Jarren hadn't realized that he had fallen asleep but he awoke on his comfortable bed none the less

Jarren hadn't realized that he had fallen asleep but he awoke on his comfortable bed none the less. Yawning widely he sat up and ruffled his hair. I wonder if Kaye is awake. Maybe she didn't even go to sleep. Kaye. His eyes soften briefly as he thought of her. It wasn't like he had feelings for her or anything like that. If it came down to feelings then she was like his younger sister. But this girl was really something else. She chose to break free of the castle and embark on a quest of nobility and self journey. Something he had always dreamed of doing but never got the courage to even step forward. He wondered if the small girl had sparked something in the rest of the castle by now for surely if this girl could do it, then the other servants could too. Then again, they wouldn't have the top general leading them out either.

He stretched slightly and strode over to the shuttered window. By now the rain had stopped and it was close to or already dinner time. He looked out at the dimly cast streets and sighed. So peaceful. This city probably has nothing to worry about. A soft whiney interrupted his thoughts as he looked down and froze. Five men, all atop dark horses, were making their way down the long street that led to the inn and stopping at each and every building. The bore the crest of Chie on their cloaks and flags and, temporarily forgetting the danger he and Kaye were in, Jarren marveled at the emperor's skill to move as quickly as he did. He quickly closed the shutters and changed into something warmer. He packed the rest of his scattered items and ran out into the hallway, pounding on Kaye's door. When no answer came he swore and ran down the stairs and began looking around. The landowner spotted him and waved him over.

"'Ello lad, you had a good rest then?"

"Kaye, where is she?" Jarren demanded quickly. The landowner smiled and pointed past the crowed tables to a closed door.

"She's a fine lass she is. She's been helping me out with the dinner rush and everything. 'Spect she's making the desserts now." At that moment several men walked in and Jarren dove behind the landowner's stand.

"Excuse us sir, we're looking for two travelers. One is a young man and the other is a young girl about sixteen. Have you seen them?" The older man cocked his head and rubbed his chin.

"Well no offense but this is an inn. I get all sorts of young people. You're welcome to go take a look for them if you want. Mostly everyone is eating dinner now. Plus it's cold so I'll let you have a bite to eat." The soldiers smiled and nodded.

"Thank you that would help us greatly." They strode over to an empty table and took a seat. The landowner did nothing out of the ordinary as he shifted through papers and arranged things here and there.

"Connor my boy could you come here right quick and take this package to the kitchen?" The landowner asked. The blonde's head shot up and he rushed over. The landowner leaned in a bit to talk to him quiet enough not to be overheard but deliberately loud enough for Jarren. "Tell Kaye that it's time to scat. Take her to the stables and pick one of my extra horses for her to ride. Saddle it up and saddle up her companion's horse as well. They're in a bit of trouble you see and we don't want them to be found." Connor gasped at this news. "Master Jarren, I know this is a bit of a nuisance but would you mind if Connor went with you and Kaye? He's never been one to be chained down in a place like this and I'd really like it if he finally got to be free." Jarren nodded in acceptance.

"Mr. Gafford I…thank you…I won't let you down." Mr. Gafford nodded and shooed him away.

"I'll throw your pack out the window for you. Now go. Jarren, I'll distract the men and you make an escape out of the front door. The stables are around back."

"Thank you. How can we ever repay you?"

"No need, all I want is for the three of you to be happy. I'm sure you have an important task ahead and I'm sure you'll do fine."

Kaye was finishing the last of the desserts when Connor walked in. She smiled at the blonde but he didn't smile back. The green eyed girl felt a small surge of fear settle in her stomach.

"What's wrong Connor?" She asked. He grabbed her hand and led her quickly to the wooden door and pushed her gently outside. Looking around he set a fast pace for the wooden building right next to the inn. The stables…? What is he think he's doing? Kaye wondered. Once inside the boy worked fast to saddle up Jarren's horse and another horse. "Connor what in the world…?" He looked up, his blue eyes filled with fear.

"There are soldiers in the inn. Mr. Gafford says they're looking for you and your partner. You have to leave. Mr. Gafford told me to come with you and your partner agreed. I'm sorry…" Kaye stepped back slightly shocked.

"How…how did he know where…?" She stuttered. The feeling of fear was now growing in her stomach making her writhe slightly. "My things…" She said weakly.

"Mr. Gafford will throw them to us."

"Jarren…?"

"He's coming don't worry." Kaye sank to her knees and shook her head.

"Oh my…what have I done…? If they can keep up with a pace like that…then there may not be any hope at all." At that moment the door banged open causing Kaye to jump to her feet and the blonde to pull her behind him. But it was the young general and no one else. "J-Jarren…I'm sorry, because of me this…" The brunette chuckled and saddled up on his horse.

"Nah it's not your fault. I should have expected this. On the contrary it's my fault. I am the emperor's top general after all. I should have realized that he would notice if I went missing…" he broke off and gave a lopsided grin. "Well then Connor, if you wouldn't mind riding with Kaye we can be on our way." The blonde nodded, a little too enthusiastic, and helped Kaye struggle up the horse. He swung up behind her and spurred the horse outside under an open window. Sure enough two packs came falling down, both of which were caught by Connor and a large hand and face leaned over to smile and wave at them.

"Good luck to you then Kaye, Jarren, Connor. Don't be a nuisance boy."

"I got it!" Connor hissed slightly annoyed. Mr. Gafford grinned and retracted back into the warmth. Kaye pulled out Connor's cloak as well as her own and the two secured them on. Jarren waited patiently and when they were done, nodded, and spurred his horse into a gallop down the dark streets. Connor followed suit.

"Oi, I think that's them!" A voice suddenly rang out. Kaye tried to look over Connor's shoulder but he nudged her and shook his head.

"Don't let them see your face." He whispered in her ear. She nodded and buried her head in his chest. Ahead, Jarren made a sharp turn left and disappeared down another alley.

"Kaye, you know the route we planned. Help Connor out and help him get to Mir. I'll distract them." He shouted over his shoulder. "I'll give you two a couple day's head start. Don't worry." With a grin he vanished. Kaye looked up at Connor not quite sure what to do. So the blonde spurred the horse faster and made his way through the streets to the edge of the city.

"Which way Kaye?" He shouted.

"Right!" She replied finally deciding to listen to Jarren. She would lead them to Mir and the nomads. She and Connor would have to make it on their own but she would try her best. Connor nodded and with a shout drove the horse on as fast as he would go.