Son of the Shadows RK Style

Opening my eyes slowly I notice the figure of the Chief standing at the doorway of the tent. In shock I inquire, “What are you doing here?”

“I thought I would check in on you and see if you still want to remain here for the next five days,” The Chief states with a smirk. “After all, I doubt someone as pampered as you would wish to remain in the company of such barbaric men.”

Scowling at the man I retort, “As I see it you’re the only ruffian among the camp.”

“Really,” the Chief replies amusedly as he walks further into the tent. “Yet you still wish to remain in a camp I lead? It’s not too late to leave.”

“I may question your men’s sanity but I will not withhold my services because of it,” I assert forcefully. “Besides, it’s not my place to judge who lives or dies.” Glaring at the man before me I add, “I hold no side or prejudice. I would even treat their leader regardless of my feelings toward him.”

Laughing mockingly the Chief remarks, “Even if I were injured, which I highly doubt will happen, I wouldn’t seek your aid. What use do I have with a naive little girl like you?”

“You obviously need my assistance or else your men wouldn’t have kidnapped me. Your men’s actions give you away,” I state with a smirk. “Of course if you wish me gone you could easily be rid of me, but your men might rebel against you. I’ve seen the way you treat them, they surely cannot respect your authority.”

“You think you know my men so well?” the Chief retorts angrily. “You’re probably one who thinks that you have everyone figured out after a couple of minutes. If you think you have my men and I figured out you are sadly mistaken. You’ll find that we are far more complex than those simpleton townsfolk you tend to everyday.”

In irritation I reply, “And you are one to speak. You’ve supposedly had me figured out from the moment you saw me!”

“That’s different,” the man states lazily. “Women are far more simple minded than men.”

Clasping my hand in a fist I yell out, “How dare you…”

Cutting me off the Chief replies, “All you women are the same. Either you are weak-minded and have no will of your own or you try to deceive and manipulate. From what I have seen you fit more into the deceptive category.”

“Excuse me!”

“Don’t tell me you are dim. If that’s the case I should warn the men that they have been misled,” the Chief retorts in self-satisfaction.

“You… you Rooster!”

In wide-eyed shock the man angrily stutters, “R.. Rooster? Do I look like a Rooster?”

Hearing stifled laughter from the doorway the Chief and I turn our heads sharply towards the culprits. How dare they interrupt us in the middle of an argument?

Unable to hold in their laughter any further the men begin to laugh hysterically. Looking at their leader’s distraught face I smile triumphantly. It looks as if I hit a nerve.

Finally able to calm down slightly Dog states playfully, “You know the girl is right. Your hair makes you look more like a Rooster than the Raven you hoped it would.”

Glaring at me maliciously Chief remarks, “Our little discussion isn’t over yet.”

“In other words he doesn’t have a good comeback and needs time to clear his head before approaching you once again,” Wolf comments with a smirk. It’s obvious why the man was named Wolf. Not only does he have the smile but he fears no one, not even his commander.

Giving Wolf a reprimanding look, Chief states firmly, “I’ll talk to you later about that attitude of yours.” Without a glance back at the four of us Chief makes his way out of the tent.

“Where is he going?” I inquire in bewilderment.

“Unlike Wolf’s prior statement Chief has matters to attend to. He told me earlier that he has a meeting with some perspective employer,” Dog states with a serious look on his face.

“I like my theory better,” Wolf states with a sigh. Dog and Snake just shake their heads in amusement.

“We almost forgot what we came here for,” Snake apologetically states towards me. “We are here to help assist you with Jin. We will each take shifts if that is alright with you. One inside helping you whiles the other watches from outside the tent.”

Nodding my head in consent I comment, “I thank you for the thought but won’t the Chief be angry?”

“I highly doubt it, since its Chief’s orders we’re following,” Wolf replies in amusement.

“But he told me….”

“You can’t always take the Chief’s word for face value,” Dog remarks with a soft smile. “Chief is a man of his word but he’s also proud. He doesn’t like people knowing that under his thick front lies a more compassionate side.”

Staring at the man in disbelief I comment, “Surely you must be mistaken.”

Out of all the people in this camp Dog and Gull have known the Chief the longest,” Snake states calmly. “He should know better than any of us.”

