He had seen the red marks on Elle’s soft cheeks after their lovemaking, and he would be sure to be clean shaven from now on so as not to harm her. Her wild abandonment just hours earlier still brought a smile to his face. Even now his body wanted her again, and with each taste, his hunger for her grew. He glanced at the gray sky, hoping he would see the harpies. He was anxious to get the battle started so he and Elle could speak of the future. After so many years in the Shields, he knew better than to talk of the future before a battle. Better to wait until he defeated the enemy. A quick check of the saddles and weapons let Roderick know everything was in order. He stood against the stall of the white stallion he had ridden earlier and rubbed his velvety nose. It was then he found himself wanting to return to his realm. He wanted to see his family and introduce them to Elle. The guilt he had carried with him, for what seemed like an eternity, no longer weighed as heavily as it did before.
