hier archy 2 & 3
Part two.
I yawned and stretched leaning back in my chair. Thorba was already asleep. I brushed his black hair out of his eyes and pulled off his glasses. People just couldn't get enough of a face like his. They would probably try and kidnap him if they knew how he looked when he was sleeping. Beauty was a horrible thing. When taken to extremes it can cause irreplaceable damage.
Pushing back in my chair it slid away from the desk. I stood and stretched. I couldn't take him back to his own room it was to late at night. I looked at the clock in the far corner of the room. It was about half past three. He could sleep in my bed. I wasn't going to use it tonight. I nudged his shoulder.
" come now Thorba you shouldn't sleep at a desk." he moaned and turned his head away from me. He was tired. I doubt he would wake up for at least another couple hours. I pulled him back into his chair and in one motion lifted him up and out of the desk. He was getting to heavy for me to do this. It was a different story when we were kids. I placed him lightly on top of the bed covers and sighed. I would miss my friend. I ran my hand through my hair and stepped back. I might as well pack a few things to take with me.
I stepped over to the window and watched the clouds slowly give way to dawn. I would leave before the classes would start. I wouldn't have a chance to see Niree till I got back. She would be upset with me. I went back to the desk and sat down. I stared at the blank sheet of parchment and thought of what I should say. I looked at the quill and felt down hearted. It felt like I was writing my will. Thorba would give this to her when she went to the study. I'd better make it a good letter.
How should I even start it. I'd had plenty of classes on how to write letters and documents but they didn't tell me how to deal with this type of letter. Should I say that I'm sorry? Should I try and explain to her? No. I couldn't do any of those. She wouldn't like that. Alright. I'd tell her the story behind the promise. How I'd talked to mother about this before. Maybe then she would understand.
The sun was cresting the horizon. I could tell by the gloomy shadow that was being cast on the gardens below my window. The dew would be setting on the leaves of the roses. Maybe I would go see them before I left. Flowers were so beautiful yet deceitful at the same time. They would beckon to you saying pick me and put me in a vase. As you would go to harvest the delicate looking thing you would prick your fingers and bleed. The flowers would then laugh as your blood ran down their stems. They strangely reminded me of my father. If you tried to talk to him about something other then his kingdom he would get mad and rebuke you. He would prick at your mind with insults. After he would laugh with a glass of wine in his hand.
It was time to leave. I wrote a short note slipped it in an envelope and sealed it with wax. I left it by a small glass rose. It had been a gift from a craftsmen. I had helped his family escape debt from an unruly noble. He repaid me with a set of rose decorations. They were truly a masterpiece. I slipped out of yesterdays clothes and walked towards a small entry concealed with only a cloth door. the now cold bath was delighting. It had been prepared the night before but I neglected to use it. I slipped in and lathered up with the soap that had been placed. It smelled slightly of pine.
Washing the soap off I reached for the towel which hung about two feet from the tub. I jumped out and reached for it before the cold breeze could swaddle my body. The towel was warm and soft. Just right. I dried off and wrapped the towel about my waist. Stepping back into the main room I noticed that Thorba had woken up. He was sitting on the bed with his hands roaming to find the edge. He really couldn't see with out his glasses.
Hooking his glasses on my fingers I stepped up to the bed and grabbed his hand. I gently placed them on his palm and took a step back. I watched as he fiddled with them before slipping them on. As he glanced up I could see a slight redness hover over his cheeks but it dispersed immediately. Guess he wasn't comfortable with my clothing choice. Not my fault he woke up when he did.
" Zalis aren't you supposed to be leaving soon?" he said getting down from the bed and straightening his clothes. He looked professional even though he had slept in his clothes.
" yes I am. I've already packed the things I will need so do not worry. All that's left is to eat and get dressed." turning back towards the bathroom I stepped beyond the curtain and quickly dressed myself in a plain white wool shirt with a emerald colored sash hanging from my hips. A sword hung delicately at my side as I slid a small pack over my shoulder. I wore a plane pair of black colored pants that cut off at the knee and had silver hoops hanging from the seams. It was a simple outfit but it was also an expensive one. I wasn't one for traveling and announcing my presence with mighty horses and jewels.
" is this the letter here?" that was Thorba. I guess he found it. It wasn't that well hidden. I stepped back out and nodded at him. My mood for talking had vanished. The next words I would speak would be when I left the castle. I looked at the door that went to the outer hall. On the wooden table there was a silver tray assorted with fruits and meats. The breads and vegetables were set on the other half of the tray. I had told the cook that night to send enough for three people. I had been expecting Niree to accompany us. I separated it into two plates and handed one to Thorba.
" I hope she isn't to mad with us. I mean you have no other choice." he was trying to comb over my fears and rake them out. I ate in silence. I already knew she wouldn't come. Maybe she would write to me and I could get a letter from her while I'm away. It was the best I could hope for. I would have one of those at the address with me on this trip. I could send her one if I so choose. Things were getting complicated.
" I think this is all we have time for. I can see the guards already changed into civilian clothing." he was right I had not but ten minutes left before I would leave. I ate slowly. My stomach wasn't agreeing with the meal. I'd have to eat on the way. I stood and left the food on the desk. I walked out the door with Thorba at my heels and a rucksack on my shoulder.
