Kingdoms Rise

Sixteen

Mae had helped Gwendolyn pack her bags after she parted with Fallon the night before. There wasn't much to pack, only a month's worth of leathers and an extra pair boots, maybe a spare cloak or two. The food would be packed by the kitchen staff; tents and bedrolls would be taken care of by Cadfael and Vesta.

Gwendolyn has set out a pair of fur lined fighting leathers for Mae to dress in, a pair of matching boots lay to the side. Gwendolyn wouldn't be joining them; it didn't make sense to Mae. The servant had been present at the meeting the previous night and wasn't told that she had to stay.

"Why are you staying?" Mae asked, her curiosity getting the best of her. She sat at the vanity, allowing Gwendolyn to braid her hair.

"I have duties here, and I don't belong out there serving in a manner like that."

"I wish you'd come," Mae and Gwendolyn had become close over the time Mae had been in Braelia.

"For your sake, I wish I would, too," Gwendolyn said as she finished off the braid.

A knock sounded on the door. Mae looked to it about to answer, when the person on the other side opened it. She was about to huff something when she saw who it was. Fallon stood awkwardly in the threshold as he noticed Gwendolyn still in the room. Mercifully, the servant excused herself from the room, but not before throwing a knowing grin in Mae's direction.

Gwendolyn knew what had occurred between Mae and Fallon. Mae had needed to talk to someone about it, and she couldn't talk to anyone in his close court. Gwendolyn had been understanding, if not a little hesitant about the whole situation. She had become like a mother to Mae over the last month, which was odd to Mae, because she looked no more than a few years older than Mae herself.

Fallon gave Gwendolyn a small smile as she left the room, he closed the door quietly when she was gone. "I hope you're ready," he said as he turned to Mae.

She fiddled with the end of her braid, what the nerves were caused by—the list was endless. "You'll help me right," she said as she looked up at him, dropping her braid and letting fall over her breast. "You'll help me through the magic and everything else this godsforsaken dilemma has us in?"

He crossed the room to her in a few mighty strides. She thought he'd stay standing, but he kneeled in front of her, taking her hand in his. "With or without this bargain between us, I will always protect you."

She pulled him up so he was towering over her again. She smiled warmly at him. "Thank you."

He grabbed her packs and they made their way to the stables.

~

The horses were saddled and had their packs attached to them by the time dawn approached. Fallon helped Mae mount her mare, it had been some time since she had last ridden a horse, she already knew her legs would be stiff by the time they stopped for the night. The mare was gray and sleek, with a calm temper. Her mare was getting impatient as the rest of the group mounted their horses, nickering and stomping her front hooves. Mae could tell that the horse loved to be ridden, loved the sense of freedom.

It was only Mae, Fallon, Vesta, Cadfael, Aderyn, and Madoc that would be going to the Forest of Asonia. A horse each of them, and then some to carry the tents and bedrolls, and the food. There would be no guards to accompany them, Fallon had thought that it may draw too much attention if they had a large party going the Forest.

As they descended the mountain, Mae noticed that the groundskeepers were absent from there usual positions around the gardens. She was confused at first, but realized that Fallon must have given them the morning off. She may have realized it but that didn't mean it made any sense. They could have been working and not have figured out where they were going. Fallon really wanted to take extra precautions.