Fic: The Cacophony of Bats Wings (7/13)
Sep. 20th, 2009 07:10 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
starsandseaTitle: The Cacophony of Bats Wings (7/13)
Rating: PGish
Characters/Pairing: Bruce/Kal, Harvey, Barbara, Dick, Alfred
Word Count: 2957
Disclaimer: I own nothing
Author's Note: Previous parts can be found here. Betaed by the ever awesome![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
mithen!
It was a week since Harvey had been removed from the council, and Bruce was reviewing the situation. Jason, of course, was dead-set against him being allowed to return. Dick, and Barbara herself, were slightly more sympathetic, but it was clear they did not trust Harvey.
He supposed he could not blame them for that. But Lucius had agreed to keep a very close watch on Harvey, and... Bruce could not attend every council session, it was why he had appointed Barbara in the first place. He was just so busy with so many other things - and, he admitted to himself, he did get very involved in his tasks, not bothering to measure time - that he simply could not be there as often as he would like.
He had seen Harvey this morning, after breakfast. He had been helping to clear the snow that had fallen over night from the courtyard, and they had spoken. His friend had looked a lot more relaxed, a lot more settled. Bruce was not quite sure if he should bring him back into the council, or let him have a few more days rest. He had not seen Harvey look so calm in years.
Maybe he should give his friend a few more days of peace before imposing on him again. To truly give him time to rest. He seemed to have come to some level of peace within himself, and Bruce did not want to disturb that.
He sighed, causing Ace to raise to raise his head and look at him with big eyes. Bruce petted his dog, smiling slightly to himself as Ace's tail thumped against the floor. At least Stephanie seemed to be doing better now; Tim was keeping a very close eye on her, and she seemed to be coping. It did not stop him worrying about her, but it did make his heart a little lighter. Tim and Cass were looking after her, and would pull him in, if necessary.
Bruce felt a rush of gratitude to his siblings, and smiled again. The smile faded as he remembered yet another decision he would have to make, and soon. If he should send soldiers to the borders or not, following reports of great bands of mercenaries gathering. It was odd - it was Winter, they should be going home. No one fought in Winter. Maybe they were just using the borders of Gotham as a gathering point, or they were making plans to attack Gotham in the Spring, after they had gone home.
Bruce frowned. He would call a council this afternoon, he decided. They would discuss the situation and hopefully decide on a course of action.
*****
"We should at least look into it, discover what they are doing!" Barbara argued.
"We do not have the resources available."
"What matter will those 'resources' be if we are surprised and all killed?"
And back and forth it went, as it had nearly all afternoon. The council was neatly divided down the middle, half arguing that soldiers should be sent to reinforce the borders, the other half saying it would be a waste of time, and more importantly, of food and manpower.
And back and forth it raged. Bruce sighed to himself, watching everyone, seeing who had sided with what. Lucius was trying his best to keep the peace. Curiously, the other person who was staying mostly silent was Captain Gordon, who was watching everything with a slight frown. Interesting.
The debate started all over again and Bruce leaned forward in his chair, feeling the weight of the crown upon his head. Everyone fell silent. "These are all valid points. We do not have the manpower, and nor do we want to provoke the mercenaries with a show of force." There was restless movement. "However, we should investigate what is going on, and see if they pose a threat."
He nodded at Gordon. "How many men can we muster at short notice, Captain?"
There was no hesitation. "Close to a thousand, but more if we send word to the outlying settlements."
Bruce nodded. "Therefore, I suggest we send a small force - maybe three hundred men - to the borders." More restless movement, but most of the council members nodded. "I suggest the forces be led by Prince Jason and Princess Cassandra," he continued, seeing Dick look at him sharply, maybe wondering...
"They can be broken into groups who can scout and gather intelligence." More nods. Nearly everyone seemed to agree, which was a minor miracle. "They will leave in three days," he decided.
There were yet more nods, and some respectful bows. "I shall see to it, my Lord." Gordon said, before bowing, and moving towards to the doors. Bruce nodded to himself, and everyone started to slowly leave.
