Chapter 5 ~ Reaching Golden Lake
Disclaimer: He, He I'm back and I didn't forget that this story existed. I was planning on thinking up a way for the whole Saddam Hussein situation to be solved but.... the president declared war so I didn't get the chance. Now I'm back to writing again and for those of you who care I have a name on Fictionpress it's the same name as this so if you feel up to it check them out. I'll get to writing before any other things pop up. TTYL y'all!
Daniel woke up to find Elizabeth up and moving around. She had cooked porridge, washed and dressed herself, and packed up both of their horses. I think she's done enough.
Daniel made a motion to sit up but managed a slight moan of pain as the effects of his work gave impact. Elizabeth who had heard him, walked over carrying a hot bowl of porridge as well as a wet cloth. She knelt beside him and placed the cloth over his head with care. The clothed was warm and was dancing with scents. Breathing heavily he took in the scents of lavender, ginger, holly rose and something unexplainable. She managed to slightly levitate him, enough so that he could eat considerably well. The porridge had that weird scent in it as well, but being too tired to ask he ignored it swallowing warm bites or porridge in his dry mouth. She twisted her water flask allowing the water to flow into his mouth for a moment. He swallowed grateful for her care.
She looked into his eyes and noticed that her medicine was working. She had hoped that it would work well, because when used wrong vervain could be a dangerous ingredient. Daniel sensed something working strength up his body. It tingled and almost made him itch. The feeling finally consumed his whole body forcing him to relax for a few moments before the feeling settled into his usual state allowing him to breathe normally. He looked up a bit unsettled by how the magic had worked through him and taken control. "What was that?" he whispered in a tone that was barely audible. "Oh, just a medicine that every village daughter was taught how to make" she lied quaintly and did not look into his eyes as she did so. She knew he would be frightened by the prospect of her using vervain. It could have been death for her.
Standing up quickly she strode over to their horses and mounted hers quietly hoping that Daniel would do the same without her having to ask him to. She knew that if she spoke her voice would crack telling how she lied. It took a moment but Daniel was up and rolling his bed roll with new strength confused at Elizabeth's silence. In the morning she was always a chatterbox followed by a quiet afternoon. Something was wrong but what he could not tell. He silently placed his bed roll into his other cargo and mounted, noticing that his bruises were still in place and wide awake. He trotted up beside her wincing at an occasional pain. "Well we should make good time today" he said.
They had been riding silently for around two hours when they broke free of the woods. Before them lay a vast valley sprinkled with small, tight clusters of trees surrounding a lake. The lake held an indescribable beauty as it shimmered with a golden tint under the mid-day sun. A city lay near by, the city of Golden Lake. The castle in all its splendor was a glistening Bluish gray color shrouded by the many dancing black shadows. Elizabeth sighed at the sight whishing she could take a few days of rest in the city but knowing better than to listen to her foolish hopes.
Daniel snapped her out of the trance by blurting out his plan "alright we came on a market day. I say we go in buy a few supplies and get back on the road." "What?" came Elizabeth's confused reply. "You heard me" said Daniel a bit sarcastically "just blend in." "Like that'll work" Elizabeth muttered more to herself. All her life she had never fit in how was she supposed to start now. "I heard that' said Daniel "and don't worry we'll be fine." He started off at a trot down the hill into the valley looking carefree. Elizabeth though reluctant followed pursuit.
Daniel trotted his horse into a side street away from the hustle and bustle of the crowd. In the distance Elizabeth heard a cry of "speech" coming from a great crowd. They dismounted and tethered their mounts to a nearby fence. Daniel took her hand leading her towards the distant sounds. Before long they were among the throng of men and women gathered in the main square. In the center of the crowd was a large platform with two men on it. She recognized the one giving the speech automatically. It was Sir Raoul of Golden Lake. She surveyed him. He had nice strong features with his black hair reaching towards his tan skin. Elizabeth focused on his eyes they were of a coal black color but they showed the emotion of happiness. Wrinkles around his eyes as well as an upturned mouth showed that he had a sense of humor and loved to laugh, but he was tight almost as if he was expecting to be attacked at any moment. After a few more moments of studying his character she chose to look at her feet.
She looked up to see a young group of women walk by eyeing her with disgust. She looked down to see what her clothes looked like. Her breeches had grass as well as many dirt stains. Her tunic complied of many a black stain from her battle with the creature. She still had not figured out what it was but guessed it was one of the immortals that Tortall was having trouble with. She looked up once more to find the speech over and Daniel nowhere in sight.
