1st day of the 7th month 580th year of the 8th era

Akuchi awoke and yawned. Since the victory over the trolls three months ago, the fort had fallen into a quiet routine: wake up, eat, and train, then go back to bed exhausted. Today was different. Today he had been at the fort for a year now.

Akuchi dressed in his dark trousers. Mayu came and stood beside him.

“One year, today,” Mayu commented. “Can’t believe that it has been that long.”

“It has been an experience I will never forget,” replied Akuchi.

“Are you planning on staying?” Mayu asked, turning to face Akuchi.

“No, I only wanted to sign on for a year.”

“I can’t believe after all the excitement of the past year, you want to give it up and start a farm,” Mayu said incredulously.

Akuchi and Mayu walked down the path to the command tent.

On the mustering yard, the fort was out and practicing. Akuchi and Mayu passed Aquillia and Nurarfed fighting. Aquillia’s fast-spinning double-bladed sword was held at bay by the quick, solid movements of Nurarfed’s great-axe.

They reached the command tent, where Commander Oghenekaro sat behind his desk dressed in full leather armor writing on a piece of parchment in front of him. As they entered they cast a shadow on the desk and Oghenekaro looked up.

“Akuchi, good morning,” Oghenekaro exclaimed with a large smile.

“Good morning, sir,” Akuchi replied.

“A year today, hey?” Oghenekaro sighed, leaning back into his chair.

“Yes sir,” Akuchi replied.

“Is there anything I can do to make you stay?” Oghenekaro asked, placing one arm over the back of the chair. “I could use men that can teach so well. Those new recruits you trained are doing wonderfully. They reached competence at least a week faster than anyone else.”

“No, sir. I just want to be a farmer.”

“Very well then,” resigned Oghenekaro. “Do you know where you will go?”

“I was thinking just south of the fort here.”

“Why there?” Oghenekaro asked sitting up straight in his chair.

“I was hoping to farm enough to become the principal supplier to this fort. My original plan had been to return home and buy a plot of land there, but I see a greater need here.”

A moment of quiet sat between the three people in the command tent.

“I know that the fort has struggled with food,” continued Akuchi, “for as long as I have been here. I want to ensure that the fort will always have enough food to eat. I believe that since the trolls never make it to the south of the fort, my farm will be safe there.”

“What about the forest?” Mayu asked Oghenekaro.

“Aquillia told me that anyone who goes into the forest for too long dies.”

“She was right,” Mayu said. “Rumor has it that anyone that goes into the forest to our south or crosses the Yellow River to the north of Crece has died.”

“It doesn’t matter if it was one person or a whole regiment,” Oghenekaro said, “once they entered the forest, they were never heard from again. You are the only exception to that.”

“Then how come when Aquillia and I entered the forest, we came back?” Akuchi asked.

“I am not sure. Maybe you were lucky. The fear of death has kept anyone out of the forest.”

“Well I want to set up a farm to the south, I will clear the area slowly to not actually enter the forest,” said Akuchi.

“You will need all sorts of supplies and materials for setting up a farm,” said Oghenekaro. “Are you prepared to organize them?”

“The supply ship will be here soon. I was hoping to purchase some seeds and such from the trader then,” Akuchi said. “Hopefully they will be here in time for the growing season. Even if they come late they will produce a small crop that will get me by until they can grow again.”

“If you were to plant now then you might have a crop faster?” asked Oghenekaro.

“Yeah, the earlier I can plant the faster I can start supplying the fort.”

“I guess you would ask for some form of compensation for providing us with food?” asked Oghenekaro.

“Yes,” answered Akuchi, “though you wouldn’t have to pay the captains for transporting your food. So, you would be saving something.”

“That’s true,” agreed Oghenekaro, “If we provided the seeds to you then it would be considered an investment.”

“Yes,” answered Akuchi.

“OK, I will allow you to take whatever you need from the stores.”

“Thank you, sir,” Akuchi said and then walked out of the tent.

Mayu dragged Akuchi away from the tent.

“I don’t believe it,” stammered Akuchi.

“What?” asked Mayu as she dragged Akuchi towards the store building.

“Why did he do that?” asked Akuchi

“It is true that the fort is very low on food stocks,” said Mayu.

Mayu opened the door and shepherded Akuchi through the door. Taya was at the hole in the wall. Upon seeing them, she folded her arms, and her eyes furrowed.

