The Oreans

Chapter 29

Chapter 29
Into the Passage

Though last night's revelation explained lots of Rafim's perplexing behaviors (like avoiding to bathe and change clothes in their presence, for instance) Alen had been stunned by it. Even if her remarkably feminine features had struck Alen from the start, the exceptional prowess she had exhibited had established her masculinity for him. Now, confronted by the discovery, Alen would have to recreate a picture of his master.

Of course, he would be true to his word and remain loyal to Rafim. Even if she did not tell him and Erin why she was doing this, Alen understood that her reasons must really be serious. Why else would she risk dishonor and severe punishment in joining the Oreans? Since he knew the price of her daring, he felt the burden of being privy to her secret keenly. Erin's promise to keep quiet eased the load somewhat, but from this day on he felt it his duty to guard against anybody else from finding it out. Adrien and Divan in particular must not suspect anything at all.

Alen had spent a sleepless night with these thoughts in his mind so when the sun rose it was with a throbbing headache that he greeted his companions. Rafim looked as though she had not had enough rest either although she seemed to have easily drifted off upon their return. She was positively looking lifeless besides Adrien's and Divan's healthy coloring. As he and Erin sat for breakfast, she gave them a meaningful look.

"The cascade must be just nearby now, isn't it?" the princess opened the conversation. "We've already traveled a good deal yesterday."

"It is, Your Highness," Divan replied. "It's just a few miles more up the river."

"I know a shorter way from here," Rafim said quietly, bent on her food. "We don't have to follow the river anymore."

"Was that where you had taken Lady Erin and Alen last night?"

Alen's head shot up and his eyes caught that of Erin. Together, they turned to Rafim.

"I was there last night, but I did not take them with me," Rafim answered calmly but with her eyes on her partially eaten food. "I went to check if the path really led to it, and those two just followed me."

"Is that true?" Adrien asked.

"Yes," Alen replied tensely.

"Why Erin?" Miel mouthed to Alen.

"Le—let me explain," Erin stammered. Then she added in a stronger voice, "We did not go together. I went after Tamia. She got out of her cage, you see and ran off. I followed her and chanced upon Sir Rafim by the pool. Alen just caught up with us there."

At this explanation, everyone but Rafim stared at her. It was after all the longest bit they had heard from her.

"That's true," Alen confirmed.

"You shouldn't have gone off wandering into the forest alone, young lady," Divan said quietly. "It's too dangerous."

"Sir Divan is right," the princess said. "I understand you love Tamia very much, Erin. But to put your life in danger like that... What if you came across wild animals? They would have devoured you instantly."

"Forgive me," Erin murmured.

Adrien gave her a sympathetic smile. "I am certain Lady Erin will never do such a thing again, and so will Alen. I shall give them a spanking if they do."

Erin seemed mildly alarmed but relaxed when she saw that Adrien was just kidding.

"Let's finish our meal now so we can get on with our journey," interjected Rafim, swallowing the last bit of fruit in her hand and tossing the bunch on her lap into her pack.