Lost Ones - A False King

Chapter 10 - Class Trip

The sun has only recently risen, but Emmod and Novel are already on their way to the Wolf Monument, where their trip to the castle will begin. They don't have high expectations for the trip itself, but they are eager to meet the person who can also understand the talking squirrel. Emmod is moving faster than usual because they need to meet Mister Red at the bridge that leads from the Whitepool District to the park.

However, Mister Red is a few minutes late, something Emmod notes with frown and crossed arms, knowing they now risk being late themselves.

"There you are," Mister Red finally greets them.
"What took you so long?" Emmod begins, "Come on now, or we'll have to endure another lecture from Ms. Marger."

"Do you have the forehead chain?" Mister Red demands to know first.
"Yeah, yeah. Let's go," Emmod waves him off.
"Where is it?" Mister Red presses.
Emmod nudges Novel, who then slightly lifts his T-shirt. Mister Red raises his eyebrows in surprise. He can't believe that Novel has fastened the forehead chain to his waistband.
"You do realize the princess is going to wear that, right? Can't you carry it somewhere else?"
"How am I supposed to sneak it into the castle unseen any other way?" Novel replies, unable to hide the nervousness in his voice.
"You could wear it yourself," Emmod laughs, "No one would notice."
"Shut up, Emmod," Novel snaps, now even more irritated. "I'm glad when this is over."
"I'm sure Lina will be equally pleased," Mister Red says.
"Let's hope so," Emmod replies.

The Wolf Monument is located in the center of the park. On foot, the walk from the Whitepool District's bridge to the monument takes about half an hour. Another half an hour walk lies between the monument and the bridge to the Royal District, as well as the bridges to the other two city districts.

Due to the early hour, the dew on the grass is still visible, and the gentle murmur of the river beside them accompanies their journey.

Though the paths from all directions are starting to converge, they haven't seen anyone from their class yet, except for Rasah Backfort, the only other classmate who also lives in the Whitepool-District.

Recognizable by his large head, flat hair, round eyes, and full lips, Rasah is walking just a few meters ahead of them. However, since they are with Mister Red, they prefer to stay unnoticed.

Knowing Rasah is famous for his punctuality, they decide to slow down their pace. They want to be on time, but there's no need to be the first to arrive.
"You said two days ago that you're the princess's best and most loyal friend," Emmod starts, "Doesn't she have anyone else?"

Before Mister Red can answer, they cross paths with a small, skinny boy and a tall, lanky girl. These are Mitch and Prigill Dreasel, siblings from the Shinemore District.
When Emmod sees Prigill, his face slowly turns red, and he looks away, trying to hide his embarrassment while Novel walks toward them.
"I'll meet you at the castle," Mister Red says, climbing the nearest tree.
"How are you going to sneak in unseen?" Emmod whispers to him, perplexed, but he immediately realizes how silly the question sounds, as he is talking to a squirrel.

"Your girlfriend's coming," Mister Red teases, winking at him. "See you later."
"She's not my girlfriend," Emmod protests, but Mister Red has already disappeared into the tree's high branches.
"I didn't know you enjoyed talking to squirrels in your free time," Prigill teases him.
"Uh... well... I-I didn't either," Emmod stammers, embarrassed that he's, once again, making a fool of himself in front of Prigill.
"Tregory and I have a bet going," Mitch interrupts bluntly, "on which one of you will get kicked out of the group this time. Tregory thinks it'll be you, Emmod. I've put all my chips on you, Novel. You've been on a streak lately, don't let me down."
"Careful, Mitch," Emmod warns, "Tregory's not here yet to protect you."
Novel nudges Emmod's arm in response.
"But even Tregory can't protect him from his sister," Novel jokes, and the two burst out laughing, temporarily silencing Mitch's big mouth until they reach the Wolf Monument. About half the class is already there.
"Ahh, there you are," they hear Ms. Marger's sharp voice.
"Ready for the daily sermon?" Novel mutters.
"Can't wait," Emmod replies dryly.
"The Dreasels..." Ms. Marger begins, "...did the Brymbachs delay you? You're late."
"One moment," Emmod retorts. "We're not the last ones. There are still a few missing!"
"Mr. Brymbach," Ms. Marger says sternly, "you will not enter the castle wearing that bandana."
"No problem. I'll take it off once we're at the entrance," Emmod responds, determined.
"You will take it off now!" Ms. Marger thunders, her voice rising sharply.
It's an ongoing battle over the red-and-black bandana that Emmod received from Uncle Ko. Even for his classmates, it's become a tradition that at least once in Ms. Marger's presence, this debate comes up. Mitch almost begs Emmod not to challenge her, but just to spite Mitch, Emmod would prefer to keep wearing the bandana. However, he can't afford to miss the opportunity presented today—the chance to meet the princess and, on top of that, someone who might have abilities similar to his little brother and himself.
"Aren't we still missing some people?" asks Lotta Trug from the Merchant District.