Soldier

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

People danced to the music and there were colours everywhere. The ballroom was lit by thousands of candles that reminded me of fireflies. They were celebrating the betrothal between princess Isadora and prince Rudric of Anolia. People of high standards had gathered from both countries to celebrate and dance. I was assigned to guard the doors and keep an eye on everyone who entered the hall. There where several other guards as well standing on their spots. I could see Nicholas standing across the room looking very serious about his duty. He, as well, worked as a guard at the palace. But he wasn't, unlike me, assigned to protect anyone special. I could see Phee standing beside Marie and looked very beautiful in her borrowed dress. It reminded me to thank Isadora later for letting her join the party. I moved my position, trying to rearrange my clothing. I wore black trousers, white shirt and a red tunic. The same symbol with the lion and a heart was printed on my chest. Every guard wore the same and they itch. Every minute I scratched my arm and tried to sneak to my thighs. The last week I've tried to search for more information about the forest and what I've heard, but with no luck. I didn't dare ask Isadora and I doubt she would know more than me. Suddenly I saw man from the council walk through the door, leaving the room. “Where are you going?” I mumbled. I went to the nearest guard and told him about my break. “You can't leave, stay put!” “Well, this is quite personal but I need to go the ...” I drifted off, hoping he would take my hint. He turned red and told me to hurry. I ran for the doors and soon saw the man walking fast down the corridor. I followed him, letting my feet touch the floor in silent. The man didn't even once turn around to see if he was followed. I was lucky that the corridor was empty of people besides him and me. The man stopped and opened a door. Once inside, he closed it and I hurried forward. I took a peek through the key hole, hoping I would see something. The man was sitting by a desk, writing something. I wanted to know what he wrote, but how? Quickly I knocked on the door and ran for the nearest corner. I heard the door opened once more and footsteps. I walked with speed to the ballroom before he noticed me. I hid behind a pillar, seeing the man from the council walk back inside the ballroom. I took my chance and ran back to the room, feeling the doorknob. I know its sounds unbelievable, but the door was open and I sneaked in. One single candle stood on the desk and gave me some light. I searched for the paper, but he must have placed it somewhere else. “Where would I be if I where an important paper?” I asked myself quiet. I noticed the drawer and opened. I found some papers, but nothing that held the information I was seeking. After a while I had to leave the room empty-handed. Soon I was back at my post and eyeing the guests. Nicholas sneaked up by my side. “Where were you before?” He whispered. “I was doing my business” I still didn't dare to tell him anything. “Liar” He said and smirked at me. “Now tell me the truth?”

How could he tell? “Can you keep a secret?” I asked him. “I don't know. I've been very good at keeping your disguise” I rolled my eyes. “I'll tell you later. Now is not the time” He seemed pleased with that answer. Suddenly I saw the council-man and hurried to catch Nicholas before he went back. “Nick, can you tell me who that man is?” I asked him and nodded towards the mystery-man. He followed my gaze and spoke. “That is councellor Tenan Lu. If you're meaning the blonde man with beard” “Yes, I meant him. Thank you” Nicholas went back to his spot and I made sure to keep a good eye on Tenan Lu.

* * *

“Care to tell me what you find suspicious about Tenan Lu?” Nicholas asked after our duty at the ball was finished for the night. I grabbed him by his collar and soon we where hiding behind the knight's quarter. “A few days ago I happened to eavesdropp on the king” I said with a low voice. “He was talking to a man about a forest. I don't know if it were the forbidden one, but they talked about the trolls in the mountains and how they started to move away” Nicholas stood quiet, letting the information sink in. “Then they mentioned something about forest people and to keep the trolls at bend” I said and waited for him to talk. “Let me get this straight. You were eavesdropping on the king?” He raised his eyebrows at me. I didn't think this through how it would sound when I spoke out loud. “He sent for me and his door happened to be a bit opened when I arrived. It's not like I did it on purpose!” We were quiet for a while, lost in our thoughts. “I find it curious at why the trolls are moving. They have always lived in the mountains, so why move now? And what does forest people mean?” Nicholas thought out loud. “You know the story? About the Elfoak?” I asked him. “Yes...?” “Maybe they are real, Nick” “Not possible. That is only a story to scare children. I've been to the forbidden forest and there are no such things as magical creatures” I felt irritated by his ignorance. “But what if it is real? Maybe they used their magic to hide themselves from us?” “Well, we don't have proof, have we?” That is what I've been searching for, proof. Somewhere along the way I want the story about the elves to be true. But Nicholas stated otherwise. “Tenan Lu knows something and I intend to figure out what” I stated and walked away from Nicholas.