Wild Child

 

Chapter 4

 

It was Sage who spoke first. “You look like a true resident of the Empire. Cye cleaned you up nicely.”

 

“I just needed a bath; not a complete makeover.” He responded stubbornly. That slightly obnoxious comment helped to keep away his blush.

 

Sage just smiled in response, and then said, “I noticed you were looking at my study with interest.”

 

“Well, I like to read and study but where I come from this vast amount of books wasn’t available to me. I had only what my father could get from the Empire.”

 

“You mean what he ‘stole’ from the Empire.”

 

Rowen narrowed his gaze. “He stole nothing. Everything I had was his books and scrolls. Anything from the Empire was either discarded or given to him, so it wasn’t stolen.”

 

“I see.” Sage turned away and walked over to the center table, taking a seat in the high back chair. “Join me at the table. You’re going to be my servant so we should get to know one another.”

 

He would have given the blonde a snappy comment but reminded himself that he was trying to win Sage’s favor. Silently, he walked over to the table and sat opposite from the young blonde. The whole situation started to feel a bit awkward but he wouldn’t let it show. Sage wasn’t speaking but was rather neatly clearing the spot on the table in front of him. Rowen wondered if he should start the conversation or wait for Sage to speak. The answer came when his eyes focused on a strangely designed broad sword up against the far wall near the bookshelves. “Is that sword yours?”

 

“Sword?” Sage looked in Rowen’s direction and nodded. “I forgot to put it back, but yes, that is my sword. Do you like swords? I can’t imagine your clan actually having a great need for them?”

 

“Actually, we do use swords sometimes but they don’t look like that. I don’t care for swords; I prefer a bow and arrow. I’m the top archer in my clan for my age.”

 

“What a coincidence. I’m the top swordsman in my class for this county.”

 

Rowen raised a blue brow at Sage’s claim, picturing a map of the Empire he had studied long ago. All of the counties were fairly big, even bigger than his clan territory. It was a strong claim but Rowen found he couldn’t doubt Sage’s words. “Hey, if you don’t mind me asking; you’re a nobleman, so why do you care to know battle weapons? Isn’t that what Ryo is for? To do all that hard work for you?”

 

“Yes, that is why we have Ryo here; but I was never one to lay back and be idle when I’m perfectly capable of doing something. I’m no different from Ryo; I can wield a sword, engage in a fight, and defend myself if needed. However,” he said with a sigh “I have a very traditional Empire-style family and I need to follow those strict codes. Most of the time.”

 

“I see.”

 

“So are you a warrior like your friend? What’s his name again?”

 

“Kento. And yes, I am a warrior, and a very good one!” He said in a ‘matter-of-fact’ tone. “I just choose not to run around and bang heads with the others boys as if we’re nothing but big raging buffalo.”

 

The corner of Sage’s lip lifted in a small smile. “Our fighting games are like that. A bunch of overly broad shouldered men knocking each other around for sport.”

 

“Kento will be in heaven, then. He likes to fight.”

 

“Oh, that reminds me; Cye said that you and Kento are ‘intended’.” Rowen saw the curiousness behind those violet eyes. “Just how does that work?”

 

Rowen rolled his eyes and gave the blonde a look of pure annoyance. “Really? I have to explain this again? I just told Cye, but whatever. We’re just courting right now and nothing has come of it. I rather it be him than the other guys back home. But it hasn’t gone any further from simple courting gifts of furs and victorious hunts.”

 

Sage tapped his bottom lip. “Your people court one another by killing things?”

 

“Yeah, what’s wrong with that?” Rowen knew it was a stupid tradition, but it was still HIS CLAN’S tradition nonetheless. He wasn’t about to let Sage openly mock it.

 

“I guess nothing, really.” He shrugged his shoulders. “I guess it makes sense since your people do not live the same as we do. Here we court with gifts of jewels, gold, clothing, food, LIVE animals, weapons,-“

 

“Frankly, I rather have a stag’s head that Kento killed presented to me than some stupid gold piece of jewelry.” Kento had actually presented him with a stag’s head during the second courting of gifts. It was between his friend and one other warrior male attempting to court as well. Rowen couldn’t remember the other’s name, only that he was scrawny compared to Kento and had offered a white hare. Kento offered a stag’s head with an enormous rack of antlers (which Rowen later had fixed up and used the antlers as a place to hang his headbands) and he accepted the kill.

 

“Now you’re just being stubborn. I’m not mocking you, Rowen, nor am I making fun of you. I’m just asking about your clan members and their ways of life. We hardly know anything about the clans people, since all of them have been wiped out; save for yours.”

 

“Yeah, and we plan to keep it that way!” Now he was getting angry. ‘Don’t forget why you are here, Rowen!’ “I wish this Empire would just leave my people alone. They’re not bothering anyone.”

