Chapter 9 – On the Road

A couple of days later, Prince Liam waited on his black stallion Midnight outside of the stables. Midnight was stamped his feet impatiently. They were waiting for everyone to get ready. It was a warm day. Liam wore a loose blue shirt with short white breeches.

Finally, the ten knights coming with Liam rode out on their horses. The party was small so they would be less noticeable by the bandits. At the very end was Ann riding astride. She was wearing men's clothes so it was easier for her to ride. She had chosen a gentle bay mare named Melody. Liam smiled at her and led the party out of the stable yard. They were well on the road when Liam decided to drop back to talk to Ann.

"I didn't know you could ride so well. You don't need me to teach you," he commented.

"I was taught how to ride when I was young," she explained. "But I haven't ridden since we sold our horses in Meran. That's why I chose Melody."

There was a pause, and then Ann asked, "Where are we going anyway?"

"To Briar City in the country of Wrell, that's where Briana was heard from last. I think she went there last month to visit a friend of hers."

"Oh," was the reply. "How long do you think it will take?"

Liam answered, "Three weeks, if all goes well."

"Why am I accompanying you then?" this question had been on Ann's mind ever since she was told about the mission.

"I don't know. Mother said you could help me."

"How?"

"I have no idea."

"Oh."

"Guess we'll wait and see then."

Then both were silent; the only sound was the horses' hooves against the stone road.

"I'm sorry Ann," Liam whispered.

"What for now?" Ann was baffled, "Why are you apologizing for no reason?"

"I know you hate Briana. I'm sorry that you have to come and help me find her."

Ann sighed. "I don't hate her – "

"You don't? Even after all the things she did to you?" Liam interrupted, his eyes wide in disbelief.

Ann shook her head. "No, I don't hate her. I feel sorry for her. She feels insecure, so she makes fun of other people to make herself feel safe."

"But she did do mean things to you," Liam argued, "Are you telling me you are going to forgive her just like that?"

"I didn't say I forgave her. I said I feel sorry for her, just like I felt sorry for you when you followed her lead." With that, she urged Melody into a canter and rode off ahead, leaving a confused Liam behind.

The party travelled south towards Briar city. There weren't many towns in between, because it was mostly forest, so they camped when it was dark.

The knights of the party were all in their thirties and forties, and they had plenty of tales of adventure to share. One knight, Sir Ian, was an excellent storyteller. Every night, if they were tired, they'd gather around the fire and hear Sir Ian's stories or Ann's enchanting music. So far, the journey had been pretty peaceful, for they hadn't met any dangers yet.

One morning before dawn, when they were in the woods, Liam got up to take a walk. He found Ann was already up. So he invited Ann to go on a walk with him.

The air was fresh. All was silent except for bird songs as they trekked through the dew-damp grass. They came to the top of a hill and stopped to gaze at the scenery. The sun was just started to rise above the horizon. The gray sky slowly turned to pink. A new day had begun. As the sun rose higher, it set the clouds on fire and highlighted surrounding objects reddish orange. It was a beautiful sight to behold.

"Wow," Ann breathed.

"You should see the sunrise from the east library tower at home," Liam whispered.

"I've seen it. I've even tried painting the scene," answered Ann.

"Really? I'd like to see it sometime."

"It's not very good. I haven't mastered painting yet."

They were silent as they followed a deer trail into a clearing.

"Oh look!" Ann exclaimed as she walked toward a wild rosebush full of pink buds, some were already blooming. The petals still had dewdrops on them. She stopped in front of an open blossom and inhaled deeply, taking in the sweet scent.

"Ah," she sighed in content. "I love roses."

"When we get home, I'll show you our rose garden. There's more types and colours than you can count," Liam offered.

"That's great. Thank you," Ann answered. "Do you have wild roses?" Liam shook his head. "Those are my favourites. They can take care of themselves, and are still pretty."

Liam reached down and plucked a blossom in full bloom. "I don't understand why such beautiful plants have such ugly thorns, they scar the beauty."

Ann shook her head. "Nothing is perfect. The thorns are there to protect the plant. You may think that it's a curse that thorns are placed on roses, but I think it's a blessing that roses are placed in thorns."

Liam chuckled, "I didn't know you are a philosopher." He gently tucked the rose blossom into Ann's braid. "There."

He stood back and smiled. The pale rose stood out against Ann's dark hair. The dewdrops on the petals glittered in the morning sun.

Liam walked closer to her and put a hand on her cheek while holding her hand with his other hand. "Ann, I really admire you." He paused, "And I love you." he whispered.

Ann's eyes grew big. She broke free of his hold and tried to run, but Liam caught her.

"Wait, don't be afraid. Please."

Ann looked back at him but didn't answer. She couldn't understand her feelings, but she didn't like the sad and pleading look in Liam's eyes either.

"Too sudden," she managed to say.

"Okay," Liam swallowed. "Then, then I'll wait."

~*~

Evensong - I have a couple of days off after exams. So hopefully, I'll be able to update more.

kaio - yeah, Liam's was snow white. You can read her story, it's called "White as Snow? Not Really!"

cyjj - I'll update as soon as I can.

hypergurl20022 - Thank you!!

Olenochka - Thanks!!