Alensar

  Alensar slipped the bridle over the horse's head and gently eased the bit into his mouth. He wasn't the finest horse in the kingdom, but there was nothing wrong with a solid gelding. His eyes were a warm brown, and his nose soft. Alensar took a moment to lean against the solid heat of the animal and breathed in his scent. Jack nibbled at Alensar's shoulder, a clear goal in mind. Alensar smiled and gave him a bit of carrot out of his pocket. He let it balance on his palm as the horse sloppily gobbled it up.

  Alensar refused to let anyone else saddle his horse for him, preferring to use that moment to bond with the animal. The groom was slightly affronted, but Alensar didn't care. He laid down the blanket and creaking leather saddle. Then he attached a full quiver and bow to it. Like everything Laude Elaine bought or owned, the saddle was not ostentatious but of good quality. It was new, as were the horses. This was not a cheap excursion by any means. Laude Elaine usually only rode in a carriage within the city.

  Alensar was dressed as a guard, with a sword at his hip and an armored coat. He had an array of other hidden throwing weapons throughout his clothing. Laude Elaine didn't even try to convince Alensar to ride in the carriage.

  Orion walked by, leading his own horse. He gave Alensar a polite nod, but the man was obviously skeptical about the scrawny Val posing as one of them. Alensar was also skeptical about the man's abilities, having watched him grapple with Darion a few times.

  He, Darion, and a guard had gone riding every morning just outside the city for the past week as they readied for the trip. Usually Orion, but once Tabor took his place. He suspected the guard was there to report back to Laude Elaine, but there was nothing to report. He was a bit stronger and had been forcing himself to eat. He knew how tough a few days of riding could be.

  He took out a second carrot from his pocket and, to Jack's disappointment, ate it himself. He leaned slightly against Jack, feeling the effort from lifting the bags and saddle. No wonder the guards were skeptical of him. Jack wuffled Alensar's shoulder, and he smiled, giving the animal an affectionate pat on his muzzle.

  Darion sauntered over to him. "We'll be heading out shortly. You sure you don't mind being in the back of the formation?"

  Alensar nodded. "I know I'm not in any shape to be in the front. I'll keep my ears sharp for approaches from behind."

  Darion nodded and patted the horse, who was once again trying to get Alensar's attention… or into his pockets, whichever came first.

  "It'll be good to be on the road again."

  Alensar looked up towards the soaring blue sky. "Don't I know it…Though I would prefer to stay out of trouble for once."

  Darion laughed. "Usually we're the ones causing trouble."

  Orion hailed Darion, who left to discuss logistics. Alensar was grateful she promoted Darion rather than resisting. For her flaws, she knew how to run a household well.

  He stood next to Jack, hand on his sword hilt, waiting.

  "First time I've seen you relaxed," said a woman's voice.

  Alensar turned toward her. It was Diana, Laude Elaine's personal guard. He had learned her name, but had not yet spoken to her.

  "Val," she added. "Though I might have trouble remembering to say that when you are riding with us."

  "I prefer people forget."

  She gestured with her chin at the sword. "You know how to use that thing?"

  He wasn't sure what to say or admit, but apparently, his hesitation was answer enough.

  She smirked. "Of course you do. Fools don't see it, but I do."

  Alensar made a serious expression. "You shouldn't say unkind things about Orion. He cannot help it."

  She laughed and clapped his shoulder. "Gracious as a Val."

  He smiled back. Darion then shouted for them to get into formation and start heading out.

  Alensar's face lost its crooked smile as he faced his horse. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the long ride. Even mounting took a little effort, instead of the ease he remembered. He gathered the reins in his gloved hands and waited while the others settled in. He only needed to tap Jack lightly with his heels before he moved forward and joined the formation around the carriage and the servants' cart.

  Darion sat tall in the front. He lifted a hand to signal, and they moved forward. The caravan moved with the clopping of hooves and creaking of leather. The carriages clattered on the cobblestones. The formation consisted of six guards, including Alensar. Two at the front, two on the sides, and two at the back. Orion rode next to him.

