She moved slowly for the entrance of the cave, taking quiet steps only after listening intently for any signs of the threat outside. She finally reached the entrance after what seemed like forever. Scanning the forest from a shadow, so she would be harder to see, she saw no sign of the form that had caught her attention. She wanted to burst out of the cave and just run, but she remained still, years of training taking hold. She sensed something out there, and if she ran, she thought she would surely die.
It was a crisp, cool morning, yet beads of sweat rolled off her forehead. She reversed her grip on the dagger so that it pointed down. It was a single edged curved blade that she was highly proficient with. Normally when she was away from the city, exploring their kingdoms countryside, she carried her two, superbly crafted, short swords, and wore thick leather armor. She wished now that she at least had the two swords with her.
She stepped out of the cave and moved off to the left keeping her back close to the rock face. At first the cold rain hitting her face shocked her, but as it washed away the warm sticky sweat from her face she was thankful for it. It also made the ground wet, which kept her footsteps silent. Though the drum of the rain also hid from her ears any sound of danger. She still had seen no sign of any threat, yet the hairs on the back of her neck stood straight up. Something was wrong, and the urge to panic tugged at her, threatening her sanity. She kept moving to the left, toward a crevice in the rock face behind her. Her hope was to get to it and climb up the twenty foot wall to the bluff above. Hopefully she wouldn't slip on the slick, wet rock and break her neck. From there she could scan the woods better and could climb higher into the mountains, heading further south to Kaheendra where she might seek refuge.
She kept her eyes on the woods as she felt for the crevice. When a hand snatched her wrist, it took all her will not to scream out. When she didn't let panic overcome her, muscle memory took hold.
She spun backwards, whipping her dagger around at head level. The hand holding her wrist released and Yosu jumped back, barely avoiding the blade as its tip whistled past his face. He smacked his head into the rock wall behind him in doing so and bent down, rubbing the spot that had connected with the stone, and groaned. Kyrianna sheathed her dagger as she bent to help him.
"What do you think you are doing?" Her voice was a deadly whisper.
"We must be on our way. I will tell you while we move, quickly now, back to the cave."
Kyrianna wanted to argue but the look that Yosu wore, gave her pause. She had never seen him so worried.
When they got back into the cave, she was surprised to see Toshinzu and Sanyi inside, trying to make it look as though the four of them had never been there. When they were done, they dashed back out into the rain and headed southwest, following the mountains. Sanyi scouted ahead of them by a couple hundred paces, in case he stumbled onto a trap or ambush. Occasionally he held up his hand, halting the others for a moment only to give the signal and they would all start out running again. They kept the pace up for nearly two hours before finally stopping for a rest. By now Kyrianna had become used to being soaked through. One would never think her to be royalty in her present condition.
Once they had finally stopped for a moment to rest, Yosu rested a gentle hand on her forearm.
"A patrol from Kaheendra almost happened upon us. We had to take up positions to attack in case they stumbled across the cave. I am sorry that you woke alone. But there were five of them and we couldn't take any chances. Luckily they didn't notice the cave and kept moving."
Kyrianna felt bad that she was angered at them for leaving her alone. They were just doing their best in trying to protect her. "Where are we heading? You feared being spotted by a Kaheendran patrol, yet we travel in that direction."
"The roads that lead to Vorea from Kaheendra are traveled by many merchants. I hope to acquire some new clothes from one of them and maybe some food. We need to get you out of your royal attire and into something less noticeable and perhaps even dry." Yosu gave her a boyish grin and winked. Kyrianna couldn't help but smile. He had a way of making her smile even when she didn't want to.
"You will stay with Sanyi and I in the forest while Toshinzu goes out to the road, the cloaks that we bought in the market are simple and would not betray him as Vorean."
Kaheendrans and Voreans looked similar. Both with almond shaped eyes and dark hair. The only differences were that Voreans stood slightly taller on average and were a cleaner people. Kaheendran hair was coarser, and less kept. Their style of clothing was completely different than that of Vorea, which made it easier to fit in because no decent Vorean would be caught dead in a Kaheendran outfit.