 

Sage responded with a nod. “I am well aware of that. However, our population here is growing and we need to expand.” He laced his fingers together and looked at Rowen with a serious stare. “I know why you’re here; why you had Cye ask for me to buy you.” When there was no response from Rowen, Sage continued. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but one of our messengers had visited your head Chief about the building; the same one you are concerned about. We have just received the document yesterday.” He stood up from his chair and walked over to a locked cabinet, opened it, and took out a small scroll. Sage noticed the curious look of doubt written on Rowen’s face as he handed the blue haired man the parchment. “Read its contents.”

 

Rowen looked at the parchment scroll, seeing the Chief’s trademark Finch feather tied neatly under a string of twine. He feared he already knew what its contents held, but still he wanted to read it. Calmly, he untied the twine and unrolled the document to read what it said; and he was right. Now he knew why the Chief remained silent when he and Kento spoke of the expansion. Someone from the Empire had already asked about it, and received written permission to continue on with the building. So everything he went through in the last few days has been all for naught. Now he was just a slave with no actual purpose. In a still daze, Rowen rolled up the document and handed it over to Sage without a word.

 

“It’s not your fault. We did just receive this.” Sage tried to reason with him. “We’re not going to expand any further in the direction of your clan, Rowen. We just need that little bit of space, and that’s all.”

 

“I want to go back home.” He changed the subject quickly, but would not look at Sage. “How do I free myself?”

 

Sage returned to his seat and responded in an even voice, “You’re a servant, not a slave.”

 

“I’m still not free, though.” He finally lifted his blue eyes to meet purple. “I don’t want to stay here and change your bed sheets or bring you dinner!”

 

“Well, there’s nothing I can do about that now. I bought you from the market and that makes you mine. I did not purchase you for the sheer thrill of buying another human being; I did it for my own reasons.”

 

Rowen gave him a suspicious look; realizing just how hard Sage was to read. He couldn’t tell if the man was joking or if he was actually serious. “And, may I ask what those reasons are?”

 

“Are you sure you wish to hear them?”

 

Blue eyes widened but his brows furrowed dangerously. “If it’s what I think it is then I swear I’ll- “

 

Sage gave a heavy sigh. “Between you and Cye, both of you shared the same thoughts about me.” He closed his eyes and rested his cheek on his fist. “Rowen, do you really WANT to go back to that way of life? From everything Cye has told me I truly think you are wasted in that clan and can amount to more here in the Empire.”

 

“That’s not for you to decide.” Rowen answered bitterly.

 

“But it’s the truth.” He opened his eyes to look at Rowen. “A wise man would want to stay in the Empire and use his dual knowledge of both worlds to make things better; wouldn’t you agree?”

 

Rowen did agree, and mentally slapped himself for not thinking of the same thing. It seemed that whenever he was around Sage he grew stupid. “I do agree with you, but last time I checked a simple servant doesn’t have a say in any political meetings or debates.” He threaded his fingers together and matched Sage’s cool demeanour. “I’d be better off back in my clan since that’s the case. At least there I am free.”

 

“Really?” Sage lifted a blonde brow. “Surely you see how much freedom Cye has and he is my friend and faithful servant. You’re here right now because of him. I took his description of you into consideration because I have trust in his judgment. So what’s to say I wouldn’t take your views into consideration and present them, if I deem them worthy, to a council or war meeting?”

 

Rowen clicked his tongue. “According to Cye’s words you do not have any real authority yet so anything I say to you will be ignored by the people who matter.”

 

“That was rather insulting.” Sage replied calmly, but there was a hit of annoyance in his voice. “I am next in line to inherit my family’s house and lands. As part of my training I am always present at the meetings and debates. I am allowed to have my say in my father’s absence.”

 

“Yet it has to go through your uncle first. You’re underage, right?” Sage gave a curt nod. “So I can’t help you help me. Does that make sense?”

 

“It does.” Sage stood up once again and walked around the table to stand beside Rowen. “Although society saw it as dishonorable, I thoroughly respected the way you stood up to me and the rest of the nobles watching today in the market square. The way you defended yourself and your friend is what this world needs more of. However, you aren’t the most graceful or courtesy person. We’d have to work on that.”

 

Rowen looked up at him. “What are you trying to say, Lord Sage? That you liked my defiant nature?”

 

“More so that I could use your cunning and stubborn nature to help me in the future. When I inherit all of this I will need my own council…and seeing how you defended your friend tells me a lot about who you are. The Empire has been facing some trouble in the last five years.” He crossed his arms. “The Empire is thinking of splitting into two separate cities and if you know much about us as you claim than you should know what I am referring to.”

 

Rowen tapped his fingers on the table. “You’re speaking of the split between the north and south borders of the Empire. Between you, the Empire, and the Dynasty, who is fighting for their own reign and jurisdiction.”