“So you’ve known the Chief for a long time?” I inquire with restrained interest.

“I’ve known him and Gull for many years,” Dog states fondly. “The two of them offered me a place among them when I had no where left to turn. Without them I’d probably be sold into slavery by now.”

I stare at the man in horror. What type of past do these men hold and how does the Chief play into it?

Looking at me calmly Snake remarks, “Everyone in this camp has a personal history with the Chief. Some of us have more devastating pasts than others but all of us in one way or another were saved by the Chief. We all serve him not in fear as you might believe but in gratitude. Without him we would either be dead or leading a life none of us would wish to live.”

“There surely must be a better way for you all to live than lending your hand to the highest bidder?” I state in shock. “What kind of life is that?”

“It’s the best option that we were given,” Dog replies proudly. “What lord will take in a poor youth from a ransacked village, or rescue an uneducated slave? Not only has he saved us but he has given us a place in life. We are forever indebted to him by our own free will.”

I look down at the floor in shame. I have forgotten my place. I am not one of the men and have no right to judge their path in life.

“I’m sorry I shouldn’t have implied…”

“It’s alright,” Dog quickly comments. “You’re just beginning to understand our world.”

Feeling guilty but not allowing the feeling to get in the way of my curiosity I inquire, “I notice that everybody goes by an alias. Do you not have real names?”

“We have names,” Wolf remarks amusedly, “However much like the details of our life before Chief we do not speak of them.”

“Why wouldn’t you speak of your past?” I ask in disbelief. “Why would Chief ever ask something like that out of his men?”

“It’s true that he wishes us not to speak of our pasts, but he has never forced us to do anything. Every order we follow is done out of our own free will,” Snake replies in Chief’s defense.

I stare at the men with mouth slightly agape. The Chief has them so brainwashed that they follow his orders without any recognition that they are being controlled. What type of man is this Chief? If I want to help them I’ll have to get more information out of his men. Perhaps once they see the world outside their group they will stop following such a horrible man. He might have saved them but he’s using their good will against them. I cannot stand back and watch him continue to do so.

“How is Jin?” Dog inquires in concern while putting his hand on my shoulder. The concern he is showing towards me makes me all the more determined. I will help these men no matter what.

“Jin has yet to wake but he is starting to make progress,” I state while kneeling beside the sleeping man. “Whoever treated his wounds earlier did a good job. I doubt the surgery would have been nearly as successful had he not been treated.”

In embarrassment Dog replies, “I don’t know how good my skills are but I did my best.”

Giving the man the brightest smile I could muster I comment, “You did a very good job for one who does not call himself a healer. Wherever did you learn to treat wounds?”

With a distant look on his face Dog states, “My mother was a very gifted traveling healer. She died before she could teach me her methods. When one of her patients lost their newborn child a couple of weeks after the delivery they burned my mother at the stake declaring her a witch. I was far too young to remember everything she taught me but I can still remember basic bandaging and ointments.”

In sympathy I reply, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up a painful memory.”

“Now you understand why most of the men have followed Chief’s example and have chosen not to speak of their past. None of us have fond memories so why dwell on it?” Wolf comments sternly.

I nod my in understanding feeling somewhat foolish for my previous thoughts. I still do not trust the Chief but I think I’m starting to understand his men better. I truly do not understand this world I’ve been suddenly thrust into.

“Don’t give her such a hard time,” Dog glares toward Wolf. “She does not know us well nor is she accustomed to the world outside her village. She needs time to get used to our ways. She’s not the first person to hold a prejudice against us. I’m sure the only thing she has ever heard about us or Chief is how barbaric we are.” Looking upon me in sympathy Dog continues, “Getting rid of opinions that have been imprinted upon you isn’t an easy or painless procedure.”

I am at a loss for words. Despite my obvious distain towards their leader and my hasty judgment Dog is defending me. I would never expect such understanding and protectiveness from one whom I barely know. I don’t know whose words have a greater affect on me, Wolf’s or Dog’s. Both have put me in my place.

“Dog is right,” Snake states while giving me a smile. “You can be far too blunt.”

