Once she was outside Eloen waited for the others to join her. As she thought the prince was the last one out of the cave. Mounting her horse Eloen didn’t wait and started galloping in the direction of Treforge. They had to stay off the main road or risk being seen but that wasn’t going to deter her form reaching the town by nightfall.
Eloen tried to keep a fast pace but the terrain didn’t cooperate with her. Soon the ground was more rock than dirt forcing her to slow it down to a fast walk. The prince moved his horse up next to hers. “If we swing more to the west the ground will open up and lead up to a road that will lead straight to Treforge. I doubt the people who were escorting me will be on the lookout. None of them knew who was in the carriage and while my arrest is known among the higher ranking in the country most footmen wouldn’t dare to impede my travels. I don’t expect that to change until my uncle has secured himself as the king.
Eloen wasn’t sure if the prince was right in the fact he was safe outside of the higher ups in the government. It was a risk but it was one they would have to take or spend two extra days walking their way to town. “Alright but if we end up in trouble I'm taking it out on your pampered hide.”
“Fair enough my lady. I might even enjoy a light beating from such a lovely lady.” The prince’s voice showed that he was being jovial but it only darkened her mood toward him. From the look on her face he knew that his jest was not well taken.
Eloen saw Darryl hand the prince a knife. “I doubt this will help, but you’re going to need it if you keep it up. If you get on the bad side of the captain I hope you’re as good with your sword as you are with your words or your uncle won’t have to worry about you much more.” Eloen heard her friend whisper to the prince.
“You would allow me to draw iron on your companion.” The words from the prince sounded confused. Eloen wasn’t completely sure where Darryl was going but she trusted him so she let her worries go.
“You misunderstand me prince. I just don’t want you to die without having a chance, no matter how small. You see the captain is an expert with a blade but as an Ablaian I’m sure you’re skilled yourself, so you might even win.” Darryl normal light tone was gone and it sounded more like the dead tone Ballard used when addressing new soldiers. Eloen wanted to turn around a catch a glimpse of William's face but was able to keep her face looking forward with great effort.
When she heard the muffled laugh from Ballard the temptation to look was almost unbearable. “Despite what you may think I am handy with a blade but I am far from a master. To my father’s displeasure I never took to the military arts. I am good with a bow though, but that is more from a love of hunting not war.”
“If you don’t mind me asking prince what are your plans after we rescue Thad?” Darryl asked casual. Eloen slowed down a little, interested in the answer to the question herself.
“I don't really know the answer to that. There are plenty of people who are unhappy with how my uncle is running things but they fear the army. I guess I will go back to what I was doing before I was imprisoned. Looking for nobles who will help me in my claim to the throne. Once I have found supporters I will have to build an army and march on the capital. I have little knowledge of how to do that but I am sure it will work out.”
“You want to start a rebellion and you think it will just work out. I thought you were pampered and that just proves it. First you need to form a base, build your forces, and gather information. Marching on the capital should be done in stealth, if possible, with your uncle none the wiser.” Eloen said disgusted.
“You have a point, but my people would never recognize something that is not won by force. If I want to truly be the king I will have to do it in a grand show of force and power.” The prince said defiantly. “Though some of what you said is true. I know I must find people who know more of the art of war, but I must tread carefully or I will end up just a pawn in my own kingdom.” Eloen could hear the angst in the prince’s voice. The prince might be the same age as her but he almost seemed to be a child in a man's clothing.
“Well Prince why don’t you think of how you wish us to help you while we ride. We will owe you a favor and we shall do anything within reason that you ask of us.” Eloen's voice was filled with contempt. She had seen children who lived off scraps in the prince's own land. Kids who fought hard just too live, and here was their future ruler who lived a pampered life with such a happy go lucky outlook.
“I shall do that. I do have one request though. For the time being would you please refer to me as William. I don’t feel much like a prince at the moment.” William said solemnly.
CHAPTER XII
Once they hit the road the ride to Treforge was much easier than she had thought it would be. It was the first major city she had seen in Abla since coming to the dismal country. Unlike the others it stood tall and proud, but then again it was a city under the control of the army and that was easy to tell by its construction. The buildings were spaced so close together in large sections a mouse couldn’t squeeze between them. Only the roads were given space and they were large enough for three wagons to go down at once. It was impressive to say the least. An attacking force would be channeled down the path where the defenders could easily pick them off.
The buildings were all uniform and lacked any type of beauty. The only good thing she liked about the way the city was designed is that it looked like there was no poor sector, all the buildings were maintained with the same care, at least on the outside.
The prince led them down one of the large streets until they could get a good view of the large fort in the center. It was a massive building surrounded by a large wall. The wall itself had guards lining the top every five feet, but it wasn’t their presence that caught her attention. It was the large workforce that was trying to take down the beaten and broken gate that held her focus. “What happened here?” Eloen asked hoping she already knew the answer.
