Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Garvin's worst fear is realized when he runs home from the fields to find his lover's forge empty, his tools scattered, and the ground trampled by a band of soldiers. Nyle has been kidnapped and conscripted into the King's army—a death sentence even for a big smith like Nyle.

Garvin is untrained, unarmed, and nowhere near strong enough to take on one soldier, let alone a whole army. His household skills and a way with horses aren't much to work with, but he can't let that stop him. For the first time in his life, he prays to the Goddess for the help he desperately needs.

He's not expecting an answer. Particularly the one he gets.

~*~*~

This is a rerelease of the 2012 Storm Moon Press story. It has been edited and polished, but there are no substantial changes.

Content warning - contains a brief on-page episode of dubious to non-consensual sex.