Cursor's Fury (Codex Alera #3)(225)

"Why, Fade?" Isana whispered. "Why do you say that?"

"I can't," he whispered. "He was like a brother. It should never have happened. Never"

And then, suddenly, the scene shifted again. Isana and Fade stood back at the Legion camp, just before the attack. Septimus stood before them in his command tent, eyes hard and calculating. A steady stream of orders flowed from his lips, giving commands to his Tribunes as Araris helped him into his armor.

He finished, and the tent emptied as the camp stirred itself to battle. Araris finished the last lacing on the armor and banged hard on Septimus's armored shoulder, then seized the Princeps helm from its stand and tossed it underhand to Septimus.

"I'll help ready the command position, " Araris said. "See you there. "

"Rari," Septimus said. "Wait."

Araris paused, frowning back at the Princeps.

"I need you to do something."

Araris smiled. "I'll see to it. We're sending the noncombatants out already. "

"No," Septimus said. He put a hand on Araris's shoulder. "I need you to take her out of here yourself."

Araris stiffened. "What?"

"I want you to take Isana and her sister out."

"My place is beside you."

Septimus hesitated for a moment, and glanced to the east with haunted eyes. Then he said, "No. Not tonight it isn't."

Araris frowned. "Your Highness? Are you all right?"

Septimus shook himself like a dog shedding water, and the uncertainty vanished from his expression. "Yes. But I think I finally understand what's been happening since Seven Hills."

"What do you mean?" Araris asked.

Septimus shook his head and lifted his hand. "There's no time. I want you to take them to safety."

"Your Highness, I can assign a mounted unit to escort them out."

"No. It's got to be you."

"Crows, Septimus," Araris said. "Why?"

Septimus met his eyes directly, and said quietly, "Because I know you'll take care of her."

Araris's eyes widened, and his face went pale. He shook his head. "Sep, no. No, it isn't like that. I would never want that. Not for my lord. Not for my friend."

The Princeps face suddenly lit in a smile, and he threw back his head in a belly laugh. "Crows. I know that, Rari, you fool. I know you wouldn't."

Araris ducked his head, frowning. "Still. I shouldn't. It isn't right."

Septimus thumped a fist down on Araris's shoulder. "Bah, man. I can't very well throw stones at anyone who falls in love with her. I did, after all." He glanced in the direction of the tent he shared with Isana. "She's something special."

"She is," Araris agreed quietly.

Septimus's face sobered. "It's got to be you."

"All right," Araris said.

"If something happens to me-"

"It won't," Araris said firmly.

"We can't know that," Septimus said. "No one ever can. It's got to be you. If something happens to me, I want her to be taken care of." He glanced back at Araris. "I can't stand the thought of her and the child being alone. Promise me, Araris."

Araris shook his head. "You're being ridiculous."

"Maybe," Septimus agreed. "I hope so. But promise me."

Araris frowned at the Princeps for a moment. Then he jerked his chin in a quick nod. "I'll watch over her."