 

Sage moved over to the other side of the room to lift his broadsword from its current resting spot. “Little is known to your clan and the rest of the residents in the Empire that are not of nobility. The Dynasty is growing quickly and they are using fear to get the people to follow them.” Sage held the sword out in front of him. “If we don’t stop them soon they will completely take over the Empire and we’ll have lost everything. The Dynasty way of governing and living is malicious and I for one will not be a part of it.”

 

Rowen was intrigued by everything Sage was telling him and it would appear the young lord was looking for more people like him. It was almost as if Sage was silently asking him to join his crusade to end the reign of the Dynasty. But he couldn’t help himself from saying what he did next. “Maybe now your nobility will know what it feels like to have a stronger nation take over another by violence, war, and brute force.” Rowen stood up and walked towards Sage, resting his hand on the blunt part of the sword to lower it.

 

“You speak of the other clans whom have been demolished and obliterated by the Empire’s powerful army. But when did I ever say that I agreed with such a tactic? Do you make that accusation at me?” Sage’s lips were in a thin, straight line as he awaited Rowen’s answer.

 

“Don’t be stupid. I never said YOU; I said ‘nobility’. However, that day in the tent your attitude rather implied a lot.” The honest answer was that he just could not read Sage’s face or expressions. He was learning of a whole other man that was different from the one in the tent when he spoke.

 

“Then learn to read people’s expressions for while you are living here, there is a great chance you will discover that people speak with two tongues. And finding trustworthy friends is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.” He put the sword back in its spot.

 

Cye’s words from the bathing room echoed in his head, about how Sage will need many trusted friends in the days to come. The only friend he ever had was Kento, and he knew Ryo and Cye were friends with Sage. Since their meeting in the tent Rowen had been blaming Sage for the structure being built, but now he knew the truth and his anger was slowly melting away. He was more enraged by the Chief than anything else right now. Going back to his clan now would only cause trouble because he wouldn’t be able to keep quiet about what he knew. However, taking Sage up on the offer of living here in the Empire where he had a chance to help make changes would prove more useful in the long run for his clan. If the Chief gave in this easily to a little building structure than what’s to stop him from completely surrendering when the Empire chooses to push on further? Perhaps Sage’s promise about not expanding further into their territory was true; but Sage did not speak for all of the noblemen involve in the building. Treaties were made to be broken. Both of them, his clan and Empire, had a common enemy; and that was the rising of The Dynasty. If the Empire didn’t destroy the last of the clans, than The Dynasty surely will. He would have to join with Sage if he wanted his clan to survive.

 

“Alright, I’ll take you up on the offer. I will remain here in the Empire and help you out when it comes to defeating the Dynasty. However,” he put his finger up “I’m not as nice or as sweet as Cye is, so don’t expect me to be a full-out servant. I will help in other ways, such as becoming your personal assistant and helping to manage your work load.” He saw the narrowed gaze from Sage’s eye so he explained himself further. “Let me do all the secretarial work; dictation, book-keeping, scroll managing, all that good stuff.” He flashed Sage a charming grin.

 

Sage rests his back against the bookshelf and contemplated Rowen’s rather bold request for a position of power. He was hoping that Rowen would be like Cye, but the blue-haired forest dweller was turning out to be more like Sage himself. Not only was the young man physically unique and attractive but he was intelligent, cunning, and determined as well. Rowen was stubborn, that much was clear, but Sage could be equally as stubborn if not more. He would have to trust in Cye’s judgment about this young man; and Rowen was by far the most excitement he has had in a long while. Sage didn’t feel as comfortable around Rowen as he did Cye, not yet anyway. It always took him awhile to warm up to people and it was something others have always said about him; that he was cold and aloof. Rowen appeared to be same, unlike Ryo and Cye who tended to be overly friendly. Ryo was a little shyer than Cye was when it came to meeting new friends but the swordsman was never unpleasant. But Rowen was different and Sage found that he wanted to get to know the other more rather than just have him for fun. After Rowen had found out about the Chief giving them permission to build, his battling spirit seemed to wither. It took away the fierce fighting spirit that Sage wanted to tame; however, there was still a hidden mystery about the blue-haired individual and that excited him more.

 

“Hm, I’ll have to think on that for a little while but I will consider it.” He looked towards the window. “It’s a nice evening out. Care to join me on the balcony and we will discuss about your position further?”

 

“Sure, why not?” It wasn’t as if Rowen had anything else to do at the moment and the chance to enjoy the stars would always be an immediate ‘yes’. “But not the balcony because there are too many lights. Let’s go up on the roof instead!”

 

“On the roof?” Sage gave him a quizzical look. “I suppose we could but what’s wrong with too many lights? It is night.”

 

“I like to look at the stars in that night sky above us and your damn Empire has too many lights burning all the time to be able to see them. We still won’t be able to see all of the stars, not like back at my place.”

 

Sage urged Rowen to follow him. “I never gave much thought to the stars.” He took Rowen to the top steps that led to one of the doors to the roof. They were all alone on the top save for the stars above them. “Does this suit your request?”

