“See that this reaches my wife.”

“I will send a messenger at once.”

“Gratitude, keep me well informed.” Stepping away Bette signals for the back of the wall be opened. The back entrance lead directly to the forest which would help shield them as they traveled throughout the night.

“Know it is a great honor to ride alongside you once again my friend.”

“An honor equally shared, “Bette says reaching over shaking Gaias hand, “Come let’s see the soil stained with Jennicus blood.” Lightly kicking her horse Bette along with the other 70 woman march out of confines into the hidden forest of Nephelé. While doing so Shane watched on with conflicted thoughts. As the last woman trotted out of the confines three woman entered removing their cloaks revealing their faces.

“Shane, “a voice calls out to hear recognizing the voice she turns around to greet her.

“I was just——.”

“Stirring up trouble.”

“Me, I am incapable of such things, “she says smiling.

“Ah, others beg to differ and so do I you forget I share a bed with you at night.”

“Molly, my apologies the grain is properly stored as commanded, “a younger woman interrupts while informing her.

“Gratitude.”

“Shane, I will have words.”

“Tara, spare me the laughter I rather not engage in your amusement in regards to my decision not to follow suite.”

“You know me well, to pass upon opportunity with you as my entertainment breaks my heart, “she says in a joking tone.

“Eat shit.”

“Only if it’s the finest of shit, “she says laughing then clearing her throat speaking in a more serious tone, “My words do not press upon decision but rather on what lays ahead.”

“You are such a fool I do not know why I waste time in engaging in such conversation.” While speaking with Tara one of the women who entered into the confines approaches as she draws near the friendly expression Molly once held began to fade.

“Shane.” The confrontation with both Bette and Gaia left her trembling with agitation. Not recognizing the left she presumed it to be another who sided with Bette cause. Before, she turned around to see who pressed beyond position she noticed Tara smirking adverting her gaze. Ignoring Taras childish gesture she turns around to face the woman only to feel the rapid beating of her heart against her chest.

“It’s been a long time.”

“Yes, it has, “Molly says answering for her in a disdained tone.

“Molly, hope all is well, “her greeting failed to receive a response.

“It’s good to see you again.”

“Likewise Tara.”

“Carmen, “Shane finally manages to say still in shock.

“Yes it is I.”

“Your beauty after all these years still manages to take my breath away.”

“Tara, you’ve always had a way with words.”

“Yes, I have.”

“And women, “she says jokingly to have Tara laugh in response. While the playful banter went back and forth Molly was not at all amused and she watched Shanes every move.

“Shane remember the whorehouse we all visited and you and Carmen were——–.”

“Tara still your tongue!” No further words were needed as Molly stormed off Shane didn’t bother to call after her as she knew any words spoken were pointless.

“I did not mean to cause conflict only wanted to share a few words, ”her and Shane both stare at each other, “Uh, I must depart my presence is requested in the training area.”

“Training area?”

“Yes, I was summoned from my travels to train the women for battle who require it.”

“Shit, ”Tara says smiling.

“It was nice seeing you again, “she says before walking off. Watching Carmen walk away the sweat that appeared on the inside of palms and forehead began to evaporate and her heartbeat returned to normal.

“My apologies.”

“For what?”

“I thought no greater fate existed other than death.”

“Your meaning?”

“I rather die from the touch of a thousand swords than caught between the affections of two women.” Shane although she fought to admit it she knew the words Tara spoke were true. Watching Molly walk off then Carmen an unsettling feeling washed over her.

“I’ve been fucked by the Gods perhaps I should have embraced Bettes cause after all a mistake I now much regret.”

TBC