Chapter 52 (Cora)

The stewards helped us get mounted on to our steeds, and with a quick reminder of how to sit and move with my horse, we were off to catch up with Roland, Helana and Tate who were at the head of our procession of soldiers and wagons.

Passing by his men I could feel all there eyes on me, and their hushed whispers seemed so loud as we passed by them. Helana had met us half way up the procession to help escort me to the front.

“You My Majesty, are talk of the town. Sir Claus and Dr. Myles have been singing your praise since you helped Sir Claus out.” Helena turned in her saddle towards me. “To say everyone wants a chance to meet you in person is an understatement.” she boasted as she looked over at the men who whispered about me.

“I didn’t do much though.” I nervously laughed, not wanting them to think I did anything special.

“Oh but you did Your Majesty, Sir Claus is our Commander. If His Majesty is the head of our men Sir Claus is the heart of us. We follow where they go.” the admiration for her commander and king overflowing in her words.

As we met up with Roland and Tate I surprised to see Sir Claus also at the head of the procession. Roland and Sir Claus were in matching petticoats like His Majesties.

As Ara took up the head of the procession with Roland to his left and Sir Claus to his right like this they looked like a painting of the God of war and his sword and sheild I had seen in the library back in Befriel once. I could easily see Sir Claus as Ara’s sword and Roland as his sheild.

It would take two days of riding to get to the counts territory and Ara was determined to get there by that time. We needed to get there before anyone could announce our arrival to him. He was one of the three nobles that were rumored to have helped the resistance, burn down the orphanage, which just happened to be in his territory.

“Your Majesty, are you sure your ok riding like this. I know you’ve never ridden before.” Tate looked over at me concerned.

Helana had flanked my right side and Tate had flanked my left so they could protect me if they need too.

“Tate, I’m good. I want to prove I can do this. Just like our lessons this is another thing I need to learn.” I tried to explain to him, he just nodded not wanting to argue.

“You better worry for yourself, and not Her Majesty, Tate. Your on night duty for the next two days.” Helana taunted Tate. “His Majesty really has it out for you huh.” she laughed falling back into her saddle.

“Don’t you dare remind me.” He all but pouted, as he yelled back at her.

“Its your fault for trying to hug Her Majesty. I would love to hug her and I know better.” she continued to scold him.

I couldn’t help but laugh at them. I had never known Tate to open up to anyone else other than me, and I loved that he was getting along with Helana. I was also happy Ara had gone light on Tates punishment for hugging me the other day, and not taking lopping off his hands as punishment.

Helana went on to tell us about her different adventures with His Majesty and Sir Claus, While Tate and I told her of all the times we had ended up in trouble back at the annex. As we shared stories I couldn’t help but think Helana was someone I could maybe start trusting.

We had left the woods behind, and were traveling through a small valley. I could see more trees uphead. They were huge compared to the ones in the forest back in Befriel.

“I’m telling you the Gnoll that His Majesty took down was the size of your steed!” Helana gloated about Ara’s swordmanship.

“There is no way it was that big. The biggest I’ve ever seen one is half that size.” Tate argued.

“Nah it was bigger than a horse, got the scar to prove it.” Ara yelled back at us, interrupting Tate and Helana’s debate. Helana started laughing again at Tate’s stunned face.

Between all the stories we shared, the day seemed to pass quickly, and by the time we had reached the other side of the valley and into the new tree line the sun was all but setting. We found a small clearing with in the trees when Ara gave the signal to dismount.

I hadn’t realized how numb my legs were till I tried to dismount from Ika. Ara rushed over to me as a slowly slipped from the saddle. Catching me midfall.

“Woah there, becareful My Fire, give your legs time to comeback to life. Why dont take it easy for a minute Helana, is going to go find Lydy for you.” He instructed me as he gently placed me on my own two feet.

As I tried to stand on my own, my legs felt weird. They seemed heavy and wobbly. I leaned on Ara for support as he rubbed my back.

“You did amazing My Nareh, besides your legs how are you feeling. Is your back hurting you?” He questioned. “I can get Dr. Myles over here to help ease any pain you have?” he words were laced with worry.

“I’m fine Ara, my legs just feel numb. Give me a minute to lean on you and Ill be good.” I laughed. Secretly loving how worried he was for me.

Lydy and Helana helped me walk over to log so I could use it as bench so Ara could make sure the camp was set up properly for the night. All the while Lydy muttered to herself about this is why you should have ridden in the carriage as she help carry me.

I simply dismissed her worries and let her go finish up what she needed to, while Helana stayed with me. Once my legs felt better I didn’t want to sit still.

“Helana, do you think there is something I can do to help?” I questioned wanting to pull my own weight.

“There isn’t much left to do Your Majesty.” Helana retorted. “If you must help out why don’t you help me check on the men who are night duty and make sure they don’t need anything.” she suggested.

Helana grabbed unlit torches and a few swords, while she had me grab a few rations of food and water. We went to the perimeter where the soldiers who would be up all night sat watching for any type of danger.

As we passed out supplies everyone seemed to appreciate the extra dried meat and bread I had asked for while grabbing the rations. We ended our rounds with Tate. he was perched up against the trunk of a tree. His swords by his side as he looked out at the horizon.

“Tate don’t dare think you can slack out here!” Helana shouted as she pounced on him from the side.

“Shit! Helana you scared me. What are you doing out here, did you miss me already?” he questioned her as he shoved her off of him.

“Ha you wish, Her majesty wanted a job to do so I brought her along to help me out.” Helana pointed back to me.

Tate scrambled to stand up as his eyes landed on me. Profusely apologizing for swearing infront of me. I couldn't help but chuckle as he looked at me. He looked like the small boy getting scolded by Maxi once agian, just like the Tate I knew.