Chapter 22

The ride back felt so different than the ride to the temple. The atmosphere felt changed, and the pace was quicker. The latter was necessary after the news they received from the shifter they set free the night at the temple. If there was a chance families on the side of Lord Fellen had been in contact with Lady Havens and Aella, they needed to know. Caerwyn believed both ladies would wish to protect the prince and not let anyone know of his location, but everyone was careless at some point.

He thought of sending a message, but he was afraid it would be intercepted. Even a coded message could be broken. What good would it do? The Havens could not write them back, so the information would be useless. Eleri offered to see if she could travel by her magic on her own. It was a far distance, but she thought she could do it if she were by herself. Caerwyn did not like the idea of her taking any chances with herself, and the prince echoed the statement. In truth, Caerwyn was sure he nor the prince wanted to be without her.

Prince Conri stayed close to Eleri as much as he could. No one spoke as much as they did when they were riding to the temple, but the prince seemed content to just be in her presence. Eleri didn’t appear to mind, and Caerwyn noticed she often gravitated toward the prince when they stopped, sometimes even taking his hand.

He wanted to get her alone and speak with her. He wanted to know what was going on in her head. He worried he had lost all chance with her, but sometimes she would give him small hints that she had not completely dismissed him. She would look over the fire at him when they stopped for a few hours in the night. It was a look he had seen many times that made it hard for him to sit still. They would accidentally brush each other walking about, and he would feel the familiar bolt of longing through his body. She would glance at him, and he knew she was experiencing the same thing.

He knew what he wanted, but he wasn’t sure it would be what was best for the land or her. If Caerwyn had to guess, he would say the prince truly wanted her at that point. He did not know if Prince Conri actually believed in the prophecy or not, but based on his actions and words, he seemed to be hoping for a future with Eleri. If it were what Eleri truly wanted, then Caerwyn would have to give her up.

What he saw in the temple haunted him. He was glad the prince was crowned so quickly and obviously by the moon goddess, but to Caerwyn, it looked like Eleri had been blessed in some way too. As much as he tried to dismiss her crown of light, he knew deep down he could not do it. As much as he wanted and even loved her, it felt like she was destined for something higher than a life spent with him.

He didn’t speak much on the journey back, and any of his party didn't acknowledge it. They were all much quieter. The prince would occasionally ask questions about the area they were riding in, and Caerwyn would do his best to answer. Eleri sometimes took over for him, and he was grateful for it. She was always good at reading his moods, and she seemed to understand his need for deep thinking and little conversation during their journey back.

They were all a little on edge, watching the forest as they traveled. They slept little, not wanting to stay in one place for long. By the fifth day on the road, they were all exhausted, and he knew they needed some kind of real break to make it through the next two days. They had circled around the back of the Red Forest, coming down a narrower road than before. There were only three villages on their way, and they had already passed two. As evening approached on the fifth day of travel, Caerwyn considered their odds at one of the inns of the upcoming town.

“What are you considering so intently?” asked Eleri as she rode next to him.

“Do I appear deep in thought to you?”

“Yes, very. Maybe others would not notice the difference in your manner as you have been very quiet on the journey back, but I can tell you are thinking over something,” she replied.

Caerywn glanced over at the prince who was speaking with Aron to see he appeared tired and worn. He looked back at the Cadwin guards, who were usually so straight and alert in their saddles. Even they looked like they would just like to sleep over anything else.

“We all need rest, and I am trying to decide if the village up ahead is worth the risk to find it,” said Caerwyn as he turned his head back to her.

“It is Dearen, isn’t it? I know of no harm in the village. It is not overly large, and I believe it is mainly used by locals. It is not on a busy road for trade. I don’t believe they get too many visitors.”

“No, but after the trouble we have had on the road, I don’t want too many eyes on us. Besides, staying in an inn does not give us the freedom of escape as the forest does. I would hate for us to be caught in a bad place.”

Eleri moved her head back and forth as though considering the situation. “We have seen no one following us and have had no incidents since the temple. If the worst comes, I could probably get most of us out of the inn. There is no telling where we would end up, but we could get out of danger at least. The truth is if we keep going like we are, we are in much more danger. Even my father's guards are almost beyond their limit. I think one night of good rest in some sort of bed will set us up nicely for the rest of the trip.”

“What are you two speaking of?” asked Prince Conri as he rode closer to Eleri.

“We are considering stopping in the village up ahead for the night. Caerwyn is rightfully cautious, but I think one night out of doors will do us more good than put us at risk,” responded Eleri.

The prince nodded. “Do you think we should stop, Eleri?”

“I do, but your protection is up to Caerwyn, so I believe the final decision is up to him.” They both turned their eyes to Caerwyn.

