Thank you for the likes and reviews. This series has a new beta-reader. So expect some updates in the previous chapters. Nothing much, just some minor checks on spelling and grammar that I missed out.
Title: Oriold Checkpoint
Inspired by: Chapter 36 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime
Character: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki
Wordcount: 659
Rating: General
Oriold is an important outpost guiding travelers straight to Wilant. Back at the Saturn Gate, I contemplated on whether I should head to Allulionne Keep first before heading straight to the checkpoint. But it's location is nearer if I traveled from Saturn Gate, so at the last minute, I headed to Oriold checkpoint.
"My apologies, Shirayuki. It seems we need to head to Oriold first." I directed Zephyr to the path heading to the checkpoint.
She nodded.
"Are you worried about people passing through the gates? Her Majesty is residing at Wilant Castle; will she be alright?"
"It would take a whole army to subdue my mother, Shirayuki. If she gets wind of the news about the outbreak, there would be no stopping her. She would be at the forefront, guiding the physicians on what to do." I briefly remembered how my mother, Queen Haruto would stubbornly refuse to stay in the sidelines and insist that she wanted to know firsthand what is going on. She still has a lot of energy to spend, bless her. But, as her firstborn, I do worry about her sometimes.
"I have heard a few stories about, Her Majesty. Although some of her exploits seemed too fantastic to be true." She rested her hand briefly on my arm, while Zephyr tried to gallop on a straight, but narrow path. She is still trying to get used to my horse's great height and it doesn't help when we are galloping at a bridge crossing a river with strong currents.
"You will meet her soon enough." I promised, wondering what my mother would think of her when she visits Wistal. My mother is not a difficult woman to please, but she is set on her ways and has an inquisitive mind. She gets downright curious about things that caught her attention, and I am willing to bet Shirayuki shall be no exception. It seems the Wistalia family's fate is inexplicable tied to this girl. First Zen, now I, and pretty soon, mother might join into the foray as well.
Up ahead, A tower stood alone surrounded by tall, spiky pine trees. Oriold is a small, yet important outpost for it is a direct link to Wilant Castle. It does not necessarily experience heavy traffic; for Saturn Gate sieves out most of the travelers heading to the direction of Wilant. However, Oriold is an important highway, linking roads leading to two countries bordering Clarines to the West. Diplomats often used it to correspond regularly with Her Majesty. I am worried that the outpost is near Lyrias. Travelers coming from the city of scholars have high chances of spreading the disease further if they met foreigners who might in avertedly carry the disease back to their country where they originally came from. The mystery around the illness deepens, and although it is not contagious, caution must be exercised.
A handful of guards are stationed at Oriold. The small outpost also serves as their residence. Captain Gaius must have sent messengers for they seemed to expect our arrival.
But as we drew near, I noted the small clutch of people standing at the other side, while they speak through the thick iron bars barring the outsiders from entering.
I recognized my brother's blond hair standing at the other side, while their horses waited patiently a few feet away.
Zephyr stopped abruptly. Without warning, I quickly dismounted, leaving Shirayuki on top. I briefly contemplated on letting her wait. But she looked so uncomfortable, that I took a little pity on her.
"Easy." I cautioned her, clamping tight on her waist, as I caught her. I held her longer than necessary, and she seemed to note this, but kept quiet.
Instead, her attention is caught by my brother standing at the other side of the iron gates.
Zen Wistalia stood and waited for us to approach, until we were only a few feet away.
"Brother, Shirayuki.."
Blue eyes met mine.
Notes:
If you are closely following the manga, you will notice that I changed some parts of the timeline in the next few chapters. In the manga, Shirayuki and Izana went to Lord Makiri and Lady Haki first before heading to Oriold checkpoint. Reading through the chapters I wrote, I decided to change this tiny detail by making them go to Oriold checkpoint first before meeting Makiri and Haki for a few reasons which might be obvious to you as you proceed with the next chapters.