The Enchantress

9.

Rowan.

I jolted awake as i felt water splashed on my face.

"Wake up sleepy head." I looked up about to curse whoever splashed me water only to find Prince Chaeyoung holding a small pail. I suddenly went on my knees.

"Sorry, my Lord. I... I didn't mean..." I said stuttering. I don't know what to say really.

He laughed. "You really do suck at drinking."

"I... I'm not much of a drinker, your highness."

"Clearly. Clean up here. The boys are looking for you. When you're done sneak out don't let anyone see you."

"Yes your highness." I said. Then he went out.

I then noticed it's already dark outside. I then realized i was already soaking wet so no need to clean up. I then notice some food and water by the table next to the long chair.

I looked around, since no one's here I then took some meat and bread and hurriedly ate. Gosh this is the most tasteful meat i have ever tasted. I have been invited to have dinner at the castle but this meat is way different on the food at the castle.

I took some more meat and bread. Once done, I drank some water then was about to go when I notice my gear was there by the chair. I wore my gear then peek first at the entrance.

The coast was clear so I silently ran out of the tent towards the trees. I walked along the trees so no one can see me. I then saw the men gathered on the clearing. I silently went to them.

It was the general talking. I saw some of the boys and Prince Chaeyoung too sitting at the front.

"By the way where's the kid?" The general asked looking around. I'm sure he's referring to me.

"Yeah where is he. Haven't seen him all day." Mason said.

"I'm here." I said making my way towards them.

"Where were you?" The general asked.

I looked at Prince Chaeyoung who was expressionless. I then looked back at the general.

"I was just around, walking to calm my nerves down. I didn't realize i fell asleep by the trees."

"We haven't seen you since..." Mason said but got cut off by the Prince.

"You do understand the task given to you right?" The Prince asked.

"Yes, my Lord." I answered right away.

"Are you sure my Lord to give him this task? It's crucial for him to do this right..." The general asked.

"Except me, do you know anyone who's faster general?"

The general went silent.

"I thought so." He said then he stood and began pacing around the bonfire. "I witnessed how fast the kid is, right Mason?"

"Yes my Lord." Mason said right away though he doesn't looked happy.

"If you doubt the kid, then you doubt me." He said stopping looking at the men. I can't help but feel proud. Proud of him trusting me.

Honestly, two days before, I see him as our enemy. But after two days, i learned from the men the real reason why they conquer the kingdom. How their kingdom treat the soldiers even the people of the kingdoms that they conquered. It was not what i have expected. They were not barbaric that we thought they were. They didn't even conquer the kingdoms but instead brought peace and unify all the kingdoms. It was never for selfishness and power. I looked at the Prince with more respect now.

The Prince now walked towards me and stopped.

"But I admit, I do worry. Not of your skills, I'm more worried on your mindset for this is your first. Do you see the extent of the responsibility I'm giving you? How this battle would result if you fail?"

His words hit me hard. The responsibility he's given me isn't supposed to be mine. I'm not supposed to be fighting for them. Yet i find myself not wanting to break his trust.

"I'm well aware my Lord. I won't fail, for I have my skills, my sword and your trust, that's all i need."

"That's all I need to know kid. Then victory is ours!"

The men then cheered.

"I know what you're thinking but you know my rules. The drinks can wait for victory is already there  waiting for us!"

The men cheered more loudly which I joined in.

I admit I'm somehow nervous yet excited too. I've never done this kind of mission, it's so brilliantly planned, no wonder they always win.

The general had me, Mason and four other men go at the Prince's tent. Prince Chaeyoung was the only one there. He explained by detail what we need to do.

After that we geared up. But i noticed the gear is heavy, it would make me slower. I then took my gear off just have my sword and two small knives, one at my ankle and the other at my back.

"Don't be stupid and wear your gear." Mason said in full gear.

"It's too heavy, It'll just slow me down."

"You worship the Prince that much huh." Mason said as he was about to walk away.

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" I said grabbing his arm. He shaked his arm off and faced me.

"You're like a kid doing what his hero does." Mason said then chuckled as he saw my puzzled expression.

"I get it kid. You want to do it like how he does it."

"Sorry but I'm lost here." I said still looking puzzled.

"Oh come on. You don't know?"

"Just tell me." I said a little annoyed.

"Woah the kid is annoyed. This kid is clueless. Your hero there..." He put his arm on my shoulder then looked at the Prince. "He's always the one who sneak at the gate and opened it. He never fails. He also don't wear his gear everytime even when he joined us in battle. He even dressed like one of us."

Wow. Just wow. He is amazingly fearless.

"Is he that proud and confident of himself or is he not afraid of anything?" I asked him.

He turned to me, took hold on to my clothes, pulled me towards him and said; "Don't you dare. You don't know him. He is never proud never even boasted any of his wins. He has fears but not for himself for he knows the responsibility of having all the men look up to him and rely on him. He fought valiantly which he have been doing so all his life."

He then let me go roughly that I stumbled on my feet. He closed his eyes for a few seconds and took a deep breath. He then looked at me and said.

"Funny thing is, he said the same thing when i asked him about the gear. That it'll slow him down... You better know what you're doin kid. We're relying on you too, even him." He said then walked away.

The Prince really isn't like how I thought he would be. I can't help but admire how great of a leader he is. He's not just a warrior but he also have a heart. Not a spoiled royal that let others do everything for him. He's even willing to risk his life.

How great it would be to have a prince like him leading our kingdom. Yet my Princess is enough. I can't wait to see her. I whispered to myself; "I will be like him for you, my Love."