“I don’t know but I am sure we can find all the answers at the inn. There is a good one close that caters to travelers. It’s not very expensive as most the visitors are caravans bringing supplies. The pub is large though and I am sure it will be bustling with stories about what caused the damage to the gates.” William said his own voice showing his intrigue.
The prince led them to one of the larger buildings. While larger than its surrounding buildings it held the same square and uniform design. Only the sign of a beer mug and bed handing over the door showed that it was anything special.
Once she stepped through the doors to the large inn it was a whole different world. Most of the inns they had visited in Abla were shoddy and were done with little style. This inn was different the tables were of a dark wood that looked like polished stone. The acidic smell they had found in the other towns was gone and the faint scent of chamomile hung in the air. There was even a large stage on which a band played to the delight of the patrons. The inn was nearly an equal to one of those found in the Farlan capital.
Shortly after they entered the inn an older lady ran from behind the counter and bowed at William's feet. “My lord it is a pleasure to have you in our humble establishment.” Eloen could not see the woman’s face but from the shaking of her hands there was true fear behind her words. Eloen's anger flared at how the woman prostrated herself at the man’s feet. Looking at William though the bulk of the anger dissipated. From the look of his furrowed brow he enjoyed the woman’s actions no more than she did.
William bent slightly at the knees never letting his head lower and reached down to the woman with his hand. “Please rise. There is no need to you to lower yourself to such an extent.”
When the woman looked up she saw the princes outstretched hand and almost smiled. Refusing his hand she rose on her own. “My Lord what may I do for you?” The woman said trying to hold a dignified look though it was evident to Eloen that the woman wanted to be anywhere else other than where she was at the moment.
“We require three rooms, and baths drawn for each
of us waiting. We also would like to have some of your best food and ale.” The prince gave Eloen a soft smile as his face took on a curious look. “I would also appreciate it if you would send for some new clothes for me and my companions. We seem to have lost out luggage on the trip and I would loth to be in these clothes for longer than I must.”
Eloen wanted too complained to him but she knew that it would only draw needed attention if someone started arguing with the prince. Especially if that person was a woman. Biting back her words Eloen followed William to a table situated in the corner of the room. The sun was still up but not by much so while there were few patrons in the inn more were coming in every moment.
Almost as soon as they sat a young barmaid greeted them with plates of what Eloen believed was roasted mutton. It was well made and the smell coming from it made her empty stomach grumble which got her a small laugh from her companions and a smirk from the prince.
“Young lady I have just ridden into town and noticed that the fort was in ill repair. I am expected to arrive tomorrow and any information you could give me would be much appreciated. I do so hate to be caught off-guard around the soldiers.” The prince slid a silver coin into the lady’s hand so fast Eloen almost doubted she had seen it.
The young girl looked down at her hand and gave the prince a nervous smile. “My Lord all I know is rumors. From what the people are saying a great mage riding a horse made of fire rode through the gates while lightning from the heavens struck down any man who stood in his path.”
While his head never moved the prince’s eyes darted to where Eloen sat. She kept her visage calm but she had to fight the yell of joy that welled up inside her for all she was worth. The prince’s eyes went back to the young lady who was obviously ready to dart from the room like a scared fawn. “Thank you. Do you happen to know if they were able to capture the mage who caused such an uproar?”
“My Lord few soldiers have been able to leave their posts since last night so I have heard no gossip if he has been captured or not, but the ground shook as if the earth itself was being torn asunder last night. I was tossed from my bed and was unable to stand for near an hour.”
“That will be all. Thank you for the information.” The prince waved the girl off with his hand. Without wasting a second the young lady ran back toward the kitchen, never looking back over her shoulder.
The prince watched her go, then as soon as she was out of sight, he looked around carefully to make sure no one else was within range of hearing. Once he was sure no one could hear him he turned on Eloen his eyes nearly dancing. “It wouldn’t be the young man you want to save would be a mage would it.” As he spoke he tapped his fingers in a frantic rhythm on the table. “That would explain why a noble from Farlan would risk their lives for him, and why the queen would be willing to be happy if she got him back.”
Eloen bit down on the corner of her knuckles. “He is very important to our Queendom.”
Eloen wasn’t sure how she expected the prince to react but what he did was far from anything she could imagine. The prince broke into a fit of laughter. “A mage. What a find. Is he strong? Well he would have to be strong to rip through the gate like that. Do you think he would be willing to help me?”
The prince's eyes were like a child when he saw something of interest. “I don't know but he is one to support hopeless causes. That idiot loves to get himself into trouble.” Eloen said joining in the prince’s laughter. Thad would most likely help the prince as long as the prince brought the subject around into the right light. It wouldn’t be a bad idea either. With Abla under William's control and owing a debt to Farlan the animosity between the two counties could start to be healed.
It was easy to tell that the prince could hardly hold his mirth at the news from Eloen. She had no clue what could be going through his head but she was sure it was of an old man with a white beard calling down wonders to sweep aside armies. If that was true he was going to be sorely disappointed.
