Chapter 21 Free Flight
Before I could speak, the blacksmith interrupted. “It better be a perfect fit! Ole Jackie made sure I got the measurements right to the very last inch!”
Jackson shot him a look and waved him off, earning a snort from the blacksmith.
I guess it was nothing…
Deciding not to question my captain, I peeked at his hip, noticing the long sword strapped to his side.
Jackson followed my gaze. “Ah, right. You forgot something,” he said, bringing my rope dart out of his pocket. He wrapped the rope around my hip like a belt and looped the knife over the top, fastening it together where the knife would dangle over my thigh. “Alright. Let’s go.”
“Yes, sir!” I hurried after him, the knife tapping against my thigh’s armor.
The blacksmith waved farewell, and I returned it. The citizens I passed lifted their heads, glancing at the knighthood’s captain. The faded light in their eyes slowly returned. I never noticed how much the kingdom looks to Jackson in times of despair.
I wonder, does he feel the way I used to? Crushed under the pressure of expectations?
If he did, he hid it well. His sharp hazel eyes never showed weakness.
I followed Jackson to the stables, where all the knights had gathered, waiting with their horses. Erik and Cedric’s faces were the first I recognized amongst the armored crowd.
“Captain,” Cedric greeted, dipping his head and briefly peeking at me.
“It’s not often you’re late, Captain Jackie,” Erik chimed before glancing toward me, flashing a grin. “Robin.”
I nodded in return, creeping shyness forcing my attention on Jackson.
“Gather your bearings; we’ll be heading out shortly,” the captain called to all his knights and then looked down at me. “Saddle up your horse.”
“Um…” I tilted my head. “Saddle my horse, sir?”
Jackson froze and stared down at me, lips faintly parted. “…Robin. You do know how to ride a horse, don’t you?”
“Uh…” I laughed awkwardly. “I mean, I’ve always wanted to, but…”
“Have you EVER ridden a horse before??”
“No…”
Jackson groaned, slapping his forehead. “Goddamn it, Robin.”
I ducked my head. “Sorry, Captain…”
“I can look after her,” Erik chimed.
“WE can look after her,” Cedric added.
Jackson sighed, rubbing his temple. “Thankfully, the white horse is the most docile…” He glanced from Erik to Cedric. “Make sure she doesn’t get hurt.”
“Sir.” They nodded simultaneously.
“C’mon,” Erik said, leading the way into the stables.
I followed him, heading to the stall with the white horse. The horse’s ears perked up when he saw me, and I smiled. “Hey, handsome,” I murmured, stroking his snout. He snorted in response. “Hmm…” I scratched my head. “I need to give you a name… Oh! How about Snowdrift?”
“Snowdrift sounds fitting,” Cedric said, walking up behind me, briefly startling me.
“Yeah?” I smiled. To my surprise, he returned it.
“Alright, c’mere Snowdrift,” Erik whistled as he came over with a dark saddle, strapping it onto Snowdrift’s back.
“What’re you doing??” Cedric snapped.
“Uh, putting on the saddle?” Erik’s brows furrowed. “Duh. What does it look like I’m doing?”
“Idiot, she’ll flip off if you do it like that!” Cedric nagged, pushing his brother aside so that he could do it himself.
“Eh?” Erik exclaimed. “You’re imagining things again. Stop pushing!”
I covered my mouth, snorting my laughter. Sometimes I’d roll my eyes at their bickering, and other times I’d struggle not to cackle.
After I mounted Snowdrift and the brothers taught me the quick basics, I rode with the other knights, surrounded on all sides, their armor matching mine. Finally, I was a part of the knighthood I always gawked at from afar.
The little girl I protected almost a week ago stood with her father, watching us with sparkling eyes, an expression identical to mine at that age. I spotted Dale from afar, but he only peeked at us before turning away. Every citizen watched us ride our horses down the street, life finally returning to their faces, full of hope that there was still a bright future on the horizon even without Princess Liliana.
I glanced back at the royal palace, watching it get further away. My home. I was so close to stepping beyond those walls, to embrace my parents, tell them I’m alright. Tell them how much I missed them.
But would they believe me? They buried their daughter… And something tells me that my revival wasn’t a blessed miracle.
The one who murdered their daughter could still be beneath the same roof.
I peeked at the passing cemetery, spotting the concrete angel. My throat grew tight. Six feet under, rotting in a coffin, was my first resting place.
With a deep breath, I turned ahead. We passed through the kingdom’s gates, and our horses raced off. My heart thumped, clutching Snowdrift’s reins, yet I felt no fear. The clang of my rope dart against my armored thigh rhythm the stomping hooves surrounding me. I kept my gaze trained on Captain Jackson’s back. Cedric and Erik rode on either side of me.
With this second chance at life, I’ll find my murderer. Princess or not, Embercrest’s citizens are still my people, and I will keep them safe. No matter the price.
We traveled back toward Moir Forest. The horses’ pace slowed to a gallop. The knights around me looked unbothered, so I lifted my chin and did the same. Yet, I felt that same ominous, suffocating feeling tickling my senses and pulling my attention into the black shadows deeper in the forest. If I weren’t concentrated on staying with the group, my subconscious would’ve made me head in that direction.
Too much has happened for me to deny that there’s more to this sixth sense that keeps tormenting me.
“Hey,” Erik murmured, leaning toward me. “Are you alright?”
“Yes, I’m fine.” I forced my practiced smile, and it fooled him just like everyone else, returning his comforting grin.
“Just a little further and we’ll be out,” Cedric said. “Eyes ahead.”
“Right.” I nodded firmly, focusing on the road ahead.
After some time, we arrived at the leftovers from the camp I last saw.
“Alright, let’s set up camp,” Jackson called. “For the patrols; Cedric, you take the east side. Robin, take the west. Interrogate any traveler passing through. None are to enter beyond the Embercrest border. Don’t forget, the kingdom is still on lockdown.” Jackson glanced at me specifically.
He’s giving me an opportunity to earn his trust.
“Yes, sir!” I said.
Cedric glanced at me. “See you later.”
“Yeah,” I said before he turned and rode off down the road.
“Okay,” I breathed, turning and riding in the opposite direction. I glanced back, spotting knights already setting up tents and campfires.
I’ve got this.
We rode a long distance; time passed with miles. The gust grew nippy as the field extended; the sky darkened with clouds.
“Startin’ to get late. Let’s head b—”
Snowdrift skidded to a stop, jerking me forward.
“Snowdrift?!” Suddenly, the suffocating sensation claimed my senses. I looked ahead, and my blood turned to ice.
Someone stood in the middle of the road, dressed in a black cloak.