Dick stayed behind after everyone had left. Bruce wanted to take the crown off, but did not have anywhere safe to put it. So on his head it remained.
"Why aren't you sending me?" Dick finally asked, and there was definite hurt and anger in his eyes now.
Bruce swallowed a sigh. "I can not take the risk."
"What risk?"
"You are my heir, Dick."
His brother seemed to deflate. "But... you always headed these missions before..."
Bruce nodded. "When I was the heir. Yes. But it was always made sure I was safe. We do not have that luxury now." Dick looked slightly rebellious still. Bruce did sigh now. "Dick, I need you here." He looked at him. "If we need to send reinforcements... then, you may lead them."
Dick smiled now, and Bruce felt a vast sense of relief. It was so difficult, trying to balance everyone's needs, to do what he thought was best for Gotham, for her people, for his brothers and sisters... and maybe he was selfish. He absentmindedly played with Kal's ring.
"All right. I'm sorry, I do understand you need me here, but..." It was Dick's turn to sigh. "It's just so frustrating. I want to be out there."
Bruce smiled wryly now, and stood up. "We both do."
Dick smiled sheepishly, then stood up as well, and they walked to the door together. His brother was still adjusting to being the Crown Prince, not just a Prince any longer. He probably had not realized how limiting it was.
But now, Bruce needed to tell Jason and Cassandra of their new roles, and once more work through the pile of papers and letters that awaited him in his study.
*****
Jason and Cassandra had responded enthusiastically when he had told them of their new mission, and were choosing the best men from their re-trained forces to accompany them. Bruce had retreated to his study, Ace falling in at his side, then, after being taken out by Tim and Stephy. It had been a long day, but he had more work to do. He should make an appearance in public, go to dinner in the great hall, but... work would always come first.
When he reached his study, he was started by a throat clearing behind him. He turned and saw Alfred there, a plate of food in his hands. Bruce smiled wryly and opened the door to his study properly, Alfred following him in.
"How are the wood supplies, Alfred?" He asked, nodding at the newly lit fire, only a few logs by its side to be thrown on, when needed.
Alfred carefully placed the plate upon his desk. "They are... adequate, sir."
Bruce winced, but nodded. "Thank you, Alfred."
Alfred nodded, but did not turn to go. Bruce sat behind his desk, Ace stretching out in front of the fire, and looked at the other man in question.
A hint of a smile touched Alfred's lips. "Another letter from Metropolis has arrived, sir."
Bruce felt his heart leap as Alfred withdrew it. He gently took it from him like it would crumble into dust. "Thank you again, my friend."
Alfred nodded again, then quietly left. Bruce's stomach rumbled, and he pulled the plate of food closer. It smelt delicious. Very carefully, he opened Kal's letter, wanting to draw the moment out as long as he could. They were over far too quickly, after all.
He took a mouthful of food, then slowly started to read.
Bruce,
How are you? I hope you are well, and looking after yourself, love. I am fine, though I miss you terribly, and my Mother still talks of nothing but our wedding.
I am relieved you have taken action with the council, and I hope you will not have any more problems with your new one. I hope you are not overworking yourself either, my love. I know you need to do a lot of work for Gotham, but you will do no good if you are too exhausted to help.
I hope you are sleeping better now, as well. I am, slightly, for at least in my dreams I can see you.
So far the snow here has been light, and I pray it continues to be, both here and in Gotham. Being apart from you is terrible enough, but not even having these letters...
Krypto has settled in now. He is still very boisterous, and does many silly things - nothing like Ace! Still, I think they will like each other, in time.
We have a visitor staying with us, for a time: Diana, Princess of Themyscira. She is a fierce warrior, and I have enjoyed talking with her; she reminds me of you, in some ways. It has been nice to be able to talk freely to someone about you, to share memories. I do not think you have ever met? She has heard of you, anyway, and of your actions here. It seems your legend has spread further than you or I realized.
I miss you so much, and I have begun discussing dates with my parents for my departure in the Spring. I might be able to stay for longer, this time. I certainly hope so. All Summer, at least, I instead to stay with you, no matter what my Father says. For we will be married then, and nothing can change that.
