A Duty Fulfilled

Chapter 12

''Staying busy?'' James sat down beside Peter.

''I suppose,'' Peter placed the signet ring back on his finger. The gold cold against his skin.

''Lady Avelina has been helpful along this trip,'' James said innocently without preamble, his eyes drifting to Peter's.

''She has,'' Peter agreed but wondered what his friend was getting at.

''Just be sure to remember your place, and her place. And don't forget about Phillipa.'' James' eyes were slightly narrowed. But Peter knew he wasn't threatening him, simply warning him.

''I can assure you, I won't.'' Peter smiled to breathe some air into his tone, but in truth, James' words made him uncomfortable, and he didn't know why. ''I have no intention of dishonoring Phillipa.''

James didn't look convinced, but he nodded.

Peter frowned. James always took his word and never doubted it.

''You don't believe me.'' Peter probed, trying to catch his friend's eyes which were now staring out across the trees and mountains.

''It's not that I don't believe you, Pete. But do you believe it yourself?''

''Do I--''

''Pack up,'' Adam approached them, avoiding eye contact with Peter. ''We can't forget that Jonathon is roaming these mountains waiting to grace us with his presence.''

Peter had forgotten that.

''The entrance we are looking for is underground and well-hidden. Avelina and I know it, we will go in and out quickly. We will not be able to transport all the weapons back to Davenshire, but whatever we can carry will be of great use to the rebels.'' Adam's gaze flitted to Peter's for a brief moment. His eyes cool as he walked away.

''Did you mention your concerns to him?'' Peter asked James, unable to hide the edge in his tone.

''I'm only looking out for you, Peter. You are like a brother to me.'' James picked up his satchel.

''Don't forget your place, James. You are a close friend, but don't forget who is heir to the dukedom.''

James' eyes widened with hurt and Peter instantly felt a sting of pain. He'd never spoken to James like that.

''James-----'' He started, standing from his seat in the leaves.

''We won't be stopping tonight,'' Adam interrupted, sheathing a hunting knife. ''With any luck, we'll reach the cliffs by tomorrow evening. Be on the look out for Jonathon and any of Lord Richard's guards.'' He said, looking at each of them.

Avelina pressed her lips together, and kept her head down.

James' warning flipped through his head again, but Peter dismissed it. He wouldn't betray Phillipa. He surely wasn't even capable of such a thing.

....................

             They continued on throughout the night and stopped just before dawn that next morning. But the hardest part was yet to come. The Mercury Cliffs towered above them as they climbed higher and higher. A thick fog settled over the cliffs, and the climate steadily decreased. The sun rose, but grey clouds concealed it. However, that didn't stop the foursome from hearing barks from what sounded like dogs. Hunting dogs from Jonathon's group. Their barks ricocheted off the rocks setting Peter's jaw into a straight line and flattening Avelina's lips. But from what they could tell, Jonathon and his guards were still below them. The air became thinner, and harder to breathe, but they still pressed on and true to Adam's word, they did arrive that evening. Exausted, but thankful.