“First a Katanaga, now a mage. My luck seems to be turning around my lady. As soon as I have a chance to refresh myself I will head over to the fort and see what I can learn about our mage. If he has been captured I will have him released no matter the cost. If he is free I will spare no expense to find him. You have my word on that.”
“That is good to know, but while I believe he would help you that does not guarantee he will.”
The prince’s face dropped slightly but he was able to keep his overall composure. “I understand that, but it is worth the effort. Even if he does not help me having the queen of Farlan owe me a favor cannot hurt in the least.”
Eloen let her thoughts on the subject go unspoken, and allowed the prince his own delusions all that really mattered to her was that she was that much closer to seeing Thad once again. Taking a large bite of the mutton she let her mind wonder to what she would do when she first saw him. The foremost thought in her mind was to slap him as hard as she could for all the trouble he had caused.
Without a word to her companions she retired to her room. It was the first one off the staircase. She didn’t know if it was the orders of the prince or not but his happened to be right next door. She didn’t hate the prince but the way he looked at her made her uneasy. She knew that look she had seen it many times in her life. It was the look of a person who saw something they wanted, and she was in no mind to let him have it.
Inside the room she found a large tub with steam rising off the water. The sight of the bath erased everything else from her mind. As she shimmied out of her dress and armor a knock came from the door. Grabbing a large towel that lay on a table next to the tub Eloen opened the door.
Standing on the other side of the door was the old woman that had greeted the prince when they had entered the inn. She held two long extravagant dresses and two others of plainer make much like the ones she already wore. “I thought you might like to have these after your bath my lady. You are close to the same size as my daughter but if they need adjustments just let me know and I will take them to the tailor with your specifications.”
Eloen took the dresses and gave the woman a nice smile. “I am sure they will fit perfectly if not I hope there is extra room. Better for there to be growing room rather than having to hold my breath the whole time I am wearing them.”
The woman never responded just returned her smile and went on her way with the rest of her packages. Eloen closed the door and laid the dresses carefully on the bed. They were nice two of them fit to wear to a royal engagement at the palace though she doubted her armor would fit underneath them without showing.
Forgetting about her new clothing she finished undressing and climbed into the bath. The hot water over her skin was soothing. Looking over at everything the inn had supplied her with she found a nice dark wooden comb, and a good selection of smelling salts and washing powder. After checking a few, she finally pick some that suited her taste and began the tough job of scrubbing the dirt and blood from her skin.
Once she felt clean she started running the comb through her hair. The first few passes met with a lot of resistance and the pulling brought tears to her eyes. She couldn’t remember the last time she had taken the chance to care for her hair. It was argumentative on her best day but the constant neglect had made it truly unruly.
Long after the water had lost its heat Eloen decided it was time to climb out of the tub. The air rushing across her skin as she dried off made her shiver. After she was dry, Eloen used the rag to wash her armor, trying her best to reduce its stench even if by a little. Once she was satisfied with her work she hung it up to dry and pulled one of the others from her pack and put it on. With her armor on she picked one of the simpler of the dresses, a light blue one with a darker blue ribbon around the waist. It was a bit tight but not so bad she was in fear of it ripping. It didn’t have pockets but she strapped on her daggers anyway. Thanks to the thicker material of the dress and the good craftsmanship of her armor it was hard to tell she wore anything under her
dress.
Once happy with how she looked she took the dress back off and placed it along with the others in the wardrobe. Flinging herself on her bed Eloen let her eyes close. She wanted to wait to sleep until she heard news of Thad but she was exhausted and she doubted the prince had even left yet. She was sure she could get in a few hours nap before someone woke her and right now that seemed like heaven.
CHAPTER XIII
A heavy knocking jerked Eloen from the first truly pleasant dreams she had enjoyed since Thad's disappearance. Sitting up she looked at the door as if it was the culprit. “Come in.” Eloen half yelled.
She expected Darryl or Ballard to come in the door but to her surprise it was the prince who half fell through the archway as the door swung open. She couldn’t help but laugh as the overdressed man stumbled and fell to the ground. He tried to stand up but his arms didn’t seem to work and he ended up laying on his back gazing at the ceiling.
Eloen slid out from under the covers and walked over to where the prince lay on the ground. “As much as I am enjoying you wallow on the ground like a newborn fawn, I want to learn what you learned on your little trip to the fort.”
“Those fools. I should have them tied to the whipping pole for a week.” The prince’s words while slurred still held Eloen's attention as if the queen herself was speaking. “Your friend escaped, and the fools forced him into a cave.” The prince’s mind seemed to wonder as he began to laugh hysterically.
Eloen mind was whirling. Grabbing the prince by the collar she lifted his head from the ground and slapped him hard across the face. “What happened to Thad?” Instead of answering the prince laughed again. “Tell me what happened or I swear to the gods I will beat you until your mind clears enough to answer.” Eloen followed her words with another strong slap leaving behind a large red mark on the prince's face.
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