After the confrontation between Anastasia and Sam the night before no one spoke much. Everyone slept for the night and awoke the next morning eating breakfast in silence and setting off.
“Ok we are just about out of the marshland. We should come out close to Rinne. We should be able to get there just before nightfall.”
Finn turned as he finished to start after Liza who was already a good 50 feet ahead.
Anastasia kept her eyes fixed on Finn trying to process her conflicted feelings. This man has been her protector for the last few days. If not for him and his companions she was sure she would have been taken by now, and possibly even killed.
The fear she felt looking at him worried her. The hate that came off him when he explained the reasons behind Erin’s death seemed so powerful. It was like all that was inside him was hate and anger at everything. This contrasted so much with what Anastasia thought was his normal chipper and goofy personality. Was it all an act, was the hate filled man she met the night before the real Finn?
This thought dominated Anastasia’s mind. She could think of little else. Going over every interaction and subtle thing Finn had done. Looking for clues for who he really was. She knew she owed this man her life but was unsure if she could trust him to see her safely home.
Just before noon the ground started to get more stable, and the bogs became less frequent. Even the experienced travelers amongst the group felt relieved to finally be able to have solid dirt under their feet that did not squish with every step.
Liza was scanning the area trying to find some landmarks to get her bearings. After a few minutes without saying anything, she picked a direction and started walking. Everyone followed as they had been doing the last few days. The group was still very silent. The events of the night before are still hanging heavy.
Finally, a few hours later as the group crested a small hill, they could see the buildings in the distance. They were almost to Rinne. It was still a fair way off but to finally be able to see a form of civilization again gave Anastasia hope. Her ordeal was almost over. Rinne was only a day from the capital. Once she was home, she was sure her mother would be able to keep her safe.
The party approached Rinne but stopped several hundred feet from the gate. Finn came over to Anastasia to fill her in on what they could tell.
“It looks like word has not officially reached Rinne that you are missing Anna.”
Annastaisa's face crinked in confusion “How can you tell that from here.”
“They don’t seem to be checking those that enter. So, we should be fine. However, this does not mean that people inside Rinne are not looking for you. It just means it doesn’t appear to be public knowledge yet.”
Anastasia nodded in understanding. “I will keep my hood drawn and avoid speaking to anyone.”
“That is perfect.” Finn said with a wink and smile. Anastasia could not help but feel off at his gesture. Before it had made her feel comforted when he acted that way. Now it felt fake somehow.
The party approached the town and entered the gates without much fanfare. The guards seemed to be bored and paid little attention to the group. The street traffic was winding down as it was just a few hours before sunset. Some merchants still lined the streets peddling their wares. Likely try to get rid of what they had left for the day.
“Let’s find a place to stay for the night first, to get these two off the street.” Finn guided Anastasia through the crowds of people by the hand to ensure she was not separated from him.
They approached a large building with several floors. The sign out front had what looked like a frog drinking ale on it. Liza entered first followed quickly by Finn and Anastasia then the others. Liza went to the counter to speak to the owner to secure the rooms. Finn took Anastasia to the side making sure she was turned mostly away from the crowd that was gathered in the dining hall preparing to eat dinner.
“They only had two rooms.” Liza said handing an iron key to Fin
“That will do. Come on, let's head up.”
The group headed to the third floor and the two rooms they got Sam and Brox went to one room while Fin, Liza, Anastasia, and Charlotte went to the other.
“Ok ladies we will rest here for the night. I am sorry to do this to you, but I want a guard in this room at all times along with Liza.”
Anastasia did not protest the decision since Charlotte seemed to be nodding in agreement.
“I will leave you ladies to freshen up for now. I want to have a look around town before the nightfall.”
Liza nodded and left the room along with Finn. She returned shortly with a bucket and some washcloths the three could at least attempt to wash themselves with. Liza placed the bucket on the table and filled it with water using her magic.
“Liza, I have a favor to ask you, I hope there is enough time before sunset.” Anastasia held her arms up and looked down at the clothes she had been wearing. The coat and boots the guild master gave her were of decent enough quality but her shirt and pants are little more than rags.
“Do you think it is possible for you to get us new clothes?”
Liza looked over to Anastasia, the sad look on her face was hard to say no to. “I had intended to do just that in the morning.” Liza looked out the window. “There may be enough time before sunset. Wait here I will need to call Sam or Brox over.”
Charlottes spoke up. “Brox please.” Anastasia lowered her head, unable to look toward Liza.
“I understand. just a moment.”
Brox entered the room shortly after and took a seat in the corner without saying anything.
“Take good care of them, Brox. I should not be long.”
Brox grunted and waved Liza off.
The three were left alone and Anastasia moved to one of the chairs in the corner not wanting to sit on the bed in her dirty clothes. Charlotte joined her and they waited in awkward silence for a while.
To the surprise of everyone, even himself, Brox spoke first.
“It is tough when the hate is so recent.”
