Catalyst(8)

I crept back and woke the princess, telling her what I had seen.

“Are they my guards?” she whispered, her voice full of hope.

“I'm not sure. I hope so. But it could be the men Rowe and Bruno were going to take you to.” I hesitated, then took a deep breath. “If they’re not your men, we can’t fight our way out. There are far too many. I’ll try to draw them off while you escape through the forest. Make your way northwest to Sedah and look for a woman named Damara. She’s my mother. She’ll help you.”

The princess gripped my arm. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. But your bravery honors us both.”

She found a vantage point where she could catch a glimpse of the searchers. Her purple eyes blazed with intensity, and she gripped the handle of her sword so tightly her knuckles grew pale. If I didn’t know better, I’d think she wanted a fight.

The men had fanned out, moving in and out of view through the trees. I held my breath, praying to all the gods that I wouldn’t have to risk my life again, but knowing I would, to save her. I searched for the fire inside of me, holding it ready.

A man moved into view. The princess drew in her breath sharply, and I poised myself to run. Then all the tension went out of her, and she rose to her feet, in full view of the searcher. The man’s face lit up, and he raised a shout. “I’ve found her! Thank the gods!”

I let out my breath, letting my emotions and the flame go with it. “Thank the gods,” I echoed.

Krystal went to meet the man, me trailing behind her. At the sight of me, he drew his sword. The princess raised her hand. “Put up your sword, Captain Ardimus. He is a friend.” The man gave me a hard, suspicious look, but obeyed her. The men poured out of the woods, gathering around us. Now I could see that they had the fabled Dragon of Alexandria emblazoned on the breasts of their tunics. They knelt before her.

“Princess,” the leader said. “I’m so glad we found you safe.” He rose, and his copper eyes met mine before he looked at the princess again. His face softened with relief and love, and he allowed himself a small smile. The princess didn't return it, but I saw the same emotions in her eyes. His face became somber. “I see you're favoring one ankle.”

“I'm fine, Ardimus. Thanks to Hellsfire, here, who saved me from the ruffians who captured me.” She motioned toward me. “Hellsfire of Sedah, these are some of my finest guards, and this is Ardimus Hadee, my personal protector.”

I felt nervous, surrounded by all these armed, battle-hardened men. While they looked relieved to find Princess Krystal safe, they all viewed me with the same suspicion as their captain. Now she focused their attention on me. I squirmed and tried to avoid looking at their eyes.

“Thank you,” I said. “I—”

Ardimus interrupted. “Then you have done immeasurable service to Alexandria. We bow to you.” They all rose to their feet, put their right fists over their hearts, and bowed. It made me even more nervous. “Had any harm befallen the princess, it would have been a disaster for Alexandria and the Northlands.” He turned to the princess. “We have failed in our duty, and our lives are forfeit. When we have returned you safely to Alexandria, we will turn ourselves over to the king’s justice for punishment.”

I gasped. Surely they wouldn’t just walk in and allow themselves to be executed. The princess spoke. “What you say is true, Ardimus, but I will take it upon myself to tell my father.” She stood with her head high and shoulders back, giving her the appearance of stature even though Ardimus and the others were bigger and taller than she was. “I will remind him of your years of loyal service and persuade him to find another punishment fit for all of you.”

I stared at her, wondering how she could say such a thing, especially to a man she obviously cared about. She had told me herself that it was her fault she got kidnapped.

“But now is not the time for that,” the princess said. “We must return to Alexandria. The time of sightseeing is over. Ardimus, come here.” He did as he was commanded. The princess whispered in Ardimus’s ear and he nodded. A small leather pouch was handed over to her. “For your troubles, my dear Hellsfire.” She handed me the small, heavy pouch.

“Thank you Krystal,—I mean, Your Highness.”

“It's the least I could do, for all you've done for me.”

“I'd do it all again.” I said. “Goodbye, Your Highness. Take care of yourself and please don’t get into any more trouble.” I grinned. “I may not be there to rescue you.”