The Steel Harvest (10 page)

George’s eyes squinted slightly. Sighing, he let a wry smile slip onto his lips, sealing Carter’s expectations in stone.

“I’d be lying if I said the church didn’t want to improve its standings with The Shell,” George said, his voice losing its gruff optimism. “That said, please believe me when I tell you there’s much more to it than that. As a Knight of the church, I give you my word: I am not so shallow.”

Carter nodded, mute. What could he say? As he pondered his response, George backed up to the door, his false smile never faltering.

“Please, think on what I said. I will call on you again tomorrow for your answer.”

Once the Templar left, Carter took a shaky breath. His chest swirled with emotions. Confused, he closed his eyes.

I should be happy. I have an out, a chance to get back to my own life. So why does my chest hurt so badly?

“Carter?”

Silvia squeezed through the door, two bowls of soup in hand. Setting them down on the desk, she walked over to Carter, hands behind her back as she smiled.

“I saw the lieutenant on the way back,” she said. “Did he stop by?”

“Yeah.” Carter tried to smile, but his face felt like putty.

Raising an eyebrow, Silvia said, “Everything okay?”

Carter didn’t respond.

What do I even say?

“Whatever it is, just come out with it already,” Silvia joked, smiling. “God, you’d think someone just
—
”

“Did he tell you?”

“Yeah. Two days ago.”

Carter looked down.

Why didn’t she tell me?

The bed sank next to Carter, stealing his attention away from his thoughts. Silvia was sitting next to him on the bed. Her scarlet eyes washed over him, her face contorted in a wry smile. Carter began to speak, to say anything to relieve the tension, but she quickly shushed him.

“This is your chance. You know that, right?”

“I know, I just…I meant to take you farther than this. It feels like I’m abandoning you.”

Silvia cupped Carter’s cheek, but he didn’t falter. His companion smiled gently at him, brushing his shaggy hair out of his eyes.

“You’re not, Carter. But you have your own life to deal with. You can’t afford to give that up and start from scratch just for me. Not when we both have the chance to earn our happily ever after.”

Despite Silvia’s logic, Carter wanted to scream. The Templars were more than capable of protecting her. Carter knew that, but his heart and his brain were on different pages.

“Hey,” Silvia whispered. “No matter what, I’m never going to forget what you did for me, Carter. You know that, right?”

“I didn’t
—
”

Silvia put a finger to his lips. “Yes, Carter, you did.”

“I-I only did what any decent person would have done—”

“But that’s just it: there aren’t many decent people these days, on the surface or on The Shell. You saved me from that wreck and from a terrible fate. Most people would have given up on me in a heartbeat, but not you. You ignored the fact that I knew nothing of this world and did everything in your power to protect me. You almost died following your ideals. I’ve never met anyone as kind as you, Carter.”

Silvia leaned forward, slipping her arms around Carter’s neck and pulling him into a hug. He flinched, surprised. After a moment, his arms mimicked hers, wrapping around the small of her back. The warmth of her body against his made him shiver.

“You truly earned the title of knight, young scavenger,” she murmured, resting her head on his shoulder. “Wear it proudly, and never forget who gave it to you.”

“I could never forget you, milady.”

Silvia pulled away, giving him a wry grin. Her eyes betrayed her, but Carter feigned ignorance. From the way his chest ached, surely he looked just as bad.

“Next time you decide to take a vacation down here amongst us simple folk, make sure to come find me,” he whispered. “I’d love to show you around some more.”

Silvia nodded. “It’s a promise.”

The sound of hooves against the gravel road outside the church gate signaled Ramus’s arrival at the church. The day after regaining consciousness, Carter had written to his friend, requesting his aid in returning home. Having left Dullahan and the cart in the haste to escape Boston unscathed, Carter found himself without a ride. Too weak to walk back in his current condition, he prayed Ramus would come through. Fortunately, the innkeeper wrote back immediately, agreeing to give Carter a lift.

The cart barreling down the road held a few goods in the back but was relatively light for being such a large wagon. In the driver’s seat, Ramus sat hunched over, his dirty blond hair carefully styled, adding to his business-like persona. Pulling up next to Carter, who stood by the church gate, Ramus grinned.

“Well, I gotta admit, you kinda look like shit,” he said, hopping down off the driver’s seat.

 “Heh, it’s good to see you too, Ramus.”

The two men shook hands.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been as relieved as when I got your letter. I was all but certain they’d catch you.”

“They almost did. If it hadn’t been for the Knights…”

“Yeah,” Ramus agreed, nodding toward the church. “Guess they’re good for something, huh?”

“You a believer?”

“Me? I’d like to be, but something tells me my tithes would be too small for their God.” Ramus bowed, his smile sarcastic.

Carter stifled a chuckle.

“What about you?” Ramus asked. “After your little miracle at the bridge, have they made you a believer?”

