Chapter Twelve

Wynne PoV Cont.

At some point as Arandir carried her, Wynne had fallen asleep. She nestled into his arms, clinging to him tightly. Her face buried into his shoulder. His scent soothed her, lulling her frayed nerves into a sense of security. When she came to, she was unsure of how much they had left in their journey.

The sky was beginning to lighten, and it seemed they were deep into the trails of the mountains. Wynne lifted her head from where it'd been on Arandir's shoulder. Taking a wary look at the surroundings, as she shifted in his arms. Noticing the shift, Arandir sat her on her feet.

"Should I take a break so you know how much we have left? " He asked, giving her a small smile. "I'm glad I was able to help you rest, and I hope you're not in pain. " Wynne hesitantly returned his smile, cautiously probing her fingers over her sides. Her injury sites no longer throbbed with pain. Though, she did have to be careful of the two with stitches, and she was sure she'd have marks.

"Not much, thank you for caring for me. " Wynne replied lightly, as she took a lingering look at Arandir. His clothes were just as tore up as her own, if not worse. It was visible that the goblins had bit at him, but there were no wounds that she could easily see on him. Perhaps one of his gifts was accelerated healing?

She gave her head a small shake, clearing it as she looked around again. The tree coverage had almost entirely fallen away, giving way to rock and stone, sparsely covered with vegetation. The path looked well cared for here, and there were even lampposts to guide the way. Had Arandir carried her almost the rest of the way to Winterbridge? "How much further? "

"We only have about an hour longer of walk time before we reach the city, and from there, I'll be able to find us transport to the castle. But when we reach the city, I want to take you to some of the shops first. " Arandir answered, gesturing to their shredded garments and the fact they're supplies had mostly been lost. "I want to restock, and get you fitted into clothes suited to you. "

Wynne nodded and begun to walk. Only an hour left? No sense in delaying then. Answers were close.


Unknown POV - 1 hour later.

"Your Highness! There is a sidhe visitor to the city! He brought a strange woman with him, and they seem to be making their way to the castle. " A messenger gasped out, hands on his knees and his head bowed before the Queen. With Autumnhaven facing the threat of war from Wyvernbank, the ruling family there had sent Princess Nerys Wyspe to Winterbridge. With the Princess in the city, security had been doubled around the castle. Any visitors that hadn't announced their arrival to the city were closely watched.

This meant that Arandir and Wynne's unexpected arrival needed to be reported to the Queen. The woman nodded at the messenger from atop her gilded throne, waving a hand to dismiss him. Inside the throne room, snow began to fall. It made no difference that they were inside, and the skies held not a single cloud. Seeing the snow seemingly falling from the ceiling, servants began running from the room.

Any deviance in weather in Winterbridge usually signaled a bad mood from the Queen. More often than not, when someone was found to be at the displeasure of the Queen, it would end in either a prolonged confinement in the dungeons, or a gruesome death. Not a fate any wise servant wished to meet. The fleeing servants looked like scurrying rats as they fled, all wishing to avoid the Queen's wrath.

The Queen stood from her throne, staring down at the now shaking messenger. "Summon the captain of my guard. Now. And get out of my sight. " The woman snapped, and the man bolted from the throne room. When the Queen commanded something done, you did it; that is, if you wanted to keep breathing.

Moments later, the great wooden doors to the throne room opened, and two people entered. One clad in gleaming armor with a sword at his hip and a helmet tucked under his arm, and the other a dark skinned woman clad in a flowing gown. The man and woman approached the standing Queen, giving her a respectful bow as they approached the dais the throne sat upon.

"You summoned, m'lady? The Princess insisted upon accompanying me, though I did insist she stay within her quarters. " The man's deep voice echoed out into the room. He kept his head bowed as he spoke to her, hand resting upon the hilt of his sword. "Is there an emergency? "

At the man's words, the woman who had come with him scoffed. Her face was twisted into a scowl, disdain for the Captain clear. The Queen rolled her eyes, knowing full well the willful spirit of Princess Nerys refused to be commanded by the likes of him.

"Our two newest visitors to the city. Send a squad to bring them to me. Posthaste. " She said, snapping her fingers. "You're dismissed, Captain. The Princess may stay with me. "

"Yes, m'lady, as you command. " Came the Captain's reply, giving a courteous nod to the two woman as he left to fulfill his job. The Queen watched silently as he departed, before turning to the Princess.

"Nerys, what is it now? I'm aware you're unhappy with being away from home, but this is as your family wished. You are the safest here. " She asked, address the Princess.

"I don't wish to be safe, Queen Bronwyn. I wish to be fighting along side my people to push back the threat of Wyvernbank. I think it's ridiculous that I've been sent here! You and I both know the value I have to my family is merely to be married off at their earliest convenience, and that just isn't for me! " It was clear Princess Nerys was angered with the decisions of her family, and she couldn't keep the agitation from her voice.

"I know, my dear. But the Wild Hunt rode recently, and it is for the best that you are kept safe. There's something big coming, and you're a crucial part. Please put trust in me, Nerys. The time will come you can do as you wish. "