Krypto wants me to take him on a walk now, so I shall draw this letter to a close. I miss you. I love you, my Bruce.
Eternally yours,
Kal.
P.S. I suppose it is nothing, but the border guards have been making mention of mercenaries traveling in odd patterns, and in the direction of Gotham. If you need any aid, just let us know, and we will be there.
Bruce carefully folded the letter, though worry and fear and the keenness of Kal's absence lanced his heart, suddenly. That even in Metropolis they could see something was wrong with the mercenaries, that they had heard rumours.... That was deeply unsettling.
And, on a more personal note, this 'Diana'... While Bruce knew Kal loved him, and would never betray him, the old thoughts about his lover needing an heir returned.
He wondered what Jor-El was up to.
*****
Jason and Cassandra had left this morning, taking three hundred men to the borders. Captain Gordon had remained, by Bruce's request - they needed men, good men here now that so many were gone. And the soldiers' training still had to continue, of course. Maybe Dick could help them there? Bruce did not want too push his brother too far, give him too much to do, and yet he wanted to him to feel included, to not feel left out. Complicated.
Bruce sighed. Kal's latest letter still troubled him, and he was unsettled, with Jason and Cass gone. It was a fool's errand to send them out in Winter, with the cold and snow and long dark nights. Even now, mid-afternoon, darkness was starting to creep in, and a gentle - deceptively gentle - snow was falling.
Bruce sighed again. Ace, who was lying nearly on his feet, tensed, his head raising, a low growl emanating from his throat. A knock on the door. Ace barked, rising to his feet, teeth bared. Bruce looked up from his letter to Jor-El, his reply to Kal's already written and drying, and called out 'Enter.'
Ace barked again as the door slowly opened, revealing Harvey's form. Bruce felt his heart lighten; Harvey looked so much more relaxed and at peace than he had before. He wrapped his fingers around Ace's collar, carefully restraining him, and gestured for his friend to sit in the chair before his desk.
"How are you?" He asked, gently pulling Ace back and stroking his ears with his other hand, Kal's ring catching in the light.
Harvey smiled, a true, deep smile. "I feel much better now. Thank you."
Bruce smiled himself. "Good. I am very glad to hear that."
Harvey smiled brilliantly. "Then... will you put me back on the council? Please?" His eyes were beseeching, wide and blue.
Bruce paused a moment, thinking. He knew that some would oppose Harvey's return, but the truth was they needed him there, now more than ever, since so many were gone to the borders. He nodded, and Harvey's grin outshone the sun; his whole body sagged in relief.
Bruce petted Ace's ears again as he growled lowly.
"Thank you, Bruce. I won't let you down again, I promise." He made an aborted movement, like he was going to reach for his hands and Ace went very still next to him.
"I will see you there tomorrow, Harvey," was all Bruce said, Kal's ring catching the light once more.
Harvey nodded and stood. "Thank you again, Bruce."
Bruce nodded, and his friend left, Ace slowly relaxing by his side, until he licked his hands, then his face. Bruce pushed him down and the dog curled up over his feet again. He returned to his letter to Jor-El, but could not help feeling unsettled over the fervor he had seen in Harvey's eyes, the desperation, the need...
Shivering slightly from the cold, Bruce started writing.
*****
Three weeks had gone by with no word from Jason or Cassandra, or any of their men. Three weeks of worry and Bruce had finally given in and ordered Dick to lead a search party, with Captain Gordon and many other men. There were preparing to leave momentary.
Bruce bit his lip, his fingers worrying Kal's ring. It was probably just bad weather. He had not received any letters from his lover since before his brother and sister had left - it was probably just heavy snow, blocking off all the paths. Or the mercenaries had blocked them off. Or... worse.
