- Chapter 30 -


As she settled herself into the saddle, she felt a heavy wave of uncertainty. Surely the Woodland Realm had better healers that would provide more assistance to Galdiron. As it stood, there was Galdiron, herself, and another elleth and ellon whose names she couldn't recall that would be in charge of the healing wards; with Galdiron being the head healer the other three would report to. She had no idea what to expect when they entered the city, or what kind of wreckage had taken place. What did dragon ravaged survivors look like?

I'll find out in four days.

Four days. That's how long it would take them to reach Dale. The slowness of the wagons would prevent them from moving faster until they reached level ground.

Looking behind her at the now mounted host, her uncertainty grew even more. Just what was she getting herself into this time?

Her guards positioned themselves around her as they took their first steps outside and she breathed a heavy sigh of relief. She lost track of how long she spent inside the halls of the Woodland Realm and the flow of fresh air across her skin was intoxicating to her soul. The nip in the air told her fall was in full swing and as the host began its walk through the woods, the familiar crunch of fallen leaves under the horses hooves and wagon wheels was like music to her ears.

"I realize I never introduced myself," the elleth on her right said. Shyloh looked at her guard and found an apologetic smile greet her. "My name is Eithrien. I apologize for neglecting that earlier."

"It's nice to meet you," Shyloh said.

"I believe you know Sidhel and Nodron," she nodded to Sidhel on Shyloh's left side and when she nodded to Nodron, Shyloh met the eyes of the archer from the clearing who held the arrow to her. He gave her only a brief nod but then he turned away and continued looking at the trees they passed. "And this is Tinnion and Ganir." Shyloh twisted around and Ganir and Tinnion both nodded their heads and followed Nodron's lead and went to gazing at the surrounding area as they passed.

"We will be your permanent guard from here on out," Eithrien said.

"Thank you," was all she managed to say.

As they rode, Eithrien was the only one that willingly conversed with Shyloh. The other four ellyn didn't speak a word unless it was to each other, but even those moments were rare. She felt their stares all throughout the day and the same went for those that rode around them. The King and his advisers were just a short ways ahead leading the host; the King's own personal guards making up most of the company around him, but even sometimes she caught their eyes on her. She'd meet their glances and they'd twist away with not so friendly expressions on their faces.

Half way through the first day, she rode just a little closer to Eithrien.

"Why do I get the feeling I did something wrong?" she asked quietly, and the elleth stiffened a little; a look of hesitancy crossing her eyes.

Eithrien closed the distance between the two of them, so their knees were practically touching and leaned in closer. "They blame you for the banishment of the three guards following the escape of the dwarves."

"Banishment?" Shyloh asked, wide eyed.

Eithrien nodded solemnly. "Yes, mind you, they are not permanently banished, but their sentence prevents them from coming within the walls of the Realm until their sentences are complete. They are on border patrol in the north for a five year term."

Shyloh's face paled and she felt a cold shock flow through her limbs.

"I am assuming by your expression that you did not know the King had punished them?"

She shook her head. "No, I was not aware."

Unaware to Shyloh, Sidhel gave his fellow guard a warning look over the white head of the elleth next to him, and Eithrien said no more. They rode the rest of the day in silence while Shyloh's misery weighed down on her.


By the time her feet hit the forest floor, it was dark and Shyloh was exhausted; mentally and emotionally. Between worrying like crazy over the dwarves and now the news of the guards' banishment, she felt almost sick to her stomach.

At least now I know why everyone hates me, she thought to herself grimly.

Running a hand up the mare's gleaming neck, Shyloh took comfort in the mare's affectionate glance. Her chocolate brown eyes were soft and she nuzzled Shyloh's pockets with her muzzle as if looking for a treat.

"Sorry girl," she said, holding out her empty palms. "But I don't have anything."

