Page 39 of Highland Lords of War & Thunder: The Prequel

Legion stopped beneath the largest oak and waited.

He didn't wait long.

A figure appeared between the trees.

Legion recognized Torden before he could make out his face. Few men possessed his size, and fewer still carried a claymore of that length across their back as though it weighed no more than a walking stick.

Torden spotted him and stopped.

For a moment neither man moved.

Years had passed since they'd last stood face-to-face, yet Legion had no trouble recognizing the man he'd fought beside more times than he cared to remember.

Then Torden grinned.

Legion did the same.

They closed the distance between them, clasped forearms, and Torden pulled him into a hard embrace, Legion returning it with equal force.

Torden stepped back and looked him over. “You're getting old.”

“So are you.”

“Nay. I'm as handsome as ever.”

Legion laughed, something he hadn't expected to do when he'd begun this journey. “You were never handsome.”

“Women disagree.”

“They're being kind.”

Torden shook his head. “Years apart and your disposition hasn't improved.”

“Neither has yours.”

But Legion was glad to see him, more than glad. There were few men in this world he trusted without question. Fewer still who knew him for what he truly was and had stood beside him when death seemed certain.

Torden was one of them.

Torden's amusement faded as his gaze settled more carefully on Legion. “Did you expect it?”

“Nay,” Legion said, shaking his head. “You?”

“Nay, though I should have. It was only a matter of time.”

Legion understood.

Torden looked around the grove again, and this time Legion knew exactly who he was searching for.

“Where is he?”

Legion shrugged. “I don't know.”

Torden frowned.

They both looked toward the path.

“Creagan should have been the first of us here,” Legion said.