Chương 21: Should I be afraid?

Time frame: wartime

"As far as I know, Cescil strictly punish high-level magic like what you did to me and Qedren. You could have been beheaded if they know about your actions that were classified as using magic beyond medication. So we're even now. We each have our own secrets to hide."

Sophia blinked a few times at Ragnar, who towered over her as she thought of the right answer for Ragnar's accusations and threats.

"T-there's a river nearby with fresh, drinkable water," Sophia changed the subject.

As Sophia walked along the footpath towards the intended river current, Ragnar followed closely behind. Despite his large frame, his steps were calm and quiet.

Sophia knew that Gamaaloths were used to living in dangerous and extreme environments. They were accustomed to surviving amongst other wild creatures and had been trained to walk with minimal noise.

The river was lined with tall reeds, their tips dancing in the gentle breeze. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the colors of the sky like a mirror.

Small fish darted about beneath the surface, their scales glimmering in the fading light. A single tree stood on the riverbank, its gnarled roots peeking out from the ground like a twisted hand.

The branches were bare, but buds could be seen forming at the tips, promising new growth in the coming season. As they approached the water's edge, Sophia could see her reflection staring back at her, and she paused momentarily to take it in.

She recalled her dream just now and realized that the woman who appeared in her dream was very similar to her.

Elder Criyca had told her that her mother, Lady Severa, had been sentenced to be beheaded on charges of high-level witchcraft. Would she have the same fate as her mother? Sophia wondered to herself.

Her reverie was broken by the sound of splashing water not far away. Ragnar was crouching behind her on a rock in the middle of the stream and was washing his face with the fresh stream water.

While he was busy washing his face, his headdress accidentally slipped off. His platinum blonde hair looked tangled but still beautiful. Sophia didn't understand why they insisted on covering it.

As Sophia watched Ragnar kneeling by the river bank from her spot, she noticed something peculiar. Despite being under her care, Ragnar hadn't bathed in what appeared to be a week, emitting a pungent smell that could only be described as a mixture of stagnant water and rotting vegetables.

However, in his filthy state, there was something undeniably alluring about the way he presented himself, and it was clear that Sophia was taken in by his rugged, unkempt charm.

"We didn't bathe you at all during the week you were in treatment. You and Uzana insisted that we only open the injured parts of your body," Sophia said.

Ragnar remained silent without responding. He raised his hood again.

"Regarding Qedren's condition, his recovery is not faster than yours. But his condition is getting better. I will focus more on Qedren's healing while checking your wound every day."

"What wound? You're already growing flesh." His reply was cold and flat.

Sophia was silent for a moment. "The poison has the effect of inhibiting wound healing. I often have to remove the decaying parts of your wounds. Your wounds are not as easy to heal as you might think."

This time it was Ragnar who fell silent. He was still in his position. He was squatting on the river stone before her.

"Thank you," Ragnar said at last.

Sophia was taken aback.

"Thank you for saving Qedren." He continued.

"Hm, I didn't just save Qedren. I also saved you. You would have died, Ragnar, if I hadn't paralyzed you." Sophia muttered.

"Hm, don't be greedy, Sophia. I also got this wound for protecting your people."

"Hm, don't forget, Ragnar, that my people promised the Gamaaloths a handsome reward for your heroic deeds. Don't act as if you're sacrificing yourself selflessly."

"Oh, yes, that's right. Women's tongues are troublesome." He murmured.

"Are you going to ask King Reinald Pynsia for a girl without a tongue when you win the war?" Sophia asked while restraining herself from trembling at the thought of her sisters losing their tongues as war prizes.

Ragnar let out a long sigh.

"Hey, answer my question." Sophia urged.

"We have been buying women already with their tongues cut out. We never knew that women had thoughts as complex as yours. We're adapting to the kind of chatty women like you."

Sophia laughed at that.

Ragnar secretly admired the sound of Sophia's laughter, which was melodious and pleasant to hear. He wanted to turn his head to look at her beautiful face, but he was too proud.

"I don't know you can be funny too," Sophia said between laughs. "I'm starting to like chatting with you. We should talk more often."

