~dragonwood13@gmail.com~

"If she were ever to show up."

The commander started and spun around.

Tass was leaning against the doorway. Grinning.

The commander inclined his head slightly, watching him carefully.

"Are you sure you haven't had too much wine, boy? You keep testing fate."

Tass shrugged.

"I don't see it as testing fate -if she even exists -if I can disappear faster than you can draw your blade. But," he added, right before the commander could answer, "that's not what I'm here for."

"Then inform me," the soldier said through clenched teeth.

Tass yawned and settled down in the doorway, propping his feet up on the doorframe.

"I need to see the prince, Sorren."

"How do you know my name?" the commander's eyes narrowed.

Tass smiled at him in a benevolently condescending manner.

"We don't need to get into details. I just need to see the prince and his guard. And the girl needs to come with me."

"So you can disappear with them?" Sorren scoffed. "Not likely."

"I can't do that. I just need to have a chat with 'em."

"I don't need you working out an escape plan."

Tass cocked his head with a slight smile on his face.

"Oh, I wouldn't be doing that either."

"Then what would you be doing?"

"Giving them instructions for the way back." Tass leisurely got to his feet, the leaned back against the wall.

"What makes you think they'll be going back?"

"I'll let you capture me. And hold me for a period of six months. If you let them go back totally unharmed and without any further interference."

Sorren's eyes narrowed.

"I'll see what I can do. And I'll see how much your word is worth. Stay here. Make sure the girl stays here. I'll be back soon to take you both to the palace." Sorren stepped passed Tass, glared at him, and shut the door.

"What're we going to do?"

Tass looked at Rynere with a raised eyebrow.

"What do you mean?"

"How're we going to get out?"

"We're going to wait here."

"What do you mean? Why -do you really want to get caught?"

Tass crossed his arms and grinned.

"No. And I'm not going to."

"What do you mean? You came here to be a prisoner -if you haven't, why aren't you trying to get out?"

Tass grinned again and didn't answer.

 Rynere stood up and stamped her foot.

"Tassileri -what is going on?"

"Currently, about four days are up and it's about twenty-five days to the end of your journey, give or take a few. You need to keep moving." A sly grin was making its way up the side of Tass's face.

 "What are you going to do? You're supposed to be my bodyguard!"

"I am. And I will be." Tass shrugged. "I don't see how the present circumstances nullify -"

"Be quiet!"

Tass grinned. "Do you actually want me arou -"

"Be quiet!"

 "Don't worry, it happens to every -"

"Quiet!"

Tass nearbly doubled over in laughter.

"You should see your face," he said when he was finally able to speak.

Rynere glared at him.

"The only reason I want you around is because you're able to actually guard," she snapped. "When you feel like it. Which apparently isn't now."

"Actually ...I'm guarding you from leaving the room. Does that count?"

Rynere took three steps forward and slapped him on the cheek.

He grinned.

"Ooh, a little more to the left."

 Rynere was still struggling to find an answer and trying to resist the urge to hit him again when the door opened and Sorren entered.

"You, boy. Take the girl and follow me."