Joshua Simon - Forgotten Soldiers

“This is what you’re going to do,” I began. With head down, my voice took on the quality I used in the military when disciplining a member of my unit. “When Abigail comes around, you’re going to tell her how much you love her and that she means everything in the world to you. Then you’re going to protect her and raise her as you had before. You’re not going to make her self-conscious of her talent and you sure aren’t going to make her ashamed of it. If she has questions, you’ll help the best that you can. If you can’t help her, then you’re going to find someone who can. In the end, you’ll let her make her own decisions regarding her gift once she’s old enough.” I looked up and shifted my stare between Boaz and his wife. “Am I clear?”

Boaz nodded. “Yes, of course. All of that goes without saying.”

Dinah seemed embarrassed. “I didn’t mean that-”

“I don’t care what you meant,” I said. “I’m just telling you how things better be.”

No one said anything after that. I might have been harsher than needed, but I had enough of the “better than you” attitude I had been witness to since leaving the army.

I lost track of time, but eventually Abigail came around. By the time she did, Boaz and Dinah were no longer showing any symptoms. Seeing their genuine relief and love at Abigail’s recovery, eased the bitterness I had from earlier.

“We can’t thank you enough,” said Boaz.

“Don’t worry about it.”

“No, my husband’s right. Thank you,” said Dinah.

“You and your family can have the suite for as long as you like, free of charge. It’s the least I can do,” added the innkeeper.

I nodded. “I appreciate that. Don’t take offense by me saying I hope our stay isn’t long. It would be in everyone’s best interest if we were on our way as soon as my sister recovers. Maybe tomorrow, if we’re lucky.”

We still had to contend with the rest of town should they come around and chances were they’d be upset with Boaz for helping us.

“I understand.” He paused. “You know, not everyone is as bad as you might think us. Not everyone thinks you and your friends are monsters because of the war. I never held that view.”

“I appreciate that, but it does seem to be the most popular opinion.”

He sighed. “Sadly, it is. Probably because it is the opinion of Jareb and few people are brave enough to disagree with him.”

“Some things never change,” I muttered. “Thank you again for the room. I need to go check on my sister.”

* * *

Ira and Dekar lay sprawled out asleep on the sitting room’s floor. I was about ready to kick one of them awake, angry for neither keeping watch on the door until I heard hushed whispers coming from Ava’s room. The conversation broke off when I bumped into a chair to my right as I tried to squeeze between it and a small table. Myra leaned back, head visible through the doorway I had been moving toward. She looked at me as if I had caught her sneaking candy.

I entered Ava’s bedroom, and noticed no change in her.

“Did you help her, Pa?” asked Zadok.

I nodded. “She’ll be fine. Turns out she had a small talent for sorcery like Ava so the eruption affected her more.” I walked over and rested my hand on Ava’s brow. “How is she?”

“The same as before,” said Myra.

I sighed and looked out through the window at the night sky. “Why don’t you two take a break and get some sleep. It’s getting late. I’ll stay up with her.”

“Actually, we were thinking we’d stay up so you could help others,” said Zadok.

“What? The innkeeper’s daughter was one thing, but I’m-”

“Shh,” said Myra. “You’ll wake up Dekar and Ira.” She gave Zadok a look. “We didn’t mean everyone.”

“Good, because it’s not happening.”

“I did,” Zadok said sternly.

“Well, I didn’t,” said Myra. “And the idea was mine.” She eyed me. “I was just thinking that since you were able to help the innkeeper’s daughter, then maybe you should go check on Nason and his family considering how much he helped us over the years.”

I thought of what they told me earlier about Nason giving them food or money while I was away in the war. He once was my best friend. The weight of the money he had given me jangling in the pouch at my belt suddenly became heavier.

I looked at Ava.

My daughter gave me a smug look that once more reminded me of Lasha when she knew she had me.

“Fourteen going on thirty,” I muttered under my breath.

“What?” she asked.

“Nothing. I’ll go see about Nason.”

“What about the tailor and his daughter?” asked Zadok.

I raised an eyebrow at him.

“They helped us too even after they knew the trouble they could get in because of it. And they weren’t so harsh about it like that cobbler was with my shoes.”

I sighed. “I’ll stop by Sivan’s shop on my way back from Nason’s place.”

“And then maybe-” started Zadok.

“And then nothing. I’ve got too many things to worry about without adding town savior to the list.” Especially after the way they treated us, I thought. I walked to the bedroom window and gave Myra a look that said, “See what you started?”

She ignored me, but I could tell she regretted taking Zadok’s side as well.

Her morals more closely matched mine than Lasha’s. I would bend over backward to help family, friends, and even strangers in most situations. However, once someone did me wrong, it took a lot for me to overlook it.

On the other hand, Lasha had always been the person ready to give someone a second chance and was constantly on me about that particular character flaw of mine. It seemed Zadok was every bit his mother’s son in that department. Based on Myra’s look, I imagined that Zadok had a way to lay down the guilt on his sister just as Lasha used to do to me.

Don’t get me wrong. In hindsight, Lasha always had the right of things. And I’m a better person because of her. It’s just that sometimes it’s easier to be a less than likeable person.

I peeked through the window. Last night the moon had barely been a sliver. Tonight, it was close to half full. That didn’t make sense. Of course, last night there hadn’t been the explosion either.

By the light of the moon, I saw people still sitting or lying in the streets. Some improved faster than others. Some crawled about. A few climbed to their feet long enough to take a couple steps before falling.

I held back a curse. That wasn’t good. The faster they recovered, the less time I had for Ava to get better and to get us all out of town. No telling if the townspeople would blame her for everything. I doubted they would chalk it up to coincidence that she appeared right before the explosion.

I drew the curtains.

“Leave the curtains closed and the light of the lamp down,” I said while dimming the wick. “I don’t want to draw any more attention to ourselves. Some of the people are slowly recovering. They don’t need to know where we are.”

“Won’t people see you leave the inn?” asked Zadok.

“I plan to go out the back.” I paused. “I’m sure you know this but I’m going to say it anyway. Don’t open the door for anyone except me. No matter what. If someone comes knocking, have Dekar handle it.”

“We’ve got it, Tyrus. Go,” Myra said.

My stomach soured at her using my name yet again. I wondered if I’d ever get used to it.

I left the suite. I had no clue if any of the other rooms in the inn were occupied, but I acted as though they were anyway, tiptoeing my way downstairs to the main floor. I didn’t see Boaz or his family so I took it on myself to find an alternative exit. I found the rear entrance by way of the kitchen.