Eyes of the Deluti Book One: The Price of Compassion Chpt 1

Chapter 5

                                                Chapter 5

                                        Death of a Princess

“Ronald, whoever planned this ambush must have given orders to leave none alive. I know my sister Diana is ambitious, but this seems more than even she is capable of. It appears I have even more reason to leave the country now. The men who escaped will report that the Princess and the Lieutenant survived, therefore we must effectively disappear.”

“And how do you plan to accomplish that, Princess?” he asked around a mouthful of stew.

 Sofia chose to ignore the sarcasm in the lieutenant’s voice as she continued. “You and I will become successful caravan guards. I’m sorry Ronald but everything that has a Palace mark on it will have to be left behind. Choose the best armor and weapons from amongst the attackers to replace your own. I have already made certain that the weapons I carry bear no markings and in this outfit I look nothing like a princess.”

After a quick glance up at the Princess, he shook his head. “Your hair.”

“What?”

“Princess, you could be dressed in sackcloth but with your face and that hair, someone will recognize you. We can’t do anything about your face but something will have to be done about your hair.”

Mind racing, the Princess scanned the clearing for something, anything that she could use. With a slight smile, she began to braid her hair and loop it around her head. She picked up Gilfor’s discarded helm and set it on her head, covering her hair.

Ronald nodded in approval, and then scooped up some ashes from the fire. Dipping a fingertip in the ashes, he gently smeared a small amount onto her eyebrows, then stood back and smiled.

Sofia regarded the lieutenant with suspicion. “Now what?”

“Well, every good merc has a nick-name. I think yours should be Surly Sofia.”

“Ha ha, very funny. Now get busy, Ronald the Wretched, we’re wasting time.”

With a chuckle, he began unbuckling his armor and headed for the line of bodies. Looking down at the bodies of his men, he felt a surge of sorrow and regret, especially for his Sergeant. This was supposed to have been a mission of honor, not a rendezvous with death. He was proud of them, especially since there were twice as many dead attackers. His men had acquitted themselves well.

Sofia scooped up the last of the stew into a bowl and brought it over to the young guardsman. “Here, eat this and then rest. I need you strong enough to ride. Your mission is just as important as ours as the Queen’s life may be at stake.”

Gilfor’s voice already sounded stronger. “Just tell me what to do, your Highness. I won’t fail you.”

“Will anyone in Kiplar recognize you if you go there?” Gilfor shook his head no as he continued to eat. “Good, this is what you will do.”

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The sounds of the galloping horses and the spinning coach wheels were like thunder in Floane's ears. From the moment the coach lurched forward and slammed her against the leg of the rear bench, she had held on to that leg with all of her strength, unable to let go. Eyes squeezed tightly shut, tears formed a puddle under her face.

Before she left the Palace with the Princess, she had never moved any faster than what her feet could take her. Riding in the coach was so exciting and the speed at which they traveled took her breath away. Now, the one glimpse she had dared through the wildly swinging coach door made her squeeze her eyes even tighter.