The Elemental Song

Chapter 11 A New Plan

"You want us to accept that murderer as king?!" General Gideon's voice had taken on a tone of disbelief. Dyllan stayed silent and shook his head in disbelief. Eryk remained calm and responded with an edge to his voice. "It is the only way to prevent the constant sabotage attacks. If you agree the tribe will continue to stay safe and peaceful. You don't have to actually accept Zhenya as king. Just agree to the suggestion." General Gideon was still agitated and the scowl on his face was proof of this. "I can't possibly do that! Besides, then you would be branded as traitor and they will hunt you down. Plus what will we do with the princess?" "I have already thought of that. I will continue traveling and hunting for a solution. The princess must stay here where she will be safe. Just trust me on this. I promised the former king that I would keep Skyrah safe. She is safest here and I will protect her kingdom and find a solution." General Gideon looked as if he more to say but then thought better of it. "Very well, I will consent to this plan of yours." "Thank you. Once you accept Zhenya's plan they will most likely make up a story of me kidnapping the princess. Since I will be branded traitor Dyllan will fill the position of general." Eryk looked at Dyllan and Dyllan nodded. Eryk continued, "you will be in charge of protecting the tribe and the princess." Dyllan straightened and replied, "I will not disappoint you." "I know. I will leave tomorrow. Do not let the princess know of our plan or she will try to accompany me." The former general and the new general nodded and replied in unison, "as you command." As the three dispersed they failed to notice a figure hiding in the bushes.

Skyrah stood up from her hiding spot. Having had heard the majority of the conversation Skyrah made up her mind. On her way back to the city she thought to herself, there is no way I'm going to leave the fate of the kingdom to my bodyguard. Especially when it's just going to be him. I'm still the princess and have to protect this kingdom. With these thoughts in mind Skyrah entered her room and packed her belongings.

The next day Eryk woke up early to leave on his journey. General Gideon and General Dyllan were at the entrance to the city to bade him farewell. "Eryk!" Hearing his name Eryk spun around. There, running towards him, was Skyrah and Ziff. She was carrying her bag of belongings and wearing her traveling clothes. Over her shoulder, hanging across her back and chest was her bow with the quiver hanging at her waist. Eryk had no doubt in his mind that the princess had a deadly, silver dagger that was strapped to her calf, hiding beneath her clothes. Eryk waited for the duo to reach him before asking, "what are you doing up this early in the morning?" "I heard that you were going to leave this morning so I packed up and ran to meet you." "Where did you hear that?" Skyrah blushed, and hesitated before answering, "I went with Ryker to the city and he ran off quickly to check the perimeter. Once he left I quickly went back to the river and saw you guys talking. So I hid in the bushes and listened to your conversation." Everything clicked in Eryk's mind and he thought, ahhhh. I see. She must have heard about me leaving to save the kingdom and leaving her here to stay safe. Eryk looked at Skyrah with awe and admiration. "So you wanted to come with me on my journey?" Skyrah nodded silently looking up at him with pleading eyes. "This journey is going to be very dangerous and challenging. I have no idea when our mission will be over and I cannot promise that you will go unscathed the whole journey." Skyrah looked up with the fire of passion in her eyes and replied, "I know. But I am princess of this nation and must ensure that the future of my kingdom will be safe." Eryk nodded. "If you have everything, we will be able to leave now princess." "I'm ready." The two went to the entrance of the city Aura and explained the change of plans to the awaiting generals. With the two general's blessings the bodyguard, the princess, and the wolf left on their journey.