A Tale Of Queens

Detour

Sa-Alti did not wait for the next morning.

Immediately after the exchange with her mother, she went to her room, grabbed her already packed bags and made her way to the parked carriage. A few servants saw her and she knew it would not take long before news got to her mother.

Well, she wouldn't be able to stop her if she tried.

The driver was a friendly looking man whose age seemed ambiguous. He could have been in his late twenties or mid thirties. He greeted Sa-Alti and she responded in kind. Quickly, she climbed into the carriage and told him that there was no time to waste. He nodded and took his seat up front. In no time, they were off.

Sa-Alti kept looking back to see if any strange carriages were on their trail. By the time they reached the outskirts of Khelet, she relaxed a little, more than sure that there were none. She leaned forward to the side behind the driver and knocked loudly.

“Yes, my Queen?”

“Could you please make a detour to Noyn first? There is someone that I need to see.”

“Of course, my Queen.”

Sa-Alti sighed gratefully. She looked at the hand drawn map on her lap that showed directions to Qasahn's cousins house. If they were fast enough, they could make it there before the sun rose.

+*+*+*+*

The house was dark and quiet. And for a moment, she was afraid that she was at the wrong place.

Sa-Alti hoped that she hadn't made a mistake. She alighted from the carriage and knocked loudly on the door. The man, Qasahn's cousin answered. His eyes widened as he saw her.

“My Queen,” he greeted.

“No. Call me Sati. I'm sorry that I took so long.”

“There's no need to apologize. Come in.”

She stepped into the house and realised that it was merely dimly lit. Qasahn sat in the living room, backing the door. His back was tense and he was obviously agitated, breathing heavily. A sigh of relief heaved from his chest as soon as he turned to see her.

Sa-Alti ran to him and could not stop the sob that escaped her throat when he gathered her into his arms. They hugged for a long time until the cousin interrupted.

“I think it's best to start moving.”

“Of course,” Qasahn said, separating from his sister-in-law. He looked into her teary eyes. “Look who was worried.”

“I'm sorry,” she sobbed. “I'm really sorry.”

“I'm fine. I'm fine. Come now. We must go.”

Qasahn and his cousin grabbed his things and they all moved to the waiting carriage. After they loaded his bags into the back, the two men hugged. Sa-Alti and Qasahn then climbed into the vehicle, thanked him for his kindness and exchanged farewells.

The driver whipped the horses and the carriage began to move.

“Where are we going?”

“To Yrsa. The Queen has invited me to see her. I'm hoping she can help us.”

“Have you heard from –”

“No. I'm sorry. Mahlon is fine but I haven't heard from Vi. My letters were never answered.”

“Do you think she is upset?”

“With me? I don't know but I wouldn't blame her if she was.” She looked down at her hands resting on her lap. “Were you hurt? When my mother sent someone?”

“Not seriously. The coward attacked me on a secluded path. He did get me on my shoulder from behind but I gave him a beating and he ran off.”

“You? Beat someone?” Her tone was teasing.

“Don't you dare underestimate me,” he growled, punching her arm playfully.

Her tone was serious when she said “I'm glad that you are safe.”

“I'm glad too, Sati.”