by Kelly Blount
“I attacked Grishma and managed to inflict some injuries before she threw me to the ground. I was out of breath and about to die when my friend,” he motioned to Alexia’s still body, “stabbed her with a paralyzing potion. Before she could back away, Grishma slashed her open and managed to escape.”
The guards conferred amongst themselves. “Which way did Grishma go?” asked the third guard.
“If I tell you, will you please help my friend?” asked Ryder.
“Yes, two of the guards will take you and your friend to Dratun. Our healer will be able to fix your friend if she survives the journey.”
Dratun! That must mean Brooklyn and Price Algid made it there safely!
Ryder motioned toward the swiftly flowing creek. “Grishma went that way. The paralyzing potion was only temporary. It may have worn off by now, I can’t be sure.”
Two of the guards jumped on their horses and raced off in the direction Ryder had indicated.
The other two guards helped Alexia up. One of the men swung himself onto his horse and reached out for Alexia’s body.
“Please be careful!” urged Ryder.
The other guard nodded and then slapped the horse’s flank. The horse whinnied and took off racing through the woods.
“Son, I’m going to need to take your sword and tie your hands together,” said the last guard.
“I’m not going to hurt you,” Ryder replied.
“I can’t risk it.”
Ryder dropped his sword and held out his hands.
The guard picked up his sword, secured it to his waist, and then tied Ryder’s hands behind his back.
Boonum yelped.
Ryder looked over at the animal. “Can Boonum come with us?”
“If he can keep up,” replied the soldier gruffly.
The soldier whistled and a fifth horse trotted out of the woods. He secured the horse’s reins with a long rope tied to his own horse’s saddle.
“Don’t try anything stupid, this horse follows my command and my command only! Understood?” barked the solider.
Ryder nodded.
The man mounted his horse and then pulled Ryder up on to the other.
Ryder looked down at Boonum. “Come, boy! You’ve got to follow us!”
As they approached Dratun, the air became remarkably colder and Ryder shivered as his horse trotted dutifully onward. He looked over his shoulder. Boonum was still within an arm’s reach of the horse’s massive hooves as they pounded the frigid earth.
Alexia hadn’t regained consciousness, but she had managed to survive the trip so far. Ryder prayed they would make it to Dratun’s healer in time.
They had only stopped twice since starting the journey and exhaustion set in. Ryder found himself nodding off into restless sleep, jarred by the cantering horses.
“Wake up!” shouted a guard, “We’re almost to Dratun.”
Looking up, the icy gates of Dratun loomed in the distance. Relief and fear spread through Ryder’s body like wildfire.
Several guards greeted them before they were allowed to pass into the city.
Ryder only heard snippets of their conversations.
“They were attacked by Grishma. The girl is near death, we must get her to the healer immediately if she is to have any chance of survival,” said the guard carrying Alexia.
“What were they doing in the middle of the woods? And so close to where we found the royal carriages?” asked another guard.
“We shall let the King sort this out. We have taken the boy’s sword. They carry nothing else but food and water,” replied the guard closest to Ryder.
“Very well. Come, we better get these two inside before they freeze to death,” said the guard, pointing to Ryder and Alexia.
Massive snowflakes began to fall from the ominous gray sky as they entered Dratun. Ryder had never seen anything like it. He looked around in amazement, watching people scurry around outside, covered in thick fur coats and warm wooly mittens.
The guards halted the horses and everyone climbed off. The guard escorting Alexia carried her in his arms and disappeared into a doorway.
The castle, which had been carved out of an enormous mountainside, was absolutely stunning. Precise stonework had turned the once dull rock into an intricate masterpiece, filled with striking columns, statues of past royalty, and delicate archways.
Large icicles hung overhead in the main hall. Ryder thought back to his own humble home in the caves beneath the Kadin forest. His heart instantly filled with pain and sorrow. I hope everyone made it there safely.
“Are they taking her to the healer?” asked Ryder.
“Yes, they will try to save your friend. In the meantime, you will need to explain yourself to King Zandel. He will not take it lightly that you were following so close to the royal carriages.”
The guard turned and pulled the rope tied to Ryder’s wrists.
They wound their way through several hallways before they found their way into a vast room. At the far end sat the King, on a large golden throne, surrounded by guards, a jester, and several beautiful women. As soon as King Zandel saw Ryder and the others approaching, he clapped three times and everyone scattered.
“So this is the young man who challenged Grishma?” boomed the King’s voice through the open room.
“Yes, Sire,” replied Ryder in a shaky voice.
“What is your name, boy?”
“My name is Ryder, Your Highness.”
“Ryder, I hear you saved my son and daughter-in-law’s life. You are very brave.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” said Ryder.
He inspected Ryder with wary eyes and took a long gulp from a jeweled goblet. “I will forever be in your debt.” He paused. “But I must know, why were you following the royal carriages so closely? Did you wish to steal from my son?”
Ryder hands shook. “No, Your Grace. I have been hunting Grishma since she murdered my father and kidnapped my sister and mother. My friend and I followed her from Sumner into the woods. We attacked when we realized she was about to kill again,” said Ryder.
