing it up. Sasha stormed into the room, her green dress swirling with motion. Sasha fixed the pair with a stern glare that brought back the memory of the first time Illana snuck into his bedroll.
“What under the Light’s shadow are the two of you doing?” Sasha almost screamed the question.
“Um, I can explain,” Rin said, feeling a different heat rising in his cheeks. Sasha strode over to the two of them and took a deep breath. Then, her anger melted into amusement, and she burst out into laughter.
“Never mind,” Sasha said before either could answer. “Rin, laid down here after watching Illana fall asleep, and Illana climbed under the blankets at some point in the night.”
“Something like that,” Rin answered.
“Would you two do us a favor and just sleep in the bed?” Sasha asked. “It will give the maids less to imagine. One of them told me you were in the middle of wild lovemaking when she came to wake you. I should have known better.”
“I thought you trusted me,” Rin said. “Or at least, that’s what you implied last night.”
“You, I trust, but I wasn’t so sure about you,” Sasha said, pointing at Illana.
“How can you say that?” Illana asked. Sasha looked down at the blankets on the floor and then back at the princess. Illana blushed. Sasha walked over and loomed over the pair.
“Rin, your things are in the consort’s room across the suite. Would you go get cleaned up? I need to have a talk with the princess.” Rin looked down at Illana, who nodded her agreement. As soon as Rin walked out of Illana’s bedchamber, he felt much of the peace leave him to be replaced by the familiar pain. It was as if a shadow blotted out most of the sun suddenly returned after a brief respite. With more effort than normal, Rin pushed down the emotions swirling in his mind.
Damn, what is that woman doing to me? Rin thought as he walked across to the consort’s room. It was smaller, but no less opulent than Illana’s bedroom. His saddlebags sat on a sofa. Much to his dismay, someone emptied them. Damn it, there were things in those bags that shouldn’t be handled by inexperienced people. Five uniforms and other clothes were in the armoire. That was strange. He only kept two uniforms in his bags. Rin ran his fingers over the uniforms. Two were the standard cotton and wool but laundered and patched better than any of the cleaning establishments he used back in the Republic. The other three were soft elven silk. When had the Palace’s seamstresses had time to tailor these? Rin searched through the rest of the room. Most of his other things were placed into drawers of the writing desk. On the top of the writing desk was a silver plate holding a folded note with “Sergeant Rinaldo Acciaio” in Republican script on the outside. The wax seal bore the star sigil of the Rangers.
Sergeant, the note began in stiff, angular letters, Corporal Morelli reported you were asked to stay at the Crystal Palace while you were in Lisandra. Consider this written authorization for you to use lodgings outside of the barracks for the term of your detachment. Further, consider this your written orders that Corporal Giancolo Morelli is assigned to you as your junior, also for the duration of your detachment. As was requested by the regent, Corporal Morelli will fetch you for the morning patrol briefing. Please be prepared to detail your hunt, the quarry, as well as the role that the rangers may be called upon to play in the upcoming hostilities between the Crystal Palace and the Purists. The note was signed by Major Agnelli. Folded up with the note were copies of Rin’s detachment orders from Fort Killian in the Badlands to the Republican Embassy, as well as the standing patrol orders for Jeweled Empire patrol circuit. Rin glanced over them but didn’t see anything unusual. Most of it boiled down to following regulations and try not to kill anyone who didn’t need killing. As Rin refolded the letter, there was a soft knock on the door. Before he could even turn to open the door, a pair of elven women walked in carrying a crystal basin and a pitcher of steaming water. As they placed the items on the dry sink in the far corner, a tall, thin man in the formal livery of the Crystal Palace walked into the room.
“Hero Acciaio, I am Steward Liat,” the man said, with a stiff half-bow. “Lady Sonya requested me to be your personal steward while you are in the Crystal Palace. If you need anything, please let me know.” Liat’s perfectly neutral face split into a grin that didn’t seem natural.
“Thank you?” Rin said, his voice turning the words into a question. Rin wasn’t sure how to handle the steward. Personal servants were forbidden among the rangers, even for those from wealthy or Senate families.
“I would normally recommend a bath, Hero Acciaio, but a Ranger Morelli is in the palace reception hall who says he is here to retrieve you,” Liat said, “If you would care to freshen up and shave, the morning meal will be served shortly.”
“Morelli’s here already?” Rin asked, looking in the drawers. He found his shaving kit and rushed over to the basin.