 

Rowen looked up at the night sky, seeing a decent amount of stars but nowhere near the bright numbers above his home. “Yeah, this will do for now.” He went to the center of the palace rooftop and settled himself down on his back, propping his hands behind his head. “You gonna stand there the whole time or are you gonna sit?”

 

Sage sat next to the other but chose to remain upright. He looked down at Rowen who seemed to be lost in his gaze in the stars. Sage tilted his head to look up at the stars as well. “What do you like about them? The stars, I mean.”

 

“Isn’t it obvious? It’s the endless possibilities they hold! Just look at all of them twinkling above us,” He pointed upwards “haven’t you ever wondered what’s up there?”

 

“The universe, obviously.” Sage said coolly.

 

Rowen gave a snort. “Now who’s the narrow-minded one?” He turned to give his new ‘master’ a smirk. “The stars can tell us a lot. They can be used as a map to help us navigate directions. There’s even pictures in the stars with stories behind them. Oh geez, don’t tell me you’ve never heard any of them?”

 

“Not recently.” Sage responded, looking back up into the night sky. “I was told them when I was little before bed, but it’s not something I dwell on in adulthood. I suppose in the clan your members all gather to hear stories around a fire, right?”

 

“You guys don’t?”

 

“Not in the same way. I never cared much for astrology in the first place. It just seemed so trivial to me, probably because learning it held no purpose in what my future holds. It just seemed like a waste of time, and it wasn’t just astrology. They’re a few others as well.”

 

Rowen turned his gaze back up to the stars. “Yeah, I get what you’re saying. I never cared much for hunting or sparring. I’m an awesome warrior but I just felt there are other ways to prove your worth that’s not a competition about who is stronger.” He chuckled. “That’s why I never had any friends growing up because I was- “

 

“Different.” Sage had said the same word with him and both men looked at each other strangely, and then began to laugh. Rowen’s laugh was loud whereas Sage’s was softer and more polite.

 

“You’re not too bad, blondie.” Rowen rolled over to his side to face Sage. “What’s with the mop of yellow hair over your eye? You blind in that eye? Or is it just a groovy fashion statement?”

 

Sage smirked. “Would you believe me if I said ‘fashion statement’?”

 

“Not at all.” He grinned.

 

“It’s not of much interest.” Sage flipped the curtain of blonde briefly. “I had a minor accident as a child when sparring with a fellow peer. It’s a fainter purple than my exposed one but people took notice of it. So I chose to hide it. If I have to fight I’ll tie it back.”

 

When Sage lifted his hair to expose both eyes to Rowen the other felt a twinge of fright at the intimidating stare of those purple orbs. With a look like that Sage didn’t a need a sword nor did he need to use words; just his gaze could chill you to the bone. Rowen wondered what his full gaze would look like when the blonde was angry. Regardless, they were stunningly beautiful and Rowen found he had to turn his attention back to the stars in fear of Sage catching his blush. “It doesn’t look that much different from your good one.”

 

“In the sunlight it is more noticeable.” Sage replied and dropped the curtain hair back to cover his left eye. “Besides, I’ve been told I have a cold stare.”

 

“Nah.” That was a lie. “I have a cold stare. Well, not cold, really. I can get pissed easily, especially if I’m overly tired.”

 

“Cye says you’re hot-headed too.”

 

Rowen glanced at him. “What? Cye said that? I’m not hot-headed! That’s Kento, not me. I’m quick to anger if something bad is happening, say like, to my friends, but that doesn’t count. Well…’friend’.” Kento was technically his only real friend.

 

“What kind of friend is Kento? Or is he simply your intended.”

 

Rowen folded his arms back behind his head. “Like I said before, he’s the hot-headed one. He’s quick to act and doesn’t always think, which gets him into trouble. That’s part of the reason why I am here, actually.” Rowen crossed his eyes in annoyance for a second at the memory of their capture. “He looks big and tough, and he really is! But he’s a little shy and is a really nice fella. He’d give you the shirt off his back, literally and figuratively. His heart is bigger than his brain, and he’s very protective.”

 

“He should sit down and talk with Ryo sometime; Ryo’s just like that. I’m sure Cye told you about relationships between servants and fighters?” Sage leaned over to gaze down at Rowen. “Is this going to cause a problem?”

 

Rowen’s eyes crossed again, looking up to meet Sage’s calm, porcelain face. “I said we were courting…and that doesn’t mean anything will come of it. I rather us stay best friends, and that’s it. It’s just hard to tell the big lug ‘no’…but I think he knows the real answer.”

 

“Hm.” ‘Good to know.’ Sage sat criss-cross and rests his hands on his knees, slowly closing his eyes. Rowen glanced over at him and noticed what he was doing.

 

“Meditating?”

 

“Yes. I’ve forgotten that I have a big day tomorrow and I have to prepare for it…more mentally than anything.”