“Every time you guys walk in here, it's bad news for me,” exclaimed Taya.

“It is not,” retorted Akuchi, smiling, “we brighten your day.”

“I need you guys to brighten my day like an arrow to the knee,” Taya returned with a grin. “What can I do for you guys?”

“Akuchi has finished his term and wants to start a farm here. What resources do you have that could help with that?” Mayu asked, smiling sweetly.

“Oh no you don’t,” Taya defended. “You are not getting farming supplies from me without approval.”

“Oggy just gave me approval,” said Akuchi, standing tall.

“He hasn’t informed me,” returned Taya, locking eyes with Akuchi.

The outside door opened and Lyuba walked in, her leather jerkin tight over her body.

“Mayu, a ship has been spotted coming up the coast.”

“All right I will come,” Mayu answered Lyuba. She turned to Akuchi.

“I think I can handle this.” Akuchi waved off Mayu without breaking eye contact with Taya.

Mayu and Lyuba left and the door slammed shut behind them.

“You think you can handle me?”

Akuchi leaned forward, placing his hands on the bench between them. I am going to get the tools that Oggy had promised one way or another.

Taya leaned forward, uncrossed her arms, and placed them in the same position in front of Akuchi. Their faces were so close that Akuchi could feel a sense of anticipation, run across his face. Taya moved one hand and placed it on the top of Akuchi’s hand.

“I could be persuaded to give you those tools you need,” Taya suggested, stroking Akuchi’s hand.

“Oggy gave me permission to take the supplies,” countered Akuchi, “are you prepared to violate a direct order?”

“I have not received a direct order.” A smile crept across her face.

“What did you have in mind?” he asked.

“Come on in,” Taya directed, leaning back and opened the door to let him in.

Akuchi followed. She led him down a corridor; at the end stood a simple wooden door with a well-used brass handle. She opened the door and Akuchi followed her inside. Taya closed the door after him. The room was lit by a small window set at the top of the far wall that cast the room in an ethereal shadow. The room contained a simple bed and a trunk at the end of it on the opposite side of the room. A simple table sat a bowl filled with water and a small yellow towel. Taya sat on the end of the bed.

“I know that you have been sleeping with both Aquillia and Mayu,” Taya said lifting her tunic over her head. “I want you to do me now, or I tell them both.”

Akuchi looked at Taya. He looked deep into her eyes.

What? How many people know?

“I have kept my eyes on you. Consider it my price. I will keep your little secret and give you more supplies than you need to set your farm up.”

How would I live with that? Could I live with that? I could fulfill my dream of setting up a farm and all it would take would be to sleep with her. I slept with Mayu and Aquillia several times over the course of this year for a lot less, because I was horny and bored. I even slept with Hiwot every time she came to the fort. One more conquest couldn’t hurt, could it? If they ever found out about each other I would lose both?

Taya gently caressed his leg. Her other hand slipped around behind him and held him close. Taya leaned in and kissed Akuchi on the lips. A ripple of surprise washed over him. Akuchi flinched just a little, and he pulled back. Taya broke off the kiss and looked back at him with surprise in her eyes. Taya looked down at his crotch and saw the stretched fabric.

“I know you want me,” she insisted.

Akuchi closed his eyes as she mounted him. Just lie back and think of Aquillia and Mayu. Let her do what she wants and then you will get everything you want.

“Thank you,” Taya murmured in Akuchi’s chest after she had completed what she wanted.

Akuchi arose and pulled on his trousers.

“I will ensure that the materials are ready when you need them,” called Taya.

“I will need axes and sharpening stones first,” said Akuchi. He kept his eyes downcast. For the farm. Now I have access to whatever materials the fort has. I can build a bigger farm with that.

“Wait for me and I will get them for you, now.”

Taya stepped into her skirt, pulled her shirt over her head, and hurried after Akuchi. She hurried past Akuchi and led him down a side corridor amongst the stacks of shelves. A few minutes later they arrived at the hand axes. Taya pointed them out to Akuchi to take his pick.

Akuchi looked at them and took two single-sided axes; he tested each one with his thumb to ensure that they were sharp. Taya handed him a small knapsack with several whetstones that he could use to sharpen.

“If you need anything else, don’t hesitate to ask,” Taya offered as Akuchi walked out the door.

I feel dirty and used. I am not sure that I can respect myself again.

Will I be able to look at Aquillia or Mayu again?