Kyrianna was proud of Yosu. He was very smart and was always thinking ahead. She felt blessed to have him as her protector. Sometimes when she saw the pain in his eyes of not being able to tell her how he felt, she wanted to reach out to him and hold him. But she knew that it would only break him, because that is all she could offer, was sympathy. She did not love him, and even if she did, her people would not allow her to marry a commoner. She hoped that one day another woman would come into his life and take his eyes, and his love, from her.
The following day, it was growing dark by the time they reached the trade route heading out of Kaheendra. They had to hide twice to stay out of sight from a Kaheendra patrol. Kyrianna, Sanyi and Yosu stayed hidden back in the woods while Toshinzu waited for a caravan to come into view heading away from Kaheendra. Before the caravans would notice, he got onto the road and started walking toward them as if heading into Kaheendra. The first merchant did not have any clothes but did have food. Toshinzu was happy that the currency was the same almost everywhere in Los. After buying some sausage links, cheese, a couple loaves of bread, and some water sacks from him, he continued to walk toward Kaheendra until the merchant was out of sight, and then he retreated to the woods, bringing the others the food. Afterwards he returned to the road and started the ploy over again. It took almost two hours for the next cart selling clothing to come by. The merchant was curious at first, as to why Toshinzu wanted to buy clothes from him, instead of heading into the city and buying them. Toshinzu told him that he hoped if he bought it away from the city, that it would cost less. The merchant gave a big dramatic shrug, laughed, and gave him a good deal on the clothes.
Kyrianna was glad to finally have dry garments on, even if they were of a Kaheendran cut. The rain had stopped falling around midday, which she was also thankful for. After a long discussion, the four decided to go into Kaheendra. Yosu said he would try and find out from the locals and city guard, how their feelings toward their Vorean neighbors were. In the past, the two tribes had gone to war over trade routes. Many years ago Kaheendra had wanted to keep Vorean products out of their kingdom, and to keep merchants from traveling to Vorea from the southern kingdoms completely. They desired to take full control over trade from all the southern kingdoms. Vorea was enraged by the absurdity and brought war on Kaheendra, until they agreed to allow full trade through Kaheendra into Vorea. In turn, Vorea would allow trade from northern kingdoms to go to Kaheendra. Kaheendra never truly regained their feet after the war. Even though they were Vorea's closest cousins, and Vorea had even helped them rebuild their economy, and city, Kaheendra still held great contempt for their larger, more powerful neighbor.
Kyrianna kept telling herself that this was a good idea but she couldn't shake the feeling that they were like sheep, walking into a lion’s den. She eased a little when the city gate guard gave them no trouble entering. And she was happy that no one seemed to look at Yosu or the other guards suspiciously, seeing as how they were taller than most Kaheendran men. What did bother her was that she kept getting sidelong glances. Some men even stared at her until Yosu gave them a deadly glare.
Kyrianna didn't know if they were looking at her because she was a beautiful woman, or if they knew she was not from Kaheendra. Yosu had told her to keep her eyes to the ground so that the color would go unseen, and her clothes were Kahe
endran, but she was a little taller than average for a Vorean woman, and that was taller still than the average Kaheendran. Yosu seemed confident that it was just because she was beautiful, that they stared, which made Kyrianna blush a little. Kaheendran women wore tight clothing, and with Kyrianna’s curvy, statuesque figure, they left nothing to the imagination.
Yosu even caught himself glancing at her from time to time. He couldn't help it. She drew his eyes to her. He decided that it was the same for everyone else.
They continued on into the city, looking for an Inn they could stay at. Yosu hoped to find a rag tag place. Those were the ones housing patrons that weren't in the habit of asking questions, because most of them didn't want to be asked any questions either. He also figured that anyone looking for a Princess wouldn't think to look in such a despicable place.
