Escape

Chapter 4

Home Safe and The Presentations

Imposing walls of cut grey stone towered over the small party as they traveled the width of the fortress toward a small outcropping. A single soldier stood alert beside the opened gate with the blade of his spear shining cruelly in the light of hidden torches. Even though careful eyes were watching him, the man moved not a whit as the powerful knights on their horses passed within a hairsbreadth of his solemn face. The small gate shut with a softened clang as the last tightly braided tail safely passed into a small cobbled courtyard where more guards stood with spears held tight and their eyes observing all.

No movement was observed from the men until Kakashi raised a closed fist and dropped it, ordering the dismount with that simple gesture. Men came forward to take the knights' mounts; and even though Kakashi verified they were friends, Iruka couldn't help the glares he directed their way. After only a mere year of living under Orochimaru's rule; distrust had been scarred into him deeply to just take a deep breath and not view everyone with suspicion. He had been charged with protecting little Minato, and in his eyes that charge did not end just because they were in a different fortress. Iruka instinctively curled around the baby a bit more, hiding the mound of blankets from prying eyes.

The squad dismounted and handed their horses over to be led away before they took up guard positions around Kakashi and Iruka, still sitting tall in their saddle. It eased Iruka's thoughts to see them standing ready with hands near their swords. Kakashi helped him down and then escorted him into the guard hall, all the while surrounded by his men. It was a strong reminder that this wasn't Orochimaru's home, and these people wanted the child he held tight. They would protect him with everything they had, exactly the same as they had done rescuing him. Iruka was relaxing with every step forward and even grinned up at a soldier. The strong clasp on his shoulder as he passed from underneath the starry sky and into an unknown interior refreshed his strength. He straightened his shoulders as well as he could with his weighty burden. Finally, surrounded by their powerful rescuers; he and his tiny charge were safe.

Once inside, a strong hand rested on his shoulder and directed him to the left, further down a hallway. "We'll have you stay in my quarters for now," Iruka heard Kakashi speak calmly. "The less exposure, the better, until we're ready to defend."

Iruka held his questions in and only nodded. He made sure to remember the route they took as they moved along, only to stop in his tracks when he saw a busty female standing near a door with her bright eyes trained directly on them, a large packed basket in her hands.

"Lady Tsunade," Kakashi greeted her familiarly. "It seems you knew my mind well enough to meet us properly."

"Stuff your mouth, brat," she bit out and stared hard. "I changed your dirty clothes; I know how you think." Her face softened with a smile as she looked at Iruka and the wrapping covered child slung across his chest. "I knew the journey would be harsh, and wish to check the babe before I present him to my father and my husband. I'm sure he needs clean clothes and a proper washing by now, yes?" She opened the door imperiously and pointed. "Inside."

"Lady Tsunade can be harsh in her speech, but she's actually very kind," Kakashi informed Iruka helpfully as they entered the candle-lit room.

"I know. She and my mother had tea once." The boy smiled wide as he turned to face her.

"Did we?" Tsunade asked as she followed them in. "I haven't sat down for a decent tea and chat for some time. Who is she?"

"Nyoko, of the Umino family, Lady Tsunade. She was third handmaiden for Lady Kushina." Iruka avoided her eyes as he answered and watched Kakashi step away and begin to remove a few pieces of hidden armor and his hood.

Silence reigned for a short time, interrupted only by the sounds of Tsunade's basket being unpacked. Several small crocks of unguent and a fancily blown glass bottle full of milk were placed on a small table. "I remember her," Tsunade finally said. "She had a way with children. Thankfully it seems her own child has inherited her love."

Iruka turned and kept his face calm even as he heard the heartbreak in the lady's voice. She looked at him with sadness and understanding and then at his burden in concern. "May I see him?" She finally asked.

He nodded and lifted the thin blanket that had been protecting Minato's face from the cold air to reveal scrunching brows and a wiggling nose. "He's just now waking up."

He felt hands begin working the knot at his shoulder and held the baby in his arms so he wouldn't fall. Kakashi was eventually forced to use a knife to slice the leather, and Iruka almost laughed at the anxious look on Lady Tsunade's face as the blade flashed above the child. Finally, he was free of the straps and held out his bundle to the woman he knew would now be the little boy's mother. She took him in slightly trembling arms and let the remains of the sling drop to the ground. Slowly, she again folded back the light blanket and gasped in adoration as tiny eyes cracked open. She moved past both the young men and placed the baby on the bed to unwrap him further, suddenly all business and efficient motion.

It took a few moments of bated silence for her to complete the process and leave the child covered by only the thin wrapping Iruka had first placed around him thinking it would be the softest on his skin. Tsunade clucked and whispered to the waking boy as she placed a hand on his torso and turned to order Kakashi around.

"Fresh water, now."

"We took as best care as we could," Iruka mentioned softly. "But I wasn't able to find many supplies in the nursery."

