Author's Note:

This is a chapter spurred on by my boredom. For the next two weeks I have major essays due in at uni, so any updates will be the cause of sheer boredom or a need for distraction.

Not to say I won't update my stories, but it won't be decided by the least updated, just whatever I feel like.

This was split, the other part for the next chapter is mostly done, albeit some editing.


Chapter 8:

|| Never Alone ||

24th February, 620 Common Era

xxx


'Truth makes many appeals, not the least of which is its power to shock.'

- Jules Renard


It was the day after the poisoning incident, and Cassie was relieved to know that the guard affected by her 'testing', was healthy enough but would take days to recover. Grateful to him, she had made sure to give him a bonus to make up for her shadowed motive.

She had slept fitfully in one of the more secluded chambers, without any way in, while Horace and other trusted officers stood guard.

Now it was clear the lack of sleep was hindering her, standing in one of the hallways, vaguely aware of what was happening.

A few metres away, Horace was discussing patrols with a castle guard, and she waited patiently for him.

Letting one of her hands stray to her mouth as she stifled a yawn, she noted that each passing day was getting harder.

The shock over her father's death was still a constant reminder, but the pain was fading and she was just happy they hadn't fought very often, leaving behind a trail of wonderful memories. She smiled.

The part that was difficult, was trying to overcome that sorrow.

About to yawn again, a hand passed over her face and cut off the sound of protest she was about to cry out.

Quickly, she was pulled around into another hall, away from prying eyes.

Eyes glittering with hate, mixed with fear, Cassie finally had a chance to see her captor when he realised her.

With a huge sigh of relief, she threw Ranger Geldon a withering look.

"That really wasn't necessary." She scolded him.

The retired Ranger stood slightly taller than her, wiry and agile like most Rangers, with a hint of mischief in his eyes. However he looked anything but content at that moment.

"I couldn't talk to you in one of the offices, it's dangerous." He explained, or tried to. He only succeeded in making her frown.

Before she could enter her opinion, he raised a hand. "Hear me out. You know there have been attempts on your life; it's not safe in this castle. Take it from me; there isn't much we can do here to protect you."

"Then what am I supposed to do?" She asked shrilly, but mindful not to raise her voice.

The Ranger took a breath.

"You have to leave Castle Araluen."


Once the guard had left, Horace was left by himself in an empty corridor.

His immediate thought was of Cassie's safety and frantically began searching for her.

He wondered what possessed her to leave on her own, despite her ability to protect herself. He wouldn't know what to do if she were hurt, or worse.

Unable to locate her near any of her rooms he stopped to think. He was reluctant to ask anyone for help, since he didn't know who was loyal or not.

On a spur of the moment thought, he raced across the courtyard and made his way to the stable.

He thanked the Gods when he saw a familiar blonde person saddling a rather dull looking brown mare.

"Evanlyn." He hissed, using her disguise name.

Her head shot up and she narrowed her eyes.

He could see she carried little, only a survival pack on the horse as well as a small sash that probably contained money. She was in her peasant clothes, wrapped in a grey cloak to obscure her hair.

It was obvious she planned to leave.

"Horace you have to go back to the castle." She commanded, her tone high. But he could see her fear and apprehension grow as he came closer.

He knew she was appealing to his sense of loyalty, but he shook his head adamantly and went forward to take the horse's reins so she couldn't leave.

"You don't understand, I have to go. Please."

"Why?" He demanded.

"Geldon said I was in danger, he's right. I can't trust anyone. I hate feeling like a prisoner within my own castle."

"Cassie, you can't run off, you're supposed to be crowned! What will everyone do without a monarch?"

The Princess bit her lip, and wondered if she could manage to evade him. Despite his size she knew he was fast on his feet, probably faster than her. She dismissed the thought.

"Come back to the castle." He told her much softer than before, his blue eyes begging her to see reason.

Against her desire to obey him, she drew herself up and shook her head slightly.

"I'm leaving, you can't stop me."

Scowling, Horace dropped the reins and crossed the room without a word.

Shocked by his reaction, Cassie merely stared after him instead of mounting and riding away.

Wasn't this the bit where they said goodbye, or something?

Then she heard the familiar clop of hooves and he reappeared, with his horse Kicker in tow.

"No." She answered automatically, her mouth a thin line.

Horace smiled grimly and tightened Kicker's saddle, making sure his gear was also properly attached.

"I can come with you and protect you, or follow you anyway; it's your choice."

Cassie wanted to hit him over the head for being so stubborn, but realised she would want the company. He would also fret about it if he wasn't there to take care of her.

"Where will we go?" She asked, instantly letting him take control of the situation.

"Redmont. Whether or not we stay at the castle is irrelevant. If it's a Ranger, they can't be three day's rides away, and Halt and Will take care of their Fief. It's safe there; relatively."

Smiling, tears filling in her eyes, she embraced him tightly in a hug, knowing she instantly felt much safer with him.

Shrugging her off with an obvious red tinge, Horace told her gruffly, "perhaps now isn't the time, we still have to get out of here."

Releasing him, she blushed too. "Right."

He glanced at her, catching her eyes and she hesitated. She saw the uncertainty there, echoing her own feelings.

They both wondered if this was the best idea after all.


A/N:

Figured Kicker has a few years left in him.

- Love Mae.