AND: Well so glad everyone still likes m story. I would like a few more reviews and might hold back chapter if I don't get at least one per chapter. Didgi girl, Eiki-chan, your characters are introduced this chapter. Hope you like them in the future.
Disclaimer: See previous
Chapter 9
"News and Information"
"Emma?" Spring said softly. "What does she have to report?"
The rebel soldier shifted from foot to foot and glanced about nervously. "The royal soldiers have been given the order to attack anyone they find in the forest. We contacted Eiki to find out why. She said Waterfist was ranting about the True Heir returning."
The people who were bustling about stopped and turned to stare. Many were with wide eyes. Women placed hands to their mouths. Children looked up to their parents faces, and men stood with disbelief in their eyes.
"Is Eiki certain that Waterfist knows of the Heir?" Pith said. Molly shifted uncomfortably and moved to blend in with the Naurasians. Prince Aikka placed a hand on her shoulder and gently held her still.
"Yes, Waterfist has been saying the most unpleasant things about the Heir, according to Eiki," the rebel said. Spring looked to her brother who looked toward the edge of the Keep.
"The Heir is alive and well," he said and turned back to the rebel. "We need accommodations and food for our guests and get Nagali to meet us in the main war room."
With a swift nod and some form of salute, the rebel was running off again. Spring motioned for the Naurasians and Molly to follow her. Pith stood by and gave orders to the others they had come with to disperse and not mention anything of what happened. The men and women went off to their homes in the mountain.
The group of Naurasians was led into a large cavern with a table and many maps lay about and hung on the walls. Chairs were strung about the room. Spring took a seat near the largest map on the wall at the back of the room. Molly chose a seat and was immediately surrounded by Ahn and Prince Aikka with Canaan sitting next to Ahn. The other Naurasians filtered into the room. Pith soon arrived and closed the door.
"Now, I know you're probably wondering why we didn't just say she is the Heir," Pith said and pointed at Molly. "Well, we believe there is a traitor in our midst and don't want to give Waterfist anymore help than she's already got."
"You have no clues as to who the traitor is?" Prince Aikka asked.
Spring shook her head. "We do have a few suspects but nothing stable. And, I'm sure you have some other questions, prince."
"Who are Emma and Eiki?" Canaan asked.
"Our spies in the capitol. Emma is a cook for the royal guard and Eiki is a handmaiden for Princess Forestfoot, Waterfist's daughter," Spring said.
"How do you fight against Waterfist?" Prince Aikka asked.
Pith grinned, which was very scary. "Harriers and landwalkers, not to mention guerilla tactics."
"Harriers? Landwalkers?" Molly said.
"Divisions of fighting based solely on what animal you are bonded with. Harriers are bound to bird sand landwalkers to earth bound beasts. There are also the waveriders, those bonded to marine life, but they stay out of this conflict," an old Elysian woman said from the doorway. "You called me here Pith, and now I see why. The True Heir, the Queen, has returned."