"He's underweight and underdeveloped for how old he is known to be," Lady Tsunade began speaking in soft tones while running her fingers over thin limbs. "I was given spy reports on his treatment, but didn't want to believe them. Thank the heavens I prepared for the worst."

She moved to the table and returned to Minato with a thick and soft looking cloth. Iruka almost panicked as she began unpinning the wet diaper. "He has a red bottom," he announced nervously. "It was just a bit of red when I first changed him at the fortress and it got much worse. I tried to clean him with water, but…"

Her shoulders stiffened and Tsunade straightened to look directly at Iruka. "He is not in the best of health; his little bottom is covered by a hideous damp rash, but your actions brought him here where he will heal in safety." She placed a hand on his shoulder and drew him into a short hug. "Thank you, so very much, now bring me the red jar from the table and more cloths. It is a remedy for just this type of rash."

She was merrily chattering at the baby as Iruka watched her slather on the thick cream and pin him up tight. She then rewrapped him in a fresh blanket and tossed the soiled ones to the floor. Little Minato was watching all the goings-on very seriously until she started making funny faces. This caused everyone to laugh, even Kakashi who had just returned to the room with a pitcher of water nestled in a wide bowl.

"I had them warm some water for washing, if you'd like," he offered as an apology for the wait placing the basin on the floor.

Tsunade nodded and placed a careful finger on Minato's nose. "He does smell ripe, doesn't he," she admonished the little baby in a silly voice. "Why don't you take the boy and report to my father and husband in the main hall. Send one of my women to assist me with the child. We will have vacated your quarters by the time you return."

Iruka easily heard the dismissal in her voice, but the underlying happiness still had him grinning as she continued to play with tiny and grasping fingers. He felt secure leaving them together; Lady Tsunade would protect the boy with much more fierceness than he was capable of in his exhausted state.

Kakashi nodded and jerked his head towards the door in a silent order to exit. Iruka followed as he led them out and back into the dimly lit hallway where two men in embroidered doublets stood on guard. They nodded to the eminent knight and looked curiously at Iruka as he followed the taller boy.

He did his best to continue memorizing their movements through the castle, but Iruka finally admitted himself well and truly lost by the time Kakashi opened a slim door and led them into a prettily draped room full of light. Two women sat near each other with a basket of thread between them, both working on either end of a tapestry hung on a tall frame. One, with dark hair coiled at her nape, looked up and smiled eagerly.

"How may we be of assistance, Sir Kakashi?"

"Lady Tsunade requires your presence in my quarters," Kakashi informed her quickly. "Also, your husband is returned safely." He nodded in quick farewell and dragged Iruka out of the room filled with the sound of a happy squeal.

The next room he was dragged into was much larger and had colorful flags hanging from its high ceiling. Two regal looking men were sitting on a dais talking quietly while a few soldiers played card games nearby. Everyone looked up when they entered. Iruka's nervousness grew as he was paraded before the well-dressed men while still wearing the oversized castoffs the squad had given him earlier in the day. The clean smell of herbs scattered around the floor also allowed him to easily smell the clinging stench from the garbage cart he'd worked in for the last few months. His face was red with embarrassment as Kakashi pulled him forward for an introduction. He almost didn't hear the names of the two seated men, but when his tired mind finally understood who he stood before he looked up and gasped.

Before him sat the King's Duke, the man who had given Lord Minato his seat in the fortress, Lord Sarutobi of Konoha. Beside him sat a tall, white haired man with a not-so-serious glare on his face. Iruka assumed he must be Lord Jiraiya, the man that should have taken over when Lord Minato had been murdered. Kakashi greeted them and verified their ranks.

"The plan went well," he explained in brief report. "We lost three men out of the fourth squad, but our goal was achieved. Your lady wife tends to him right now," Kakashi said with a nod to Jiraiya. He moved aside and pulled the still gaping Iruka forward. "This young boy was my contact in the town and the one who completed the first, most delicate steps. His assistance was pivotal to the mission, and his care for the goal was unmatched until Lady Tsunade took over. I present to you Iruka of the Umino family."

Kakashi bowed low and pushed him forward. Iruka quickly remembered his manners and did the same, the training his mother had drilled in to him showed in his deft movements. Sarutobi lifted an eyebrow and nodded agreeably.

"As Sir Kakashi has said, your assistance was invaluable. I do recall your family name; your father was a knight, wasn't he?"

"Y-yes," Iruka's words tripped over his tongue as he answered. "The second of his family to be so, my lord."

"Then he will be pleased when you follow in his footsteps, young man. In reward for your service, I would be pleased to offer you a spot in our garrison here. There are several knights of excellent standing who are in need of quick and brave squires." The elderly lord stood and stepped forward to take hold of Iruka's chin and lift his eyes from the floor. "Will you accept, young Iruka of the Umino family? Will you be the third of your line to carry your spurs?"

Iruka stared in awe at the kind and questioning eyes. He then began nodding quickly as his new liege released his chin. "Oh, yes sir, please. I would love to have a position in your garrison. My father had found me a knight to squire to before, but then the attack happened and it's the only thing I could ever have asked for," he babbled in near disbelief.