Blowing through her nose, the mare didn't look too disappointed but before Shyloh could promise to bring her something later on, the stable hand from that morning sidled up to the horse and offered to take the reins. Reluctantly, Shyloh passed the mare off to the ellon; wanting nothing more than to lose herself in the smell of horses and leather while she brushed the mare out herself.

"My Lady, your tent is this way," Eithrien said as she extended her arm out. She led Shyloh and her guards across the dark campsite. Her eyes drifted to the different tents and over the elves that were starting up fires. Horses were led here and there, while other guards took up their posts around the camp. However, when she realized that she was being stared at by many of the others as she walked towards her tent, she redirected her gaze to Eithrien's rich dark hair.

Eithrien held open the flap of a small tent. When she walked inside, she saw it was furnished with a cot, a small wooden chair, and a small table with a basin and pitcher on top of it. It wasn't much, but it certainly was more than she expected. Well, to be honest, she expected to be sleeping under the stars on a bedroll.

"If you would like to wash up, feel free to do so. I will bring supper to you shortly, and we will be posted outside. Don't hesitate to ask if you need anything," said Eithrien and before Shyloh could say anything, the tent flap drifted closed and her shoulders sagged.

Brownie points for no maids, she thought wryly and she almost smiled.

Dropping her weapons on the end of the bed, she rolled up her sleeves and went to work washing the dust from their day off her face and hands. Then, she yanked the tie out of her braid and shook her hair out; combing through it quickly with her fingers. She flicked it behind her just as the flap opened and Eithrien entered.

"Some fresh clothes for you my Lady, supper will be a little bit yet," she said and she laid the bundle on the cot for her.

"Thank you Eithrien, I really appreciate it."

"It is my pleasure my Lady," she said, then hesitated slightly. "Lord Iamben has asked to speak with you once you are freshened up. I will be outside when you are ready."

Shyloh's smile faltered and she spun around. "What?"

"Yes," she said with a stiff back. "He was very insistent."

"Why would he want to talk to me?"

"I am not sure, my Lady."

Feeling all color drain from her face, Shyloh sucked in a deep breath and nodded. "Alright, I'll just get changed."

Dipping her head in a nod, Eithrien left the tent and closed the flap behind her.

Placing her hands on her hips, she tucked her chin to her chest in frustration. What on earth would he want to talk to her about? The obvious glares he directed at her the couple of times their eyes met did not make her want to hop, skip, and jump at the chance to speak with him.

Turning back to her cot, she reached down for the fresh clothes and almost let out a gasp. What she thought would be normal traveling clothes, was instead a dress. Its rich silver fabric and white embroidery was definitely something she would have never expected to see on a trip like this.

Seriously?

Holding it up, she bit her lip furiously until it bled and then grudgingly stripped out of her travel clothes, laying them on the chair in the corner. Pulling the dress over her head, she reached behind her and pulled her white hair out, letting it fall down her back. Unlike her other dresses, this one had a high collar and a v neck that exposed her collar bone and the necklace she always wore. The bell sleeves weren't nearly as wide as they would normally be, but they were still too long for her and hid most of her hands.

It was pretty, but she groaned. This was not the place for dresses. Just because she was a princess, didn't mean she always had to be made up like one. She didn't even know clothes had been packed for her.

Of course they had to pack you something, you couldn't wear the same clothes day in and day out.

Unfortunately, she figured if she had to meet with a Lord, then she probably shouldn't be covered in horse hair and grime. Forking through her hair again, she let part of it drape down her front and the rest flow down her back, but that was when she heard the angry voices.

Looking back down at herself quickly, she most definitely preferred the horse hair.

Stepping outside of her tent, she was met with Sidhel and Eithrien facing each other. Sidhel's expression was thunderous and Eithrien stood ramrod straight.

"Is there a problem?" she asked the two of them.

When she stepped up to them, his eyes glanced over her dress but then he pressed his lips together, placed his hands behind his back, and straightened.

"My Lady, perhaps your meeting with Lord Iamben should wait until tomorrow when we are on the road," he said quietly to her.

"Why?"

