37 The Calm Before the Storm (1/2)

”Mat? Will you promise me?” She asked. It was her again, Timothy thought. Her visits to his dreams had become less frequent. But now he was dreaming of her again. Timothy prepared himself for the next part. He will soon feel sadness.

But what happened next surprised Timothy. Lucia's face replaced that of the woman's. She wore the same clothes and had the same posture, but it was Lucia.

”I will wait for you Tim. Come back to me” Lucia said. Timothy reached out to her. He missed Lucia so much that seeing her face, even in a dream, triggered extreme emotions. But as his hand touched Lucia's face, she turned into smoke. He tried to reach the smoke with his hand, but a force accelerated him away from Lucia. Their distance grew until all he could see was darkness.

Timothy sat on his bed and remained frozen for a while. His heart ached. He wanted to see Lucia again. He wanted to gaze upon her beautiful face, to hear her sweet voice and to feel the warmth of her embrace. His heart longs for her presence, a longing that can't be extinguished by mere thoughts of her. It was a thirst, a thirst so vile and powerful. Only Lucia could quench the desires of his soul.

He needs to survive. He needs to return to Lucia. There were still many things he wanted to know about her. Although their long talks made them know each other, Timothy still wanted to immerse himself into her. That's why he needs to win.

Timothy stood up and washed his face. Like always, he woke up before sunrise. He flapped the cloth that serves as the door to his tent and went out. The chilly air danced around his nose. It was still dark, but camp was well lit.

He sauntered around the camp and inspected the sentries' performance. A Century from Knightsend was in charge of sentry duties today. After examining the alertness of the sentries, he was impressed. The sentries patrolled the whole camp like bees defending their nest. Some even stopped him and demanded identification. After seeing Timothy's face, the sentries paled and apologized. But it was alright. Stopping him was the right thing to do. He felt proud of his men. They are professionals.

After his stroll around the camp, Timothy went to General Marvin's tent. He was stopped by other groups of sentries on his way. When he arrived at the General's tent, it was already morning. Most of the soldiers had begun their daily routine. Timothy knew that in less than an hour, the camp will be ready for mobilization.

The past days had been busy for Timothy and his officers so wasn't able to find the time to talk with General Marvin. He entered the tent.

”I received this from a pigeon that came from Solon” General Marvin handed him a letter ”She also wrote a letter to Mathias but you know the Earl's personality. He is too pragmatic.”

Timothy took the letter with a broken seal. The seal used was the one Timothy lent Lucia. She also used red wax, indicating the urgency of the matter. Timothy opened the letter and read it. Lucia's handwriting can't be mistaken. And as for the contents, Timothy could feel her desire to protect him.

”You're lucky Timothy” Marvin commented ”You're lucky to have her”

”Yes, I am. I owe her my life. But I doubted her at first.” He said guiltily.

”Don't feel bad about it. Doubting her means that you're not a fool. But I suggest you trust her from now on. She really cares for you ” The General sat in front of him. He then offered Timothy some wine, but Timothy refused. He was not in the mood to drink.

”I will” Timothy declared ”But you know General, our little fellowship could use another member.” He smiled as if indicating something.