Bruce shook his head, angry with himself. It was highly likely it was just heavy snow and everything was blocked off until it melted. The price for sending men out in Winter. That was all. At least things at home had been quiet - Stephanie was continuing to improve, day by day, and Harvey had been doing well, too. True, he would sometimes get angry and yell, but he was always mortified afterwards, apologizing profusely to those involved, and to him. But he was calmer now, so Bruce was not as worried about him.
"Master Bruce."
Bruce started, turning at Alfred's voice, while Ace woofed at him happily. "Sir, Master Dick is ready to depart."
Bruce took a deep breath. "Thank you, Alfred."
Alfred nodded, stepping aside to let him pass. Bruce walked through the corridors of the castle until he emerged at the courtyard, where many people were milling about; horses neighed and stamped their hooves.
He caught sight of Barbara's flame red hair and moved towards it, nodding at his soldiers as he passed them. It was still odd, having to act like the King. He was used to it in some ways, of course, but in others... It was odd being the one who had to stay behind, who had to stay at home and worry.
Stephy was standing next to Tim, who was wrapped in a black cloak, hood covering his face, only the gleam of his eyes visible. Barbara was arguing with Dick, complaining at not being able to go with him, threatening him should he come to any harm, and ordering him to bring Jason and Cassandra back, safe and well.
Dick was clad in his battle armour, gleaming even under the grey sky. His eyes shone, too, ready for a fight, to really be able to do something... Bruce felt a sudden bolt of yearning; he desperately wanted to put on his own armour and go with Dick to fight, to do anything but the paperwork he had to do now, and before that, shirts...
He curled his hands into fists, feeling distant pain from his old wounds. He nodded at his siblings as he reached them, quieting them.
"We are ready to depart, my Lord," Dick said, bowing his head.
Bruce looked at him, at the men around the courtyard, ready to go. "Then I bid you farewell. Come back soon, and safely." He reached out and placed a hand on his brother's shoulder.
Dick seemed to grow even taller under his hand, his back going straight and rigid. "We will, my Lord."
Bruce nodded again, then stepped back to allow Dick to mount his horse, men echoing his movements all around them. He shared a glance with Tim, then the courtyard was suddenly filled with noise:
'Foes! Foes! Cried the horns. 'To arms, Gotham! To the borders! Foes! Foes!'
Rating: PGish
Characters/Pairing: Bruce/Kal, Harvey, Barbara, Dick, Alfred
Word Count: 2957
Disclaimer: I own nothing
Author's Note: Previous parts can be found here. Betaed by the ever awesome
mithen!It was a week since Harvey had been removed from the council, and Bruce was reviewing the situation. Jason, of course, was dead-set against him being allowed to return. Dick, and Barbara herself, were slightly more sympathetic, but it was clear they did not trust Harvey.
He supposed he could not blame them for that. But Lucius had agreed to keep a very close watch on Harvey, and... Bruce could not attend every council session, it was why he had appointed Barbara in the first place. He was just so busy with so many other things - and, he admitted to himself, he did get very involved in his tasks, not bothering to measure time - that he simply could not be there as often as he would like.
He had seen Harvey this morning, after breakfast. He had been helping to clear the snow that had fallen over night from the courtyard, and they had spoken. His friend had looked a lot more relaxed, a lot more settled. Bruce was not quite sure if he should bring him back into the council, or let him have a few more days rest. He had not seen Harvey look so calm in years.
Maybe he should give his friend a few more days of peace before imposing on him again. To truly give him time to rest. He seemed to have come to some level of peace within himself, and Bruce did not want to disturb that.
He sighed, causing Ace to raise to raise his head and look at him with big eyes. Bruce petted his dog, smiling slightly to himself as Ace's tail thumped against the floor. At least Stephanie seemed to be doing better now; Tim was keeping a very close eye on her, and she seemed to be coping. It did not stop him worrying about her, but it did make his heart a little lighter. Tim and Cass were looking after her, and would pull him in, if necessary.
Bruce felt a rush of gratitude to his siblings, and smiled again. The smile faded as he remembered yet another decision he would have to make, and soon. If he should send soldiers to the borders or not, following reports of great bands of mercenaries gathering. It was odd - it was Winter, they should be going home. No one fought in Winter. Maybe they were just using the borders of Gotham as a gathering point, or they were making plans to attack Gotham in the Spring, after they had gone home.
