A HERO’S VOW
“Excuse me, Captain…Oh.”
Finn heard a knock and sensed someone entering the room, but he didn’t respond immediately. He was down on one knee, one hand placed across his breast like a knight swearing a solemn vow, kneeling before a tapestry on one wall and the stone bust that stood before it.
“I-I’m sorry, Captain. I didn’t realize you were praying…”
“It’s fine,” said Finn, opening his eyes and standing up. “You’re not the first to interrupt. I should have locked the door if I wanted to be undisturbed.”
Finn cast a soft smile toward the doorway, where Tione was standing.
“Come to tell me everything is ready, I trust?”
“Yes, sir. All five units are ready to move out at any time.”
Finn and Tione were both ready for battle, too, armed with their spear and Kukri knives, respectively.
It was the eve of war, the night before the second assault on Knossos. Outside the window, night cloaked the city. The blue light was at once an indigo sea and an azure flame.
“Were you…praying for victory from Lady Fianna?” asked Tione.
Fianna was a fictional goddess whom the prum worshipped. Finn’s devotion to her was well-known among the familia, and he always prayed to her to bring glory to his race on the night before an important battle.
“No,” Finn answered. “I was saying good-bye.”
“…Pardon?”
Tione’s eyes flew wide with surprise. They grew even wider after what Finn said next.
“I’ve stopped looking up to Fianna. Instead, I’ve sworn to become an even brighter beacon. I pray to ensure she watches over me in that endeavor.”
Finn’s smile looked prouder and more defiant than Tione had ever seen. In the blink of an eye, her cheeks flushed scarlet, and she smiled back.
“Do you find it offensive, Tione?”
“No! In fact, I think I fell in love with you all over again!”
“Then let’s go. We’re going to best a god today.”
“Yes, sir!”
A love renewed and a hero reborn. The two set off for the front lines together.
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