He found what he wanted at the Emerald Dragon Inn. He liked it because he almost walked right past, without noticing it. It was insignificant and un-peculiar, just what they needed. They waited in a tavern near the Inn until late into the night. Lots of men looked curiously over at Kyrianna but with the three large fearsome looking men sitting with her, they didn't dare to approach. Yosu watched for anything that looked like it could be trouble, but saw nothing. When he deemed it late enough he sent Sanyi over to the Inn to purchase two rooms. He wanted Kyrianna to have her own room, which she only partially objected too. She didn't see the need to be separated from her guards until Yosu told her that he thought she would want a bath. After Yosu told her that they would keep constant watch on her room and she would be safe, she gave in, smiling at the thought of being able to bathe and wash off the four days of grime all over her body.
After Sanyi purchased the rooms he went up and checked them thoroughly. Yosu gave him several minutes to complete his task. He wanted to draw as little attention to them as possible so Toshinzu went up alone and Yosu took Kyrianna by himself. Sanyi had rented two rooms across the hall from each other just as Yosu instructed. This way they could take turns watching Kyrianna’s room from their partially opened door.
Sanyi had instructed the Innkeeper to draw a bath in Kyrianna’s room so that when she got there it would be ready.
†††
Kyrianna submerged herself in the hot water. All the little cuts and scrapes from trekking through the wilderness stung, but somehow, even that felt good to her. She stayed in the bath until the water started losing its heat. Her fingertips looked like shriveled grapes. She dried off then slumped down onto her bed and thought of her private bathing area at the palace, and how magnificent it was. But as her thoughts went to her parents, they turned dark. She had loved them dearly.
Her father used to scold her, while teaching her swordplay and hand to hand combat. But always when training was over, he would tell her how good she had done, and how proud he was of her. He would get close to her, nudge her with an elbow, and whisper that she was even better than her brother. That would make her feel so wonderful no matter how sore she was. Afterwards, her mother would massage her with oils and tell her stories of falling in love. Kyrianna always loved her mother’s stories. Her palace instructors always taught her of duty and responsibility, that love had no place in the heart of a leader. They told her that she would be married to someone of power, and wealth, and of royal blood. But her mother never told her such things. Kyrianna believed that her mother loved her father. Their marriage had been arranged by their parents, but her mother told her, how even before they were to be married, they had met, and it was love at first sight.
It was a wonderful story.
She was laughing, and crying together now thinking about it. She missed them dearly. And the person responsible for their assassination would pay a great price. Tears still coursed down her face, but her sobbing stopped. She stared ahead at nothingness for a long time, stirring the hateful thoughts around in her mind.
She was startled when Yosu suddenly appeared beside her. She jumped up from her bed, shocked even more to realize that she was still naked from her bath.
"Yosu what are you doing in here!?" Her face was bright red, fueled by rage and embarrassment. She heaved up the sheet from her bed and wrapped up in it.
Yosu was standing with his back to her, hands up in the air. "I knocked several times and called out your name, you didn't answer and I got worried, so I came in to see if you were all right. I looked away the instant that I saw you were unclothed, I swear it." He fell to his knees, turning to Kyrianna but keeping his forehead to the floor. "Please my Empress, forgive me, I only entered because I was afraid for your safety."
Kyrianna studied Yosu, bowing down to her on the floor. She didn't remember hearing him come in the room at all. She had been in a daze, thinking about avenging her parents. She was still embarrassed and angry, but more so with herself, for not being alert enough to hear his knock. "So how much did you see?"
Yosu shook his head vigorously, keeping his eyes to the floor. "I saw nothing, I swear it. As soon as I realized you were naked, I looked away. I left no time for the image to register in my mind. If you believe that I purposely tried to spy you unclothed, than I wish you to strike me down now. I can’t live with the dishonor of my Empress believing me capable of such an indecent act."
Suddenly Kyrianna felt horrible. Yosu was an honorable, genuine man. "Rise up Yosu. The only way I wish your death is in battle, defending me against impossible odds."
Yosu rose, smiling and nodding. This was the greatest honor of any guard and Kyrianna knew it. That she would say so to him, made him swell with pride. "I live to serve you Empress, in life or death."
