Winter's Rebellion

Chapter 4: The Path to Aerlion: Rocky Terrains

Tristian's POV

On our way back to the group, Elara remained silent, not uttering a word about the revelation of the book. We returned to the knights, and I mounted my horse, extending my hand to Elara. She grasped it, and I pulled her up onto the horse.

She settled in front of me as I took hold of the reins. Her petite figure fit seamlessly between my arms, and my heart pounded as her back brushed against my chest. Her light hair occasionally tickled my face with the slight winter breeze. I nudged the horse to start trotting, and we began our journey for the day.

As the hours passed, with occasional pauses to give the horses a rest. I stole glances at Princess Elara as she assisted in watering and feeding the horses. My mind spun with the realization that tomorrow was her day and I was not doing too well.

A sudden wave of nausea hit me, and I steadied myself, holding tighter onto the saddle. I was unsure of how to help Elara with her current predicament. My focus faltered as a bolt of pain radiated from my abdomen. The adrenaline that held off the pain was gone now.

"Sir Tristian, are you well?" Princess Elara asked quietly, her face etched with concern.

I offered her a nod and a small smile, trying to hide my discomfort. Sweat beaded down my back under my armor and clothing. During the fight with the Malorian knights, one of them had wounded me in the abdomen. I had lost so much blood and had tried wrapping it up when I ran inside to grab the book.

I couldn't allow her to see me feeling weak like this. We were so close to the cave; I just had to hold out a little longer. I placed my hand on my wound, pressing down hard. The cold winter air suddenly felt even colder, sending a shiver through me.

Rummaging through the sack on my horse, I grabbed some water and chugged its contents, hoping to stave off the dizziness. I quickly gave the order for us to leave, knowing that time was running out. I needed to rest before my injury became worse.

I tried to stifle my groans as I mounted the horse and assisted Elara. Her gaze grew increasingly concerned for my well-being.

"Sir Tristian, is there something you need to tell me?" she inquired as we rode on the path.

Sir Percival led us, as we occasionally rotated in guiding our way to the cave. The terrain was bearable, not too harsh on the horses.

"Princess Elara, please do not concern yourself over my well-being. Our priority is to get you to safety," I replied sternly.

She nodded, saying nothing in return. Perhaps I had been too harsh in my reply, but I couldn't afford to show any sign of weakness. Not now. Not after promising to protect her with my life.

The sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the snowy terrain. Dark clouds moved in, and light snowflakes began to fall, dusting the ground in a fine layer of white. The terrain grew rougher, making it harder to control my horse. Despite my best efforts, a groan slipped out as a particularly rough patch jolted us both.

Princess Elara, sensing my discomfort, leaned back against me. Her warmth seeped through my armor, a comforting contrast to the cold air. She tilted her head, her eyes locking onto mine with concern.

"Sir Tristian, are you certain you're alright?" she asked softly, her breath visible in the chilly air.

Her closeness made my heart race. I forced a smile, trying to hide the pain. "I'm fine, Princess. We must focus on reaching the cave."

She studied my face, her brow furrowed. For a moment, I couldn't look away. Her eyes were filled with worry, and I felt a pang of guilt for not being entirely truthful. Her gaze dropped to my lips, and I felt a flutter of something more than just concern.