“Yes, Hero Acciaio,” Liat answered with the neutral formality of an exasperated servant. Rin remembered that tone well enough from his last time in Lisandra.
“Damn it. Don’t bother with the meal then,” Rin said, “I’ll grab some trail bread or something on the way over to the embassy.”
“Her highness expects you to join her for the morning meal,” Liat said, with the barest hint of reproval, as if Rin should have known. Rin grunted as he nicked himself with the razor.
“Do what you have to do, then,” Rin said, frustration filling his voice. He took a deep breath and turned to Liat, who was waiting patiently by the door.
“Thank you, Liat.” The elf did that formal half-bow again, smartly turned, and walked out the door with almost military precision. Rin finished shaving, did a quick wash, and pulled out a uniform. Just by chance, Rin grabbed one of the new uniforms. It matched the requirements, but the cut was slightly different, and the elven silk was softer than the cotton and wool.
Rin threw as much as he could into his saddlebags. He didn’t know how long Morelli had been waiting, and he didn’t dare be late for morning patrol. Rangers were not late for morning patrol. Of all the creature comforts in the room, why couldn’t the damn elves make sure there was a damned clock? He slung the saddlebags over his shoulder and picked up his rifle as he walked out of the chamber. Illana was waiting as he walked out of the consort’s quarters. Her eyes went wide as he stepped into the sitting room. A brilliant smile spread across her face. Rin paused as he watched her. Protector, Illana was radiant. She walked over and ran her hands over his shaven cheeks and tunic.
“Now I understand what Lady Sonya meant about men in uniform,” Illana said. “The seamstresses did a very good job. I think you look good enough for me to let you out in public without embarrassment.” Illana went on her tiptoes and chastely kissed Rin on the cheek.
“Speaking of which, I’m needed at the embassy,” Rin said. He kissed her on her forehead. “I hope to be back before supper, but we’ve got a busy day.”
“You’re going now?” Illana asked, with annoyance and something else filling their connection. A hint of fear?
“If you want the Republic’s help defend your city, then I need to go now,” Rin said, hoping to avoid an argument.
“Couldn’t you at least stay for the morning meal?” Illana asked, her hands on her hips and a pout on her face. Rin couldn’t help himself from smiling at how pretty she looked in that pose. Illana’s pout turned into a scowl, so Rin grabbed Illana up in his arms and kissed her again.
“It’s part of my job, Illana. They give orders, and I follow them,” Rin said, before leaning in closer. “They also don’t take excuses like ‘I was late because I stayed to have the morning meal with my beloved.’ Even if she is the Crystal Blood.” Illana went still in his arms, and he felt the heat in her cheeks.
“Illana, I wouldn’t go if I didn’t have to,” Rin said.
“I know. I don’t like the feeling I get when you’re away from me. I feel myself slipping back to who I was. That’s not what I want to be,” Illana said, hugging him again. She let him go reluctantly. “Please take care out there. You need to come back to me.”
“I will,” Rin said. He kissed the top of her head and walked out of the Imperial Quarters. Sasha joined him in the hallway. They were near the heavy metal doors when Sasha stepped in front of him.
“The princess is right. That uniform does look good on you,” Sasha said. She flecked off some invisible dust from his epaulet. “By the way, you handled that perfectly.”
“Can I ask you a question?” Rin asked.
“You can ask me anything, Rin. You know that,” Sasha answered.
“Illana seemed so comfortable around me when we woke up, but then she acted almost embarrassed at any hint beyond propriety when we were out in the sitting room. Why?” Rin asked.
“That’s probably my fault,” Sasha answered, contritely, “In noble circles, it is considered unseemly to be seen being too intimate in public. The princess is still working on how she needs to be with you in public. Believe me, she is not purposefully trying to confuse you or trap you.”
“So, should I be more formal with her in public?” Rin asked.
“No. Doing that was part of the reason Marteen and I ended up having so much trouble,” Sasha answered. “He is always so true to himself and his emotions. Having to act completely different in public and private was not something he could handle. You’ve been keeping it reasonable. Keep doing that. It’s good for her.”
“You know, when you stormed into the room, it reminded me of that first morning all of you found Illana and me together,” Rin said. Sasha let out a gale of laughter.
“Goddess, I thought Selene and Kurt were going to murder you,” Sasha said.