Bruce frowned. He would call a council this afternoon, he decided. They would discuss the situation and hopefully decide on a course of action.
*****
"We should at least look into it, discover what they are doing!" Barbara argued.
"We do not have the resources available."
"What matter will those 'resources' be if we are surprised and all killed?"
And back and forth it went, as it had nearly all afternoon. The council was neatly divided down the middle, half arguing that soldiers should be sent to reinforce the borders, the other half saying it would be a waste of time, and more importantly, of food and manpower.
And back and forth it raged. Bruce sighed to himself, watching everyone, seeing who had sided with what. Lucius was trying his best to keep the peace. Curiously, the other person who was staying mostly silent was Captain Gordon, who was watching everything with a slight frown. Interesting.
The debate started all over again and Bruce leaned forward in his chair, feeling the weight of the crown upon his head. Everyone fell silent. "These are all valid points. We do not have the manpower, and nor do we want to provoke the mercenaries with a show of force." There was restless movement. "However, we should investigate what is going on, and see if they pose a threat."
He nodded at Gordon. "How many men can we muster at short notice, Captain?"
There was no hesitation. "Close to a thousand, but more if we send word to the outlying settlements."
Bruce nodded. "Therefore, I suggest we send a small force - maybe three hundred men - to the borders." More restless movement, but most of the council members nodded. "I suggest the forces be led by Prince Jason and Princess Cassandra," he continued, seeing Dick look at him sharply, maybe wondering...
"They can be broken into groups who can scout and gather intelligence." More nods. Nearly everyone seemed to agree, which was a minor miracle. "They will leave in three days," he decided.
There were yet more nods, and some respectful bows. "I shall see to it, my Lord." Gordon said, before bowing, and moving towards to the doors. Bruce nodded to himself, and everyone started to slowly leave.
Dick stayed behind after everyone had left. Bruce wanted to take the crown off, but did not have anywhere safe to put it. So on his head it remained.
"Why aren't you sending me?" Dick finally asked, and there was definite hurt and anger in his eyes now.
Bruce swallowed a sigh. "I can not take the risk."
"What risk?"
"You are my heir, Dick."
His brother seemed to deflate. "But... you always headed these missions before..."
Bruce nodded. "When I was the heir. Yes. But it was always made sure I was safe. We do not have that luxury now." Dick looked slightly rebellious still. Bruce did sigh now. "Dick, I need you here." He looked at him. "If we need to send reinforcements... then, you may lead them."
Dick smiled now, and Bruce felt a vast sense of relief. It was so difficult, trying to balance everyone's needs, to do what he thought was best for Gotham, for her people, for his brothers and sisters... and maybe he was selfish. He absentmindedly played with Kal's ring.
"All right. I'm sorry, I do understand you need me here, but..." It was Dick's turn to sigh. "It's just so frustrating. I want to be out there."
Bruce smiled wryly now, and stood up. "We both do."
Dick smiled sheepishly, then stood up as well, and they walked to the door together. His brother was still adjusting to being the Crown Prince, not just a Prince any longer. He probably had not realized how limiting it was.
But now, Bruce needed to tell Jason and Cassandra of their new roles, and once more work through the pile of papers and letters that awaited him in his study.
*****
Jason and Cassandra had responded enthusiastically when he had told them of their new mission, and were choosing the best men from their re-trained forces to accompany them. Bruce had retreated to his study, Ace falling in at his side, then, after being taken out by Tim and Stephy. It had been a long day, but he had more work to do. He should make an appearance in public, go to dinner in the great hall, but... work would always come first.
When he reached his study, he was started by a throat clearing behind him. He turned and saw Alfred there, a plate of food in his hands. Bruce smiled wryly and opened the door to his study properly, Alfred following him in.
"How are the wood supplies, Alfred?" He asked, nodding at the newly lit fire, only a few logs by its side to be thrown on, when needed.