  Alensar paid him no mind as the sun warmed his face. He was glad to have a warm day as the leaves were starting to turn. Where had the summer gone?

  They had no trouble leaving the city, but they didn't expect any. The city had its underbelly, but no gang was bold enough to try to rob an armed caravan within a shout of the city guards.

  The ride through the farmlands was peaceful. Soon, the fields would be full for the harvest. They saw villages along the way, which were really more like clusters of farmhouses close to each other for defense, and fields spread around them. But as they traveled, fields and farms became scarcer, and the forest grew dense. Trees soared above them, and the brush was thick next to the path, its leaves yellow-green. Alensar could breathe freely for the first time in months; the loam and pine smelled like home.

  With the forest came risk, but their caravan didn't look especially tempting, Laude Elaine's austere aesthetic being an advantage. No gold leaf or other needlessly tempting decoration. Alensar stayed alert, but only heard the occasional crash of a startled animal and the clop and creak of their caravan.

  The sun was near the horizon, but the world was still bright when Darion signaled a halt to the caravan. Alensar was surprised that they were stopping so soon. Orion heaved a sigh of relief.

  "I'm glad we're finally done. Never thought just sitting on a horse would be so tiring."

  Alensar was also worn and sore, but he would have preferred to ride for three days and nights before admitting it. He instead made a noncommittal grunt.

  His arrogance didn't last long, as he winced from pain while dismounting. He must have made a sound.

  "You alright?" Orion asked.

  "Fine."

  "Right." Orion was clearly enough of a soldier to know when to let things go. Alensar leaned against Jack and rested for a moment. The horse nudged him, and Alensar fed him the last part of the carrot from his pocket. Though for a moment, he had the urge to scarf it down. His stomach ached in hunger for the first time in weeks. He then looked at the gold-tinted blue sky and let the air settle into the bottom of his lungs. There was freedom here.

  Jason

  While servants and guards prepared the camp, Laude Granthor remained in the carriage along with Marie. Jason, given his rank, was also riding in the main carriage, presumably to serve Alensar's needs. Of course, given that Alensar insisted on riding with the guard, his position was entirely ceremonial and decidedly absurd.

  His companions had sat in silence for the majority of the journey, each with a book in their hand. Jason discovered, to his horror, that reading in a carriage made him nauseated. So he sat looking out the small windows and trying not to be consumed by boredom.

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  He wandered through the bustle of servants and guards setting up tents, gathering firewood, and shifting around cookware and bedding. Jason couldn't see Alensar anywhere. He found Jack among the horses, who was brushed and feeding from his nosebag. The guards were either taking care of their horses or standing together talking. Only Darion stood on his own, leaning against a tree, his arms crossed, his eyes searching.

  Jason circled the camp once more, but frankly, there weren't that many people for Alensar to be hiding among them. His path led him back to Darion.

  "Hello, Val," Darion flashed his easy grin.

  "I don't suppose telling you not to call me that will ever work?" Jason said, smiling more than he should. Darion only called him that when they were alone.

  "Not a chance."

  "Have you seen Alensar? He's disappeared."

  "Don't worry about it."

  Jason raised his brows. "Your reassurance does the opposite."

  "Don't you have some servantly work to do?" Darion held the same easy grin, clearly aware he was being a bit obnoxious.

  Jason rolled his eyes and walked away, shaking his head, but holding a slight smile on his lips. Not knowing what else to do, he got to work helping with the camp.

  Alensar

  It didn't take Alensar long to return. He appeared in camp carrying two large dead rabbits.

  "Hey, we shouldn't be wasting arrows on hunting," said Orion, clearly annoyed. Alensar saw the realization strike him as he realized who he was talking to. The uniform must have thrown him off.

  He stammered something apologetic that might have had a "Val" somewhere mixed in.

  Alensar interrupted him, "I didn't waste any arrows."

  "What? You went after each one, Val?" Fin, the guard who rode in front with Darion, seemed curious rather than mocking.

  "No, he just doesn't miss," said Diana.

  Alensar raised a brow at her, but didn't contradict her.

