An Enemy

Aeralia meets a friendly yet sinister baron who has a secret.

Alonwyn’s steady pace began to slow, and I knew that he was getting tired.  I was getting tired too, but I wanted to get as far away from the castle as possible.  Lynya looked at me and said quietly, Your horse will be too exhausted to carry you soon.  We must stop and regain strength for a little while. 

            I sighed, but agreed.  Fine, Lynya, but we can’t stop for too long.  Just to rest and eat a little.  An hour at most.  My familiar nodded.

            I stopped Alonwyn and dismounted.  Taking his reins, I led him to the side of the road and said, “Stay here.”  He was trained to stay within my sight when I uttered those words.  I had chosen a spot under some trees.  The branches shaded us and there was new grass nearby.  Alonwyn walked over to the shoots of grass and started grazing.  I got some waybread and dried meat from my pack.  Giving half of the meat to Lynya, I ate the piece of waybread thoughtfully. 

            What is on your mind, Mistress? 

            I started, surprised.  Lynya was looking at me, waiting for me to answer.  I replied slowly, I just don’t know where to go.  I want to find an adventure, but where should I look? 

            My cat groomed herself, retorting, More often than not, people don’t find adventures, adventures find people!  Patience is a virtue, Mistress.

            A virtue I don’t have, I said, laughing. 

            She purred in amusement as well, then stopped abruptly.  Listen! 

            I obeyed, sitting absolutely still.  At first, I heard nothing.  I glanced at Lynya.  She said, Put your ear to the ground.  I did, and heard hooves, coming fast.  Normally, I wouldn’t have cared and would have just stayed there, but I sensed impeding danger and I suddenly wanted to be anywhere but here.

            Let’s go deeper into the trees, I told Lynya.  She nodded, and then bounded into the trees.  I swung my pack onto my shoulders and said to Alonwyn, “Follow.”

            I crept carefully after Lynya, with Alonwyn close behind.  Lynya had found a spot deep enough that nobody could see us, but with some careful positioning, we could see whoever was coming.  With the hood of my traveling cloak over my head, I strung my bow and set an arrow to the string all in one swift motion.  I knelt so as to get a better shot and waited.

            Alonwyn nickered nervously.  “Be still,” I murmured, still not moving.  He quieted instantly. 

            Lynya said, There are four people coming.  One of them has a dark aura that surrounds the whole group.  I closed my eyes for a brief moment, and then opened them again, focusing on the quickly approaching group.

            They were now close enough for me to see easily.  The one in the lead was wearing a black cloak with a gold trim, with the hood pulled over his head.  Those were the colors of a far away fief called Elsarin.  As the small party pulled level to me, the one in the cloak turned his head in my direction, and I saw pale, icy blue eyes.  I didn’t dare to look away for fear I would involuntarily move my head as well as my eyes. 

            It was all in vain.  He called out to me, “Come into the open, Lady.  I’d like to see your face.” 

            He threw back his hood and I saw that his face was youthful and unlined.  He had yellow hair and a matching beard.  He didn’t look sinister, but I could almost feel something unpleasant emanating from him. 

            Lynya warned me, Be careful. Go, but do not let him know you suspect.  I nodded at her then slowly stood, taking Alonwyn’s reins and shouldering my pack.  My bow I also put away, but I left it strung.  I made sure my sword was at my side, touching its hilt.

            I walked the few paces to the road, trying to shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen.  Finally reaching the cloaked man, I faced him.  For the first time, I could see his companions clearly.  Two were wearing the gold and black livery from Elsarin.  The other was plainly a prisoner of the others.  His hair was long and dark brown, the traveling clothes he wore were almost rags, and his hands were tied behind his back.  I could tell he was of a fair height, but I couldn’t see his face because his head was bowed.

            The cloaked man cleared his throat, inviting me to introduce myself.  Tell the

truth; he will recognize a lie, advised Lynya.  I obeyed, bowing since I wasn’t in skirts.

“I am Princess Aeralia of Aestarlin, Daughter of renowned Mage Agrenvr Dovmir,

Silver Lady of the Land of the Midnight Sun.”

                        Something flickered in the man’s icy blue eyes, but he only responded, “Baron Garrick of Elsarin Fief.”  He glanced at Lynya, then faced me.  For the first time I noticed that he was actually attractive. 

                        He said, “Your cat has remarkable green eyes.  She is beautiful.”  The Baron bent down to stroke her, but Lynya arched her back and hissed angrily.  I stared at them; I had never seen Lynya act like that. 

                        Lynya…  What is wrong with you? 

                        She said haughtily, I don’t like him at all. 

                        I told Baron Garrick, “I apologize for my cat’s behavior; I don’t know what’s gotten into her.  She’s usually very friendly.”

                        He shrugged easily and smiled.  I couldn’t help noticing that he was quite handsome when he smiled.  “Quite all right, Princess.  Cats are strange creatures.” 

                        He gestured to the road.  “Would you care to travel with us for a while?  A fine lady such as yourself should not be wandering these roads unprotected.” 

                        I hesitated, asking Lynya, Well?  Should we go with him or not? 

                        My cat flicked her tail back and forth.  I think we should go just long enough to learn something about him. 

                        I nodded at her then bowed to Baron Garrick.  “We would be honored to travel with you.  But one last thing if you please, Lord.  Who is your prisoner?” 

                        The question had been bothering me dreadfully.  Lynya purred in approval.  It seemed to me that Garrick tensed suddenly, but all he said was, “A spy of Carnehi, Your Highness.”  Silver light flashed abruptly around him then disappeared just as quickly. 

                        I gasped, shocked.  Lynya, what was that? 

                        She sounded rather smug as she answered, Part of your magic, I’m guessing.  You can tell when someone is lying.  Don’t let on you don’t believe him. 

                        I agreed silently.   There’s something not quite right about him, Lynya.  I don’t trust him one bit, even if he is somewhat good-looking.

 

Author's Note

Constructive criticism and compliments gladly accepted