" be sure to be wary of people in Desrid. They're an unruly lot. No doubt someone will try to kill you while you're there." always on the bright side isn't he. A small sigh escaped my lips as we came to the door leading to the gardens. We would be taking a secret route outside. It would take us straight past the village and put us on the traveling road. It was built as an escape path incase of a siege.
A siege that would never happen. Not as long as the people were held in fear. No it was more of a way to blend royalty into a crowd. As I stepped out into the morning air I felt better. I would be back in a few months and things would be right again. At least until I left.
Exiting the palace I came to a secluded post. It had nothing special about it except the troops that were mounting the horses. To my left hung black cloaks and to my right were the guards and horses.
Snatching a cloak I hung it over my shoulders and drew the hood over my head. Id like a quiet trip if possible but I didn't see that it was going to be that way. Thanking the solider that was holding my horse I tied my bags to the saddle and checked the straps. Slipping my foot into the stirrup I hoisted myself onto the horse. My cloak blended into the horse as though they were one of the same.
"well since we're all set shall we leave this castle." saying it was time to go I nudged my horse foreword to the secret path.
Halfway down the trail I hear Thorba yelling something from the palace. I wave my hand and continue walking. Koez would be returning to see what Thorba had wanted and would see me later tonight. I hope it wasn't anything to important.
Part Three
By the time night had fallen we had passed two camps and were on our way to ours. Arriving in a clearing I hopped off my horse. My legs were accustomed to long rides so I had the pleasure of relaxed muscles. My troops on the other hand had no such pleasure. We hadn't brought any tents so we'd be sleeping underneath the stars till we reached the first city, Elkisa. It was just a small fishing town located on the border of Sabalious and Desrid. From what I've heard it is a place that can get a little out of hand. Bar fights and regular debates that get violent. I can only imagine what things will look like when we get there.
I pulled my sleeping gear from the horse and laid it out under a tree. If it rained I would be better off. After I had seen the crew to their quarters I went off a little ways into a thicket. Koez would meet me here when he got the chance.
Glancing at the stars I guessed it was half past midnight. As I sat down and leaned against a stump a rustling noise reached my ears. It was barely audible but I'd trained myself for these sounds. It was more then likely Koez but I wouldn't take any chances. He knew there was a signal that would signal him closer.
"moon and I shall we sit alone in this shabby forest?" my signal should have reached his ears so now to wait for the answer.
" My kind prince we shall." a simple answer I guessed. Standing up I stretched. Koez reached out and patted my shoulder with a letter. Well this was a surprise. Taking note of his features was hard in the moonlight. Not only did he have his face covered but his clothes blended into the forest. I couldn't get a definite stature but he couldn't be much older then Niree. A bit of whit hair stuck out from his head dress. Perhaps he was dressed a bit sloppy but I couldn't tell.
"did Thorba give this to you?" as I asked I reached for a water flask. After having rode so long he deserved a little something. I never actually had water in my container it was often a type of wine. I like to wash away bad memories with something.
" yes. He gave it to me in haste with a bit of fear in his eyes. Something must be happening at the castle." he gratefully accepted the flask and downed the contents with vigor and surprise. I chuckled and smiled at him in the darkness.
"did that surprise you?" a little small talk couldn't hurt. I was a little lonely anyway.
"a bit. The captain told me you were generous but I didn't think you'd give me wine." I could see a genuine smile on his face.
"well I can be and other times not so much. So if you don't mind me asking how did you get white hair?" it was a simple curiosity of mine. It was a way for me to recognize my own men. How they got it that way was beyond me.
"well that's one secret you'll have to ask the boss." his grin seemed to say something else. I guess we all have our secrets.
"I'll have a letter ready for you by morning if one is necessary. If not listen for the morning song." the song in question would sound like a birds morning tune.
"very well doyen. I wish you the best for tonight's dreams." I was betting Thorba told him about those.
Heading back to camp I pried the seal open and began to read the letter.
Zalis
How can a bird compare to a messenger? With every guard it is impossible to compare. A bird has wings but can be shot down. Messengers with flowers can also pose problems. All are for their own purpose. I wish your luck the best with these problems. All those horses would be tuckered out. As long as they have to travel so far. All of your questions will remain unanswered. Unless your mentor answers them for you. With questions an equal can not be found. The tender care to answer these is a requirement for you. Until there is an answer I will await your reply. An answer enclosed in your next letter would be sublime.
Thorba C.
It was an interesting letter indeed. The way he worded everything was amusing. Basically put someone was trying to stop or drastically slow my travels by poisoning the horses. He'd enclosed an antidote in the letter so I shouldn't have to worry.
As I entered the camp I felt the heat of the fire and saw four guards sitting in a circular fashion. Stepping closer I dropped the letter into the fire pit. Three of the guards jumped at my unannounced presence.
"settle down. I'm only burning some air mail." I smiled slightly and took my leave. I was tired and would care for the horses in the morning.
I woke to the sound of Koez making bird sounds close to my sleeping area. Guessing morning was well on its way I stretched and looked at my ruffled clothes. We'd be hitting a town later today and I could change there. I whistled a short tune and sent Koez off to be silent till we left.
The antidote I'd been given was to be dispersed into the horses water or food. There wasn't much of it so water would probably be the ideal way to go.