  She smiled. "Hopefully, you are just as good a marksman if we need it."

  Alensar laughed, then said, "Let's hope we don't need to find out."

  He brought the carcasses to Essie, the kitchen girl, who bowed and smiled bashfully. She then held the creatures at arm's length, her expression somewhere between curious and disturbed. Her mother, Annie, was making a large pot of stew over the fire. She gave a quick nod and waved her daughter over. Alensar didn't stay to watch.

  "Val D'Ambrosia, Laude Granthor wishes to speak with you," Jason appeared at Alensar's shoulder.

  "I suppose she does."

  He let Jason lead him to Laude Elaine's tent. Outside of it, he hesitated, then moved aside the doorway and walked in. The tent was large enough to stand in and made of a dark green imported material. Something lighter and more durable than canvas.

  Laude Elaine was seated on a folding chair, reading. While Alensar's entrance wasn't exactly loud, the tent made a rustling noise which signaled his presence, but she did not look up. Alensar had heard about Laude Elaine's tendency to ignore someone who walked in unannounced until she was ready. Usually, she respected Alensar's rank, but she was annoyed enough to ignore protocol.

  "Good evening, Laude Elaine."

  "I think I preferred when there was a death threat lying over your head."

  Alensar's muscles tensed. He took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. He didn't say anything.

  She looked up, saw his face, and relented. "That was inappropriate. I apologize."

  He nodded, swallowing and then letting the moment pass away. "And I apologize for wandering off without notice. I hadn't been alone in the woods for so long. My feet went before my thoughts."

  "Why didn't Darion tell me where you were? As head of the guard, he should have known, or at least seen you leave."

  "Darion has an entire caravan to guard. I didn't say anything to him because I needed to disappear."

  Laude Elaine rubbed her temple. "You realize you're the most important person here, yes? That everyone here feels obligated to protect and serve you. All our lives could be ruined if something happened to you."

  Alensar didn't respond, but looked towards the ground.

  "You may not realize what it's like to have men die for you–"

  "I know what it's like."

  She shook her head. "It's not the same as someone dying with you as a comrade, even if they sacrificed themselves so that you might live. It's different when someone is hurt or dies for your protection because it's what you have paid them to do. I know this pain, and each of those deaths weighs heavily on me. People tell me there is nothing I could have done differently, but that doesn't stop the guilt. Because in my mind, I can always find a choice that would have prevented the tragedy."

  Alensar did know what it was like to have someone die for him, not for money but for love.

  "If it comes to a fight, I'm not standing aside."

  "I should hope not." Laude Elaine seemed almost amused. She then sobered. "But don't be the first in line. You have an obligation to your guard to make it easier to protect you."

  "But I'm no better a person than they are. Perhaps I'm even worse. It seems strange my life is worth more." Alensar was not arguing, not really, and Laude Elaine knew this. But she answered him anyway.

  "And yet it is, by the quirk of fate known as birth, and the even larger quirk of fate which brought you to where you are now. Though you may not want it, your birthright obligates men to die for you."

  "I've always protected others. It will not be easy to change."

  Laude Elaine raised her brows. "The honor of outlaws astounds me."

  "People everywhere try to keep those they love safe. Why would outlaws be any different?" His voice raised, arguing with things she did not say."We're not exactly enthusiastic about killing. Our favorite marks were those with a bribe ready, so we could send them on their way. Can I say that stealing is right? Can I say that hoarding wealth is right? We were fighting to make a good life for ourselves."

  "You should get out of the habit of saying we, you are not one of them anymore. And unlearn some of that passion."

  He grimaced, but said nothing more.

  "Where do you think your family wealth comes from?" Laude Elaine asked.

  "The blood and sweat of the poor."

  "I suppose revolutionary thinking is the purview of youth."

  "Have I said anything particularly revolutionary?"

  Laude Elaine tapped her fingers together. "One of your most needed skills will be political guile, so I suggest you work on that."

  The advice about being more politically savvy was not without merit. His stomach rumbled, and Laude Elaine inclined her head, clearly having heard it.

