Deadly Beautiful (SuperCorp Medieval AU)

Part 49

or the one where we're all running and feel like we've already won  

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It took a good bit of bluffing for the three out of place 'guards' to get the king's 'fiancee' out of the Palace. James and Winn, the two lordlings, used all sorts of veiled threats and flowery words that went over Kara's head and eventually got them out. Fear coursed through her veins, making her antsy and nervous. Winn could tell as Kara's weight shifted her weight from foot to foot and her jaw muscles clenched. He could also see that she still supported the vast majority of Sam's weight.

"Is she going to be okay?" he asked while they waited for James to return with some horses. Kara knew there was no way to get their charge back in a timely manner whilst on foot. It complicated their plans a bit, but James had seemed confident he could procure them relatively quickly and quietly.

"I am no expert but I think a day or two of good, healthy food and rest ought to fix her right up unless some sort of sickness has gotten to her. Things like she has been through leave an imprint on the soul." Kara said knowingly and Winn was reminded he still did not know her whole story. He hoped one day she might see fit to share with him. There was a haunted look which came into Kara's eyes everytime she got a look at Sam and it made Winn's tender heart hurt.

James arrived with three horses and a cocky grin, a trickle of blood at the corner of his lower lip. He seemed quite pleased with himself and his prizes

"I figured one of us ought to ride with Sam. I doubt her ability to sit up on her own." he suggested, passing reigns to his friends and swinging up into the saddle. "I also caused a bit of a ruckus, we should probably hurry."

Kara swung up onto her horse and Winn assisted Sam up in front of her without a word. He mounted as well and the four of them headed out of the city as quickly as they could without drawing too much attention to themselves. Kara held Sam tightly against herself, as the other girl drifted in and out of consciousness. Her head lolled against Kara's shoulder. She knew an intense ride like this could not be good for the stricken woman.

On horseback, they made it back to Midvale by sundown. Kara pulled up in front of Cat's Tavern and Inn and lifted Sam under the knees and shoulders before sliding down off of her exhausted horse. A page ran up to them to take charge of the animals, staring blatantly up at them in awe.

"They have served us well this evening, be sure they get the best possible care. Especially Ms. Kara's." said James and he stepped forward to hold open the door for an exhausted Kara to carry Sam inside. Winn flipped a gold piece to the page and offered him a wink.

"Alex!" Kara bellowed as soon as she stepped in and glanced around without seeing her. "Someone get my sister!"

Winn and James cleared a table of mugs, tankards and other dishes as people rushed to gather around.

"Back off, please and give us some room to breathe." Winn advised, keeping a lookout for Lena and Alex or anyone else who could offer help. He grabbed Cat Grant's arm as she passed by. "A drink for the three of us if you do not mind. We have been riding for half of the day and fighting before that. We are quite tired and quite parched. Put it on my tab, if you please."

"Of course. No charge for any Danvers or friends of Danvers." Cat said with an affectionate look.

"Thank you, Miss." Winn said with a heavy sigh and a pat on her back.

"Touch me again and you lose the hand." she called over her shoulder as she grabbed a tray. "Next time ask a barmaid for Pete's sake! I am not a damn waiter."

Winn blushed and chuckled to himself. He had become accustomed to Cat's manner and accepted it with grace. At first, he would come out with bruised feelings until he learned this was how she treated pretty much everyone.

Winn cleared a path for Alex and Lena as they came rushing in to see Sam unconscious on the table, Kara anxiously stroking hair out of her charge's face, unsure of what to do and not noticing their approach. If anyone had been paying close attention to the blonde warrior they might notice the few escaped tears sliding down her cheeks. Lena came to stand at Kara's side and almost unconsciously wrapped an arm around her shoulders. She had yet to look into Kara's eyes and it gave the blonde time to wipe the wetness from her face.

"Alex, is there anything we can do for her?" Kara asked, remembering how her sister once dreamed of being a healer. "I want to be of help to her in any way I can."

"Food that is not spoiled, clean water, and some restful sleep will do her well. Other than that I am not sure. You did well to bring her here, little sister. Are any of you wounded?" Alex starts at the sound of Kara's voice as though just realizing her sister were there as well. "Take Samantha up to one of the empty rooms and leave her to sleep. I will bring a broth up to feed her momentarily."

Alex stepped around Lena and Kara to pull her sister to her feet. Lena followed after Sam immediately. Alex helped Kara out of her leather jerkin and ran her hands down Kara's arms, legs, and across her scalp to check for wounds, bumps, or bruises.

"Get some food, drink, and good sleep. I can tell you are exhausted, young one. You have done good work for your queen." Alex pushed sweat-matted hair away from Kara's forehead and left her to get herself sorted.