RavenGuard

Part 22

Three weeks. Three weeks full of painful rides through the stifling sun, strained moments of tension between myself and the boys, of heartwrenching interrogation about where we were going. The little princess hated her riding clothes, and never hesitated to mention it.

"They're so scratchy." She demanded, sitting behind Micah on his horse. She frequently picked at the scratches that came from long travels.

"If you keep it up, they'll never heal." I replied, speeding up to follow along beside her. I'd gotten used to the feel of the horse under me, but I still didn't like the beast.

"I wouldn't have to if they weren't so itchy." She whined. We'd all gotten used to her by now. Nothing anyone did could possibly cease her bellyaching, so we left her to it.

"For the foreseeable future, it's what you will wear. I suggest you get used to it, princess." One of the villagers proposed.

"Careful. Titles are too dangerous to use now." I interjected. "Even our real names should be used cautiously. We're a recognizable group. Once we arrive at our safehouse, we'll all have a lot of work to do."

"What do you mean?" Cecily asked, momentarily pulling her away from her grumbling.

"This" I grabbed a lock of her shiny blonde hair and held it up for her. "is going to get a trim."

"No!" She screamed, snatching it out of my hand and stroking it lovingly. "You will not touch me!" Micah chuckled and pulled her close to him, shielding her from those who would harm her beautiful blonde curls. He gathered the golden rain of curls into his grasp and slid a knife out from under his sleeve, quickly slicing through in one smooth swipe. She shrieked and fumbled at the short strands poking out from behind her ears.

She cried for the rest of the day. Even as we trudged into our first safe haven, she wailed on and on. Bastien attempted to comfort her, to no avail. Micah couldn't even come close enough to apologize without the threat of being scratched.

"I'm supposing the young lady didn't appreciate the haircut." A raspy voice from behind made me jump. "Too bad, really. It makes her look quite charming."

It was that man from the makeshift arena. His dark hair had been cut since I had last seen him. It curled around his ears, ending just before it grazed his collar. Weeks in the sun had shaded his skin to a muddy brown, yet the same puckered scars shone pink against his swarthy complexion. Lines around his eyes and mouth showed his age, but giving no bearing on his strength or skill in a conflict.

"Ravenguard. Pleased to see you're still alive." He hooked a thumb under his belt next to his wicked, curved dagger. "Not surprising, given your skill set. A little worse for wear, but you'll make it through."

"You never told me who you were." I said, holding back a few feet.

"You never won our fight." He replied, a smirk crossing his weathered face.

"That was never part of the deal." He nodded as I spoke, chuckling.

"Will you believe it when I do reveal who I am?"

"Commander!" A man in simple clothing called from across the small courtyard formed by the town's administrative buildings. "Sir, Lady Tara has arrived."

"Wonderful. Thank you." The man nodded and ran back off. The commander turned back to me, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "If you'll all follow me, we can get started."

We were led into the inn near the centre of the town. Around the back side of the building, there was a stone stairway covered with a thick wooden door. The commander hauled it open and directed us down into the cellar. Large tables covered in maps and counters filled the room, which was dim under the light of only a few candles and lamps. Some men sat around reviewing lists or status reports, but all of that stopped the moment we entered.

"May I introduce Her Royal Majesty, Cecily Eliea Belmont, Queen of the Sovereign nation of Usana. Accompanying her, we have Regent Advisor Bastien Rhys Belmont, Lady Cana Ravenguard, and the Royal steward Micah Ashford." A chorus of cheers erupted from the men. Some collapsed to their knees, others clapped and pumped their fists in the air, and a few just smiled. Once the noise had died down, he continued.

"They'll keep on to the capital, but there's some business we need to take care of first. Remember boys, no titles, no etiquette. Just some travelers passing through town."