In a moment of panic she rushed about in and out of tents hoping to find him before she got herself into any trouble, but as she ran into a rather tall figure she knew that, that was out of the question. Feeling rather small and lost she looked up a bit panic stricken by the prospect of being found out. Looming over her was not a mere merchant or even a soldier but Lord Raoul himself. Remembering her manners she made to scramble up but was offered a hand by the burly knight. She took the offered hand with a soft "thank you, sir" followed by a bow.
Coming up from her bow she realized that she had done a terrible thing. She had bowed in her home manner, the Gallen way. Darn, she thought after practicing so much you think I would be able to get one thing right. When she looked up again there was no more smile on the mans face but a frown a frown that showed the many times he had faced her country a frown that told her that her future was an almost certain death, or was it? He didn't look deadly he just looked a little frightened by her presence. Their silence was broken by a young man yelling "there you are." Elizabeth twisted around to meet Daniels smiling face. "Don't you ever do that again. You could have gotten in trouble and know one would be there to help you, you could have" "okay, okay, okay" he said interrupting her sentence "whatever you say mother" he added teasingly. She gave him her usual death glare before remembering their company.
She turned yet once again to face Raoul to find the corners of his mouth tipped up once more His eyes crinkled showing clear signs of laughter. "I take it your both new here. May I ask where you're from?" He already knew the answer but this was to check. He looked at the young man who sighed in a depressed way before saying "Galla sir."
Daniel had spoken loud enough for the hustle and bustle that was closest to them stopped moving and turned to watch, the two guards stationed at the nearest tent walked briskly toward them. As a sign of peace Elizabeth made no move not even to flinch as one of the guards grabbed her. Raoul raised his hands in a motion that told them to retreat to their positions. Confused the guards released them to walk nimbly back to their stations. Raoul made a whistle that clearly signaled three horses to come. The horses charge through the still crowd to stop before them. They were all strong, diligent war horses. The only mare was in a testy mood but seemed calm enough. Raoul made a motion towards them. Elizabeth watched her friend mount up making sure that he had no difficulties before heading for the testy mare.
The war horse eyed her at a distance and seemed to be deciding between kick or bite. She reached it before its decision was made and stroked down her long nose whispering quiet reassuring words to her all the while. She slid her boot into the stirrup noticing that the mare was tensing up. Only a fool would not have realized the potential to rear. Swing her leg over swiftly she groped for the reins. Feeling the leather reach her hands she almost sighed but the mare was up and rearing. She knew not to frighten or endanger the mare more then she already had so she leaned forward pressing herself against the mare's neck. She said a few comforting words while doing feather light touches on her back just near the saddle. This seemed to calm her enough to be ridden.
She looked up from her conquered ordeal and said to Raoul "where to sir?" He nodded grimly towards his home and signaled for them to move on. He had to get his friend Gary or Gareth of Naxen. He should know about the Gallan children and he had no idea what to do about this situation he commanded the King's Own, could battle against orges, but he didn't know how to deal with his enemies kin. He sighed in confusion and turned around to look for Gary.
The young woman looked towards the castle of Golden Lake and followed Raoul's orders making a soft clucking noise and trotted off. She stopped once more at the top of a small hill giving Daniel time to catch up. "Race ya'" he said as he stared towards the castle. She surveyed the terrain in front of her and noticed two bridges as well as two small hills. She rubbed her horse's neck and gave her a nice pat for being agreeable. She looked towards her friend "okay." "On three" came his reply "1, 2, 3 go."
Starting at a smooth trot she moved into a quick canter. She didn't even have to signal for faster before the mare went into a full out gallop. She leaned forward as the mare jumped the river avoiding the bridge. Clearing beautifully she moved on towards the next sound of rushing water. It was a bit wider and was definitely deeper. She leaned forward once more determined to clear the river and before she knew it the mare was in the air gliding smoothly over the rush of the winters melt water. She landed smoothly and continued up towards the looming building. For those moments Elizabeth had felt free and now all she felt was dread for what was to come.
She rode through the large gate and dismounted. She gave the mare a nice kiss on the muzzle and two lumps of sugar that had resided in her pocket. She whinnied pleased and trotted off to the caretaker. Elizabeth watched her friend as he dimounted and laughed as he practically fell from the saddle. "It's not funny it hurts." "I'm sorry but if you healed me why not heal yourself." "I have to limit my magic so that I have some at all times" he said sarcastically. "Oh, well now were in for it" she said as Raoul rode into the scene with another man.
Disclaimer: Young girl may and will at times mean Elizabeth as well as Young man for Daniel okay. Just so there's no questions. Anyway R&R TTYL!