“Well, the jury’s still out to be honest.”

“Heh, you always were indecisive.”

“Makes life more interesting, you know?”

Ramus nodded, grabbing the reigns of his horse as they walked toward the church stables. Carter tried his best to hide his limp, but a small hitch in his step persisted. Glancing at his wounded leg, Ramus slowed a bit.

“So, how’s Silvia? Your letter said she wasn’t hurt, but from the look of things, you sure took a beating.”

“Silvia’s… She’s busy getting ready to leave.” Carter did his best to sound upbeat, but he felt the enthusiasm leave his voice. He sounded almost bitter.

“Ah, makes sense. She’s still got a long way to go.”

“Yeah.”

“Glad to be going back to your route?”

“Yeah, of course.”

Entering the stables, Ramus tied his horse off, retrieved a small parcel from the back, and then finally turned to face Carter.

“I just have to deliver this to the head priest stationed here, and then we’ll head back,” Ramus said. “Do you have everything?”

“Yeah. I’ll wait for you here.”

Murmuring his agreement, Ramus shot across the yard and into the church. Carter stood just inside the stable doors, watching his friend go. After a while, Carter shed his pack, placing it in the back of the cart. In front of him, the young mare whinnied timidly. Carter moved to stroke her mane. While he scratched her behind the ears, the horse settled back down.

That’s when he heard it: marching, all in time. Curious, he walked back to the stable doors and peered outside. The 55
th
Knight Squadron was making its way toward the gate on the other side of the yard, heading west. Silvia trailed behind them.

With her coat zipped up and her scarf pulled up over her mouth, she trudged behind the Templars, her backpack slung over her shoulder. Carter’s heart lurched, threatening to burst from his chest.

For a split second, Silvia glanced over, her eyes meeting his. Carter awkwardly raised his hand, waving as she passed. He mustered all his strength, putting it behind a smile. Silvia mimicked him, a false smile crossing her lips. Then the trance broke. Silvia followed the Knights, leaving Carter to stare at the grass.

“You ready to go?”

Carter jumped. Ramus, quiet as a mouse, stood a few feet away. Carter took a deep breath, calming himself, and then nodded.

“Yeah, I’m ready.”

“Well, let’s go then.”

Carter hopped up onto the driver’s seat, next to Ramus. The innkeeper cracked the reins on the edge of the cart in front of them, urging the mare forward. As the cart rolled back out into the field, Carter kept himself from looking back.

Ramus sat silently for a while, leading the horse past the gate and back into the wilderness. Ahead of them, the main bridge stood over the water, and past that, the main road shrank away into the woods. Carter sighed. Giving in, he glanced back at the church one last time. It stood quietly in the distance, the sun lighting it in a soft glow.

“You know something, you’re really transparent these days,” Ramus muttered, glancing over.

“What?” Carter shot his friend a look.

Ramus merely smiled as he stared ahead. “You’re transparent. I used to have a hard time reading you; you were like a puzzle I couldn’t solve. Your goals were a mystery to me. But this past week, something changed. I can see right through you.”

Carter scoffed, looking away. “Have I now?” he joked, staring off into the trees.

“Can’t you see how miserable you’ve become, Carter? Just since we left, even?” Ramus pulled on the reins, bringing the cart to a stop.

“Ramus, whatever you’re playing at, spit it out already,” Carter interjected, cutting off his friend, temper flaring.

Ramus chuckled. “My God, you can be really thick at times, brother,” he said. “Having her around really shattered your trading persona, huh
?
”

“Her—oh.”

Turning in the driver’s seat, Ramus put his hand on Carter’s shoulders. The innkeeper’s smile held a certain serious tinge to it, a rare tendency in him. “Go after her, Carter. Your route is important, but I know you. If you leave her in their hands now, it’s gonna eat you up for the rest of your life. You can always find new work when you get back; hell, you can even come work for me if you want. But for now? Make sure she gets home safe.”

Carter sat rigid in his seat, shocked speechless. Ramus, his grin widening, gave Carter a light shove.

“Ramus, I
—
”

“No, don’t worry about me. Go get her, Carter. She’s waiting for you.”

Before he could even react, Carter found himself slipping out of the driver’s seat and onto the ground. He grabbed his pack from the cart and grinned up at his friend. “Thanks, Ramus.”

“I’ll see you around, Carter. Once you’re done gallivanting around on your little adventure, my door is always open.”

“And Dullahan?”

Ramus rolled his eyes. “Stick around here a few days, okay? I’m sure he’ll find his way here.”

Carter nodded. Turning away from the wagon, he started back toward the church. As Ramus’s cart resumed its journey, Carter broke into a sprint. The church grew steadily bigger, causing his heart to surge.

I’m coming, Silvia!