He shifted uncomfortably. "It has been a long ride and we will be starting again before daylight; you need time to rest."

"He is expecting her though," Eithrien said quickly and Sidhel's face darkened.

"You should not have accepted the invitation without consulting the Princess and myself first," he said, and Eithrien seemed to shrink under his glare.

"I did not accept the invitation on her behalf, his guard simply said her presence was requested at the tent of Lord Iamben," said Eithrien firmly but Sidhel shook his head.

"You should have replied that you would consult with the Lady and myself before anything else, now he is expecting her arrival," Sidhel snapped. "She has not even had supper yet."

"It's alright," Shyloh said, trying to intervene.

"No, it is not alright," Sidhel said, his eyes flashing. "It is improper of him to ask for a meeting with you so quickly after only just arriving."

"Ah, Sidhel, Eithrien," said a voice, and the three of them unanimously turned around. In the glow of the campfires, she watched a tall, dark haired ellon close the space between the three of them. His hands were linked behind his back. "My Lord Iamben was wondering what had delayed the Princess' arrival. He is most looking forward to speaking with her."

Sidhel drew himself up and narrowed his eyes.

"My Lady, if I may introduce myself, my name is Thadhron, I am Lord Iamben's personal assistant," the ellon said and he placed his hand over his heart and bowed. "If there are no more delays," he continued without giving her a chance to speak. "My Lord is expecting you."

Shyloh hesitated and her eyes flicked towards Sidhel and Eithiron briefly, but Thadhron held out his arm, expecting her to follow. Nodding her head once, she fell into step alongside Thadhron but Sidhel and her other guards were hot on her heels.

"My Lord Iamben has been anxious to meet you my Lady. He would have preferred to speak with you before our departure but unfortunately he was quite busy with the King."

"I can't imagine what he would like to speak with me about," she said as she purposely walked slowly. He noticed her slow steps and his eyes flashed impatiently. "I don't believe you have any idea what this could be about?"

He gave her a sympathetic smile but then shook his head. "No my Lady, I am afraid I do not, but I am sure that is between the two of you. Your guards are welcomed to stand outside while you speak in private."

"We most certainly will not," Sidhel snapped, his eyes flashing again.

"A few moments of her time can be spared of you and your company. She will be most safe, I assure you, Sidhel."

"It is out of the question, Thadhron," Sidhel snapped and suddenly they halted. "We are to remain by her side at all times."

"Surely you can allow her a few moments to speak with Lord Iamben without hovering over her as you have done all day."

Shyloh's temper started flaring, but Sidhel was way ahead of her.

"We have our orders," Sidhel said firmly.

As the two elves squared off with each other, Shyloh took matters into her own hands.

"I would hate to upset the King by going against his wishes by getting my guards in trouble. Perhaps this conversation can take place another time," she suggested, but Thadhron's eyes flashed impatiently again.

"No, I am afraid he said it was rather important," the ellon said.

"Why the urgency?" Sidhel demanded, but Thadhron wasn't so quick to back down.

"I am sure if that were any of your business, Sidhel, that you would have been invited as well."

"I don't think-"

"Is there an issue?" asked a voice and when Shyloh twisted her head around, Galdiron's face came into view.

Sidhel straightened but he still looked thunderous. Galdiron's eyes swept the scene swiftly.

"Of course not Galdiron, just a slight misunderstanding."

"Hardly a misunderstanding, Thadhron," Sidhel scoffed.

"Well then what seems to be the issue?" asked Galdiron. "Perhaps I can help?"

Sidhel had no trouble explaining the situation, and Galdiron frowned heavily, then shook his head.

"I am afraid I must agree with Sidhel on the matter, especially since it has already been a long day for us all, and no doubt she should probably eat something before the night wears out."

All eyes turned to her suddenly and she was thankful it was dark because her face flamed.

Licking her lips, she attempted to be as polite as possible. "Please send my apologies to Lord Iamben, and let him know the conversation will have to be delayed for tonight."