 

Rowen sat up. “We can go back in if you’d like?”

 

“No, we’ll stay out here. The night air and breeze is quite relaxing…and I never knew how silent it could be up here.” He took a deep, slow breath. “Feel free to continue your star gazing.”

 

Rowen glanced over at him, and then took the other up on the offer and laid back down. Folding his hands behind his head he lifted his eyes to the heavens, wishing he could see more of the bright twinkling white lights. He even thought about taking Sage up to his favorite spot back home and showing him how beautiful the stars look in complete darkness. How could he already be thinking of sharing his favorite place with someone he had only just met? Rowen closed his eyes and took a deep breath, just as Sage did. Rowen didn’t want to admit it to himself but speaking openly with Sage had helped to change his judgment on the man. It was odd how comfortable he felt laying here beside Sage, a nobleman, who was part of a large Empire threatening the world. HIS world. Yet, that was not the case anymore. By speaking further with Sage and listening to the man’s words he realized that the blonde swordsman was fighting for the greater good of everyone. They shared a common enemy, and that was The Dynasty. Any feelings of malice he felt towards Sage slowly drifted away with the passing breeze. With his mind and body at ease, Rowen drifted off to sleep.

 

///

 

Cye sat in Ryo’s bed, propped up against the pillows patiently waiting for the swordsman’s return. He brought his hand to his mouth and let out a yawn. The bedside candle was burning lower with each passing moment, and so was Cye’s stamina. He had been excited all day to prep Rowen for Sage and now it was his time to relax with his lover. But Ryo was taking an incredibly long time to come to bed, and Cye was beginning to drift off into sleep. Just as he was nodding off, the squeak from the door jerked him awake. Looking over at the door he grinned when Ryo walked in with White Blaze purring beside him. The first thing Ryo did upon entering was to remove his twin blade sword sheaths and belt. Cye softly cleared his throat to get Ryo’s attention.

 

“Oh, hey Cye. Sorry I took so long but I was held up at the barracks.” Ryo took off his gloves and rubbed his stiff neck.

 

“Is everything all right?”

 

“Yeah, things are fine. Tomorrow they’re supposed to have a quick fighting display for the nobles coming to visit. I had to help set a few things up. I can’t wait to jump into bed, though. It’s gonna feel great!”

 

Cye watched eagerly as Ryo stripped of his jerkin and pants, leaving only the undershirt on to fall to his knees. White Blaze settled down in front of the dying fire, his usual place on the large carpet for sleep. Ryo slipped under the covers, let out a content sigh, and wiggled into the mattress. He lulled his head about the pillow, indulging in its softness that felt so good against his aching neck. Cye settled down beside him to spoon his lithe body against the other, nuzzling his nose into the black hair. He felt Ryo’s arm wrap around his waist to hold him close. “Not tonight, Cye. I really want to sleep.”

 

“But Ryo, we hardly ever get time alone like this!” Cye teased the other’s bottom lip with his finger. “Just a little bit?”

 

Ryo closed his eyes. “I would do it, Cye, but I’m just too worn out from the day. A lot has happened since I’ve woken up, and now I just want sleep. But I’m glad you’re here with me.” He leaned his head over to kiss Cye’s forehead. “Just being together like this is more than enough.”

 

“Yes, I suppose you’re right.” ‘Phooey!’ He said the last word to himself. He started tracing little circles on Ryo’s smooth chest, the only sound being that of White Blaze’s soft purring. “Ryo? Do you think we made a good choice in bringing Rowen here?”

 

“I don’t know. I’m not good at things like this, Cye. I mean, from what Kento told me about Rowen I think the guy will lighten up the daily life here.” He turned to smile at the other. “I think he and Sage will be good for each other. Rowen can hopefully bring out the fun part of Sage and in turn, Sage can gain a new friend.”

 

Cye let his eyes wander as he pondered Rowen and Sage’s relationship. “I like him. Rowen, I mean. While I was sitting here waiting for you I was thinking about him, and I realized that I felt something for him. And Kento too.” Cye giggled at the concerned look that crossed Ryo’s features. “No, no, love! That’s not what I meant! I mean I felt that bond again; the same one I felt when I met you and Sage, remember? And later on you both said you had felt the same about me, and about one another. Now we’re friends!” He gave Ryo a nose bump with his own. “Do you feel it too?”

 

Ryo tapped his fingers on Cye’s hipbone, as it was his turn to ponder. “Hmm…well, I really enjoyed talking to Kento and the two of us seem like we could be good buddies. I don’t normally think that about people when I first meet them. I really didn’t have much time to consider Rowen because he was giving me such a hard time, the jerk.” The blue eyes danced with laughter. “But if you felt it, Cye, then I’m sure it’s true and I’ll feel it soon as well. Oh, and Kento told me a lot about Rowen! Apparently he asks that we watch out for Rowen’s well-being and heath.”

