If Time Can Dare [BL]

5

Gwen hovers her thin fingers about the blazing fireplace. She hugs herself, feelings all warm and cozy.

Gin is disappointed in his sister for dragging himself into this so she could have a few minutes with a fireplace.

"What's this map?" The king unrolls a map from the cylindrical box and lays it flat on a table.

"This is a map of the roads between here and the capital. This road by sea is windy so there may not be many people expecting you. This road through the prairie is the fast route to get capital from here but recently occupied by thieves and land pirates. This one down here is the most dangerous and safe because it is through a small part of the alps. Then this—"

"Which one is the best for me to take?" The kings leans onto Gin's back.

Gin coughs and moves away, "That's for you and your ministers to discuss. I don't particularly care."

When Gin tries to refocus, the king continues to stare at him. To disrupt the tension, Gin pulls out another map and lays it on top of the previous one.

"This is a map of the capital. Here, here, and here are the most guarded entrance to the city. And here is the least. If compared to the previous map, it's also toward the road near the alps."

"Is this where your monarch lives?" The king points to the center of the city.

"No. That's where the pope lives. The monarch and his family lives over here."

The king walks around the table and sits across from where Gin stands, "Who's the leader of your country? The king or the pope?"

"Neither and both. They each rule different aspects of the people's daily life, but they share the same political sphere."

"Are you religious?"

"I don't see how that relates to the maps?" Gin knots his brows and pulls out another map. "This map is the underground chambers and tunnels scatter throughout the capital. However, some of them don't connect like this one around the pope."

"Have you been there? How big are the tunnels? What are the walls of the tunnels made of?"

Gin looks up at the king and shrugs his shoulders. "I don't know. I've never been there."

"Look here." The king points to a small notes at the corner of the map. "It says here that the width of most tunnels are between one and one and a half meters. What's a meter?"

"A meter is about this long." Gin makes a point on the edge of the table and slides his fingers apart.

"Is this the unit system in your country? How come I've never heard of it?"

"It's only used by the Royal family and the priesthood... Also you're asking too many questions. I still need to go home. I'm sure you'll figure the rest out."

"I'm asking because I don't know. How am I supposed to figure the rest out if you're not here?" The kings wears a sincere and innocent smile. "I really need your help."

Gin turns his head to see his sister relaxing by the fireplace. He takes a deep breath, "Then I'll return tomorrow. I want to take my sister home for today."

The king gets up and walk toward the window. He peeks through the sheer curtains and smiles to himself. Then he takes a few steps toward Gwen, speaks with her a little and returns to Gin.

Gin frowns at his sister. He knew his sister is easily tempted.

"Stay and teach me until the rain lets up. I've spoken to your sister and she's—"

"No. I'll take her home."

Gin goes to his sister, "We're going home, Gwen. We have a fireplace at home too."

"But this one is big! And it's so warm! I'm sleepy beside it. Let's stay a little longer, please? Please, big brother?" She pouts her lips and begins to tear up. She knows her brother's weak spot.

"Either you go home with me or by yourself."

"Then I'll go home later."

"Gwen!" Gin crosses his arms. "We're leaving!"

She looks back and forth between the big and warm fireplace and her brother. At last, she frowns and jumps onto her brother's back.

They leave the lord's mansion while it's still pouring heavy, heavier than this morning. When tomorrow comes, Gin doesn't go to the lord's mansion. Or the day after tomorrow. Day after day, Gin doesn't go back; and eventually, the king packs his army and leaves for the capital.