The ladies riding on horseback caught the attention of passerbys, but thankfully no one tried to approach them. While Mairwen gave off a friendly air, the other two held a protective stance around her and stared daggers at any who looked their way. The princess was blissfully unaware, happy to be out in the sunshine.
Brinn caught sight of the girl's contented look and could not resist the urge to tease her. "Thinking about finally meeting your boyfriend?"
Mairwen's far off gaze snapped to the present. She crinkled her nose and pulled her mouth to one side. "For the thousandth time, Renat is not my boyfriend."
"So you knew who I was talking about!" Brinn wiggled her eyebrows up and down.
"Only because you keep bringing him up." The Princess's voice was steady as she turned facing forward, but her ears were burning red. The girl realized too late that she had fallen into the elf's trap. "Anyway, that boy has not given me a second thought since sending me th
The meeting with General Beadu took precedence, and the ladies were escorted into a large building that was designed for such gatherings. It smelled of musk and dirt, and Mairwen was glad that the windows along the walls were open wide to let in the sun and fresh air. This meeting was not particularly secretive, which would have been held in a more private location. The General wanted to make a good impression.The room held a rectangular table, and the kitchen staff brought in some food and water from its stores to set on it. Brinn and Mairwen were directed to sit while Eira took a place along one wall. She was also offered food and water, but only took the second. Since the princess was merely tagging along on this part of the expedition, Brinn asked all the questions."You received our communication about what happened at the palace four days ago?" The elf raised her eyebrows and unconsciously scratched at her ears. It had been a long while since she had shape-shift
"Please can I go alone?" The princess begged as they walked toward Renat. "He does not know who I am yet, and I want to see what he is naturally like.""I cannot let you see your boyfriend alone. Your parents would kill me outright." Brinn flatly refused."He is not my boyfriend!" Mairwen struggled not to scream. "I just want to talk to him. How about this: you can stay within earshot, but stay out of sight. Between your tracking skills and your wind magic, that should be easy."The elf considered her words. "Fine, but no funny business." Brinn had an ulterior motive. She wanted to see how much this 'scientist' actually knew, and if he could be trusted. Aurora had sent her on a mission to check him out before the party, but she had not been able to complete the task at that time. Mairwen had no knowledge of the spymaster's thoughts. She was just happy to have a tad bit of freedom."Eira wait here!" Both the other ladies said."But!" Eira tried to f
"Please tell me that you didn't bring your musical instrument," Devrim begged as he heard Junayd humming softly. This was their third day on the road. The man's humming had brought unfortunate memories to the Emperor's mind."Which one?" Junayd asked innocently."You have more than one?" Gandr furrowed his brow."I have a pipe, a hand harp, a lute, and a beautiful stringed instrument," the soldier announced proudly."I see," Gandr looked at him sidelong."But do not worry. I did not bring any of them," Junayd told them. The other two breathed a sigh of relief. From the pack on his horse, the burly man pulled out two small cymbals with leather straps to slip on his fingers. "I brought these instead. That way I can sing, play, and have one hand still on the reigns. Isn't it brilliant?""It is something alright." Devrim tried to smile but it came off as a grimace.Without permission the broad-shouldered soldier broke out in song. The tun
"But I sound nothing like Duchess Ravenna!" Gandr argued as he realized the plan. Not only his ears, but his cheeks were burning, and no amount of shape-shifting would hide it. He thought about turning invisible and running off until they thought of a better plan, but did not want to appear afraid.Devrim pulled his chin. "Just tell them you have a cold and make your voice scratchy. I have heard you try to imitate voices before. You can sound like a sick old lady easy enough.""You were right. I hate this plan." Gandr responded dejectedly."It will be fine. Junayd and I will be right there with you." The Emperor patted him on the back to comfort him. It was a big ask, but if it worked, lives on both sides would be saved."Can't you just announce you are the Emperor and tell them to disband?" Gandr was grasping at any possibility that did not end with him as a woman.Devrim considered his suggestion momentarily but gave a negative gesture. "Even if
Duchess Ravenna ducked into the dark alley with two of her more burly servants by her side. She looked sideways to make sure she had not been followed. When the coast was clear, she entered a back door of an abandoned dwelling. The room was dank, and Ravenna turned up her nose at the smell but said nothing.Her fluffy blue hair sat like a crown on her head as she made herself comfortable on a less than sturdy chair. The man sitting opposite her was grimy even by commoner standards. His teeth were black and his hair looked infested. Ravenna unconsciously leaned back in her seat."You are not the Prince, Cafer, or even Xander," she snorted as she pulled out a handkerchief to cover her nose."Quite perceptive." The man smiled and his teeth made the woman wrinkle her nose in disgust."Where is your boss?" The Duchess demanded to know. She tapped her foot impatiently.The large dirty
"Could you hand me those pliers, Your Highness?" Renat asked politely.Mairwen held up two different sizes of the same tool. "Which one?" She cocked her head to one side and raised one eyebrow. The boy might be brilliant, but he was not very good at instructions.Renat reached for the one in the the Princess's left hand. "This is what I am looking for. Thank you." His fingers accidentally brushed hers as he took the instrument. The boy blanched. "I am so sorry, Your Highness! I did not mean to touch you!" Mairwen stopped him from dropping to the floor in another bow.She rolled her eyes and chuckled softly. "You have been saying sorry for days for every little thing. Sorry for asking for the wrong tool. Sorry for the steam coming too near my dress. Sorry for tripping over the edge of the table and landing at my feet. Sorry upon sorry for not knowing I was the princess…""I am still sorry about all of those, especially the last one. I am such an idi
"An attack?!" Renat was in shock. He was not trained for battle and had never seen so much as a minor skirmish.Mairwen's face was serious. "We have to warn the garrison."Eira shook her head. "You have to stay here, Your Highness. You must stay safe.""I am of the Royal Family. I will not stand idly by and let others suffer or die." The Princess fled from her hiding place. Eira and Renat were forced to follow her as she ghosted along the ground. Fortunately the enemy was coming at an oblique angle and not focused on them. By the time the opposing force noticed them, it was too late to intercept the trio. Trying to do so would have given away their position. Instead, a lone arrow whizzed wide as they shut the small kitchen entrance.Mairwen looked for the night watch. She spotted the one guarding the door, who had drawn his sword at their entrance. He lowered it as he recognized the newcomers. "Rouse the troops. An attack is incoming. Find the spymaster."
"Get the water buckets!" Beadu screamed. A company of flaming arrows came toward the wall. The first missed, landing in the dirt. The next few lodged but missed the pitch and hissed out in a fit of steam. Finally one landed in the pitch. A quick thinking soldier dumped his water down the wall at just the right moment and doused the flame before it could catch.Those on the wall relaxed for a moment. Then another set of flickering stars lit along the ground before arcing through the air. Had it not been fiery arrows meant to kill her, Mairwen thought the sight was almost beautiful. More of the arrows hit high enough on the wall this time; the archers had moved closer. The princess used the origin of the lights to take out as many of the archers as she could while the others fought off the flames.One, two, three of the fiery arrows were extinguished, but the forth bit deep into the wall in the center of the pitch. For a moment it seemed that nothing would happen. Perhap