Thadhron looked less than pleased but then he gave a stiff nod of his head. "Of course, my Lady." He turned on his heel and left promptly but Sidhel only glared at his back as he went.

"Starting trouble already, my Lady?" Galdiron asked but she could see the smile in his eyes as he looked down at her. "We have only just begun our trip."

"I am afraid that is my doing," Eithrien admitted guiltily from behind Shyloh. "My deepest apologies, my Lady."

Sidhel scowled at his fellow guard member so Shyloh tried to sooth the waters.

"It's alright Eithrien, I'm sure it'll be fine," she said gently, but Galdiron and Sidhel did not look so easily convinced.

"I know Lord Iamben and he will not be pleased that he was dismissed. But enough of that for now. I am famished and unless my nose is lying I believe supper is ready. Unless you have already eaten, I would consider myself lucky if you would join me," Galdiron said.

"I am afraid none of us have eaten, and I'd love to."

She wanted to question Sidhel and Galdiron about why Iamben would want to speak with her – it seemed they might know something – but Galdiron kept the conversation flowing and never allowed her the opportunity. She had a feeling he was doing it on puropose but she grudgingly accepted the fact she'd have to try asking tomorrow.


"The scouts have reported no unusual activity and the troops are expected to arrive on schedule, my Lord."

"Very good, Ristedir," sighed the King.

The King's eyes drifted down to the maps strewn around the table in front of him and he frowned. Darkness seeped in from outside the tent flaps, and a cold breeze shifted the edges of the unfurled maps. The promise of rain was in the air; he could practically taste it, but he could only hope it would hold off until they passed through the forest and stepped on to a wider road.

It was well past midnight, yet he stood here with his advisers and the marchwarden; listening to the latest reports of his army's movements and patrols. So far, things were moving along smoothly.

Too smoothly.

The gems weighed heavily on his mind. How his wife had loved them so.

Where was Legolas?

His thoughts were quickly interrupted, and not for the first time that night.

"My Lord, might I once again ask you to reconsider my proposal, and question the Lady regarding -"

"No, you may not," the King interjected. "And I do not wish to hear you ask again, Iamben."

A heavy sigh from Iamben followed suit but the King knew his councilor would not quit so easily.

"Understandable my Lord, however -"

"My answer is the same now as it was yesterday when you asked, and the day before that. What part is confusing to you?"

"Nothing, my Lord, I just thought -"

"Good, then the matter is settled." With a flick of his hand, he dismissed those assembled in his tent and sank down into his chair.

Iamben lingered a moment as if he might attempt another try, but then he spun on his heel and in a whirl of his cloak, disappeared into the night. The King watched him go with narrowed eyes and troubled thoughts, but he was not alone more than a few seconds before Feren entered, leading Sidhel as requested.

The guard's face was drawn tight and already the King could tell he was not going to like the report he was about to hear. As Feren left, he closed the flap in the tent behind him; offering the King and Sidhel more privacy from prying eyes.

"My Lord," Sidhel said with a curt bow.

"Take a seat, Sidhel," the King said and once his guard did as requested he gave him a reserved look. "Your report?"

"The day went smoothly as planned my Lord," he said. "The Lady was compliant and did what was asked of her without question. I fear the mannerisms of my fellow guardsmen have put her on edge but we are closely monitoring it."

"Good, what else?"

"She sat with Galdrion for supper and then retired to her quarters. She is resting now."

The King nodded. "Now, tell me the part you left out."

Here, Sidhel hesitated and he leaned forwards in his seat, elbows resting on the armrests. "There was an incident with Lord Iamben that has me concerned."

The King straightened in his seat and tilted his head. "What kind of incident?"

Another hesitation. "My Lord, I think we have a problem."


Welcome new followers and thank you to those of you that left reviews. Your kind words are very encouraging!

I have to admit, I'm a lot like Shyloh: I'll take horse hair over dresses any day of the week!

-S