Blue Blood

It Begins

After a minute of running I make it to the stables and already see that Edima is being set up for the long journey ahead.

Just thinking of all the possibilities sets my heart off like a firing squad but then as soon as it does, another thought appears and another and another and then my heart sinks. What if we die. It wouldn't be the first time royalty had set out only to die a few days later. What if we're caught by cannibals? What if a witch steals us away? What if he trips and falls down a- I jump at the sudden warmth at my shoulder.

"You alright mate? You're white as a sheet ya are." Cain states placing a hand on his hip real cocky like.

I take a deep breath and answer, "I'm fine." I straighten my posture to try and prove my point.

He laughs stupidly, "You're a real bad liar ya know that?" His laugh is not unpleasant, quite acoustic in fact, but at the fact of the matter I've never despised a sound so much in my damned life.

I scoff as heat creeps up my neck. "And what business is it you?" My stance tightens a bit. Am I really that bad at lying?

He throws his hands up defensively, "Suppose it's not really, just tryin to help." And with that, he saunters off waving behind him like a buffoon as he leaves.

The damn bastard, it's not my fault I'm terrible at lying, it's Romans'. I've become so accustomed to telling the truth for his sake that I've forgotten how to fib. And how might one practice such a thing? Should I just gally around town spreading lies and misfortune when I could be here assisting? No thank you, I'd rather keep my head thank you. I quite like it right where it is.

Edima senses my distress and bumps into me lightly. I sigh and gently pet her glossy main. I spare a glance at her big brown eyes and relax a bit.

"You know, this won't be an easy trip. I hope you're ready." I murmur to her perked ear.

She neighes loudly and I chuckle. "Of course you're ready, what a silly question to ask." I reach into my pocket and give her a treat which she gladly takes without hesitation.

There are still things to pack so I head back inside. As I walk through the halls people stop to congratulate me and wish me good luck. I simply nod in thanks or occasionally bow for the Nobles of the castle.

I dash to the kitchen and quickly find what I need: a few weeks worth of rations, kettles, pots, the whole works.

"Oi Magnus!"

"Hmm?"

I turn to a small colored woman in her late thirties holding out a try full of sweets.

"Just a little something for your journey, Roman always did have such a sweet tooth, must be why he likes you so much!" She pinches my cheek gingerly with a smile that could melt iron.

"Thank you my lady, I'm sure His majesty will love it." I assure with a genuine smile. What a nice lady.

She clasps her hands together and smiles once more before strolling off to finish her duties. If only everyone was as nice as that woman, the world be just a bit more bearable.

With a big smile I exit into the halls to find a tent and a few more things. The sweets keep calling to me as I walk but I leave them be, they were really meant for him after all.

I find everything easily, no surprise there, and recheck everything twice. The only thing that is missing is Rody's stuff. What's taking him so long?

I cross my arms and lean against Edima trying to ease my nerves. Our first real adventure is only a few steps away and Rody decides to take a note out of a tortoises book and go as slow as possible. Maybe I should go check on him, he might need help.

Just as the thought makes its way to my head Rody appears by the door with an overflowing bag of stuff and my stomach turns. He spots me and his face automatically shifts to a childish grin. He runs over trying (and failing) to keep the bags contents in the bag.

"Huff, Ready!" He gasps as hair checkers his face.

I stare at him, trying to keep a straight face but I just can't when he looks so ridiculous. My shoulders bounce a little as I try to hold the laugh in as much as possible.

"Hey, don't laugh at me! What did I do?" He whines, pouting.

I wipe a tear from my eye, "sigh nothing, you're perfect. Ready to go?" I ask fully aware that he will say yes even if it's not true.

"You bet your ass I'm ready! Got everything packed up tight." He states proudly. I glance at the pile of junk he calls 'being packed.'

"Hey will you do me a favor? I don't ask often." I deadpan.

A look of determination coats his face, "Anything."

I scoff lightly at the display. "Can you get a few carrots for Edima? I'm sure she would appreciate it." Edima's ears perk up on cue.

"You can count on me!" He shouts running off kicking up dirt as he goes.

I exhale loudly and go through what he has packed in his bag and fold it as fast as possible. Rody was always quite fast so I probably have about 2 minute to do this.

There's worn pants, board games, coins, and much more unnecessary objects stuffed in the small sack. Amongst all of the clutter, my finger tips brush against something unusually soft. When I pull it out, my heart flutters. It's an old bear, nothing special to anyone else; worn and broken, but to me it's irreplaceable. I can't believe after all these years he still has it and brings it with him none the less! I gave it to him when we first met, a symbol of our friendship. Why would he keep it for so long?

About a minute and a half pass and I decide the bag is neat enough. At least he didn't forget socks this time. A few seconds later Rody runs out with a handful of carrots in his grip.

"Nice job, do you want to give them to her?"

He gasps loudly, "Can I!?"

I nod with a smile and he excitedly skips over to feed Edima with the biggest grin on his face, a mix of amazement and glee. Like the good girl she is, she gently excepts the carrots.

"She's so well behaved, did you raise her?" He asks stroking her head.

"From a foal." I state proudly.

He breaths out a 'wow' before a confused look crosses his face.

"What?"

"There's two of us and one horse, will we ride together or take turns?"

"I was thinking she would walk beside us. She's not really build to carry a grown person plus two peoples luggage. I don't want to hurt her."

He nods in understanding. His head shoots to me with that iconic smile.

"We're really gonna do this."

I smile back and steal a shaky breath. We walk to the gates and give the signal that we wish to leave. The gate opens slowly, the old wood creaking all the while. The wind hits my face with calming clarity. The trees stretch high into the sky and the only thing I can think of as we take our first steps is 'thank the gods I remembered the map.'