Not All Heroes Are Guiltless

Chapter 63

Chapter 63

Aela’s POV

“I finished tracking, and they had already moved farther inland. I think you are right. They are more than likely Hou Ndours who didn’t get a ride home. They are acting more like bandits and hiding their whereabouts. My men will keep a better guard on the roads, and we might be able to catch them.” Ethan reports to me while I’m standing covered in mud and sand. The evidence of my hard work, along with many of the men in the capital, is almost done with the last wall of a warehouse.

It’s been three months since Ethan brought me to help organize the rebuilding of the capital. We have been able to build a large building that can shelter a good portion of everyone from the storms. After that, we went straight to making barracks right next door. While I’m covered in mortar, Ethan has been organizing patrols and work positions. He is truly a good leader when he doesn’t have to worry about other people opinions.

The pointless negotiators were ignored, and several ended up leaving, but a good portion of their men are still here and offering their assistance every day. We all cheer on the victory of a job well done when every project is finished and the morale on the men have bolstered everyone daily lives. I’m elated seeing everyone smiling even with more work ahead of us.

About two weeks ago, a ship I recognized as one of Benlow’s trading vessels laid anchor in port. It brought a load of cargo or strong lumber and better equipment for construction. I found out the Lord from Igormund was able to purchase one of Benlow’s older ships and now has the ability to deliver their goods. We were the first to benefit from his endeavor. Benlow denies any attempt to trade with us directly, but at least they were able to alleviate some fears with the ship purchase.

“Princess! Ethan! More ships. They aren’t Bellarn or Hou Ndour. Hurry!” Says one of the men who's been working on extending the dock to be able to unload the one cargo ship we have.

I put down the tools I was working with, and Ethan nodded at me as we ran to the docks. Sure enough, four large cargo ships with fully mounted cannons are in the bay. The design is reminiscent of Turmac. I can feel my heart beating in my ears when I concentrate on my barrier and notice they slipped through with so much ease.

I can only picture two people who would have the ability to slip through my shield undetected: my mate and my aunt. Nervously, I purse my lips because I’m torn between whom I want to see more. To be in my mate’s presence would be wonderful and a dream. In all our travels, his associations in Turmac were minor or “closed door”, so I don’t think this would be him. Nevertheless, if it was my aunt, she would be so much more capable of returning Redland to its golden age.

Ethan moves closer to me, “Are they hostile?”

“No, whoever it is, they are considered family to me.” I say with a shining smile. “Only way they got in without detection.”

A loud splash makes me look back at the ships in the bay. I glance through the waves to find who is swimming to shore. What moron couldn’t wait until the ship anchored to reach shore? He had to tire himself out by swimming from a good distance.

I keep scanning the waves when a man appears and wades through the low tide. He’s running our way with his arms out completely drenched in sea water. His vibrant blue eyes reach me, and I’m overwhelmed with joy.

I rushed out to him and let him wrap his arms around me, “Aela, I thought I lost you.”

I hold on tight to him as he spins us in the tide, “Andy, I’ve missed you.”

“Forgive me. I didn’t mean to pressure you about anything, and I wasn’t thinking clearly. That lupine threw me off my game completely, and I couldn’t bear the fact that I know I hurt you.” Andy mumbles into my hair.

“All is forgiven. I was worried I wouldn’t see you again.” I say whispering back to him. He just holds me tighter, and I’m ecstatic. “Did the Lions help you escape?”

He laughs softly, “No, wild story. We were herded onto ships and traveled for a good time when randomly Bellarns boarded and killed all the Hou Ndours. They abandoned the ship to us. Turmac was the closest port, and Queen Lana still had a few influential friendships who were able to offer us a few favors. We both were worried you had disappeared with that Lupine.”

“I did. He taught me a lot, and then I left him to help with the rebellion effort in Redland. Hou Ndours destroyed most of our home, but we are slowly rebuilding it. I’m sure now that you and Aunt Lana(?) are here, then we definitely can build it back stronger and better.” I say with a large grin.

Andy hugs me again, “I’m sure of it.”