Free Ties of Blood by D.W. Jackson Page A

don’t plan on dying senselessly. If it doesn’t look like we can get Thad out safely I’ll just have to think of another way to free him.”
    “What are we whispering about over here?” Darryl said as he sat down on Eloen's other side. “I know you two are friends but can you try not to leave me out too much.”
    “Our little princess here was just reassuring me that she wasn’t going to take unnecessary risks to free our little friend.” Ballard said his voice showing that he didn’t completely believe her.
    “That’s good to know I would hate to think of one of your sisters becoming the duchess after your aunt, or gods forbid your mother. Honestly I would be happy if you and Ballard would turn around and head home now.”
    It wasn’t often that Darryl was serious but it was obvious he felt strongly about what he had said. Though she knew he had her best interest at heart it still touched a nerve. He was willing to give up on Thad without even trying. “Why did you come with us if you were just going to turn back before even trying to save Thad?” She knew he voice carried far more ire than Darryl deserved but she couldn’t keep herself from being angry.
    Darryl let out a slight laugh. “You have me all wrong captain. I don’t plan to turn back. No matter what you decide I will continue on until either my death or Thad's freedom.”
    Eloen knew that Darryl had gotten close to Thad over the time they had spent together but she didn’t think he would throw his life away needlessly.
    “I was wondering why you changed the position of your blood cloth.” Ballad said calmly with only the barest hint of curiosity in his voice.
    Eloen had heard the term Blood cloth before but she couldn’t place where. “Darryl I don’t mean to sound clueless, but what is this about?”
    “Ballard I have told you countless times not to call it a blood cloth it's a tellaren.” Darryl said his voice showing his displeasure.
    “Ok, someone tell me what I am missing. What is a tellaren or blood cloth? Why does it matter that you changed where you wore it, and what does all this have to do with Thad?”
    “Do you know who the Katanaga mercenaries are?”
    “They are a famous group of fighters who sell their swords to whoever is willing to pay. I remember my aunt saying that there was a time that whoever was able to hire them was sure to win any war they joined.”
    Darryl let out a loud sigh. “There is a bit more to it than that. Katanaga means wandering. From what my mother has told me a long time ago the land that belonged to the Katanaga was taken by a powerful army. Instead of bowing down to their new master they left their home and started wandering the lands, taking on any work they could find. As time passed they perfected their fighting by fighting in numerous wars. They also had a very strong set of rules about who they would fight for and what they would fight for.”
    “That’s all very educational Darryl but what does that have to do with Thad?” Eloen said her voice wavering between annoyance and curiosity.
    “I am getting to that captain. We have things we call blood ties. When my people were traveling we met many different people and we always repaid favors given us. My family is dedicated to your ancestors so at least one member of our family has served in the army for generations. The debt is more to the duchy than to your family though my family has found it an honor that I get to serve under you personally. My family has a blood tie to yours because of this debt. I also have a blood tie to each member in the unit because we have shed blood together on the battlefield. The blood tie I have to Thad though is a deeper one. I consider Thad a friend and it was because of my inability that he was allowed to be captured. My duty is to get him back or to offer my life in a chance to do so.” Eloen went to object but Darryl raised his hand silencing her. “I know what you’re going to say. I’m not doing