Fighting For What?

A Quick Realization

   The trees fly passed as the mare's hooves pound into the ground. Everything merges into a green blur. Eliseo's grip loosens as I slow the horse down to a trot. Pax's ears perk ahead and a single bark escapes his throat. He jolts ahead, disappearing into the brush. We follow behind, the sound of trickling water overpowering the breeze. Emerging from the brush, the mare steps onto stones of the riverbed. Well, the river is more like a creek. Only two feet across, but still a fresh water source. I dismount first. My boots land on the stones and Pax rushes to my side. Eliseo follows my lead and lands much less graceful. Landing on his arse, the boy's face cringes at the rough landing. Reins in hand, I lead the mare to the creek. I throw the reins over the saddle horn as she dips her head for some water.

"Where are we?" Eliseo approaches the rushing water while attempting to soothe his behind.

"Not far from the camp," I say, patting the brown coat along the horse's torso. "Just far enough to be out of view."

I seat myself on the edge of the creek. The rocks are a slight discomfort, but only for a moment as I adjust accordingly. I begin to remove my boots and socks. I can feel Eliseo's eyes in my back, confused. Finishing my task, I slip my toes into the water. Expecting frigid temperatures, I am delightfully surprised by the warmth of the creek. My palms dig into the stones behind me as I lean my weight back. I look over my shoulder to the blacksmith's boy. This time I really look at him. Alvin's features shine bright on the boy's face. His round chin and crooked nose along with his dark eyes. Why would Amais be killing entire villages to find the Tuer Circle?

"Sometimes," I say looking back at my feet, entirely submerged in the transparent water. "I just need to leave. I cannot control situations and I become uncomfortable. So my solution is to run. Don't let people see my fear, or any emotions other than the ones I want them to see."

"So, you would leave all those people behind because you're unsure of yourself?" Eliseo's question so simply puts my multiple thoughts and feelings into a single sentence.

"Only for a moment," I reassure.

I glance down river to see Pax pawing at the water, probably toying with a fish. Stones roll as Eliseo approaches the riverbed. He stops beside me and joins me on the rough riverbed. He pulls his knees to his chin, his arms hug his legs to keep them upright. His chin sits upon his kneecap.

"Have you ever thought about not going back?" He says.

"I have," I reply without hesitation. But nothing else escapes my lips.

"Your Highness," Eliseo says. His tone shifts, more serious now as he continues. "Only the border villages support the work you and Prince Cedar have done for the kingdom. Everyone else seems to be loyal to the cruelty and brutal works of Lord Amais alongside the King."

"Doesn't surprise me. Only the villages along the Astildian and Bustanian border have any idea what's happening with the corruption in the king's castle. A few outcasts in the cities know, but they're mostly Tuer Circle agents that I've placed for the safety of the city. But no doubt my brother has found them out and killed them."

"Princess Ivy, why haven't you done something to stop him? Queen Rose does not alleviate the situation."

I scoff. "Believe me, I know. But the whole situation is out of my hands. Cedar has more control than I, and now Prince Preston does as well. That is, assuming my brother spilled everything to him. And the last time Preston and I spoke, it was not very pretty."

"Well, he came looking for you, so that means something, right?"

"Yes, but that means Terra is back at the castle with....Lark and Rose. And she's alone." My realization dawns the end of my alone time. "We have to go back."

I reach for my boots and socks. I quickly throw each back over my damp feet and jump to my feet. Whistling to Pax, his head perks and he runs back up stream. I hoist myself into the saddle on the mare's back. Pax's begins to bark as I seat myself atop the horse. Eliseo hasn't moved from his spot on the riverbank. As I pull on the reigns, he stands to his feet.

"Hurry! We have to get back to the camp; I have to return to my sister."