This is the first year that I didn't write anything for April Fools. It didn't seem right with what's going on with the world. Also, a close relative probably got the virus but she was told that unless her fever went to 102 and if she couldn't breathe to stay home. She was sick for over a week. I have been worried about her and my parents who are in the 80's and they could have potentially been exposed to the virus. I'm still watching them for symptoms. So, you can see why I didn't feel like writing.
But she seems to be getting better and my parents haven't shown any symptoms. I need a break from the nonstop work and worry. I hope you are safe and well.
I do not own.
The trio rode as far as the horse could carry them. When it finally slowed down from exhaustion, they spotted a stable attached to a rundown farmhouse in the distance.
Conrad frowned, spotting the sign, "That's the Spotted Dog Tavern. It's not the most… reputable place."
"Well, maybe we can stay there overnight. This poor beast can't go much further." The princess patted the neck of the horse.
They dismounted and began walking toward the tavern. Conrad held onto the horse's reins.
"Why were those men after you?" Roy finally asked as they strolled down the dirt road.
The princess sighed. "You probably already heard that I am Princess Reselda… from the Kingdom Provdencia. My father has been fighting against the Principality of Baratrum. After several days of siege, they have almost breached the walls. I snuck out to get help but was spotted by some of the emperor's men."
"Oh, little brother, what have you gotten us into." Conrad shook his head.
"Well, what was I supposed to do? Let them kill her?" Roy asked.
"They probably wouldn't kill her. The most logical course would be to hold her for ransom." Conrad said.
"I'm sorry, I got you two involved but if my kingdom falls, the emperor will sweep across the land destroying and pillaging." She interrupted.
"Princess, my little brother is my only concern. I don't want the most ruthless tyrant this side of the mountains coming after him." Conrad informed her.
"But Conrad!" Roy protested. "You're the one who said mother and father would always help someone in need."
Conrad paused to look from the princess to his brother. "Well, seeing as we have already chosen our course. We have no choice but see this through."
"You're a bundle of enthusiasm." Roy grumbled. Conrad merely shrugged.
"Thank you. My father will reward your actions handsomely." The raven-haired princess said gratefully.
"The reward is not the only thing that's handsome." Roy grinned cheekily at her.
The princess looked taken aback for a second before bursting into laughter. She took the horse's reins from Conrad and moved quickly toward the tavern.
"Really, little brother?" Conrad looked disapprovingly at his brother.
"What? She's beautiful!" Roy exclaimed.
"She's… fair." Conrad conceded.
"Are you serious? She's more than fair… she's…"
"Clearly, we need to have another discussion on the facts of life…" Conrad snorted.
"Do we have to? I had nightmares after the last one." Roy groaned.
The princess had already arrived at the front of the stable. Roy and Conrad jogged to catch up.
When they got close, she spoke in hushed tones. "Please address me as Selda. I don't want anyone to know."
"Oh course, prin… Selda." Roy looked sheepish at the slip of tongue,
A gruff looking man came out to meet them.
"What do ya want?" He growled.
"Let me handle this." Conrad told them as he walked up. " Salutations, my good man, my siblings and I are weary travelers looking for accommodations for the night before we continue on our journey."
The man scowled. "I don't like you. You use big words." He made motions to attack when Selda placed a hand on his arm.
"Please kind sir. We are looking for a place to stay the night. I'm sure someone as strong and smart as you can help us." She batted her eyelash at him.
The man relaxed. "Why didn't you say so?" He took the reins of the horse and led it into the stable. Then he motioned for them to follow him inside the wooden hut.
Once inside, they were surprised at the size. Tables with customers dotted the seedy place. A bar with a rather large and hairy man filled the mugs of the men at the counter. A single harried looking bar maid walked around serving the men at the tables. Several rough looking patrons looked up from their meal and drinks before turning their attention back.
"Wait, here." The man said before lumbering off to talk to the man at the bar. The three waited nervously as the two men talked while throwing glances at them. Finally, in what seemed like forever he came back. "Wait over there, while we prepare your rooms."
He pointed at a table.
"Thank you." Selda said sweetly.
Once the man left, Conrad muttered under his breath. "Philistine."
"Shhh," Selda hushed him. "We need to blend in the best we can."
"There's someone in the corner that doesn't look like he belongs here." Roy whispered.
She got up and pretended to adjust her dress before sitting down. She had discretely but promptly assessed the man in the corner. "He looks to be a traveling knight. I don't know why he still has his helmet and visor on."
"And he's wearing an awful lot of green." Roy observed.
"Yes, but the tabard has no identifying insignia of any kingdoms." She said.
"As long as he doesn't bother us, he can wear whatever he wants." Conrad said dismissively.
"Your rooms are ready." The man suddenly appeared.
The group started a little but recovered quickly. They followed the man to the back to a flight of stairs. They had to pass by the strange knight. Roy couldn't help but stare. The knight calmly took a sip from his mug.
They were shown rooms. Selda had a room to herself while the boys were placed in a room across from hers.
Conrad wrinkled his nose as he surveyed the room. There was just a pile of hay in the corner, a table and chair with an unlit candle in the center of the table.
Roy wasn't shy. He hopped onto the hay and fell asleep.
Conrad sighed. He looked around the sparse space. He walked over to the table. He looked over at his sleeping brother, then waving his hand over the candle. Immediately a flame danced on the wick. Conrad looked at his hand curiously before he smiled lightly.
"Good night, Roy." He blew out the candle. Then Conrad sat down, folded his arms on the table, placed his head on his arms and went to sleep.
0o0
A few hours later, Reselda was awaken by footsteps from the hallway. She grabbed her small dagger and sat up. She held her breath as the footsteps faded away. She was about to lie back when she saw light seep through under the door accompanied by shadows. She got up but was uncertain what to do. The doorknob started jiggling. Reselda turned to try to get out through the window when she walked into a man whose hand flew over her mouth.
I'm going to try to update more regularly. Like I said, things have been crazy where I am. But I finish my stories as long as I can write. Be safe and wash your hands!