 

“What for? Is something wrong with Rowen?” Ryo proceeded to tell him everything about Rowen that Kento had told him, and it was all Cye could do but laugh. “He’ll get along fine with Sage. I can see both of them being annoyed at the other for something, but together they will make a good pair. I want Seiji to find someone that can be all for him.” Cye never used Sage’s ancient heritage name unless he was speaking of matters such as his lord’s happiness. “I think Rowen may be that person.”

 

“Don’t go playing match maker now, Cye.” Ryo said and rolled over so his lover could spoon against his back. “If things are going to happen, then let them happen naturally.”

 

“Yes love, of course.” He stretched his neck to give Ryo a kiss on the cheek. “Rest well, Ryo.”

 

“Good night, Cye.” They snuggled tightly under the covers.

 

///

 

‘Mmm…feels good…where am I?’ Rowen slowly cracked his eyes open as he stirred from sleep, thinking he was still outside on the roof. Beneath him was soft and bouncy, definitely not the stone roof. ‘A bed?’ He slid his hand along the silky surface, felt his face go white, and his blue eyes widened to saucers as his mind confirmed that it was a bed. ‘I sure as hell don’t have a bed like this!’ Holding his breath, Rowen slowly turned his head to the opposite side of the bed where none other than the young lord himself slumbered. Rowen just stared blankly at the sleeping face before him. They were in bed. Together. Sage’s bed; with silk sheets and fluffy pillows. ‘Did we…?’ He felt his body, finding that his clothing was intact and there were no signs of undress. His body wasn’t in the least bit sore, except for his shoulders, but they were always aching. He would have remembered if something had happened between them, since they hadn’t been drinking and he just fell asleep on his own. Rowen knew he could sleep through anything, but sex and groping would be something he’d wake up for. In some slight, small way, he felt disappointed that he was still dressed. That thought made him blush. ‘Sage must have tried waking me and when I didn’t get up he probably put me here. Just great.’ He glanced towards the window, seeing the peeking hues of the early dawn. He was NEVER up this early!

 

But his first instinct was to jump up and run but he feared waking up Sage. Rowen wasn’t sure how he should react to this situation. Sage had been a ‘gentleman’ and didn’t touch him in any way, so at least the young lord had that much respect. Sage didn’t have to put him in this bed…this very soft bed…made of ivory silk. Rowen slipped further beneath the silk sheets so he could rest his cheek flat against the heavenly texture. He smiled in content, nuzzling his cheek into the material as a cat would. This sure beat his bed back at home with all the animal furs and sheep’s wool and whatever else there was packed away in the mattress. But this, this was bliss. He never wanted to leave this bed! Rowen smiled to himself and came back up from under the covers to examine the pillows fully with his cheek next. As he was indulging, Rowen caught sight of Sage’s sleeping face again and was struck with awe at the angelic sight of it. Sage’s skin was an almost porcelain white with delicate features and bone structure. The blonde slept peacefully with soft, silent, and even breaths. (No snoring like Kento, or himself). The yellow hair pressed out against the white of the pillow, which framed his face perfectly. To Rowen, he looked like a sleeping god or some perfectly carved statue. Sage almost looked to perfect to be real. He wondered if that blonde hair was a soft as it looked? His own hair was fairly rough in texture due to his way of living, but what would Sage’s feel like after having an entire life of pampering? With slightly trembling fingers, Rowen reached over to take a strand of blonde hair fanned out against the pillow. He rubbed the hair between his fingers, marveling at the silken texture of it; just like the bed sheets. The shade of yellow was beautiful; and Sage was beautiful as well. Rowen figured his young lord had many ladies fawning all over him and begging for his hand in marriage.

 

‘You clearly like boys, so I wonder how well that’s going to go over when the ladies find out.’ Rowen thought to himself.

 

“You’re awake.” Came Sage’s voice, which made Rowen pulled his hand back as if burned by the blonde hair. “Did you sleep well?” Sage asked, opening his eye to gaze at Rowen, who was now all the way over to the far side of the bed.

 

“I…I uh…yeah, I’m awake!” ‘I guess I am now! Shit, did he see me staring?’ “Did I wake you up?”

 

Sage sat up in the bed, running his fingers through the messy blonde strands. “I had already been awake but was simply resting my eyes. I felt you staring at me the whole time, though.”

 

“I was only staring because I was trying to think about how I ended up here in your bed from the roof!” Rowen knew Sage didn’t believe him.

 

“Well, I tried waking you up but you were dead asleep, so I carried you back.”

 

Rowen sat up as well. “I wasn’t heavy at all?”

 

“Not at all. I carried you on my back and came all the way here.” He gave Rowen a pissed-off look. “With you snoring in my ear the whole way.”

 

That made Rowen laugh. “Sorry about that. But why did you bring me back here? I have a room of my own.”

