CACKLE- Book 1

Chapter Thirty-Six

Remi sat in the courtyard talking with Indra while Huxley helped his men load the wagons for their journey. Indra had visited Remi a few times during her recovery, but Remi was grateful for her presence now. There was something very motherly about the Queen. She adored Remi for all that she had done for Theo. Remi, in return, felt the genuine respect that Indra gave her. This family was true and good.

When the time came to leave for Drilis, Remi took one final look at the castle. Taking in its magnitude, the stone structure she had been calling home for the past nine months. She would never see this castle through the same eyes again.

This was the place that gave her shelter, that brought her to Huxley, that she rescued Theo in. This would be the second home she would be saying goodbye to this year. As she hopped up onto her horse, wiggling herself into the saddle, she took in a deep breath.

Once they left the grounds, she would be on high alert. That would not end until she faced whatever enemy they were heading for.

Remi could see the horses breath, in the cold morning air, the sun not yet risen to cover her it's full warmth. As they moved forward, the sound of the horses hooves crunching gravel was soothing. Her boots grew slick from dew as they navigated past bushes and trees, leaving the courtyard behind. Remi pulled her cloak closer around her neck. Once they were through the gates, the sleepy village outside brought Remi a different kind of peace. Few people were awake this early. Groggy looking men pulled horses and carried material around to start their day. Remi could smell the warmth swirling in the air as the baker started the fires in his ovens. A thick woman with a sleeping toddler on her hip unlocked the latch to a chicken coop, the hens flooding out into their yard, eager for their breakfast.

Though here was a hum of people starting their day, most were still sleeping. Remi wondered what they dreamed about. Their lives, their families, their futures. The thought made her stomach turn. She would be ensuring these people could continue to dream such fanciful things. They were all innocent. They were all in danger.

Men and women bowed their heads as their procession passed. A few gave Remi a gentle smile and one woman gave her a small wave. She wasn't sure who they thought she was, but knowing Indra, word likely spread of what she had done for Theo. Remi would smile and nod back, politely. Indra, Theo and King Valerian were in a covered wagon being pulled by two horses. Their driver, a short, stout man named Mechile had a constant smile on his face. Seeing his happy disposition made Remi's stomach begin to settle. Let them feel the impending unity, let them feel joy and happiness. She thought.

Ryker and Huxley were leading their procession. While soldiers flanked all sides of the royal carriage. Remi was between Hux and the carriage, her horse walking along side a soldier's horse. The soldier, who had been briefly introduced to her as Gilles, had mention he was in his final year of duty. Soldiers retired early, their backs and knees taking the brunt of their duties meant that this line of employment was for a more youthful body.

"What do you plan to do, after the nuptials?" Gilles asked. At the sound of his voice Remi gave a little jump. Her nerves being more on edge now than she had realized. His was the first voice she had heard for hours, the sleepy village now in their past.

Gilles chuckled. "My apologize miss, did I disrupt a deep thought?"

Remi smiled kindly in return, "Just a fanciful daydream." Remi lied.

Gilles smiled, revealing one missing tooth and rows of wrinkles around his mouth and eyes. He looked like a very kind man, someone that Remi hoped would make it home from this journey.

"I mean, do you plan to stay in Eloricia? Or return to Prilani?" At the sound of Prilani, Ryker seemed to turn his head ever so slightly, his left ear now turned towards Remi. With Huxley muttering away next to him, it might have seemed as though he was trying to listen to Hux- but Remi could see the flash of steely blue flicker in her direction before he looked at Hux.