Memory in the End

Chapter 2: Haughton

It was a two day walk to Haughton, not too bad, although I barely ever walked anywhere other than around the inner city of the kingdom. We couldn't have a horse because we had to stay hidden, so I wouldn't be so easily recognized. Being a princess on the run is hard work. Sleeping is also proving to be a difficult task. Well, for Michael that is. He stays up all night on edge, even though I offered to keep watch. He simply said that I would be useless in any situation of real danger and to just sleep.

That was the last time I tried to be nice to him. He isn't rude; he's pretty patient and nice, considering he's basically a fugitive with me. He also makes sure I'm okay, if we're low on food he'll typically give me his half. I won't ever take it, but he at least offered. Tonight, however, sleep was refusing to come to me.

"Can't sleep, Princess?" He asks, leaning against a tree, rustling the wood in the fire every so often to keep it going. The nights here get pretty cold, even though winter isn't here yet. I pulled my cloak tighter around me, curling my knees closer to my chest.

"I thought I'd be fine. But...when I close my eyes, Lynx's cursed face appears. And his wicked laughter rings in my ears," I take a deep breath, "He was my father's advisor. My father trusted him. But he was plotting against the king this whole time...People can be truly evil." I murmur softly.

Michael stares into the fire, not saying anything. I've brought up a depressing topic, haven't I?

More loudly I remark, trying to change the subject, "And not only that, but I'm cold and traveling with a grumpy, sleep-deprived man who doubts my abilities.".

"Hey now," he grumbles, "A princess should be treated like a princess.".

"For your information, this princess held her own against several of those bounty hunters back in the weapons shop.".

"Yes, yes. You did very well," he laughs and pats my head, much to my displeasure, "So, what will we be doing in Haughton?".

"My father has a close friend that lives there. That friend knows a lot about you guys, and he could probably give us a hint as to where the others are," I let him know, "I didn't think I would need his help, but if the Five have separated, he will be the best person to start asking.".

"Do I know this guy by any chance?" Michael asks me.

"Um....probably not. He's kind of kept secret from everyone else because he's not very much liked by the people. Plus he's been known to not be very sociable...".

"Understood," he simply tells me and then goes silent again. Michael's people skills don't seem to be the best either. Night seemed to pass more slowly when staying awake, but I must've fallen asleep at some point, because I woke up with my head leaning against something. When I looked over, I saw that it was Michael's shoulder; to say I was a little embarrassed would be an understatement. I quickly moved away and he smirked.

"Good morning, did you have any nice dreams?".

"When did I fall asleep?".

"Close to daybreak. Your head fell onto my shoulder while we were talking, and you were sleeping so peacefully I didn't want to wake you up," he remarks, "What kind of warrior would I be if I didn't make the princess comfortable?".

Or uncomfortable, in this case, "Thanks, I guess...".

"Don't mention it," he smirks again, "We can eat in Haughton, we're close.".

I nod, standing up and stretching, ready for anything we would encounter today. Michael throws the hood over me, covering my face as much as possible, and we begin our route to the town. It doesn't take long for us to start hearing the usual bustling of the town; there was a fair at the market today, so there were many people lining the streets. The crowd was a blessing; I could blend in easily amongst the crowd. But at the same time, there was a higher chance of me being recognized with so many people around.