Ragnar did not answer Sophia's invitation. He straightened his legs and sat on a flat rock, and he faced opposite where Sophia sat on the grass, hugging her knees.

"Who do you think is the most beautiful among the healer girls here?"

Ragnar did not answer.

"Hey!" She rebuked him again.

"Can you pity me a little? Please give me the peace I need. I'm starting to miss the days when I could lie down and sleep in your tent without your stupid questions."

Sophia burst into laughter even more. She did not expect Ragnar to make such an innocent and sarcastic comment.

"Ahhh, you're so funny, Ragnar. I've decided that I'll be friends with you from today." She said firmly. "I will return to my tent again. If you feel anything wrong with your body, you can come to find me whenever you want."

"I emphasize again, anytime. And every morning at the waterfall, I'll check your wounds and remove the remaining poison. Please don't run away from my schedule to examine you. Because, as I recalled, you have to stay alive for Qedren's sake. You promised to play with him and said you'd never break a promise."

Ragnar turned his head to the side, his eyes leering at Sophia. "If King Reinald presented you as my war prize later, I would ask him to cut out your tongue."

Sophia raised both eyebrows high. "Oh, was that so? Should I be afraid?" She laughed and shook her head.

"I'll wait for you tomorrow at the waterfall. Good night, Ragnar." Sophia said again, disappearing into the trees.

Ragnar watched from where he sat as Sophia walked toward where Qedren was resting. Sophia paused for a moment to check on him.

It wasn't long before he saw Reeves coming back to guard Qedren. Reeves and Sophia saluted each other. Ragnar's eyes grew wide as he watched.

Was that a smile on Sophia's face? Did Sophia like Reeves? Could it not have been that they became close during the week he was unconscious?

The fire of jealousy burned in Ragnar's chest.

Reeves checked on Qedren while Sophia continued her journey to her tent. Sophia then entered her tent.

Qedren was placed near Sophia's tent for easier access to treatment. Reeves' eyes suddenly crossed with Ragnar's. He ran excitedly towards the river.

"Your Highness! You're awake!" Reeves greeted with relief.

Ragnar paused, watching Reeves. What was Reeves' excellence over him, Ragnar wondered.

The average Gamaaloth was physically similar to each other.

They were genetically modified, so their descendants had almost the same physical characteristics and superior abilities.

The Gammaaloth people possessed a physicality that was almost identical across the board. Genetically enhanced, all had comparable superior abilities, and their descendants shared a likeness in physique and skill.

Typically towering over other beings with impressive size and strength, their hair came in varying shades of white, silver, and gray, giving them a distinguished look that set them apart.

So it was clear that Reeves' strengths were beyond physicality. Even Ragnar was much more manly and powerful than the slimmer Reeves.

Therefore, Qedren had no trouble when Reeves rode him. They were a good match as spies.

But wait.

Could Sophia favor men with slimmer builds?

"Your Highness?! Your Highness?!" Reeves called repeatedly. "Your Highness?! Hey?! Are you okay?! Do I need to call that healer girl again?!"

"No!" He cut him off quickly. "I fine. I am fine! I just..."

"You hadn't eaten for days and had only taken healing potions. I'll have Shi prepare some warm meat soup for you."

"Shi?" Ragnar repeated.

"Ah, that's... Thuriya Shi, a healer girl." Reeves explained with a red face.

Ah, Ragnar widened his eyes in disbelief. Even he was calling her casually.

"Oh, while I was sleeping, a lot of things happened, apparently."

"You see, Your Highness." Reeves replied shyly.

"Since you and Qedren were cared for near the healer's tent, we couldn't help but take turns looking after you and Qedren, occasionally also helping them with their work in the kitchen. So we...," he smiled shyly.

"...became close and friends with them." He explained.

Ragnar laughed. "You guys were really, really using me as your excuse to get close to girls."

"Your Highness, that's not what we meant! Ouch, I misspoke!"

"Never mind. I will return to our tent now. You take care of Qedren here."

"Yes."

"Even though I am almost healed, you will still take turns helping them in the kitchen. Those healer girls, they work too hard for a woman." Ragnar said as he left.

Inwardly, he was relieved that Reeves was not approaching Sophia.