“Was there any activity in town today?”
“Plenty, but not the kind you’re alluding to. The market square was very lively and crowded today, but I saw nothing to cause concern. I have Gardan keeping an open eye and his ear to the ground. If he sees or hears anything, he’ll send word. Is there news you have that says otherwise?”
“It may be nothing. I was sent word from Brogan’s party. They were forced to divert into the woods at the base of the mountains. It seems that the giants are on the move.”
“What? This far east? For what reason?”
“I don’t know. Brogan says that they were in a large group, possibly upwards to fifty, but they didn’t seem to be on a blood trail.”
“Does he have any theories on where they were going?”
“No. They stayed behind until the way was clear, but from what they could tell from the trail, the giants turned toward the coast.”
“Peculiar indeed. Has the party reached Yarden yet?”
“They were about a day or two out maybe. I would assume that they have gotten fairly close by now. This time of year there’s not too much snow, but the trek is still daunting. I’m sure we’ll get word soon. I’m going to go out again tonight. I think I need to see for myself if anything is amiss in the towns closer to the border. If Fallon is starting, that’s where he’ll begin his enlistment of men.”
“Alright, but please be careful my friend. I don’t want you getting in the middle of something you can’t handle all by yourself. Be stealthy and wary. Have dinner first, rest for a bit, then head out. You are your best in the dark anyway.”
Alek followed Dain up to his rooms and sat down in the chair by the fireplace. The hearth looked like it had just been lit recently. He tossed one leg over the other. Dain removed his boots, still rather damp, and tossed his wet doublet and hosen on the bed. He put on a dry cream colored brocaded long coat, maroon hosen, and chose another, drier pair of boots. He sat down in the other chair to put them on.
“What really happened out there today?”
He paused from pulling on the second boot and eyed his friend. “You worry too much, Alek.”
“And of course you never give me any reason to.”
He sighed. “I am well aware of my past indiscretions, but today was simply a nice jaunt into town. She really is a fascinating girl.”
“What do you mean?”
“Her fervor for the everyday, the way her face lights up when she sees something that pleases her eye, or when she smells something tantalizing. The way she moves when she hears a lively tune. She has more passion for life in her little finger than I have in my entire being. I can’t remember when I ever felt passion for anything in this life, or if I ever did at all. Watching her tires me, but yet I can’t stop. She has the intellect and body of a grown woman, but the heart and soul of a child.”
Alek looked at his king for a moment in wonder. He had never heard him talk like this about anyone, much less a woman, and it confused him. He had known the man that sat across from him almost his entire life, but was seeing him differently for the first time. He was pleased.
“Well, I don’t know what to say.”
“There are no words needed. I enjoyed myself today. Enough said.”
“I’m glad. I’ll have the kitchen staff get dinner out if you’re ready.”
“Yes, I’m hungry. Send someone up to make sure Melenthia is ready as well. I don’t want to start dinner without her.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
He stood to leave but turned back. “I will travel through and see what might be amiss, but until I get word from Kevaan about Fallon’s next move, there’s nothing to do but wait. I don’t like to be caught off guard with anything. I will poke around in the hornets nest and see what comes out.”
“Just don’t get stung, my friend.”
He nodded and left Dain alone to contemplate his day.
It was true that she was a mystery to him, but what amazed him more was her exuberance about life and what joys it held if only you took the time to look around. She was beautiful and intelligent in the ways of the world, but she was able to let go of those things and see everything in a different light. The ways of the world could be put on hold by an afternoon of good smells and good company. He was pleased that she enjoyed her day. He had been afraid that she might feel uncomfortable spending the day with a stranger, in a place she was not familiar with. But instead, she used the opportunity to make an adventure out of it, and she did it with such conviction, that she pulled him in as well without his knowing it.