 

“Perhaps I wanted you here.” Sage said with ease, and he noticed Rowen’s faint blush. “I think you liked it.”

 

Rowen grit his teeth. “I did not!”

 

Sage said nothing more on the issue and rolled out of bed, reaching over to the bedpost hook that held his robe. Slipping it on, he turned back to Rowen. “I need to get ready for the meeting, so you’re free to leave. The servants should be having their breakfast now so you’d best hurry before it’s all gone. Cye should be coming in soon so you’ll have to tag along with someone else for the time being. I will call for you when the meeting begins.”

 

Rowen got out of the bed as well, fixing his tunic and pants before slipping on the shoes. “So have you considered my position then?”

 

“I think I will give you a trial run.” Sage replied, moving to his vanity to take some lotion from a container, rubbing his hands together. “We’ll see how well you do today at this meeting. I advise you to always keep silent, no matter what is said or how much you agree or disagree with it. All I ask is that you sit back with a writing box and write down anything and everything you find interesting, disturbing, or just a topic you think we may need to look into further. However, if someone asks you to speak, I suggest keeping very calm and answer in an even tone.” He placed his fists on his hips. “Some of the nobles coming today like to pester the servants, so best to keep yourself in check at all times. My uncle will be there as well and if he thinks you’ve displeased or dishonored us in any way he may take his cane to your back. I can only do so much.” Sage warned. “Although, if you reject all my warnings and still do as you please, then I will not be held responsible for any actions taken on you by my uncle.”

 

Rowen smirked. “Oh, don’t worry, Lord Sage. I promise not to say much.”

 

///

 

“That meeting was the stupidest crock of bull I’ve ever heard!” Rowen said through clenched teeth to Ryo, who he was walking next to at the very end of the noblemen parade. They were on their way to the Date family fighting arena where the noblemen were eager for some sport.

 

“They’re always like that.” Ryo replied while munching on a slice of bread he’d stolen from the refreshment table. “Want a bite?”

 

Rowen leaned over and took a bite out of the still hot bread. “I’m just so annoyed by these fat-bellied old farts! Did you happen to see my notes?”

 

“Yeah, and you’d better hide most of them.” Ryo couldn’t help but smirk as he remembered Rowen writing down little joke notes on the paper to show him. Little notes such as, ‘Shut the hell up’, when one noblemen kept talking, ‘Look at the nose on him’, to an older nobleman who could barely keep his eyes open, and other simpler notes as, ‘I want to hang myself’, ‘I bet his wife left him’, ‘kiss my ass’, and the most frequent to describe all the noblemen (minus Sage), ‘Jackass’. “You can get into big trouble for that.”

 

“I scribbled all of them out, don’t worry.” Rowen smirked proudly. “If only I could say those things for real.”

 

“Say what for real?” Asked Cye as he walked up to join them.

 

“Mean things Rowen wrote about the noblemen while he was taking notes for Sage.” Ryo replied.

 

Cye wagged his finger in Rowen’s face. “Naughty, naughty, Rowen!” And then, he leaned over to whisper “What kind of things?”

 

“I’ll tell you later.”

 

Rowen was eager to see Kento, although he was not thrilled about HOW he would be seeing him. He was worried for Kento’s welfare inside the ring, but also felt confident in his friend’s fighting ability. Kento could lift rocks twice the size of his head and toss them with ease. Picking up a full grown man and slamming them to the ground would be no issue at all. But there was the initial fear of the unknown; how well trained are these other fighters, what are their skills, and how much stamina do they have? Rowen pondered all these questions as the noblemen filtered in to the private viewing stands overlooking the small arena. Sage and his uncle sat in the center, while Rowen and Cye had to sit or kneel by Sage’s feet. They chose to sit side by side. Ryo stood to the far right with both hands on the hilt of his swords, standing proudly.

 

A pair of trumpets echoed through the air, which signalled the arrival of the fighters. Rowen tried not to look too eager as the fighters came out of a door one by one into the arena. Kento was the last to emerge, and was noticeably bigger than the other fighters in weight and height. Rowen smiled at the sight of him, relieved to see that his friend was well and appeared excited about the brawls ahead. He could hear some of the noblemen talking about the new fighter, which was obviously Kento, and already started placing bets on him. Rowen glanced up at Sage, noticing the violet eye was staring in Kento’s direction but he could not read the blonde’s expression. Was he viewing Kento in interest or seeing him as a threat? ‘Yeah right! As if, Rowen. Stop thinking like a girl!’ He turned back to the arena when the first two fighters were announced. The men engaged in hand-to-hand combat first, trying to push, flip, and wrestle the other to the mud. After one was pinned they moved on to weapons, which consisted of only short swords. When the first two were done and the cheering was over, Kento was called in next with one other. Rowen felt Cye’s long fingers inch over his and lace them together. He figured Cye knew he was worried about Kento and wanted to give some moral support so Rowen kept his hand idle.