Bursting through the gate, Carter dashed across the courtyard, ignoring the growing pain in his leg and side. He knew he risked ripping open his still-healing wounds if he continued to exert himself, but he didn’t care. Silvia was already on the move.

“Silvia! Silvia!”

Carter called out his companion’s name in between gasps as he passed the church doors. Ahead of him, the western gate stood deserted. Past the arch, he could see the small band, steadily shrinking into the horizon.

“Silvia!”

Carter pushed himself with all his might. Gritting his teeth, he held back a groan as the stitches in his side snapped. Glancing down, he noted the fresh red stain on his side. In the distance the small group steadily grew larger.

“Silvia, wait!”

Carter waved his hand in front of him. Up ahead, the company stood at a halt. Carter slowed slightly, the pain in his side leaving him lightheaded. As the group became larger and larger, he searched for a patch of red among the armor-clad Knights.

Come on, come on.

“Carter?”

Silvia, pushing her way in front of the others, met his gaze with a look of utter confusion. Carter smiled, falling to his knees.

Just in time.

“Carter!” Silvia shouted. Bursting away from the Knights, she dropped to her knees in front of him, putting her hands on his shoulders to steady him. He smiled at her, unsteady and winded. Catching sight of his side, her face contorted, her expression a mix between anger, confusion, and concern.

“What were you thinking? You ripped your stitches!” she shouted, shaking him lightly. “What could be so important that you’d be so…so…”

“Reckless?” Carter squeaked out, still breathless.

“Exactly!” Silvia’s face warped into pure rage. She stared into his soul, her red eyes threatening to consume him in their fiery gaze.

Carter barely noticed. “I-I had to catch you…”

“What? Why?”

Carter grinned. “Why do you think? I-I’m going with you.”

“W-what?” Silvia’s eyes widened. She searched his face, as if waiting for the punch line to some terrible joke, but when none came, her brow furrowed.

Carter merely smiled, watching his companion try to puzzle it out. For once, he held the upper hand. “I’m going with you,” he repeated. “All the way to Montar, whatever it takes to get you home.”

“B-but what about your trade route?”

“I’ll make a new one. Besides, I’d never abandon my trade partner. I mean, God knows these Knights can’t afford your enormous food bills!”

Silvia looked away. Carter waited patiently for her to collect herself. He expected nothing less than to be beaten silly for his mean-spirited joke. However, when Silvia turned around, a smile lined her lips from ear to ear. Her cheeks flushing pink, she snickered, lightly patting his shoulder.

“You really are an idiot, aren’t you?” she muttered, her head hanging low to his. “Did you really give up your one chance at freedom just to walk me home?”

“Hey, us knights a-aren’t known for their brains, right?” Carter managed, blushing as well.

Behind his companion, the Templars all shot him a look, but Silvia only laughed harder.

“No, I suppose not. You’re no exception, am I right?”

“Nope. You’re the brains of this operation, after all.”

Silvia nodded, grinning from ear to ear. Behind her, George broke rank from the others. Unlike his fellow Knights, he smiled as he approached. Carter turned to face him, as did Silvia.

“Well, it seems there’s no longer a need for us to detour from our mission in order to escort you, miss,” the lieutenant said. “Shall we take our leave?”

Silvia bobbed her head, shooting the lieutenant an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, Sir Becket, but it seems another knight desperately wants your position.”

George bobbed his head in confirmation. Then, stepping up to Carter, the Knight extended his hand. Carter reached up from his position on the ground and shook it.

“You’re a good man, Mr. Hale,” George said. “I wish you both the best of luck on your travels.”

“Thank you, sir. Good luck to you as well.”

George turned, motioning to his men.

“Everyone, back in formation! We head to the nearest church westward, as originally planned. We still have a job to do, after all!”

The other Knights quickly saluted their leader and then fell into formation, continuing down the road at a steady march. Carter watched them go until they were a speck in the distance.

“Heh, what am I going to do with you?”

“Eh?”

Sitting on the ground next to him, Silvia rested her head on Carter’s shoulder, following his gaze into the distance.

“I can’t go anywhere with anyone without you getting jealous, can I?” she mused, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye.

Carter grinned. “You know me too well, milady.”

Silvia smiled. Standing, she dusted herself off and offered her hand to Carter. He took it, allowing her to haul him back onto his feet.

“Seriously though, are you sure about this?”

“Of course. Like it or not, you’re stuck with me.”

Silvia groaned. “How will I ever survive?”

“Tis a mystery, milady.”

Silvia chuckled under her breath. Above them, The Shell glistened in the afternoon sunlight. Turning around, Carter felt her presence under his arm, taking the pressure off his gimpy leg.

“Shall we head back, then?” she asked, smiling up at him. “I’ll catch my death if we stand out here much longer.”

Carter nodded, allowing his companion to assist him as he limped back toward the church.

“I’ll follow your lead, milady.”