Into the Land of Valentia

Chapter the Twelfth

XII

Vivica's eyes flashed to her bow, then back to the man before her. He was still looking in Sun's direction, but appeared to be seeing something else. He hadn't lowered his hand.

"Kill who? What are you talking about?" she demanded.

"I knew it was a mistake the moment I tacked up Sun. It only got worse as I watched him ride off. But who leaves their betrothed to go on a quest right before a wedding? It seemed right at the moment. It was just an impulse, honestly." Finally, the hand dropped. Vivica felt her stomach dropping with it.

"Cayden. You're the stable master who gave him Sun? You knew she was sword shy?" Vivica took a threatening step forwards.

The man nodded and flipped his hands, which were now both at his sides, palms up in a pleading gesture. "Sword terrified. I knew she was bound to start at some point, throw him off, and he would . . . die. I confess, shackle me up, I can't live with the guilt!" He dropped to his knees and offered up his wrists, shaking. 

Vivica glanced across the castle courtyard. The guard had gone back to his post and was no longer in sight. A few chickens were flapping around and pecking at the ground. There was no one else in sight. 

She grabbed the stable master by the arm and dragged him to his feet. It no small feat considering how much the man weighed and how determined he was to remain on his knees. "I'm not here to arrest you. But you're going to give me some answers."

Vivica finished untying the rope tethering Garrett and Sun. "Is there anyone else in the stables?"

The stable master shook his head. "The king has sent all the stablehands to work in Ashe. He doesn't want them to help the princess escape." 

"I heard as much."

The stable master took Sun's reins. The horse's presence must have had a calming effect on the man. His hands were more steady as he touched her muzzle. "I'm sorry, girl," he whispered to her. He sighed and began to lead the golden mare to the stables.

Vivica followed with Garrett. The stallion whickered softly and brushed his shoulder against hers. 

"I know, Gare," she said softly. She didn't trust this man, starting with how they were more or less introduced by him admitting to thinking he had killed someone. Adding that it was Cayden's life the stable master had planned to end, it wasn't the best idea to head into a more secluded area with him. But Cayden knew she was going to the stables, and the stable master had answers Vivica had been denied time and time again. She had her bow, and Garrett could hold his own should a fight arise.

By the time Cayden came back, she would know what the stable master was talking about.

In the stables, Vivica spotted several empty stalls. She assumed that the stablehands must have taken many horses to Ashe. Flies buzzed through the air and the smell of manure was stronger than it had been outside. It was a smell she was used to, after cleaning Garrett's stall. Not that he'd ever been in a stall long. She preferred to keep him loose, if the situation permitted.

The stable master had already started to un-tack Sun. He swung her saddle over a dividing panel and rested it there before beginning to take off her bridle. He nodded at Vivica. "These horses must be hungry. They can stay in the last two stalls while we speak." 

Vivica eyed the man hesitantly before leading Garrett down the corridor. 

By the time the horses were settled, the stable master's hands were steady and he seemed to have gotten over his previous panicked state. He held out a hand to Vivica, clearly expecting her to shake it. "Narick, stable master to the king."