Caerwyn sighed heavily. “Let us go see about the inn that is on the edge of the village. If there is room, we will stay. It will give us the best chance of escape should we need it.”

The prince seemed to sink in relief as Eleri gave him a brilliant smile. Though he still didn’t think it was the best idea, he couldn’t help but smile back at her.

The inn was not overly crowded, and Aron secured them enough rooms to sleep. Caerwyn would have to share with the prince, but he was not upset about it. It would be good to keep him close. Prince Conri was excited at the prospect of sleeping in an inn, and Caerwyn was surprisingly glad to see the prince had not lost some of his youthful enthusiasm after the moon crowning.

As the others settled into rooms, Caerwyn decided to walk into town to see about supplies, saying he would meet them downstairs for supper. He easily found a shop and got all he needed, happy to be left alone for the most part. His task was done so quickly that he found himself back at the inn sooner than he thought. He saw none of his party on the first floor as he looked for a few out-of-the-way tables to procure.

His eyes roved over the space until he spotted a very familiar profile. He couldn’t believe she would be there of all places, but the shape of her soft jaw and upturn nose could be no other. He could just see a hint of her brilliant blonde hair from under her hood. She was sitting with a man who could only be one of her guards.

Caerwyn looked at one of the barmaids and nodded before making his way over to the lady’s table and sitting down. She turned and looked at him with narrowed blue eyes before they went wide, and her small, pouty mouth opened in surprise.

“Good evening, Lady Farrow,” said Caerwyn as the barmaid put a glass of mead in front of him.

Emilia Farrow sat back and shook her head. “You were the last man I ever expected to see here.”

“Were you expecting someone else?”

“I was hoping to be left alone before I travel on looking for my husband’s wayward son.” She turned and looked at her guard. “Harris, go check on my horse at the stables. Make sure they fix that loose shoe.”

Harris stood silently and bowed before leaving the inn.

“Why are you looking for Bren?”

“He hasn’t been home in a long while, and I don’t believe his father is doing well. I would not like poor old Lord Farrow to leave this world without seeing his son.”

“We saw him not more than a week ago, and he didn’t seem too ill. He was hobbling around as ever, but I saw no cause for great concern,” said Caerwyn as he picked up his drink.

“He is very good at hiding his weakness when he needs to. He is on many medicines, though I wish he would leave many off. I do not trust who is seeing to his health. She seems a shifty woman to me.”

Caerwyn took a drink and put his mug down. “You have recently been to the Farrow estate? I thought you like to avoid it.”

“I go more than you think. My husband has done much for me, and I like to make sure he is comfortable and doing as well as possible. I am not as heartless as you would believe.” She adjusted her hood, and a blond curl popped out and ran down the side of her forehead.

“I never thought you were heartless. I just believe you took opportunities that were before you when you could.”

One side of her mouth turned up. “Well, the opportunity I wanted seemed to fade away at the sight of a beautiful young woman. Though I suppose it never was a very good opportunity. I hope you haven’t broken that good woman’s heart too badly.”

Caerwyn took a long drink, draining his mug. He looked over and called for another. He had hurt Eleri more than he liked to think upon, but, going forward, it would hopefully be different. If he could just convince her he was serious in his attempt this time, perhaps she would not be so quick to give herself to the prince.

“I take your silence as your confession. I hope she gets over you. She is much too good for you anyway.”

Another drink arrived, and Caerwyn toasted it towards Emilia. “I agree with you completely.”

She took a small sip of the drink in front of her. “You mention that ‘we’ visited my husband not too long ago. Who were you traveling with?”

Caerwyn sat back and looked at her. “I am sure you already know.”

“I know one person you might be with as I believe it is time he saw to his crowning. I hope all went well for the land’s sake and yours.”

“It is as it should be. I had little doubt. He is the only one who can see to the future of Elathia.”

She laughed softly. “He is the future ruler, but I don’t think he is the only one to see to the future. Was Lady Eleri with you as well?”

The Caerwyn’s eyes went to the stairs involuntarily to find them empty.

Emilia smiled fully. “Is she with you now? Is the prince?” She turned and looked. “You are staying here on your journey, are you? Where are you headed.”

“You know I cannot tell you.”

“Come now, Caerwyn, as long and as well as we know each other, you could surely tell me. I thought I was one of the few people you trusted.”

“You were at one time, but it has been a while since we have met. I have heard some things lately that make it hard for me to trust much of anyone,” replied Caerwyn.

“I have not changed as much as you seem to think.”

“You have traveled and met many people. I cannot know what has been said to you or even what you might believe now.”

“You think my mind so soft it can be changed by some pretty words?”

