Chapter 8

"Come on, Carrie," I said. "He's just a pony, he won't bite."

My four year old sister stepped up timidly to the shaggy pony and said, "Ok, I'll ride it."

I didn't bother to correct her pronoun and lifted her onto the royal animal. She clung to his mane tightly and she looked very very scared as the patient pony began to walk around. I grinned as her grip loosened and her face relaxed, asmall smile starting to form at the coners of her mouth.

"See! It's fun," I said.

She nodded. "Yeah..."

Suddenly a stupid white rabbit darted from the bushes and the pony was startled. That 'gentle' pony gave a little buck and Carrie's fists immediatly wrapped around his mane tightly.

"Lance!" she shrieked terror written in her face.

I laughed and ran over to the pony. One hand on the bridle was all it took for it to stop and for Carrie to tumble off, breathing heavily.

"Wasn't that fun?" I crooned.

She nodded then shook her head and shrugged, trying hard notto cry. "It was scary, Lance. It was fun. But then it was a bad pony. Maybe someday I..."

"Lance!"

Conrad's voice interrupted my dream and I jerked my head up. I groaned when it suddenly hit a knot on the pole behind me. Dang that hurt. I tried to rub it but I soon realized my hands were tied to that darn pole. I opened my eyes and only saw darkness. We were in a cabin and there were no windows.

"Lance," said Conrad again.

"What?"

Silence. Then, "I just wanted to make sure you were alive."

"Great, I got a bump on my head just so could know I was alive?" I asked incrediously.

I could hear Conrad's grin inhis voice, "You bumped your head? Wow, then all that yelling was worth it. You must've been drugged pretty bad, then again you were knocked out by that big guy."

"Huh?" I absolutely remembered nothing, only that Robina was going to starve Ares, and I was a prisoner.

"You don't remember anything?" Conrad took my silence for a no and said, "Those turnips were full of sleeping stuff. I didn't eat much because I don't like them. But you were eating them like crazy. I noticed you were sleepy even when Ares threw Robina and there was a lot of shouting. But then the big guy hit you and you just slumped over and practically started snoring. You didn't even wake up during all the yelling and when the big guy threw you in here like a rag doll."

Now that he mentioned my head and my being tossed around, I realized my whole body was sore, particularly my shoulder and leg. The bump on my head was small compared to what my head was feeling now. I don't think I liked that big guy.

"I fought a lot that was what all the yelling was for, but they still threw me in here and tied me up. I've been yelling at you for five hours."

"Thanks for your concern," I said sarcasticly.

The skin at the door was pushed aside, letting in a gleam of moonlight before closing again. Someone knelt down before the pole and whipped out a knife.

"Hey, who are you?" asked Conrad, he sounded as if he was ready to tear the guy to pieces when he was released.

"Be quiet if you value your life."

Despite his warning I said in surprise, "Perceval?"

I was surprised when he suddenly slapped my cheek, not hard but it was definately not gentle. It was his way of say, 'Shut up and obey!' I did and we were released. Conrad turned, ready to jump him, but the lad had already seen it coming and had a sword pointed at Conrad's stomach.

"Don't try anything, Conrad," he hissed, sounding like a rattler. "Come, your horses are waiting."

He opened a back door I had not seen before and gestured to us. We exited meekly. It felt very strange to be pushed around by a sixteen year old boy who was practically twice as small as you. But the choices weren't good. It was either the sly fox or his angry beaten up sister. But then again I don't think we had a choice.

He led us to where Ares, Shika and two other horses were waiting. Ares was eating contentedly so I guess Robina didn't fulfill her order or maybe Perceval fed him.

"Mount."

I did so quickly, and sighed; I feel much more secure when astride Ares. Perceval also got on his horse, and lead the fourth horse which looked like a donkey laden with packs. He motioned for us to follow and we did.

We rode for about an hour, twisting in the forest so much I was sure we were lost several times. But Perceval never hesiated. He finally stopped and said, "You are free."

"Wow, jee thanks, Perceval," said Conrad breathing deeply. "I thought you were going to keep us your prisoners forever."

"I considered it. I actually only released you to spite my sister. And to have a good reason to leave."

"Oh, really," I said. "Where are you headin' to?"

He looked at me. "Wherever you go. I'm accompaning you."

This time I gaped like a fish.

"Really," said Conrad excitedly. "That is so cool. You can get us out of scrapes, and I'll keep us out of scrapes and Lance will...well, he'll get us into scrapes."

"Woah, woah," I said, sending a glare to Conrad. "We are not going to let some sly smart alec kid hang out with us."

Perceval stiffened then relaxed and there was that sly smile in his voice. "If that's what you want, then fine, Lance. But who will guide you out of the forest? I made sure we are in the thickest part."

I growled. "But what about Robina and why..."

"Robina will think you guys took off and kidnapped me in the process, silly but she'll think that. I never did like the life of a robber and I never stole anything, neither have you."

Dang it. He knew I didn't steal the saddles I hate it when people can see right through you. I wouldn't be surprised if he suddenly said he knew I was the Prince.

"Ok, you can come with us. But first I 'm getting some sleep."