The King’s eyes narrowed and his voice was filled with suspicion. “You wouldn’t dare lie to me, boy, would you?”
“No, never, Your Majesty,” responded Ryder solemnly.
His face broke out into a smile. “Well then, the people of Dratun owe you and your friend many thanks. You may stay here as long as you please and we shall celebrate your bravery!”
Ryder bowed. “Thank you, Sire.”
The King’s smile faded and he looked into Ryder’s eyes. “We shall see that your friend makes a full recovery from her injuries. We have the best healer in all of Necoh right here in our castle.”
Ryder sighed. “Thank you, Sire.”
“I shall arrange a feast in your honor tomorrow night. I presume tonight you would like to rest and get cleaned up?”
Ryder smiled. “Yes, nothing would please me more. Oh, Your Highness, I have one favor to ask of you.”
King Zandel looked surprised. “Yes?”
“An animal followed us here, his name is Boonum. May he please accompany me to my quarters?”
The King looked amused. “I don’t see why not. Guards, bring the boy his animal at once. Anything else?”
Ryder shook his head, “No, Your Grace.”
Two large doors behind Ryder opened and Boonum bolted into the room, making his way directly to Ryder.
Ryder patted the furry animal’s head and smiled.
King Zandel clapped twice and two women instantly appeared. “Yes, Your Highness?”
“Sazian and Julisa, please escort Ryder to the east wing. He may have any room he pleases.”
Ryder bowed one last time. “Thank you, Your Grace.” He followed the two women out of the room.
Feeling like he was almost in some sort of trance, Ryder and Boonum followed the women through the castle until they reached the east wing.
“Which room would you like?” asked Sazian.
&
nbsp; The empty hall stretching out in front of him was lined with doors on each side. He looked at the door closest to him and said, “This one will do just fine, thank you.”
Julisa opened the door and walked into the opulent bedroom. “The washroom is right through that door,” she said, pointing across the room. “I shall have someone fetch you something to eat and some clean clothes.”
“Do you need anything else?” asked Sazian.
“Yes, I would like to visit my friend. She’s with the healer. Could you please bring me to see her later tonight?” asked Ryder.
“Of course,” replied Sazian.
The women excused themselves and exited the room.
Ryder’s knees felt weak and he had to steady himself with the help of a nearby wardrobe. He wanted desperately to crawl into the cozy bed sitting in the middle of the room, but he was covered in Alexia’s blood and he smelled like a horse.
He pushed through the washroom door, peeled off his filthy clothing, and threw it in a basket in the corner. Next, he turned on the taps and ran himself a piping hot bath. Once the tub was filled to the brim, Ryder carefully lowered his aching body into the heavenly water.
Laying his head back, he closed his eyes and stretched out his arms and legs. Every muscle felt like it had been pushed to its breaking point.
The edge of the tub was cluttered with jars containing colorful bath salts and satiny substances used for bathing. Ryder grabbed a bar of soap that smelled like almonds and oatmeal and began to scrub the blood and dirt caked on his skin.
After he felt sufficiently clean, Ryder pulled his weary body out of the bathtub and wrapped himself in a plush white towel.
He walked back through the door leading to his bedroom and was pleasantly surprised to see that while he had been in the bathtub, someone had lit a roaring fire in a fireplace in the corner of the room. He smiled when he spotted Boonum curled up on a comfy blanket basking in the warmth.
I wonder if Brianna and Brooklyn are comfortable here in Dratun? I hope my mother and the others made it home safely to the caves.
Several trays of food and a large selection of warm clothing had been laid out on his bed.
Ryder selected a black pair of pants and a grey wool sweater. After getting dressed, he picked up the rest of the clothing and placed it in the wardrobe.
His stomach growled as he approached the mouthwatering spread. He picked up a large white plate and began filling it with Dratun’s finest delicacies. He placed his plate on his bedside table and poured himself a large glass of cranberry-colored juice.
Ryder managed to eat three full plates of food and drink two glasses of the refreshingly sweet liquid before passing out in the divinely comfortable bed.
He slept throughout the remainder of the night and well into the next day before he awoke to Sazian calling his name.
“Ryder,” she whispered, “Ryder, your friend is awake and is calling for you.”
Ryder rubbed his eyes and looked around the room with a confused expression on his face.
“Huh? Where am I?” he asked.
“You are in Dratun. You arrived yesterday, remember?” pressed Sazian.
Images of Grishma’s attack flashed through his mind, followed by memories of the horseback ride to Dratun.
Ryder shook his head, attempting to clear out the morning fog. “Yes, sorry. I was just confused for a moment.” He looked at Sazian. “Did you say my friend is awake?”
Sazian smiled. “Yes, she is. She has asked for you.”
“Can you take me to see her?” he asked.
“Of course. Would you like a moment to get ready?”
Ryder shook his head and hopped out of bed. He was still dressed in the black pants and wool sweater from the previous night.
Sazian stifled a laugh. “Did you sleep in your clothes?”
Ryder smiled. “It appears I did.”
Giggling, Sazian motioned to Ryder. “This way.”
The healer’s room was only a short distance from his own chambers.
“Your friend is very beautiful,” said Sazian. “Will she soon be your wife?”
