Thread: Spoils of War (DareToDream and Nightingale)

Normal camp sounds floated to his ears as he made his way across the camp but there were plenty of stares too. Marcus couldnt miss those, not when almost every man he passed seemed to glance at him, some for only a quick moment and others for far longer than was smart. He considered challenging a few of the stares but refrained, knowing that doing so would just make the situation worse than it already was and that would benefit no one. Clearly his men had talked to more than just the High Lord about his antics today at the edge of the field and it had everyone perplexed. From some of the looks he received, it had also angered many of the men and he supposed he could understand that. All they had ever known was war with Greymere so the very idea of talking with them instead of killing them no doubt was a hard pill to swallow. As he neared his tent, another figure stepped from the shadows to block his path, drawing Marcus up short. His eyes narrowed when he saw his second in command, Knight Cedric. Cedric he said, his voice gruff. Stand aside, please. I have to get ready for the feast at the High Kings castle tonight. Cedric stood his ground though, his hand hovering near his sword, almost in challenge. Marcus glanced down at it then up at Marcus, his eyes narrowing. Is it true, Marcus Cedric finally asked. Did you talk to the Greymere Princess and leave her alive? The words were laced with anger but Marcus understood why. Cedric had also lost his family in the war, along with his wife and children. They had been caught in a raid and slaughtered like simple cattle. It had left the man with a chip on his shoulder ever since. Marcus nodded. Its true, Cedric. Lady Illayna is not the reason we lost our families and in time of truce, I could not shun her. Now step aside and let me pass or face me in the challenge circle. Cedrics eyes widened as he heard the words and he quickly stepped to the side, bowing his head. Marcus strode past him into the tent, taking a deep breath once he was out of sight. Would it be like this from now on, his every move questioned by his men and his lord? He closed his eyes, gathering strength. So be it then, he thought. If his actions could help push the two kingdoms towards peace, then he would do whatever it took, especially if Lady Illayna was involved. Glancing around, he set his sword and scabbard down on his cot and began to get ready. Thirty minutes later, he strode from his tent dressed in pants and a tunic, light chainmail on underneath it. A knife was strapped to his side and his sword was across his hip with one additional dagger strapped to his leg. The High Lord met him at the stables and together they rode to the castle where they were met by the High Kings retainers. As they were escorted through the main hall, Marcus saw other Kingdom Lords and staff, nodding to those he knew. His eyes scanned left and right, hoping to get a glimpse of the Princess or her guard but he saw neither. Hope that she would be there sat in his chest like a lead weight but he let none of that show on his face, instead using his constant looks to convey wariness and protectiveness for his Lord. At one point, he even threw out his arm, preventing the man from running into another though in truth he was in no real danger. When they were brought into the Grand Ballroom, which swam with people, he did another scan, sighing when he didnt see them. If she was coming, she had not yet arrived, and he could do nothing but bide his time.