“As I said, you are a lady of opportunities. If a good one has come your way, I think there may be things you would do to seize it.” Caerwyn glanced again at the stairs.

“I have my limits and principles. Caerwyn.” She reached out and touched his hand. “There is no opportunity that would make me do anything to hurt you. I know who you are and what you must do. I would never be a part of anyone or anything who would stand in the way of it.” She squeezed his hand and let it go. “You know where I come from as well. Do you think my family or those I grew up with would do well under the continued rule of Lord Fellen?”

“True,” said Caerwyn as he took another drink. “Will you tell me where you are headed?”

“I hear Bren is at an estate of some ordinaries about two days from here. I believe the name is Havens.”

Caerwyn tried to keep the surprised look off his face, but his eyebrows shot up.

“Do you know them?”

Caerwyn saw no use in lying, knowing she would see through it. “I do. What is Bren Farrow doing with the Havens?”

“He met them at some house party and caught the eye of a young lady of the family. He came back to further his acquaintance with her. I can’t imagine Bren getting involved with some ordinary lady, but perhaps he likes the idea of controlling her.”

“If it is the lady I am thinking of, he will have a hard time controlling her. She knows her own mind and likes her own way.”

“Good. Once Bren sees this, hopefully, he will abandon his pursuit, and we can carry on to the Farrow estate.”

Before Caerwyn could say more, he spotted Eleir and the prince making their way downstairs. Emilia turned to look at them. “Is that the prince with Lady Eleri?” Caerwyn nodded. “He is very handsome. They would make a lovely king and queen should the prophecy come true.”

Caerwyn gave a noncommittal grunt as he took another drink. Eleri spotted him, a curious look coming over her face as she noticed he was with another person. He moved his head, inviting her to come over. Emilia stood as Eleri walked to them with the prince.

“Lady Farrow,” said Eleri with much surprise. “This is an odd place for us to meet.”

“I suppose it is, my lady, but I am often in odd places, and some not so nice as this.” Her eyes went to the prince. “I believe I know who this is, and I do not wish to make a scene as I doubt you want any attention drawn to you. I will only say it is a pleasure and honor to meet you.”

“Thank you, my lady,” returned Prince Conri. “I was recently shown much hospitality in your home and wish we could have met there.”

“I am sorry to have not been there to receive you.”

“Shall we all sit and eat together?” asked Eleri. “We might need to find a bigger table.”

“You will not as I am leaving. I plan to travel on into the night. My guard is seeing to my horse.”

“You will travel on?” asked Caerwyn. “Are you sure that is safe, my lady?”

She smiled softly at him. “I am quite good at taking care of myself, and my guard is very skilled. I have taken this road many times. There are some places I can find sanctuary should I need it. Above all, I need to get to my husband’s son. He has been away too long.”

‘And you really think he is at the Haven’s estate?” asked Caerwyn as he cut his eyes at Eleri. He saw the shock register in her eyes before she quickly masked it. The prince was not so good at hiding his emotion.

“Have a safe journey,” said Eleri as she stepped in front of the prince, and Caerwyn stood.

“You as well, all of you,” said Emilia. Before she turned to go, Caewyn took her hand and squeezed it. She nodded at him and went on her way.

Eleri watched her go for a moment before she sat down with Prince Conri sitting down beside her. “What a strange occurrence to see her here.”

“Strange indeed, and that Bren Farrow should be with the Havens?”

“Is he really there, Caerwyn? How can it be?” asked Prince Conri.

“It seems he formed some sort of acquaintanceship with a young lady of the Haven’s family. I think we can all imagine who that would be.”

“Bren is interested in Aella?” Eleri looked for a barmaid. “That seems unlikely.”

Caerwyn nodded. “He has no love for ordinaries usually, but perhaps Aella charmed him.”

“She can be very charming and convincing,” said the prince with a small laugh. “I am not sure about this Bren fellow, though. I hope Aella hasn’t started something that will cause her regret.”

A barmaid came over, and Eleri asked for drinks for her and the prince and food for all three. Once she left, Eleri said, “I think Aella can hold her own against anyone. I wonder if Lady Farrow and Bren will still be there when we arrive at the estate. Do you think we should delay our journey?”

“I don’t see what harm it will be if they are there. The Farrows have long been supporters of the rightful rulers. They sit on the council. I have known Emilia since we were small children, and I don’t believe she would do anything to hurt our prince. We will continue on, and if Bren Farrow is still in residence, you shall have to endure it, Eleri.”

She groaned as some stew was set in front of them. Caerwyn took another sip of his drink, thinking that he would not be opposed to seeing Emilia again. The lady had been right that she was one of the few in the land that he trusted.