Gia slurped down the last sip of the hearty cactus stew and sighed in contentment.

“That was amazing Mister Siefred!” He exclaimed, putting the bowl down.

Siefred nodded in reply, sipping at his order of melted iced tea.

“The convoy should be arriving soon, let’s return to the gate.” He replied, standing to leave.

In the half-hour that had passed, only a wisp of the massing crowds that they had squeezed their way through remained, and the duo walked freely inspecting the stores on each side. Shop owners had started to relax, bringing out their own luncheons and refreshers, and the buzzing atmosphere retreated into a calming oasis.

Siefred pulled out a cigarette and lit the end with a tap of his finger. Rings of sunset orange glowed faintly, then faded around his finger tip. With a puff, he smiled. This was a much-needed break from the panicked riding of the nights before. And in a way, Gia was to thank for this leisurely down time. Perhaps, it was a blessing in disguise. Siefred chuckled. He turned to face to his young companion, and found Gia occupied, wrist gasped tightly by an old shrunken lady.

“Young boy! You have a dark aura around you!” Siefred heard the grandma exclaim as he retraced his steps, back towards the straggling Gia.

“U-uh, I’m not sure what you mean madam…” Gia replied shakily, a bit surprised.

“The desert spirits avoid you! There is a void of their light in your aura…” The lady continued.

Siefred approached Gia from behind and supported his shoulders.

“What’s the problem ma’am.” He spoke on behalf of Gia, tapping his cigarette ashes onto one hand.

Upon closer inspection, the lady’s irises were milky white. She stared blankly past both Siefred and Gia, seemingly blind to the world.

“Oh! A bright flame! Where did you come from darling?” The lady snapped unnaturally onto Siefred, as though she could see into his body.

“We are part of an envoy from a nation far away.” Siefred answered truthfully.

“I see… The magic of another nation... Or not?” The lady smiled warmly, then turned back to Gia.

“You... The younger one.” She continued coldly, “Beware of your path in these drought lands, death is but around the corner.”

Gia nodded suspiciously, then after a silent moment the lady let go of Gia and strolled away leisurely, leaving behind only her words of warning. Siefred, cigarette dangling from his lips, glanced strangely at Gia and turned the boy around to face him.

“You’re a strange one.” He commented, inspecting his face.

Gia smiled awkwardly under the inspection and shrugged.

“Aren’t we all a bit strange?” He replied and waved away the smoke drifting toward him.

Siefred considered it, then chuckled.

“Perhaps.” He smiled, then gently pushed the boy down the street, “Well let’s hurry, the convoy is waiting.”

----

The duchess and the princess were deep in discussion as the carriage approached the gates. In their conversation, none of them had taken note the giant statues lining the road, nor the gargoyles watching their every move from above, but Carmen was nonetheless aware. Sat with her legs crossed, she raised 3 beautifully manicured fingers and presented them to the princess.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“Sakrilege will only be a few hours away once we reach Sakriel.” The Duchess said calmly, “Let us revise our plan in meeting the Sakrin Lord. Of which there are three major points.”

The atmosphere in the carriage was pulpable with nervous tension.

“Firstly, we shall ensure that your royal highness is in a safe and easily escapable position at all times during the encounter.” Carmen explained, “Captain Varina will be your guardian. Her call sigil is the wolf.”

Princess Camella nodded.

“When we pass the magic check at the palace, your royal highness will ask for a moment of privacy, Captain Varina will accompany and begin the retreat.” Carmen stated, pulling back a finger.

“With the introduction of Gia…” She said, taking a deep breath, “Well. I will handle his presentation.”

“But as planned, after the exchange, your royal highness will be on standby, in a secure location, and an unnamed rider will pass on the stone and continue as royal guard. From there you will return to the kingdom, without me.” Carmen pulled back another finger.

“And the last point…” The duchess murmured, staring past her final raised finger and at the princess, “is for you to always trust me, and only me.”

Princess Camella smiled weakly, then nodded once more.

----

When the carriage finally entered Sakriel, most of the riders were still in shock over the living spectacles that they had just witnessed. Such was the show of power. Even substitute Captain Varina was slightly unnerved as she scanned around the city entrance for her vanguard scout.

“Looking for us?” She heard someone whisper from behind.

In a snap, she spun and drew her sword, only to be met with a smirking Siefred and a startled Gia.

“Calm down captain, we’re only in Sakriel.” He chuckled, pinching her sword and guiding it back to its sheath.

Varina exhaled with discontent.

“I will never understand how you can be so leisurely in enemy territory.” She said, pinching the bridge of her nose, “You and the captain, always had this weird energy.”

Siefred smiled sadly.

“Well, it is how it is.” He said.

The group stayed silent for a while, contemplating their late captain, while Gia stood, rather confused.

“Anyway,” Varina cut the uncomfortable atmosphere, “Our job is almost done. We’re only a few hours away from the capital, and we’re only taking a break, not staying the day.”

Siefred frowned.

“Really? Surely the riders are exhausted,” He commented, “If anything goes poorly in Sakrilege we will be unable to retreat proper-“

“We will be fine.” Varina said forcefully, a cold expression on her face, “The King… no our kingdom, needs this as soon as possible.”

The conversation came to a close, and Gia shuffled uncomfortably around the tense aura of the two adults around him. He considered providing a word of support but was eventually distracted. A hustle of soldiers had begun to approach them, swords sheathed, but nonetheless looking rather threatening. They were Sakrin soldiers, wearing grey capes of purple Insignias and dark tanned armour which wrapped tightly around their abdominals and arms. They appeared rather ominous, with red markings of a ring of bloodied swords engraved on their shields, marking their allegiance. Gia gulped as they continued to approach until they stood only a few meters from the group of three, then slammed their shields in a salute.

“Princess Camella’s entourage. Welcome.” A senior looking officer spoke as he approached, “I trust that you are Captain Varina.”

“You would be correct…” Varina paused and studied the officer’s uniform, “esteemed general.”

The two extended their greetings.

“And the princess? How is her condition?” The general asked, “Our Lord is very eager to meet her.”

Siefred glanced cautiously around and back at the carriage, which had now been surrounded by the rider corps.

“She is well, and also eager to meet.” Varina replied calmly.

“That is good to hear.” The general smiled, cocking his head, “Could we have the pleasure of greeting her royal highness in person?”

Captain Varina paused. Scanning the Sakrin forces, she could tell that they were vastly out-numbered, about three to one. Only a few hours ago, Duchess Carmen had instructed her to prevent any unnecessary encounters for the princess, but looking at the situation now, she couldn’t see a reasonable solution. A small bead of cold sweat formed on her forehead.

Suddenly, a calming hand placed itself on Varina’s shoulder.

“Yes, you may.” Said Duchess Carmen, apparently having let herself out of the carriage.

“The princess is ready, however I must ask that you conduct yourself.” She continued, smiling gracefully.

The general bowed.

“Duchess.” He greeted, “It’s a pleasure.”

Carmen nodded curtly in response.

“Yes, it certainly is.” She said, “But let us continue talking in the carriage.”