Armor of Deceit

Chapter 9

My morning the next day was quite peaceful. The lady, Helena, prepared a breakfast for everyone; I remind myself to pay her back before we leave. According to her 8-year old son, Leo, her heart's been so open to help others after the death of her husband. She truly has a good nature.

The table was small, fit for 4 people; Helena, Leo, Asher and me. The other men suggested that they stand for the meal. We all eat in a respectful tranquility and Leo is the first to break the silence,"Where are you all headed?" Asher and I exchange glances, waiting for the other to speak.

Asher smiles at the boy,"Leo, have you ever been to the Castle?" The boy replies with a shake of his head then Asher sets down his utensils. "That's where we're headed, the heart of the kingdom," No way, he's going there as well? He looks over at me,"that's where I hope to find what I'm destined for."

He must be talking about his little brother, he's determined to find that cure. I don't know what made me do it but I speak up,"That's where I'm headed as well... to also find my second chance."

I add the latter quickly before I blow my cover and Asher throws me a look of question. I instantly wished I kept quiet but I mouth to him, "later." After we finish with our pork and sweet bread, I help Helena with the dishes and Asher and his men set up their horses.

"That boy... he is quite the gentlemen, you are very lucky," I accidentally drop the fork I was scrubbing and gasp,"Oh no, Ms Helena, we're not like that...."

"I saw the way he took care of you, there isn't a sliver of doubt that he is fond of you," I shake my head, disagreeing with her words. How could he ever adore someone like me? I stay quiet when I see the yearning look in her eyes, I feel like this isn't just about Asher and I.

Helena sets her clean plates into the cabinet then turns around to face me,"Love is a beautiful thing, tragic, but beautiful." I reflect her sad smile and I wrap my arms around her.

Someone clears their throat and Helena and I break from our embrace. Asher was at the front door,"Please forgive me for interrupting."

Helena waves it off and tells me to go ahead and she will meet us outside so I walk with Asher to the small pen that holds all of our horses.

"What did you mean earlier about a second chance in the kingdom?" He asks, looking at me with curiosity. My heart tugs at the thought of lying, that's a first. I lower my head, I don't know why, but I just I can't lie looking into those eyes.

"I'm planning to join the army," he stops in his tracks and I slow down as well. "I was hoping I would be paid enough to support my family," Now he's looking at me with confusion in his deep green eyes.

"Your family..." He says darkly, then I realize what he must be thinking. My eyes widen,"oh no, I meant my father and sisters."

His expression relaxes but then a flush of embarrassment reddens his cheeks,"Of course." I almost laugh a little but I try to keep my persona, "My father's getting older and my younger sisters aren't old enough to care for him."

And that's another fib, I am an only child, both of my younger sisters have died before they even got to the age of 4 from the lack of advanced medicine. "I'm sorry to hear that... My good friends are also knights and heralds," I wanted to ask him why he was with knights and their assistants but he beats me to the next word.

"I hope the king isn't too overwhelmed by all of our requests," His playful smile is back on his lips and I feign a laugh.

"Are you sure you're able to walk to the next village?" Asher asks me as we buckle ourselves onto our rides."I have a horse for a reason, but yes I'll be fine, I'm a strong one," I remark.

He looks up at me and chuckles a little, "I will take thy word, missus." Soon enough, everybody was latched onto their horses and were ready to get deeper into this village and out.

Leo and his mother come out of their home, waving at us. We all wave back and the men start off but I decide to talk to Helena one last time. I tower over them from Max but I still bend over to hand Helena a wad of cash,"This is for everything you've provided, thank you so much."

"Oh no, I cannot take this," she shakes her head but I urge her. "Please, just take this as a gift," before she can refuse, I hand it to Leo who takes it with awe in his eyes. Helena has tears brimming in hers and she says to me,"You are most kind, Thank you."

And with that I was off with Asher and his men further into the 2nd village.