Chapter 43 Making plans
River
The heavy door creaks open, and the warm, inviting scent of roasted meat and fresh bread wafts over us. I pull Aloria closer as we step into the private dining room of the inn, my senses on high alert, scanning for any potential threats. The low hum of conversation fades as our pack gathers around a long, sturdy table, their faces lighting up at the sight of us.
Kellan stands at the head of the table, his broad shoulders relaxed but his eyes sharp. “I am happy to see you two, we started to worry. I took the freedom of ordering food.”
“Thanks, the walk back took a little longer than expected,” I admit. “And we had some long talks with locals, that had already made us late.”
“You found something!” Kellan declares, his voice booming with enthusiasm that cuts through the room’s ambiance. The others lean in, their interest piqued as they spare glances at Aloria, still cloaked under her hood.
I nod, squeezing Aloria’s hand for reassurance. “We have a lead on her parents. Whispers of them being seen near the old ruins to the east.”
The room erupts into murmurs, a mix of excitement and concern. I can feel Aloria’s tension as she takes a seat beside me, her eyes wide with anticipation. I place a protective arm around her shoulders, wanting to shield her from any lingering doubts.
“Ruins?” Kellan’s brow furrows in contemplation. “I have heard that place is dangerous. It’s been abandoned for years, overrun by wild creatures and worse. We’ll need to prepare before we even think about heading that way.”
One of the younger warriors, a scrappy guy named Jace, leans forward, his dark hair falling into his eyes. “But what if her parents are really there? We can’t just sit around and do nothing!” His eagerness is palpable, but I can’t help but feel a twinge of concern. Charging into danger without a plan can lead to disaster.
“Jace is right,” Aloria interjects, her voice steady despite the tremor of uncertainty that underlies it. “If they’re alive, we have to try. I can’t wait any longer, I need to find out where I really came from, who my real parents are and if they are alive.” Her determination radiates from her, and I feel a surge of pride. She’s come so far already, and I won’t let her down.
“Let’s hear what everyone has found out,” I say, my voice steady as I turn the focus back to the table. “We need to gather intel and resources before we make our next move.”
The pack warriors share their findings… some have heard rumors of sightings in neighboring towns, others report strange happenings around the ruins. I listen carefully, weighing each piece of information. But I can’t help but keep my gaze on Aloria, watching her as she absorbs everything being said. She’s so strong, yet so vulnerable, and I want to keep her safe at all costs.
My mind is trying to sort through all possibilities, and literally wondering what I would do if I was a King with no throne, where would I go?
Kellan leans back, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “It sounds like we could use a two-pronged approach. A small group can scout the ruins while the rest of us work on gathering supplies and intel from the townspeople.” He pauses, his eyes narrowing as he glances at me. “And we should send a few of our best trackers with Aloria. She needs protection, and we can’t risk her getting caught off guard… What do you say, River?”
I shake my head, the protective instinct surging within me. “No. I’ll go with her. We’ll face whatever’s out there together… I am not leaving her side, but elseway I agree.” The thought of her venturing off without me sends a chill down my spine. I won’t let her face danger alone.
Kellan raises an eyebrow but nods in understanding. “Then it’s settled. We prepare to leave at first light tomorrow. In the meantime, let’s eat and gather our strength.”
As platters of food are set before us… succulent roasted meat, hearty stews, and baskets of warm bread… I can feel the camaraderie building around the table. Laughter and stories fill the air, but my focus remains on Aloria. She picks at her food, her mind clearly elsewhere, and I can’t help but worry.
“Hey,” I say softly, leaning closer to her. “You okay?”
She meets my gaze, her eyes sparkling with a mix of determination and fear. “I’m just thinking about what we might find. What if they’re not there? What if I’ve built this up in my head?”
I cup her face in my hand, my thumb brushing gently over her cheek. “No matter what we find, you’re not alone. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
The sincerity in my voice seems to calm her, and she nods, a small smile breaking through. “Thank you, River. It means everything to me.”
As the evening unfolds, I watch my pack, their laughter mingling with the clinking of tankards, and I feel a surge of pride. We’re more than just a group of warriors; we’re family. We’ll face whatever comes our way, together as a pack.
When the meal concludes and we gather our plans, I can sense the weight of the upcoming journey pressing down on us. The ruins loom in the back of my mind, a shadow of uncertainty, but I’m resolute. We’ll uncover the truth about Aloria’s parents, and I’ll protect her every step of the way.
As the night deepens and our conversations grow quieter, I can’t shake the feeling that tomorrow will change everything. The path ahead is fraught with peril, but I’m ready to face it. For Aloria, for our pack, for the future of this kingdom.