“Only as blunt as I deserve,” I remark with down cast eyes. “I have judged you all too harshly. I still do not trust the Chief but I’ll at least try to keep an open mind.”

“That’s all one should expect,” Dog states with a proud gleam in his eyes. “Now, tell me more about this ointment that you are using on Jin’s arm. I’m sure I could find some use for it on the battlefield.”

Smiling at Dog gratefully for changing the topic I begin to treat Jin and give Wolf and Dog a lesson on herbs and their healing properties while Snake takes his position as Guard.

*******

I sigh as I begin to look up from the now cool stew in my hands. Jin’s condition hasn’t improved much throughout the day. His temperature is still high and his sleep more restless.

Noticing Jin shiver I put my bowl down and draw the blanket over him fully before wiping his brows with the damp cloth. If Jin doesn’t start to wake soon I’m fearful that he’ll never wake.

“Ran?” Jin mumbles under his breath. “You’re far too good a woman for the likes of me. You shouldn’t fret over me so much.”

Smiling at the man I reply, “I’m not Ran but I’m sure that if she were here she would disagree.”

Slowly waking up Jin states in surprise, “You most definitely aren’t my Ran though you aren’t unpleasant on the eye. Don’t let Ran know that I ever said so though. She can be quite the jealous woman, especially when it comes to younger ladies.”

Playfully I retort, “Well, if it hurts your dear Ran you should not possess wandering eyes. If I get the chance I ought to report you.”

Trying to suppress his pain Jin replies in amusement, “You’ve got a sharp tongue on you. I’ve always been taken by women who know how to put a man in his place.”

“I’ll have to hold my tongue then. I can’t have you thinking impure thoughts towards anyone other than you lovely Ran.”

“What Ran doesn’t know won’t hurt her, besides you’re young enough to be my child. I may be a dirty old man but I’ve my morals. I would never be unfaithful to my wife. Like I said, she’s far too good for me.”

“She’s a lucky woman,” I state good naturedly. “Not everyone is lucky enough to have a husband who speaks of them with so much love and devotion.”

With a cheerful gleam in his eye Jin replies, “In my opinion she deserves far more. She’s a strong woman and continues to support her sons and me unselfishly. Never once have I ever heard her complain in the ten years I’ve known her.”

“You’ve been very blessed,” I state happily. “I can only hope that one day I’ll find someone I love as much as you love her.”

With his eyes beginning to drop the man comments, “I’d be surprised if you didn’t. Every strong woman deserves a good man in their lives.”

Thinking better than to disrupt his sleep I wipe his brows once more before taking my place beside the fire. Eating the rest of my cold stew I quietly sigh to myself. Tonight will be another night of restless sleep.

*******

Early that morning I’m suddenly awoken by the sound of two men chatting quietly. Sometime in the middle of the night I must have fallen asleep and not realized it. Surprisingly I wasn’t woken up earlier. Already it’s late morning. Jin should have woken me up earlier.

“I see that the little lady is up,” Jin states in amusement. “I was wondering when she would wake. Poor girl must have been exhausted. You really shouldn’t work the girl so hard.”

“The girl is stubborn,” Chief states with his arms crossed over his chest. “She probably wouldn’t take my help even if I offered it.”
“Have you ever asked?” Jin inquires with a knowing look on his face.

With wide eyes Chief states, “Well, no, but she made it quite clear that she does not trust me.”

“Is that so?” Jin asks playfully. “Why ever would anyone not trust you?”

With a smirk Chief retorts back, “I have no clue what-so-ever.”

Smiling at each other as if they had just shared some humorous secret that only the two could understand I begin to rise to my feet in annoyance. I hate it when people speak to each other in riddles. If they wish to say something they should just say it aloud or wait until I’m out of the room!
“Is there something the matter?” Jin states in concern.

With a half smile I reply, “Thank you for your concern Jin but I’ll be alright. I just need some time to fully wake up.”

“What did I say,” Jin comments toward the Chief. “You obviously are working her too hard. She’s exhausted. I’m sure one of your men could help her during the night.”

“Are you ordering me around?” Chief inquires in annoyance.

“I am not ordering only bringing something to your attention. Just like you tell your warriors, ‘A tired warrior is a sloppy warrior.’ She can’t continue to function as she is.”