Alfred carefully placed the plate upon his desk. "They are... adequate, sir."
Bruce winced, but nodded. "Thank you, Alfred."
Alfred nodded, but did not turn to go. Bruce sat behind his desk, Ace stretching out in front of the fire, and looked at the other man in question.
A hint of a smile touched Alfred's lips. "Another letter from Metropolis has arrived, sir."
Bruce felt his heart leap as Alfred withdrew it. He gently took it from him like it would crumble into dust. "Thank you again, my friend."
Alfred nodded again, then quietly left. Bruce's stomach rumbled, and he pulled the plate of food closer. It smelt delicious. Very carefully, he opened Kal's letter, wanting to draw the moment out as long as he could. They were over far too quickly, after all.
He took a mouthful of food, then slowly started to read.
Bruce,
How are you? I hope you are well, and looking after yourself, love. I am fine, though I miss you terribly, and my Mother still talks of nothing but our wedding.
I am relieved you have taken action with the council, and I hope you will not have any more problems with your new one. I hope you are not overworking yourself either, my love. I know you need to do a lot of work for Gotham, but you will do no good if you are too exhausted to help.
I hope you are sleeping better now, as well. I am, slightly, for at least in my dreams I can see you.
So far the snow here has been light, and I pray it continues to be, both here and in Gotham. Being apart from you is terrible enough, but not even having these letters...
Krypto has settled in now. He is still very boisterous, and does many silly things - nothing like Ace! Still, I think they will like each other, in time.
We have a visitor staying with us, for a time: Diana, Princess of Themyscira. She is a fierce warrior, and I have enjoyed talking with her; she reminds me of you, in some ways. It has been nice to be able to talk freely to someone about you, to share memories. I do not think you have ever met? She has heard of you, anyway, and of your actions here. It seems your legend has spread further than you or I realized.
I miss you so much, and I have begun discussing dates with my parents for my departure in the Spring. I might be able to stay for longer, this time. I certainly hope so. All Summer, at least, I instead to stay with you, no matter what my Father says. For we will be married then, and nothing can change that.
Krypto wants me to take him on a walk now, so I shall draw this letter to a close. I miss you. I love you, my Bruce.
Eternally yours,
Kal.
P.S. I suppose it is nothing, but the border guards have been making mention of mercenaries traveling in odd patterns, and in the direction of Gotham. If you need any aid, just let us know, and we will be there.
Bruce carefully folded the letter, though worry and fear and the keenness of Kal's absence lanced his heart, suddenly. That even in Metropolis they could see something was wrong with the mercenaries, that they had heard rumours.... That was deeply unsettling.
And, on a more personal note, this 'Diana'... While Bruce knew Kal loved him, and would never betray him, the old thoughts about his lover needing an heir returned.
He wondered what Jor-El was up to.
*****
Jason and Cassandra had left this morning, taking three hundred men to the borders. Captain Gordon had remained, by Bruce's request - they needed men, good men here now that so many were gone. And the soldiers' training still had to continue, of course. Maybe Dick could help them there? Bruce did not want too push his brother too far, give him too much to do, and yet he wanted to him to feel included, to not feel left out. Complicated.
Bruce sighed. Kal's latest letter still troubled him, and he was unsettled, with Jason and Cass gone. It was a fool's errand to send them out in Winter, with the cold and snow and long dark nights. Even now, mid-afternoon, darkness was starting to creep in, and a gentle - deceptively gentle - snow was falling.
Bruce sighed again. Ace, who was lying nearly on his feet, tensed, his head raising, a low growl emanating from his throat. A knock on the door. Ace barked, rising to his feet, teeth bared. Bruce looked up from his letter to Jor-El, his reply to Kal's already written and drying, and called out 'Enter.'
Ace barked again as the door slowly opened, revealing Harvey's form. Bruce felt his heart lighten; Harvey looked so much more relaxed and at peace than he had before. He wrapped his fingers around Ace's collar, carefully restraining him, and gestured for his friend to sit in the chair before his desk.
