Soldier

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

The next morning I woke up to the sound of noisy feet moving across the floor. The bedrooms in the knight's quarter resembled a lot like a military camp, not that I would know but if I could imagine. Where I slept we were about twenty guards sharing a room big enough for eight. You could say it was crowded, not much space to move on. There were ten bunk beds placed in a row, very tiny bunk beds. Since I was the newcomer I had to take where it was available, which meant on the top. I thought I was going to fall off during the night. “Stop whining. You get used to it” They said to me. Each of the guards had its own chest to put their things in. If you needed to pee, they shoved you outside. For a guy it would not be a problem, but for me? I'm sure I'll get used to it. For number two, there was a small pot tucked in the corner. I can do this, I repeated to myself over and over. I chose to sleep in my shirt since the risk about getting caught was less. All of the other guards slept, well, naked. Butt showing like the day they were born. I tried my best not to look at either of them until they had some clothes on.

“Wake up, sleeping beauty” Some guy cried in my ear and shook the bed. For the first time I lost my balance and dropped to the floor. They all laughed at me. I tried to hide my embarrassment and quickly got dressed. Outside stood a cauldron filled with oatmeal over an open fire. Every knight or guard went over to get their breakfast and I did the same. It wasn't that bad, but the one at home tasted better. Once I was done I asked the men beside me. “Do you know where I can find Captain Rodd?”

“Try the upper quarter. His resident lies there”

I went over to where they were pointing and reached, what I presume was the main building for guards. I knocked on the door and an elder man opened. “Yuric Keen, sir. Reporting for duty!” I stood with back straight. He scrutinized me before he spoke any further. “What is your duty?” He asked . “To guard the princess, sir” I sounded like a military. “Report noted. Do your job then” He gave me a light shove and closed the door. I made my way towards the palace and soon knocked on the princess door. “Yuric, how nice of you to be on time” She smiled at me and let me enter her room. “I'm reporting for duty, your highness. What's my mission for today?” I held my hand over my sword in its husk. She laughed at me. “No need to sound so uptight. Your duty is to follow me simply until lunch” I relaxed and tried to make out a smile. “I am sorry, my princess. First day jitters, you know” “Jitters? What does it mean?” She gave me a confused look. “Oh... I'm nervous, that's all” She nodded at me and made her way out. We went down the long hall before coming to the stairs. “May I ask what my sister is doing?” I asked carefully. “No need to be nervous around me, sir Keen. I would be glad if you saw me as a friend” She smiled at me as we went. “And your sister is with my cousin. Marie is visiting from Klaud. I think they are about the same age, therefore my idea to put them together” I nodded and noticed we were in the garden. “We had such a lovely time yesterday. I learned her to do crochet” I then remembered my early teenage years with grandmother and how I despised it. I listened to Isadora and how she described their day and evening. The garden was beautiful and there were flowers everywhere. In the middle stood a tree, with pink flowers. Very much alike a Japanese cherry tree. The time flew by and I don't think Isadora really noticed how much she can talk. As her guard I listened and tried to keep an eye on our environment. “How silly of me to talk too much” She laughed and waved with her hand fan in front of her face. I smiled kindly at her, trying not to laugh. “Please, tell me where you come from?” She said, sounding eager. She made us sit on a bench and her eyes showed interest. “Uh... It's not anywhere here” “Oh, are you not from Leen? I thought since that's where the contest was” “Not exactly” “I see. Are you from abroad?” “Something like it”

She eyed me for a while, like she was trying to figure out a puzzle. “You don't want to tell me?” “No, it's...” “I thought we were agreeing to be friends?” I sighed. Maybe she will buy this explanation. “I'm your guard and meant to protect you. I don't want to interfere that with something more complicated” She were quiet for a while. “I understand. Of course we should keep it professional” She began moving away and headed for the exit. At the same time another guard arrived. “I'm here for trading, your highness” He said and bowed. “Very well” The princess said and turned to me. “My father said he wanted to speak with you when you're off your duty. He should be in his office” I thanked her and made my way to the king.