Early on, when Kakashi had first contacted him, he had resolved to not worry about his future and only the child's. This was beyond any imagined dream and he couldn't help the tears that welled up in his eyes. It was most embarrassing to have Lord Sarutobi, Fire Country's Northern Duke himself, wipe your face in front of other much braver men. Iruka felt loving comfort in those movements and worked hard to swallow a sob of happiness.

"Kakashi, your charge is more than tired," Jiraiya mentioned, stepping down from the dais to clasp the older boy's shoulder. "Care for him tonight, and we'll place him within the household tomorrow. The both of you need rest and then to break your fast with us come the morning. See to your health and the boy's. Your mission is complete and well done."

The silver haired knight nodded and once more began dragging Iruka around; who, knowing that it would end in peaceful sleep, chose not to argue at the rushed movements. The relief of having arrived once more at Kakashi's rooms had him ignoring the absence of little Minato, nor was he fazed at the actions of his friendly knight when Kakashi started stripping his outer clothes from him. It wasn't until the slight chill in the room woke his exposing body that he jumped.

"Ah, you're actually awake," Kakashi poked fun. "You'll stay here with me tonight. And while you may be amiable to remaining clothed, I've never appreciated the dubious comfort of sleeping in traveling leathers and thought that neither would your sleepy self." He pointed to a bucket in the corner and then to the table where a small meal sat. "Wash up, feed yourself, and lay down. I'll find clean items for you to wear in the meantime."

He left Iruka to himself and was pleased to see the brunette boy looking fresher when he turned back from his clothes chest set against the far wall of the small room. He watched as the boy took a deep drink from one of the tankards that had been delivered along with the food before tossing the thin nightwear onto Iruka's lap and taking a deep drink himself. The fact that it was a good, strong wine didn't register until he heard an odd sound coming from his young charge. Kakashi swore loudly at the boy's reddening face and fuzzy expression.

Wide brown eyes failed to focus as he stood Iruka up. "You probably shouldn't have drunk that," Kakashi said with concern. "Have you tasted strong spirits before this?"

"Wine?" Iruka asked with a smile as he swayed a bit even with Kakashi's steadying hands on his shoulder. "I don't drink wine; garbage boys don't get wine, but I swiped some milk once." He confessed as he was led backwards until his knees hit an edge and he fell. Iruka was muzzily confused to find himself suddenly on a bed and tried to turn over to inspect it.

"It's a real mattress, Kakashi," he said to the knight in wonder. "I haven't slept on one of these in a long, long time. They even took my favorite blanket, the one my mother made." He looked up with tearing eyes. "I found it in the garbage pit," he complained. "It had blood all over it." He began to cry with large sobs. "It was wrapped around a little girl. They threw her away once she was dead, just like that. They were going to do the same to the baby, Kakashi. I heard it!"

Kakashi wrapped his arms around the slight and shaking frame and held on tight. When he'd first spotted the raggedly dressed but familiar boy in the foul pens, he'd felt as if the ghost of his former teacher had turned his head himself. The feeling he had chosen the perfect person to help them stayed with him even then as he held the young boy in his arms. Iruka was the one person who had known and cared the baby was going to die, and his assistance was a necessity. Kakashi had been aware of the risks and so had never given his name or asked for the boy's. If Iruka had failed and been captured by Orochimaru, he would have died without being able to name his accomplices. Even as young as he was, only seventeen, Kakashi knew that this even younger boy in his arms had just committed acts of bravery that grown men he had trained with would have plead out of.

He swore to himself to help him, to help Iruka who had been forgotten when those still loyal had left the fortress. He would be a proper knight who would respect his squire's kind heart and guide him to be strong. He would help him grow and become an even stronger man, maybe help him win a title and some land. Lord Sarutobi would see he had a chance at making his own fortune, but Kakashi was going to make sure he would end up with one. He would try his best to make up for all the sadness that this brave boy had seen when he had been subjected to horrors of the worst kind.

Kakashi laid Iruka down on his bed and covered him with a sheet as soon as the sobs turned to snores. He went back to his own food, amazed at how strongly the wine affected even him after a few more drinks. A clumsy wipe with a wet rag and his own set of nightwear was tied shut. He climbed onto the bed beside his slumbering charge, and took a few moments to settle himself comfortably before laughing when Iruka decided he was having none of the careful bed sharing. With carefree and unconscious abandon, he flopped himself over the older boy. Kakashi was just drunk and comfortable enough to not care, as he once more made sure the blanket was covering them both before he finally allowed true slumber to catch him fully.

To Be Continued in Chapter 5 – A New Life and A Load of Trouble

A/N: Wow, on to the last bit after this… and I appreciate that you've been so patiently waiting. Thank you. Life is throwing rotten lemons at me, and therefore I am unable to make lemonade, but I am being given a prime source for very good compost.

Sad to tell you, there's only two bits after this one. I'll set them up in the queue of things I need to finish editing and post. You all deserve it :D