“I am sorry.” Anastasia had heard what Brox said. She was so surprised he spoke that she did not think before she responded.
“Sam is young, and his pain just happened. So, he clings to the hatred he feels. He is afraid if he lets it go, he will forget his past.” Brox’s solemn and thoughtful words shocked Anastasia. She did not think him slow, but he had always seemed so simple and straightforward she was surprised he could understand Sam’s pain so well.
“He has every right to his pain. I have been lucky I never had to experience loss like that.”
“He is still young and dumb. He will grow out of it, we all do.” Brox leaned back, resting his head against the wall.
“I am not sure I could ever forget the hate he must be feeling. If anyone did something like that to my sister or anyone else I loved, I am not sure I could contain myself.”
“You are young and dumb too. With time you would find that holding onto the hate does not help you in any way. It is what tears away at you.”
“So, you do not hate nobles anymore?”
“I still do, but I don’t let it consume my every waking thought. I have lost a lot in my life so the hate will likely never go away completely. It just becomes less of a driving factor over time.”
Anastasia pooled her resolve, she does not want to turn away out of fear of the answers anymore.
“Has Finn been able to let go of his hate?”
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
Brox sat up in the chair and looked directly at Anastasia.
“Are you afraid of what you have seen in his eyes?”
“Yes.” She was unable to lie.
“Good you are not that dumb then… The captain has a lot of reasons to hold on to his hate. He is my friend, so I hope someday he can let it go. I will need to leave it at that.” Brox rested his head against the wall again and closed his eyes.
“Thank you Brox, for your wise counsel.”
Brox only grunted in response. The trio waited in silence for Liza to return. About thirty minutes later Liza came into the room with two sets of clothes. Brox got up and headed for the door as he passed, Anastasia reached out her hand and grabbed his.
“Thank you again.”
Brox nodded in response and left. Liza started laying the clothes out on the beds.
“You both are in luck. I was able to find some half decent items that should do nicely.
Anastasia went over to the bed and looked down at the clothes.
“But these are clothes for boys.”
“Exactly. We still have traveling, and who knows what we may encounter. Do you want a long dress to trip over?”
“Of course, you are right. I was not thinking. Thank you for getting these for us.”
The three women removed their clothes and started cleaning themselves. Liza pulled a fresh undershirt out of her bag to change into before putting her leathers back on. Anastasia and Charlotte even with the cold water relished the feeling of finally being able to get the dirt off their bodies. Once the three were changed Anastasia headed for the door. Just then it burst open.
Anastasia let out scream but quickly quieted down seeing that it was Finn. “Don’t barge into a lady’s room like that. We could have still been changing” She scolded him with her finger wagging.
“I knew you were changing, so I waited until you finished.” Finn said with a smile as if that made it alright to be burst through the door.
“And how could you have known when we finished changing?”
“That is a trade secret.” Finn said as his smile became more mischievous.
“AHH you were peeking.” Anastasia shot a worried look at Liza. As if to ask how she could have let this happen.
“He was not. I would have noticed and stopped him. Don’t worry” Liza spoke in her normal cold calm tone.
“See everything is fine. I have bought you dinner and for once it is not dried meat and stale bread.”
It was then that Anastasia noticed the three plates Finn was precariously holding. He made his way over to the table to set them down and backed away. Anastasia and Charlotte were so thankful to have a warm meal they both moved to the table at a speed not befitting a lady.
Liza walked over to Finn, her face twisted in anger that she does not normally display. She slugged him in the gut. Finn had to stifle his groan to not alert the other two in the room. Liza leaned into Finn, her eyes narrowing. Finn could do nothing but shrug his apology. Liza pointed to the door without a word and then went back to the table to join in on the meal.
“I will leave you in peace, enjoy the meal. When you are ready for bed Liza come get one of us.” Finn groaned softly to himself, gripping his stomach and made his way to the other room.
Just before the three turned in Liza checked with Charlotte about her training.
“Any luck so far in pulling the power back into you?”
“I think so the light bolt no longer shoots out and I can feel this odd tingling sensation after the cast. It kind of feels like…when you lay on your arm all night in your sleep.”
Liza smiled “That is great you are pulling the mana back in. It feels funny because the mana was originally going to be used as an attack. It still kind of wants to do that but is too weak. You have been able to progress very quickly. I am impressed.”
Charlotte blushed “It is thanks to your excellent instructions. They were so easy to understand.”
“I am glad to hear it. Now the next part is the hardest so do not get discouraged. Now that you know what it feels like to call mana then pull it back in. You need to call the mana but not as a Lightbolt anymore.”
“Hmm that will be hard. I still cannot cast without incantation.”
“This is the part that takes people the longest. You must visualize the mana empowering you, but since you don’t know what the feeling is that can be difficult. You just have to keep trying. You should feel for any changes however small and try to expand on those new feelings.”
“Ok I think I can work with that. Thank you, Liza.”
“Good luck.”
