“Yes, my king?” Korin asks, his face is turned away for he had been gazing away at the expanse
of snow and trees.
“Why, where” I don't know exactly how to word want I want to ask. So I cease to speak while I think it over but Korin speaks before I have it even half figured out.
“Is it that you want to know what on the land and sea caused me to be so late in meeting you outside of the castle?” that is it. I shrug then nod. That is it. The guard sighs as he sits down on the snow next to me. “Well, when we parted I went in a round about a way the kitchen. One of the girls who works for her living was there. Some of those that work in the kitchen sleeps in that place as well. She was up and stealing food herself. At first, I waited for her to go back to sleep. But she took such a long time doing it that I used my uniform to our advantage and scared the poor, starved thing half out of her wits.” Korin shakes his head, looking sad. “I feel quite wrong thinking that I made her feel like she was about to be put on the rack for stealing when I was ready for her to leave and do the thing myself.”
“Uh, you actually told her that she was going to the rack?” Danielle asks dubiously. By this time, she and I both know Korin at least well enough to be disbelieving that such a man would do such a thing.
“No! She somehow got it into her head that she was though.” He is quick to assure her, “So she scampered off whimpering, begging me not to tell anyone and left me to take all the food I wanted. That didn't take very long but as I was passing through the goat pen, I nearly ran right into a whole patrol just sitting there. I couldn't get past them so I took one of the kids and lifted him over the fence. The thing went right into the castle and no one could catch him. I didn't mean for the distraction to work that well.” He shrugs and his lips twitch at the memory.
“I supposed when I heard yells to 'catch him' they meant you and I'd sent you to your death.”
Korin's lips stop twitching immediately. “Oh your majesty! Forgive me for causing you such worry.”
“It was nothing. Now, please continue to where you found us in the forest.”
“Well, in the commotion I slipped out and saw the two of you as you disappeared into the trees. I hurried after and then found you on the ground and Princess Danielle trying to rouse you from that trance. I tried to help and then I made you sleep. Do you remember what that trance was about?” Not recognizing those who wanted to help me, feeling like I was trapped, all that pain, going back to the moment before I saw light for the first time.
I shake my head. “I just remember refusing to walk and got with you. I don't remember why.” I know perfectly well why, but I don't tell. I can't tell. That's ridiculous, of course I can tell them everything. I open my mouth to do so but something stops me. I'm allowed to have some things to myself. I close my mouth and let Danielle speak.
“After Korin knocked you out, he carried you all night and you didn't stir. We finally stopped here and we got our chance to sleep. We had just wakened and were talking over last night when you came to.”
“So, all that is left to discuss is where to now.” Korin says
“Don't look at me, I don't know a thing about this geography.” I say quickly and this time, he actually laughs!
Danielle’s laugh tinkles alongside his. “Oh you know plenty, you just don't remember anything about this geography. Now, listen and I'll reteach you. To the west there is a country called Batnekor. We were on friendly relations and there was even a little talk of me marrying their crown prince.” I am not sure but I think I see her blush a bit at that. “He's not very bad of a fellow either. I thought it was a well made idea.” She clears her throat. “Batnekor didn't help at all during the war. As I understood it at the time, the King was away on business and the counsel powerless without him. I don't know whether that was a valid excuse or not.
“To the east is Gameg. That is where Scelerisal stayed for the years that she wouldn't see her mother. I wouldn't surprised if that is where her army came from. Our relationship with Gameg is...” She trails off and Korin puts in,
“You don't mess with me and I won't mess with you along with you scratch my back I'll scratch yours.”
Danielle nods “Exactly that. We didn't expect any help from them so we didn't even ask for it. And that concludes your lesson on geography.” She stands and stretches. “So, where do we go from here?” she says more to herself than to Korin or I.
“Why not to take refuge with the king of Batnekor?”
“Because, well, because it's a great idea. Korin what do you think?”
“I think that it is time to turn our backs eastward and get going before we are dragged back in chains to see the usurper.” He helps me to my feet and we set off to the west. I lean on the faithful guard's shoulder as we begin to make our way to the kingdom next door. We do not see the eyes watching us, nor the hand that adjusts the pack on the shoulder nor the feet that begin to follow after ours.
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I know this one's short too butI'm about to get some real action in and this was a good place to stop a chapter