Aiken is a shepherd living a mostly solitary life with only his dogs for company. Neel is a soldier, newly enlisted in the duke’s service. They meet by chance, and almost immediately fall hopelessly in love.
Trouble is on the horizon, though, and quickly threatens to take away what they’re building. The borderlands are under attack by dark forces, and it’s rumored the local garrison will be activated and sent to the border. There’s even talk of war.
Will Neel be sent off to fight? In the meantime, will their relationship survive the stress?
Thinking it likely nothing more than a random encounter, and that he would not run into Neel again, Aiken was surprised the next day to see Neel coming over the hill again. They were in roughly the same spot, but Aiken had not even thought to look over the hill to see if anyone was there.
“Hey!” he greeted the young soldier, unable to keep the excitement from his voice. “What are you doing all the way out here again?”
“Coming to see you, of course!” Neel answered with a smile. This day, he was fully dressed in a dark green tunic and brown breeches. His hair was combed, and Aiken realized with a start that he was clearly dressed his best. Nobody looked that put together in his village, other than on holidays. Surely it was not all for him?
“Well, I’m glad you did,” Aiken said shyly, sure he was blushing a bit.
Neel sat down, much closer this time than the day before. He crossed his legs, resting his hands on his ankles.
“So today is the day of my birth, supposedly ...” Neel began, with an eyeroll that showed what he thought of the idea.
“Really? Congratulations!” Aiken said anyway. “How old are you?”
“I’m twenty now.”
“Wow, me too! Or basically, anyway; in a couple months, officially.”
“I thought we were about the same age,” Neel observed with a nod. “But anyway, a few of the guys are having a party for me at the tavern tonight.”
There was no need to elaborate. Their village only had one tavern. Aiken saw where this was going, and although he was flattered and surprised, the idea of being around so many people ... his face must have betrayed him, because Neel hurried on.
“I can tell how you feel about that kind of thing, and I get it. But I won’t take no for an answer. I want you to come!”
Aiken stared at him, mystified. “Why? You don’t even know me,” he asked finally, unable to say anything other than the honest truth.
“You’re right, it’s strange,” Neel said, blushing some himself. “I just ... I guess I felt sort of a connection with you yesterday, and I want to get to know you better.”
Aiken stared a while longer but ultimately was unable to say no to that face. “I’ll think about it,” he finally allowed.
Neel’s smile widened. “Great! I mean, I know you probably still won’t come ... but I hope you will!” With that he stood and started walking back the way he came. “I’ve got to go, lots to do before the party tonight. Hope to see you there!”
Watching the retreating figure, Aiken shook his head in bewilderment. What had just happened? Surely this beautiful man had lots of friends. He was probably popular, with the guys and ladies alike. Why would he walk all the way out here just to invite a loner like Aiken?
When Neel disappeared back over the hill, Aiken lay down to stare up at the sky, a favorite pastime of his. Going to the tavern to be in a crowded room, with a bunch of people he did not know, or barely knew, sounded like the third level of hell to him. Yet at the same time, he felt like he would go through a lot worse to spend more time with Neel. He was going.