"Stop calling me that! You’re going to get us all killed. Call me Kara, even in private. We never know who might be listening."
"Yes my...yes Kara. You are wise beyond your years. Forgive me for my ignorance."
"Is that the way you talk to a woman of no importance?"
Yosu gave her a confused look. He had lived most of his life in service to the Princess. Not treating her as such was nearly unthinkable.
"You must treat me as a common woman while we are in disguise. That means you must stop apologizing for every silly little mistake you make, if we are to pull off this charade."
Yosu was about to apologize again but stopped himself short. He straightened up and simply nodded. Kyrianna was glad that he was a smart man. He would not make the mistake again, and neither would the others. The palace didn't employ dumb brutes in the service of protecting the imperial family. All of the Elite guard had to pass stringent tests.
Kyrianna waved her hand at Yosu, shooing him off. "Now get out my room, a girl must have her privacy."
As Yosu turned to leave, Kyrianna felt the slightest change in the air, and her senses peaked, but the alarm was too late. The door splintered inward, sending pieces of wood flying through the room. Three men burst in. Yosu was sprawled out on the floor. A segment of the door had slammed into his face, rendering him unconscious. More men, Kaheendran soldiers, poured into the room behind the three. She could hear fighting going on across the hall. A short muscular man strode into the room and walked right up to Kyrianna. She stood stone still, looking at him as if he were another one of her subjects. She knew what this was, they had been caught, she didn't know how, but that did not matter. They were caught, and judging by the way this man looked at her, he knew who she was. She gave him her most defiant glare.
The man was shorter than her but twice her width. She didn't think she had ever seen a Kaheendran that was built so wide. He had long, black, scraggly hair, and a long braided goatee. A sinister smile stretched across his face, as he looked Kyrianna up and down. Yosu started to move on the floor, he was awakening and the soldiers put their spears to the back of his neck. The short man watched her eyes and gestured with his hand. The soldiers brought up their spears, ready to kill Yosu.
"No, please don’t kill him!" Kyrianna let her stone countenance fall. She didn't want to see Yosu die.
"Very well, we will spare t
his one." He gestured to the soldier near the door and the man yelled to the others in the room with Sanyi and Toshinzu. Kyrianna started to scream as she watched the soldiers in their room plunge spears into the back of Sanyi’s and Toshinzu's necks, but a heavy backhand that came from the short man sent her careening back into the wall and then collapsing to the floor as her knees gave out. She was fading out of consciousness as several pairs of rough hands hoisted her up.
"Take this wench and her guard to the city,” said the short leader. “Let the High Priest know of our catch."
"What of our men? The two guards killed five of them before we could overtake them."
"Leave them and give the Innkeeper a gold piece to clean this mess up. I will stay behind with the War Councilor. I want to give the High Priest time to set up a banquet in our honor." He let out a deep throaty laugh and dismissed the soldier.
"As you command it General." The Lieutenant started barking out orders to the rest of the soldiers, and in minutes, they were on their way back to the palace with the two prisoners.
†††
General Hihanzo walked into the tavern across from the Emerald Dragon, spotted his superior, and headed for his table. Anyone that was in his path was quick to move. He was well known all around Kaheendra, even in the lowliest of places. The Knuckler, named so because of its affinity to house brawling tournaments, was full of cutthroats and vagabonds, men who would sooner kill you than sit next to you. But they all feared General Hihanzo. Even if the entire tavern managed to overtake him, the army that backed him would have their revenge. No one with the slightest bit of sense ever thought to cross Hihanzo.
He sat down at the round table next to his superior, War Councilor Makashin, the right hand of the Prince himself. Few people, however, including Hihanzo, knew that Makashin and the High Priest were the ones who ran Kaheendra. The Prince was a pawn that was easily manipulated. Since the King was assassinated, along with his three wives and seven other children, the Prince claimed the throne. But he was naive, and put too much faith in the new High Priest.
Revelations of Doom Page 12