  Alensar gave a bow of high rank. "I will need to think about everything you said. Next time I decide to go off on my own, I will be sure to let someone know. But I also need to eat."

  "I suppose asking you to promise not to go off on your own again is too much?"

  Alensar gave a slight smile. "I hope you have a good evening, Laude Elaine."

  ***

  That night, Alensar ate at least three times as much as anyone else, and while a part of him felt guilty for taking so much, no one begrudged him it. They all looked a little too relieved.

  The long day of riding left him tired enough to fall asleep quickly. Perhaps the familiarity of sleeping on the ground helped. He planned to take over the watch after his insomnia struck. Instead, Jason jostled him awake. "I'm sorry to wake you, but we need to pack up your tent."

  Alensar stared at him with half-open eyes. His tent was awfully bright. "Right, sure sure."

  He dressed in his armor and meandered outside. His breakfast was hot oat mash with water, a little bit of honey, and some dried fruit. He also had a cup of tea. It was an indulgent version of the breakfast he had grown up with, and it was comforting. He sat on a stool near one of the low fires. It was a chill morning, though still before the first frost.

  Darion sat down next to him, drinking his own cup of kava.

  "How was the watch?"

  He yawned in response, "I ended up doing most of it, though Diana helped. I want to trust these greens, but they don't know what to look for."

  "Hmh."

  "It would have been nice to have you, but I'm glad you got some sleep."

  "I should be better tonight."

  Darion drank deeply from his cup. "Tonight will be a town, I'm sure."

  "I thought no towns if we're taking the Strada," Alensar said, his brows knitting together.

  Darion made a face. "Yeah, but Laude Granthor ordered it."

  "And you objected?"

  Darion furrowed his brow instead of replying.

  Alensar made a disgruntled sound. "I doubt she'll listen to me, either."

  They sat for a moment, listening to the flutter of leaves.

  "Still, it's good to be on the road again. I feel like a human being," Alensar said.

  Darion held out his cup and clinked it with Alensar's. "Cheers to that braterko."

  Jason

  As they were about to head underway, Jason walked up to Laude Granthor with his shoulders drawn. He stood politely, waiting for her to notice him.

  "Yes, Jason, what do you need?"

  He gave a quick bow. "Could I ride in the cart with the other servants, Laude?"

  She raised a brow. "You serve Val D'Ambrosia. You should ask him, but I have no objections."

  "Yes, Laude, thank you."

  Jason jogged up to Alensar, who stood holding the reins of his horse. He was clearly struggling to keep a straight face while he watched the other guards struggle with saddling theirs. Most of them were usually reliant on groomsmen. He seemed content in a way that Jason had not seen in a long time.

  He nodded in greeting. "Hey there."

  "Hello." Jason paused, knowing that Alensar preferred a lack of formality, but still struggling against his training. "Uh, so I was wondering if I could ride in the cart with the other servants."

  Alensar tilted his head slightly. "Why would I care? You should probably check with Laude Elaine."

  "She said I should ask you, since I'm your personal servant."

  "Oh, right," Alensar said. He took a moment to realize that Jason was waiting for an answer. "Of course you can."

  At that moment, Darion shouted that they were to be underway in a few minutes. Jason gave a quick bow and scurried to the servants' cart.

  "Look who decided to join us! The high and mighty Jason."

  "Shut it."

  Gavin, an errand boy, grinned and scooted over to allow Jason to sit next to him.

  Jason breathed a sigh of relief as the cart lurched forward, jostling him harder than the carriages.

  Gavin elbowed him. "So why didn't you tell us Val Alensar was a soldier once? Riding with the guard, hunting…He must have been."

  Jason didn't know what to say, so he shrugged.

  Annie shook her head. "Now Gavin, don't go forcing Jason to say more than he's able. Why don't you go back to reading that story?"

  Jason gave Annie a grateful smile, and she winked at him. Essie interrupted Gavin's reading to explain the plot of the story, and Gavin kept interrupting her in return to correct her mistakes. Jason grinned as he leaned back, glad to be out of the oppressive atmosphere of the carriage.