Charlotte stayed up for a while practicing her next steps before Liza finally scolded her for staying up so late making her go to bed. The boys even Sam took shifts guarding the room throughout the night.
When morning came Finn brought breakfast for everyone and they all ate in the room to discuss the plan for the day.
“Do you want the good news or the bad news first?” Finn started in his normal cheerful tone.
“I think bad news first that way the good news will sound better.” Anastasia responded, trying to match Finn’s tone.
“We have no idea what is going on. Rinne is normal, like nothing has happened. I have not been able to get even a whiff of a problem. For a princess to be missing for so long and no one having heard about it is unusual.”
“Well, it has only been six days. Is it really that odd?” Anastasia could not help but have a confused look on her face.
“Waldron is a three day walk to the capital. So, riding a horse is just a day’s hard ride, for a well-bred one. Even faster if they had access to a gryphon or drake. Word should have spread to Rinne by now. This means that people are keeping it quiet.”
“So where does that leave us?”
“Think about it Anna. Who is the only person that could keep this kind of news under wraps?”
“But that does not make sense. Mother would want to get the word out to have everyone looking. We must be missing something.” The panic was clear in Anastasia’s voice.
“I know you don’t want to hear this but is it possible your mother wanted you dead. She is a queen after all, betrayal and backstabbing are normal things for her.”
Anastasia sprang from her chair knocking it over behind her.
“How dare you! My mother would never backstab anyone.” The panic from earlier was replaced by indignation.
“I know for a fact that she has. So, I ask you again, could your mother want or maybe need you dead for some reason?”
“You speak of things you do not understand. My mother is an honorable woman. She would never betray anyone, least of all me.”
Finn’s face became somber. “Perhaps you do not know her as well as you think you do.”
“What would a commoner like you know about my mother?” Anastasia, no longer able to hold her anger back lashed out in a way she thought would anger Fin.
Finn’s expression grew darker trying to stare down Anastasia. She did not blink or avert her gaze too angry to back down.
“It does not matter at this point Princess. Finn is correct, your mother must be keeping it a secret, but we do not know the reason. If you say she will not betray you, we will operate under that assumption for now.” Liza said in her normal calm manner.
“What assumption, She would never.”
“As I said it does not matter, we need more info. I assume you know this point already and have a plan.” Liza turned her gaze to Finn.
Finn had not stopped looking at Anastasia, his eyes cold and unwavering.
“FINN! I asked you a question.”
“Ya I got a plan. But it ain’t a great one.”
“Well, nothing is decided yet let’s hear it.” Liza gestured for Finn and Anastasia to sit down. Charlotte had already retrieved Anastasia’s chair and returned it to its original position. The pair sat down still staring daggers at each other.
“You are right, we need more info. So, the plan will be to go to the capital just the two of us Liza. We will scout it out. Best we can tell this town is not aware that Anna is missing so no one is looking. So, if they hold up in his inn, they should be safe for a few days. Well… it will be safer than going to the capital knowing nothing.”
“It is not that bad of a plan. Brox and Sam can stay behind that should be more than enough to keep them Safe.” Liza said the wheels were turning in her head.
“Well not quite. I need Brox to go get us back up. We don’t know what the capital will be like. If we wait until we are sure we need back up, it will not come in time.” Finn looked over to Brox. “How fast do you think you can make it there and back.”
Brox grunted his reply “3-4 days at best speed.”
“That will have to do. Head straight for the capital on the way back. We will likely be there by then.” Finn turned to Sam now.
“That means you are here alone to protect them.” Finn fixed his eyes directly to Sam “No games like last time. Can you handle it”
“…”
“Answer me boy!”
“I got it.” Sam snapped the answer back.
Returning his eyes to the group.
“So that is the plan . Any comments before we get started.”
“You said there was good news as well.” Liza reminded Finn.
“Oh ya, the kitchen had bacon.”
Liza could not hide her frustration “Idiot”
The four companions rose from the table Liza came over and gave Sam a hug. Followed by Brox who patted him on the back roughly then Finn came over and offered him his hand.
Sam reaches out his hand, but Finn grabs first and pulls him close. Speaking at a whisper.
“You know what this means that I am trusting her to you right.”
“I do. I won’t let you down.”
Finn gave Sam a pat on the back and broke the embrace.
“Liza, I want to go now and make the best time we can.”
“Understood” Liza took a few items from her gear and was checking her equipment on her person before throwing the bag back to the corner of the room.
“What? You do not need your gear, it is a day trip to the Capital.” Charlotte asked, confused.
“Don’t worry about us Charlotte, we will be back this evening sometime after sunset.”
“What are you saying? You are going to make a two-day round-trip journey in only a day and still have time to look around the capital for info.”
The pair smiled without answering and left the room.
Brox left shortly after, but he did take his gear since he has said his journey would take three to four days. Charlotte wondered how far he was going if Liza could cover two days' travel in one day with time to spare.
The three that were left behind settled in to wait.