Disclaimer: He, He I'm back and I didn't forget that this story existed. I was planning on thinking up a way for the whole Saddam Hussein situation to be solved but.... the president declared war so I didn't get the chance. Now I'm back to writing again and for those of you who care I have a name on Fictionpress it's the same name as this so if you feel up to it check them out. I'll get to writing before any other things pop up. TTYL y'all!
Daniel woke up to find Elizabeth up and moving around. She had cooked porridge, washed and dressed herself, and packed up both of their horses. I think she's done enough.
Daniel made a motion to sit up but managed a slight moan of pain as the effects of his work gave impact. Elizabeth who had heard him, walked over carrying a hot bowl of porridge as well as a wet cloth. She knelt beside him and placed the cloth over his head with care. The clothed was warm and was dancing with scents. Breathing heavily he took in the scents of lavender, ginger, holly rose and something unexplainable. She managed to slightly levitate him, enough so that he could eat considerably well. The porridge had that weird scent in it as well, but being too tired to ask he ignored it swallowing warm bites or porridge in his dry mouth. She twisted her water flask allowing the water to flow into his mouth for a moment. He swallowed grateful for her care.
She looked into his eyes and noticed that her medicine was working. She had hoped that it would work well, because when used wrong vervain could be a dangerous ingredient. Daniel sensed something working strength up his body. It tingled and almost made him itch. The feeling finally consumed his whole body forcing him to relax for a few moments before the feeling settled into his usual state allowing him to breathe normally. He looked up a bit unsettled by how the magic had worked through him and taken control. "What was that?" he whispered in a tone that was barely audible. "Oh, just a medicine that every village daughter was taught how to make" she lied quaintly and did not look into his eyes as she did so. She knew he would be frightened by the prospect of her using vervain. It could have been death for her.
Standing up quickly she strode over to their horses and mounted hers quietly hoping that Daniel would do the same without her having to ask him to. She knew that if she spoke her voice would crack telling how she lied. It took a moment but Daniel was up and rolling his bed roll with new strength confused at Elizabeth's silence. In the morning she was always a chatterbox followed by a quiet afternoon. Something was wrong but what he could not tell. He silently placed his bed roll into his other cargo and mounted, noticing that his bruises were still in place and wide awake. He trotted up beside her wincing at an occasional pain. "Well we should make good time today" he said.
They had been riding silently for around two hours when they broke free of the woods. Before them lay a vast valley sprinkled with small, tight clusters of trees surrounding a lake. The lake held an indescribable beauty as it shimmered with a golden tint under the mid-day sun. A city lay near by, the city of Golden Lake. The castle in all its splendor was a glistening Bluish gray color shrouded by the many dancing black shadows. Elizabeth sighed at the sight whishing she could take a few days of rest in the city but knowing better than to listen to her foolish hopes.
Daniel snapped her out of the trance by blurting out his plan "alright we came on a market day. I say we go in buy a few supplies and get back on the road." "What?" came Elizabeth's confused reply. "You heard me" said Daniel a bit sarcastically "just blend in." "Like that'll work" Elizabeth muttered more to herself. All her life she had never fit in how was she supposed to start now. "I heard that' said Daniel "and don't worry we'll be fine." He started off at a trot down the hill into the valley looking carefree. Elizabeth though reluctant followed pursuit.
Daniel trotted his horse into a side street away from the hustle and bustle of the crowd. In the distance Elizabeth heard a cry of "speech" coming from a great crowd. They dismounted and tethered their mounts to a nearby fence. Daniel took her hand leading her towards the distant sounds. Before long they were among the throng of men and women gathered in the main square. In the center of the crowd was a large platform with two men on it. She recognized the one giving the speech automatically. It was Sir Raoul of Golden Lake. She surveyed him. He had nice strong features with his black hair reaching towards his tan skin. Elizabeth focused on his eyes they were of a coal black color but they showed the emotion of happiness. Wrinkles around his eyes as well as an upturned mouth showed that he had a sense of humor and loved to laugh, but he was tight almost as if he was expecting to be attacked at any moment. After a few more moments of studying his character she chose to look at her feet.
She looked up to see a young group of women walk by eyeing her with disgust. She looked down to see what her clothes looked like. Her breeches had grass as well as many dirt stains. Her tunic complied of many a black stain from her battle with the creature. She still had not figured out what it was but guessed it was one of the immortals that Tortall was having trouble with. She looked up once more to find the speech over and Daniel nowhere in sight.