“And I am treating her as one of them. She does not need more sleep. Anymore and her mind will get sloppy.”

“That may be true for your men, but it isn’t the same for one who works in her line of practice,” Jin comments clearly. “A Healer’s mind and body function differently. Besides, a woman generally needs more sleep than a man does.”

“First you use my words to compare her to my men and know you are telling me that I shouldn’t treat them the same? She can’t be treated like one of my men yet expects to be sheltered from the responsibilities their position holds.”

“I appreciate what you are trying to do Jin but I will not continue listening to the two of speak of me as if I weren’t present,” I utter in irritation. “The Chief is correct, I do not trust him. He has never once said or done anything for me to believe that he is anything but the monster others have portrayed him as. He has no regard for women or for that matter anyone outside his men. I am tired and I could use the help but I will not lower myself to seeking his aid. I am not some spoiled, pampered child as he would like to believe and I will prove my strength. If that means being treated like one of his men so be it but I will not continue to be undermined.”

Both men stare at me in disbelief for a moment before the Chief states arrogantly, “So you have finally admitted to yourself that I’m a decent leader towards my men.”

“Far from it,” I comment calmly. “You are hasty to make judgment and put your men in situations that you ought to avoid. Instead of giving your men honor as every leader ought to you side them with the largest purse. You may have a powerful force and be a great strategist but you are not worthy of the men you hold. The only thing that has changed since we last spoke is the fact that I now understand the extent of your men’s loyalty. I admire their belief in you but I do not share it. I only remain here because of duty. I have never lost a patient and do not plan to do so now.”

“You have some nerve to speak to me thus,” the Chief retorts angrily. “I have entertained your little notion of playing healer in my camp and I have given you aid and guard yet you insult me. You say I’ve done nothing to earn your trust but have I not allowed you to say in this camp unharmed? I could have easily killed you yet here you are alive and well. Who is the one undermining who?”

In anger I exclaim, “I never said I was innocent but at least I am brave enough to admit my opinions. You are quick to insult me because you fear to look at yourself. You are a pitiful excuse for a warrior. You’re willing to fight the whole world but are too weak to even take a glance at yourself!”

You call what you have done looking at yourself?” the Chief states with a mocking laugh. “You tell me that you know your prejudice toward my men and me yet you still justify yourself. You are nothing but a hypocrite. Why should I change my opinion when all you do is support them?”

“How dare you…?”

“No, how dare you?” the Chief replies in annoyance as he threateningly begins to bridge the distance between us. Unwilling to show my fear I stare at the man defiantly as his tall figure looms over me.

“You have made your opinion of me clear so I will return the favor,” the Chief utters in an eerily calm voice. “If it were up to me we wouldn’t be having this conversation. You would either be back in your village or dead somewhere on the side of the path. It is only because of my goodwill and the thought of seeing you fail that I keep you here. I have warned you once and I will warn you again that your death will have no consequence to me or my men. I will not hesitate to kill you if you ever present a threat to either my men or me. I care only of my men and their safety. If you at all dare to threaten our way of life I will show you no mercy.”

“You are just as heartless as I’ve been told!” I yell in anger. “I thought the stories I’ve been told might have been false or grossly exaggerated but I was wrong. You’re exactly the monster he portrayed you as!”

Giving me an amused look the Chief retorts, “As I’ve heard before. Now tell me how an innocent little villager such as you would know anyone with firsthand experience against my men?’

In a panic I quickly reply, “Lord Enishi told us when he came to visit our village. He wanted to warn us of the possible dangers we might face.”

With a scowl the Chief states, “Are you one of his subjects? I was told you were found in the territories on the outskirts of Sevenwaters.”
“I’m not one of his subjects.”

Contemplating my words he comments thoughtfully, “Then you would do best to avoid him at all costs. Enishi may seem like a trustworthy man but our treatment towards the man was completely justified.” With a scowl he adds, “If our employer hadn’t specifically asked us not to kill him I would have.”
“You speak of untrustworthy men yet you and your men are hired hands? Why should I trust your word?”