"How are you?" He asked, gently pulling Ace back and stroking his ears with his other hand, Kal's ring catching in the light.
Harvey smiled, a true, deep smile. "I feel much better now. Thank you."
Bruce smiled himself. "Good. I am very glad to hear that."
Harvey smiled brilliantly. "Then... will you put me back on the council? Please?" His eyes were beseeching, wide and blue.
Bruce paused a moment, thinking. He knew that some would oppose Harvey's return, but the truth was they needed him there, now more than ever, since so many were gone to the borders. He nodded, and Harvey's grin outshone the sun; his whole body sagged in relief.
Bruce petted Ace's ears again as he growled lowly.
"Thank you, Bruce. I won't let you down again, I promise." He made an aborted movement, like he was going to reach for his hands and Ace went very still next to him.
"I will see you there tomorrow, Harvey," was all Bruce said, Kal's ring catching the light once more.
Harvey nodded and stood. "Thank you again, Bruce."
Bruce nodded, and his friend left, Ace slowly relaxing by his side, until he licked his hands, then his face. Bruce pushed him down and the dog curled up over his feet again. He returned to his letter to Jor-El, but could not help feeling unsettled over the fervor he had seen in Harvey's eyes, the desperation, the need...
Shivering slightly from the cold, Bruce started writing.
*****
Three weeks had gone by with no word from Jason or Cassandra, or any of their men. Three weeks of worry and Bruce had finally given in and ordered Dick to lead a search party, with Captain Gordon and many other men. There were preparing to leave momentary.
Bruce bit his lip, his fingers worrying Kal's ring. It was probably just bad weather. He had not received any letters from his lover since before his brother and sister had left - it was probably just heavy snow, blocking off all the paths. Or the mercenaries had blocked them off. Or... worse.
Bruce shook his head, angry with himself. It was highly likely it was just heavy snow and everything was blocked off until it melted. The price for sending men out in Winter. That was all. At least things at home had been quiet - Stephanie was continuing to improve, day by day, and Harvey had been doing well, too. True, he would sometimes get angry and yell, but he was always mortified afterwards, apologizing profusely to those involved, and to him. But he was calmer now, so Bruce was not as worried about him.
"Master Bruce."
Bruce started, turning at Alfred's voice, while Ace woofed at him happily. "Sir, Master Dick is ready to depart."
Bruce took a deep breath. "Thank you, Alfred."
Alfred nodded, stepping aside to let him pass. Bruce walked through the corridors of the castle until he emerged at the courtyard, where many people were milling about; horses neighed and stamped their hooves.
He caught sight of Barbara's flame red hair and moved towards it, nodding at his soldiers as he passed them. It was still odd, having to act like the King. He was used to it in some ways, of course, but in others... It was odd being the one who had to stay behind, who had to stay at home and worry.
Stephy was standing next to Tim, who was wrapped in a black cloak, hood covering his face, only the gleam of his eyes visible. Barbara was arguing with Dick, complaining at not being able to go with him, threatening him should he come to any harm, and ordering him to bring Jason and Cassandra back, safe and well.
Dick was clad in his battle armour, gleaming even under the grey sky. His eyes shone, too, ready for a fight, to really be able to do something... Bruce felt a sudden bolt of yearning; he desperately wanted to put on his own armour and go with Dick to fight, to do anything but the paperwork he had to do now, and before that, shirts...
He curled his hands into fists, feeling distant pain from his old wounds. He nodded at his siblings as he reached them, quieting them.
"We are ready to depart, my Lord," Dick said, bowing his head.
Bruce looked at him, at the men around the courtyard, ready to go. "Then I bid you farewell. Come back soon, and safely." He reached out and placed a hand on his brother's shoulder.
Dick seemed to grow even taller under his hand, his back going straight and rigid. "We will, my Lord."
Bruce nodded again, then stepped back to allow Dick to mount his horse, men echoing his movements all around them. He shared a glance with Tim, then the courtyard was suddenly filled with noise:
'Foes! Foes! Cried the horns. 'To arms, Gotham! To the borders! Foes! Foes!'