 

It had shocked the crowd watching, but it didn’t shock Rowen. Kento gave the guy two punches before the helpless man was on his back in the mud. There was a stunned silence for a moment, which Rowen took the chance to look up at Sage. Sage glanced down at him, his thin lips open in silent awe. Rowen just flashed him a smug smirk of victory. When the loser was pulled away another fighter was called in to wrestle with Kento. This one put up a tougher fight, but he was still no match for Kento’s strength. With a mighty grunt from Kento he flipped the man over his head to slam the body into the mud, earning nothing but cheers and applaud this time around. Rowen rested his back against the thick marble of Sage’s chair leg, crossing his arms and puffing out his chest in pride. What had he been so worried about? Kento could take care of himself; that was, until, Sage’s uncle gave a shout for all of the warriors to fight Kento in a free-for-all. Some of the noblemen hollered in excited delight while a few remained silent. Rowen was in an outrage and Cye’s hands flew up to his mouth in stunned shock. 

 

“That’s not fair!” Rowen hissed through his teeth as he watched the other twelve men encircle Kento, half with weapons and the other half with shields. He felt Sage’s hand squeeze his shoulder, as if silently telling him to be calm.

 

“Come on! I’ll take you all on single-handed!”

 

Kento challenged them without a shred of fear or doubt. He was waiting for one to make the first move, looking this way and that for the possible attacker. But he was unprepared for the lassoed rope that encircled his wrist, tugging with brutal force in an attempt to bring him down. Kento gasped but caught his balance, growling as he pulled at the rope, bringing the one on the other end face first into the mud. Kento wasn’t out of the dark yet and another rope did the same to his other wrist. Someone must have grabbed the first one for he felt both his arms being pulled painfully, threatening to yank them from the joints. Kento grit his teeth and in a desperate attempt to not give in to defeat he forced his limbs to flex against the rope. The two men holding opposite ends found themselves being dragged on their feet through the mud. Yet Kento’s movements were too slow for a third fighter jumped in to join the others. This one had a rope as well but looped it around Kento’s neck from behind, pulling tight to squeeze the breath from the thick throat.

 

“They’re cheating!” Rowen jumped up and shouted from the viewing balcony. “They’re fucking cheating!”

 

“Rowen! Stand down!” Sage shouted.

 

Rowen ignored him, leaping himself over the balcony railing and hopping down the decorative statues like a graceful stag. He saw one of the guards had a bow and arrow so he forced the weapon and quiver from the man. The guard tried to grab for him but Rowen was well out of reach by then. Sage and Cye could be heard shouting his name but he paid them no mind, leaping over the arena wall to join in with the brawl. The mud slowed his run yet he was still able to shove through the circle of warriors and stand in front of Kento’s now fallen body. With immense speed, Rowen threw the quiver over his shoulder, readied an arrow, and aimed it at one of the fighters.

 

“Rowen, I can handle this!” Kento wheezed out, trying to fight against the constricting force of the rope around his neck.

 

“Drop the damn ropes and I won’t shoot!”

 

The other fighters fell silent for a moment, and then began to laugh. One even mocked Rowen, calling him a skinny sissy who should go back to Sage’s bed. Rowen felt his anger flaring up as the fighters started to gather together and continue to laugh at him and Kento. At least the men had let go of the ropes and Kento was able to stand, quickly removing the ropes from his limbs and neck. Rowen still had his arrow locked and ready to fire.

 

“Hey, blue-hair, this is all a game for the noblemen!” Shouted one fighter. “Don’t try and act so noble when you’re nothing but a little servant!” The man aimed his sword, and the others who had the weapon as well did the same. The other half with the shields crouched behind the heavy wood, moving in close to the fighters with the swords. They were using a wall-like technique to appear threatening and act as one solid feature all moving at the same time.

 

Rowen recognized it as a useful tactic when battling high numbers, but there were only two of them. Kento was rubbing his throat and trying to catch his breath to prepare for another fight.

 

“If you two think you can fight the twelve of us then you’re both going to lose your little balls before they drop!” Said another.

 

Rowen swallowed, knowing full well that if he attempted to attack such a high number they would fail but he wasn’t going to back down. Kento was his best friend and he would risk his life for the big lug if he had two. He pulled the bow further back, tightening the string to the point where it made the muscle ache in his wrist. But as luck would have it, Rowen and Kento were not alone in this fight. In a flash they were joined by Sage, Ryo, and Cye; all three coming to help defend his friend. When the warriors saw Ryo’s twin blades, Cye’s spear, and a borrowed blade in their lord’s hand, they quickly backed off. Rowen carefully lowered his arrow as he watched the fighters back away from them, clearly intimidated by the five of them together. They stood in a line side-by-side, weapons ready, facing the small army of twelve. Rowen felt that this seemed right to him somehow, standing beside these four young men all fighting for a single purpose; and so much more.

 

End Chapter 4 TBC