“You don’t, but don’t come to me when you find out the truth. I might be a mercenary but I never join a cause I do not believe in. Just because I take multiple sides doesn’t mean that I’m only out for the gold.”

“What a joke,” I retort with a laugh. “How can you support both sides of a war and state that you are fighting for honor? You obviously have no understanding of the concept?”

“You think you’re as cunning do you. I’ll have you know that it’s your own ignorance in world matters that has you baffled by my statement,” the Chief states while turning his back towards me.

“It’s you who are stupid, rooster.”

Turning his head with a playful smirk he replies, “You remind me of a fox. You trick and tease with an arrogant air but the minute you’re caught in a trap you snap like any other beast. You might think yourself mighty Megumi, but I see you for what you are.”

I stare at the retreating figure of the Chief in disbelief. Did he just compare me to a devious fox? The last thing I would ever believe a man of his standing to is compare me to fables and folklore. No seeker of tales could truly be heartless could he? I know mother would argue such a point. Who would have thought that one comment could have doubting my opinions once more? Will the man ever stop confusing me? Why does he have to be so complicated?

Jin’s raspy laughter quickly wakes me out of my thoughts. Staring at the man in irritation I make my way towards him with a bowl of warm water and a fresh rag. It seems that the Chief brought some new herbs and rags earlier. If I hadn’t started arguing with him I might have noticed earlier. I feel somewhat guilty for not recognizing his visit for what it was.

“You two are so young,” Jin states amusedly. “If only the two of you would stop arguing and recognize your feelings for what they are.”

“What are you trying to insinuate?” I inquire in annoyance.

“I insulate nothing; I’m only pointing out a fact.”

“Pointing out a fact?” I retort in awe towards his bluntness. “Feelings of hatred would be a fact, but stating that it might be love is insanity.”

“I never stated that your feelings were love, though I would have to agree with your assessment. I would have said intrigue, but now that you point it out I can see the love forming between the two of you.” With a distant look on his face he continues, “They say that some of the greatest loves ever experienced have been between two enemies. After all there is a fine line between love and hatred.”

“You speak too much. I’d hate to see you disappointed, there is absolutely nothing forming between the two of us other than hostility.”

With a yawn Jin states sadly, “The two of you have no imagination when it comes to romance.”

“As I’ve been told,” I reply with a sigh.

With a sleepy smile Jin comments, “You even talk like him. You too are far too stubborn for your own good.”

Looking at the man now fast asleep I shake my head completely puzzled for the second time this morning. I can’t believe that the man state that I brought up the topic of love. Even a deaf person would pick up on the insinuation Jin put forth. What did he mean by the both of us not having any imagination? It figures that he picked this time to fall asleep. The Chief calls me a fox but the true fox is Jin! I’ll have to keep a better eye on the man. I underestimated his wit. At least I can’t say that this patient won’t keep me on my toes.

Making sure that Jin is comfortably settled I decide to begin on my chores. As much as I’d rather be doing something else at the moment they won’t finish themselves. Then again maybe a little manual labor is exactly what I need. As long as it keeps my mind off of that stupid rooster and that delusional patient of mine it can’t be such an awful thing. At least I hope not. I have a couple hours until Wolf and Dog take their posts watching Jin and I. I’ll just have to keep myself busy until then.

*******

“I can’t believe you spoke to the Chief like that?” Dog states in shock. “He really is a good commander even if you have yet to take our word for it.”

“I don’t think you are lying but at the same time I can’t fully believe that he is a decent human being. He has proven himself worthy in the battlefield but not in diplomacy. I just can’t help but put him in his place. He’s not as almighty as he believes himself to be,” I comment haughtily.

“This might be hard for you to believe that the Chief isn’t as cold hearted as he seems around you. He’s actually a real softy when you get to know him. Wolf is a testament to that. Any other commander wouldn’t deal with Wolf’s lack of respect towards their superior but not the Chief,” Dog replies with pride.

“The Chief is far too soft towards his men,” Wolf states arrogantly. “That nice discussion the Chief had with me last night consisted of him stating ‘don’t do it again’ and a round of dice. I don’t know why he insists on playing against me. He loses every time.”