In a moment of panic she rushed about in and out of tents hoping to find him before she got herself into any trouble, but as she ran into a rather tall figure she knew that, that was out of the question. Feeling rather small and lost she looked up a bit panic stricken by the prospect of being found out. Looming over her was not a mere merchant or even a soldier but Lord Raoul himself. Remembering her manners she made to scramble up but was offered a hand by the burly knight. She took the offered hand with a soft "thank you, sir" followed by a bow.
Coming up from her bow she realized that she had done a terrible thing. She had bowed in her home manner, the Gallen way. Darn, she thought after practicing so much you think I would be able to get one thing right. When she looked up again there was no more smile on the mans face but a frown a frown that showed the many times he had faced her country a frown that told her that her future was an almost certain death, or was it? He didn't look deadly he just looked a little frightened by her presence. Their silence was broken by a young man yelling "there you are." Elizabeth twisted around to meet Daniels smiling face. "Don't you ever do that again. You could have gotten in trouble and know one would be there to help you, you could have" "okay, okay, okay" he said interrupting her sentence "whatever you say mother" he added teasingly. She gave him her usual death glare before remembering their company.
She turned yet once again to face Raoul to find the corners of his mouth tipped up once more His eyes crinkled showing clear signs of laughter. "I take it your both new here. May I ask where you're from?" He already knew the answer but this was to check. He looked at the young man who sighed in a depressed way before saying "Galla sir."
Daniel had spoken loud enough for the hustle and bustle that was closest to them stopped moving and turned to watch, the two guards stationed at the nearest tent walked briskly toward them. As a sign of peace Elizabeth made no move not even to flinch as one of the guards grabbed her. Raoul raised his hands in a motion that told them to retreat to their positions. Confused the guards released them to walk nimbly back to their stations. Raoul made a whistle that clearly signaled three horses to come. The horses charge through the still crowd to stop before them. They were all strong, diligent war horses. The only mare was in a testy mood but seemed calm enough. Raoul made a motion towards them. Elizabeth watched her friend mount up making sure that he had no difficulties before heading for the testy mare.
The war horse eyed her at a distance and seemed to be deciding between kick or bite. She reached it before its decision was made and stroked down her long nose whispering quiet reassuring words to her all the while. She slid her boot into the stirrup noticing that the mare was tensing up. Only a fool would not have realized the potential to rear. Swing her leg over swiftly she groped for the reins. Feeling the leather reach her hands she almost sighed but the mare was up and rearing. She knew not to frighten or endanger the mare more then she already had so she leaned forward pressing herself against the mare's neck. She said a few comforting words while doing feather light touches on her back just near the saddle. This seemed to calm her enough to be ridden.
She looked up from her conquered ordeal and said to Raoul "where to sir?" He nodded grimly towards his home and signaled for them to move on. He had to get his friend Gary or Gareth of Naxen. He should know about the Gallan children and he had no idea what to do about this situation he commanded the King's Own, could battle against orges, but he didn't know how to deal with his enemies kin. He sighed in confusion and turned around to look for Gary.
The young woman looked towards the castle of Golden Lake and followed Raoul's orders making a soft clucking noise and trotted off. She stopped once more at the top of a small hill giving Daniel time to catch up. "Race ya'" he said as he stared towards the castle. She surveyed the terrain in front of her and noticed two bridges as well as two small hills. She rubbed her horse's neck and gave her a nice pat for being agreeable. She looked towards her friend "okay." "On three" came his reply "1, 2, 3 go."
Starting at a smooth trot she moved into a quick canter. She didn't even have to signal for faster before the mare went into a full out gallop. She leaned forward as the mare jumped the river avoiding the bridge. Clearing beautifully she moved on towards the next sound of rushing water. It was a bit wider and was definitely deeper. She leaned forward once more determined to clear the river and before she knew it the mare was in the air gliding smoothly over the rush of the winters melt water. She landed smoothly and continued up towards the looming building. For those moments Elizabeth had felt free and now all she felt was dread for what was to come.
She rode through the large gate and dismounted. She gave the mare a nice kiss on the muzzle and two lumps of sugar that had resided in her pocket. She whinnied pleased and trotted off to the caretaker. Elizabeth watched her friend as he dimounted and laughed as he practically fell from the saddle. "It's not funny it hurts." "I'm sorry but if you healed me why not heal yourself." "I have to limit my magic so that I have some at all times" he said sarcastically. "Oh, well now were in for it" she said as Raoul rode into the scene with another man.
Disclaimer: Young girl may and will at times mean Elizabeth as well as Young man for Daniel okay. Just so there's no questions. Anyway R&R TTYL!
