When Worlds Collide

Sixteen

The well-trodden road to Briargate was rather unexciting, a straight track with farms on either side and a couple of twists and turns beside a small, unassuming forest. Occasionally we came across a bridge or river, or someone stopped to give their thanks or bow to the King. Callan always entertained these village folk with a firm nod of his head or raise of his hand. I caught the eyes of a few farm maids who would avert their eyes immediately and begin tittering to each other, but never speak loud enough for me to catch what they were saying. It may not have been a lonesome journey, but I did feel somewhat lonely, or perhaps simply out of my depth. It did not feel only a few days ago that I was one of those tittering village girls.

We arrived in Briargate shortly before the sun began to set and our bellies began to rumble with hunger for an evening meal. I had grown wearisome from the long journey and ached for food and rest, though I knew these Lycans would not be quite ready for slumber just yet. More than once I had been startled from my thoughts due to a sudden guffaw of laughter from behind me. It was also more than once that I heard Brietta's unmistakable giggles as she too engaged in whatever, likely lewd and provocative, conversation they found so amusing.

As though he noticed my growing need for sleep, Callan rode his horse closer to mine so he could lean down and speak without being overheard, "I know you're tired. We've reached Briargate, it shouldn't be too much longer until you can rest your head."

"Thank you, I am not used to such travel, but I am not that tired," I replied politely. I did not wish to seem like an inconvenience especially when Briargate was within reach, I could see the brown bricks of the chimney tops billowing smoke and hear muffled voices from the busying villagers as they continued about their workday, quite possibly unaware of the incoming visit from their King.

"Why don't you come aboard and lie on me for a little while? At least you can rest your head," Callan offered, holding out his hand.

I shook my head, "That is a kind offer, but I am okay, truly. I just need a warm meal and to rest my head for the night. I see Briargate ahead, I am looking forward to seeing another town," I replied, diplomatically.

Callan smiled weakly, dropping his hand to his side, yet not returning it to his reins instead leaving it dangling beside his thigh. I could tell from his body language that I had disappointed him, but I knew that if I let myself rest beside him, to feel his warmth flow through my clothes and into my skin then I would quite possibly come to regret the feelings that it brought alive within me.

He held up his hand, a signal I had come to recognise meant for us all to stop our journey. Lex was the only one to ignore the signal and instead rode his horse to his King's side.

"Alpha?" He questioned.

"Lex, can you take our men to set up camp in the usual place? Once everyone is set up, you may be entrusted to appoint a few guards for the night and the rest may be off duty. Ensure to it that nobody gets too drunk either, I do not wish to be re-entering my city with a bunch of hungover whining ninnies, understood?"

"Yes Alpha, do you have any preference to whom I appoint to guard our camp?"

"No, but see to it that you trust them and perhaps pick those who did not guard last night."

"Yes Alpha, shall I be seeing you in the Tavern shortly?"

Callan nodded, "We will be staying in the Old Oak Inn just across the road, we will head there for our evening meal and then retire for the night. I fear all this travelling is tiring Josephina."

"Oh no I-" I began, I wanted to explain to Callan that he could stay and enjoy his night for as long as he wished, but he held up a hand and I shushed immediately.