The question totally caught Ryder off guard. “No!” he stammered. “No, I mean, yes, she is very beautiful. But no, she is not to become my wife.”
“The women of Dratun will be pleased to hear the news,” said Sazian with a mischievous smile.
Before he could respond, they arrived in front of an old wooden door covered in ice. Sazian knocked and waited. After several moments, a woman missing several teeth opened the door and smiled warmly. “Ryder, I presume?”
“Yes,” he responded.
She reached out for his arm and held it tightly. “My name is Bressa, I am the royal healer. The guards brought me your friend, Alexia.”
“How is she?”
“She was on death’s doorstep when they brought her to me. I got to work immediately and luckily, I was able to save her life.”
Ryder sighed. “Thank goodness.”
“She has a long recovery ahead, but she will get better.”
“May I please see her?” asked Ryder.
Bressa released his arm and turned around. They walked down several stairs and stepped into a brightly lit room.
“She’s just through here,” said Bressa, pointing at a curtained off section of the room. “I’ll give you two some privacy.” She turned around and retreated back toward the steps.
Pushing the curtains aside, Ryder broke out into a huge smile. “Alexia!” He rushed to her side and embraced her, not wanting to cause her any pain.
“Ryder!”
She was covered in bandages and her leg was in a splint.
He knelt down beside her. “I’m so sorry, Alexia! I never should have asked you to join me. I almost got you killed!”
She placed her hand on his. “It was my choice to join you. Plus, we almost did it Ryder, we almost killed Grishma.”
“We came very close,” he admitted.
Alexia leaned forward, which caused her to wince in pain.
Ryder inhaled quickly. “Please be careful!”
She leaned back and whispered, “What did you tell them?”
He stood up and peeked around the curtains. Bressa was nowhere to be seen. Turning back, he sat down and leaned close to Alexia. “I told them we were hunting Grishma and that we stepped in just in time to save Price Algid and his new wife.”
Alexia nodded her head. “Okay.”
“They’re calling us heroes. There’s a feast in our honor tonight.”
She bit her lower lip. “They’ll recognize me.”
Ryder nodded in agreement. “Perhaps it would be best for you to stay here for awhile.”
“I think you’re right,” said Alexia. “I’ll tell Bressa I’m not ready for any other visitors yet. At least until we can come up with some sort of plan.”
They both froze when they heard something clatter on the ground in the next room.
Ryder looked around the curtain for a second time. This time, he saw Bressa leaning over a canister of spilled herbs. “Oh drat!” she mumbled to herself.
Ryder turned back to Alexia and kissed her on the head. “I will come back to see you later tonight.”
She was running out of energy quickly. “Thank you, Ryder,” Alexia replied as her eyes fluttered shut.
Ryder turned and stepped into the main room. Swooping down to help Bressa pick up the spilled contents of the canister, he was flooded by memories of helping his mother prepare herbal remedies when he was just a small boy.
Bressa stood and examined his face. “That’s a strange look. What are you thinking about?”
“Oh, I was actually thinking of my family,” answered Ryder.
“Are they back in Sumner?”
“I believe so,” he answered. “I just hope they’re safe.”
Bressa finished cleaning up the remaining dry herbs. “I hope so, too, dear boy.”
Ryder decided to change the subject. “Is it all right
if I come back to visit Alexia later tonight?”
“Of course.”
“I should get going. I believe they’re preparing a dinner in my honor and I need to get ready.”
“Have fun,” replied the toothless old woman.
Ryder ascended the stairs and found Sazian waiting outside the door for him.
“How is your friend?” she asked.
“Bressa saved her life and she’s on the mend,” said Ryder.
“That’s wonderful news.”
Walking down the hall, she turned to speak with Ryder. “The King has asked me to inform you the feast is being prepared and will be ready shortly. His Majesty would like you to join them as soon as you’re ready.”
Ryder looked down at his clothing. “I take it that I need to change?”
“Yes, I would advise you do so. Julisa dropped off a number of choices in your room while you visited with Alexia.”
As they approached his room, Sazian excused herself and left Ryder to get ready.
In front of him lay at least twenty different outfits. Some of the shirts were covered in hideous ruffles, while others remained plain. The pants ranged from tight leather to loose cotton trousers.
After riffling through the selections, Ryder chose a pressed white shirt with a pair of tan pants. Next, he picked out a burgundy robe, which he fastened around his waist. Lastly, he slipped on a pair of brown leather shoes.
He walked over to a large mirror situated in the corner of his room. Giving himself the once over, he smiled. Eh, not too bad.
There was a loud knock at the door, followed by giggling.
“Ryder? Are you ready?”
All right, time to play the part of the hero. He strode across the room and opened the door. On the other side stood four gorgeous women, all dressed in colorful, tight-fitting corset dresses.
“Ladies, you look stunning,” said Ryder with a sly grin. They practically swooned as he kissed their outstretched hands.
More giggling. “We’re ready to escort you to the feast.”
Ryder held out both elbows, which two of the women quickly grabbed.
“Not fair,” pouted one.
Ryder flashed her a debonair smile, which caused her to squeal in delight, and followed them out the door.