I can’t help but stare at the man in disbelief. The horrible man that I just threatened me this morning is gambling with his men? Not only that but he is horrible at it? That seems very odd. You’d think that a brilliant strategist such as himself would have enough luck and skill to get out of anything including making it out of a gambling hall with his money. I think the Tuatha De Danann is trying to punish me through utter and complete confusion. After all, anything is possible in their grand scheme of things.

“If I didn’t know the Chief for as long as I have I wouldn’t have believed it either,” Dog comments with a smirk. “It’s quite a sight to behold. The Chief gets so determined to win each round of dice that he ends up becoming single minded in his pursuit. He’s a perfectionist at heart and cannot admit that he does not have the proper skills and knowledge to win a game of dice. It’s the only thing he has encountered that he has not yet conquered and it infuriates him. If I didn’t feel sorry for him I’d probably watch him just for a good laugh.”

“What are you talking about,” Wolf exclaims in laughter. “That’s the only reason I go to the campfire. The complete look of failure on his face is far too precious. Besides, he always has a better campaign after such a match. If it helps him fight with more fury who am I to go against his wishes. I don’t feel sorry for him one bit.”

“It’s true that he is more effective on the battlefield afterwards but isn’t it a little heartless even for you?” Dog retorts in disappointment.

“I’m happy that I live up to my reputation. I try my hardest,” Wolf states with a malicious smile.

“I see that you are trying to live up to your reputation even in front of the girl,” a man with white feathers and a beak tattooed on his skin states calmly. “You might fool everyone but Dog and I know you better than to believe your act. You didn’t look so tough when we first found you.”

“Shut up Gull!” Wolf yells out in anger. “You and Dog promised to never speak of that!”

“We did but I never promised to keep the fact that you have a secret hidden,” Gull comments with a smirk that would triumph even Wolf’s. “If you wish to keep that fact secret I suggest you take your leave and keep your opinions of the Chief to yourself. He might be lenient but I won’t.”

With a hateful stare Wolf makes his way out of the tent off to some unknown destination. Quite frankly I’m not sad to see him go. Even his words towards the Chief were far too cruel in my opinion.

“Don’t worry about Wolf,” Gull looks at me in sympathy. “He has a bark far worse than his bite. Besides, I doubt he really feels that way about the Chief. He often speaks without thinking.”

“As I’ve noticed,” I state with a half smile, “though his words often speak true. It’s still scary meeting someone with so little remorse. An average person would look at their words and regret them but he has no shame.”

With a sigh Dog replies, “That’s just Wolf. He speaks his mind and therefore sees no wrong in his statements. He’s quite harmless though.”

“I’ve no doubt of that. It takes far more to frighten me, it’s just slightly unnerving and unpleasant,” I comment in sadly.

“Judging from the stories the Chief has told me I believe that it would take far more to scare you than Wolf,” Gull states with a knowing smile. “I’m Gull by the way if you haven’t already picked up on my name.”

“It’s kind of hard not to notice when a man angry screams it aloud,” I playfully retort. “It’s nice to finally meet the man Snake and Dog talk so much about.”

With a smile in Dog’s direction Gull replies, “Is that so? I hope you have spoken only of good things.”

With a laugh Dog inquires, “Have I ever been known to speak harshly of you or Chief?”

“You have me on that account,” Gull states in happily. Looking towards me he continues, “I was sent her to watch over Jin while the two over you take your leave. The Chief is expecting you two at the campfire to join the rest of the men for supper.”

I stare at him in shock. The Chief asked him to watch Jin while I partake in the daily life of the camp? That seems very uncharacteristic of what I’ve come to learn of the Chief.

“The Chief ordered that?” Dog asks echoing my own thoughts. “I wonder what could have changed the Chief’s attitude.”

“One can only speculate,” Gull states with a smile in my direction. “It’s best not to dwell on such thoughts for long. You two best leave before the Chief personally comes here and drags you.”

Not wishing to test Gull’s statement I immediately begin to follow Dog out of the tent. I have no idea what the Chief is up to but I will take Gull’s advice and not dwell on it. I’m far too confused to even attempt it anyway. It’s only my second night stated in our agreement and already I far too much information to weight through. I really hope tonight will answer a couple of my questions.