“None of you believed me when I told you that I didn’t invite her into my bedroll. If Illana hadn’t said anything, I don’t know what would’ve happened,” Rin said, and Sasha laughed harder.
“‘What is all this fuss about? I was cold and he was warm.’ I thought Selene was going to faint when the princess said that,” Sasha said. She reigned in her humor as they entered corridors with servants walking around.
“In all seriousness, Rin, keep doing what you’re doing,” Sasha said. “Just don’t flaunt your relationship outside of the group.” Sasha gave him a quick peck on the cheek before rushing down another corridor. Rin stared at her in confusion.
“What is it with women and contradictory advice?” Rin asked.
“I blame mothers. They always say contradictory things,” Morelli said, startling Rin.
Protector, Morelli moves like a ghost. Rin pretended as if nothing out of the unusual happened. It wouldn’t do for a subordinate to know he just scared his superior.
“I wouldn’t know. My mother died before she could start doing that to me,” Rin said, flatly. Morelli blushed in embarrassment. He contritely handed Rin a panini as an apology. Rin ate in silence as the two walked out of the Crystal Palace.
“So, did you have a peaceful night, Sergeant?” Morelli asked as the two of them mounted their horses. There was a slightly lecherous tone in the question.
“Don’t go there, Corporal,” Rin answered, with a warning tone.
“Come on, Sarge. There must be a great story there,” Morelli said. “Not only are you a Hero of the Empire, but-” Morelli stopped talking at the dangerous look on Rin’s face. The corporal looked around and gave a knowing smile.
“If you like stories so much, then maybe you can tell me how the Knifehand became your informant,” Rin said as the two rode towards the Republican Embassy. “You look like you just finished your qualifier patrol, and you somehow got the highest ranked criminal of Lisandra as an informant. How did you manage that?”
“Not much of a story there,” Morelli said, shrugging his shoulders. “I just let him seduce me.” Rin’s head whipped around in surprise.
“You’re-?” Rin couldn’t complete the question.
“A man-lover? Yep. Is that a problem?” Morelli asked. There was challenge in the corporal’s voice. Rin recognized it. He used that same tone many times against elves. The revelation set him back on his heels.
“I’ve just never known one,” Rin said.
“You probably have and not known. It’s not like most of us advertise it,” Morelli said. “You know how most people react to people like me.” Rin nodded. The Church of the Protector preached the individual’s duties to those around them, particularly of husband and wife to each other and to the family. Homosexuals, in the church’s teachings, disrupted those duties, particularly the familial duties so central to the Mareian worldview. The Republican branch of the Church advocated gentle separation instead of the condoned murder practiced in the Kingdom and the Southlands.
“Why be so upfront with me about it?” Rin asked. Morelli took a deep breath as if he was steeling himself.
“Because I’m your partner now. You need to be able to trust me. I’ve found it’s better to get it out of the way in case you couldn’t handle it and needed to ask the major for someone else,” Morelli answered. “Plus, if the princess is going to trust the Knifehand because you told her so, you need to know why I trust him.” Morelli was quiet for a moment, looking like he was deciding something.
“Also, I felt like I could trust you,” Morelli said, “You know what it’s like being around people who hate you just because of what you are.” The two of them were quiet for almost half a kilometer. Rin thought hard on what Morelli just told him.
“Is it going to be a problem, Sergeant?” Morelli asked, breaking the silence. There was the barest hint of fear in his voice. Rin thought for a few moments longer.
“I’ll be honest with you, Corporal,” Rin said, “It makes me uneasy, but that’s my problem, not yours. You’re right. I grew up as the only human in a village of dwarves. Even after I left the village, I was always the only human surrounded by elves and maybe a dwarf or two. Having everyone around me uncomfortable because of what I am is something I’m far too familiar with.” Rin halted his horse and looked over at Morelli.
“I will do my best to treat you like any other ranger, and we’ll see how it goes from there. If I’m acting like an ass, just bring it to my attention. Respectfully. I am your senior after all.” Morelli just nodded, but Rin could see the man’s relief in his eyes.
“So, I’m assuming that this means you don’t want to hear about my prowess in the bedchamber?” Morelli asked, with his normal confidence. “I am truly a heartbreaker of great renown.”
“I’m willing to bet that if I shot you right now, the major wouldn’t take official notice,” Rin said.
“For some reason, all of my partners say exactly the same thing,” Morelli said as the pair saluted the gate guard and trotted their horses into the embassy’s grounds.
Chapter Eighteen
