Chapter Thirteen
Forod Kingdom
House of Gwainor
Calemir stood beside the lavish bed on which his father, Gwainor slept. He watched with unreadable expression how the mighty king lay perfectly still, his silvery blonde hair a crown on his head, his paled face peaceful, too peaceful he looked dead. It was only the faintest breath that wheezed out from his nose assured Calemir he was still alive. No one had been able to figure out what caused his father to fall into such state. All the excellent physicians and healers across the lands had failed to identify the source of his illness. It worried him greatly. Calemir’s face hardened and fought hard from driving his fist into the wall. He darted his eyes toward his mother who sat on the edge of the bed, her hands on her lap and fingers clutching the velvety dress she wore. She longingly looked at her husband. Her weary face pinched as if she was about to cry, yet no tears flowed from her eyes. She had taxed her eyes for the last days that she had no more tears to shed.
There was one thing kept him from bowing his head in resignation. He prayed to the skies that Leena would succeed.
“Your majesty, prince Calemir” a female spoke behind him. He regarded the young maiden standing at the door, dressed in simple garments. The young elf curtsied before them then lifted her head.
“What is it?” Calemir asked, his voice gruff from being unused for a while.
“Lady Leena Navari requests your presence in the hall,” the servant said softly. Every muscle in his body stiffened and his gut knotted in both anticipation and worry. He turned his head to his mother, seeking permission to leave.
“I’ll be okay. Now go” the queen urged, her voice raspy from crying. He did not need to be told twice. Calemir advanced, passing the young maid standing at the door. The person who held the only chance for his father’s cure had come.
His boots pattered lightly against the polished floor of the corridors as he agilely forward for the hall where Leena awaited. Tension unwound and wound itself inside him. He perceived her when he rounded the hall, standing at the center of the room, her back toward him and her head cocked up, staring at the colorful stained-glass vault. Leena was cladded in a green cloak, its cape pushed back revealing her silky blonde hair.
She turned and looked at him. “Your highness” she curtsied.
“Take a walk with me,” Calemir said and began to walk. Leena fell beside him naturally as they headed outside. There were too many ears inside, probably some hired to report to the lords whatever occurred inside the royal house. He needed to be in a secluded place before they discussed anything. They passed the gallant sentries standing at attention on various positions of the palace.
"How was your travel?" Calemir asked as they stood under the stars, near a waterfall that trilled up from the mountains behind the castle’s tower to a flowing stream onto the green pond. The rush of water muffled their voices, making it impossible for an eavesdropper or passerby to hear them.
"Good" Leena replied.
“I take it you found it?” he asked.
“I succeeded.” Leena nodded.
Calemir studied her somber expression, “Where does it flow?”
Leena hesitated first before she answered. “In Vessener, Murisa.”
His jaw tensed while frustration replaced the look of relief he had just a moment when she said she found the well. Of all the places, the well of Var had to flow in Murisa.
“Are you alright?” he asked instead. Leena looked at him, finding genuine concern in them with unspoken matter that’s too familiar and that neither of them wanted to address because it gets a part of them which is best remained buried.
“I’m alright,” she said letting confidence back her voice. She could see the relief her answer gave him, like an intense pressure in his chest being released with an exhale.
Calemir grunted and squared his shoulders. Leena had volunteered herself to go and search for the well so he could stay behind and oversee matters of the kingdom. He had felt incompetent first and had insisted that it was his duty to find Vár but Leena had advised him that the queen wouldn’t be able to stand alone on the throne as she took care of the king. He had to be here to support and as a watcher of the throne.
Now thinking of it, he’d made a wise decision to remain behind and let one of the very few people he trusted to do the job.
“Bad news is that the well is inside the city, Vessener. I still cannot believe we’ve had never seen it before or heard any word of it” she mulled.
This bothered him too.
Vár, an ort that sprout from the well of Urd which nurtured Yggdrasil. Dewdrops from Yggdrasil’s branches fell to their world in the form of a well. It’s believed a single drop of its water rid all illness, leaving no trace of the body or memory of it. Hence, it’s why he had been wound up the last few days as he waited for Leena’s return. He did not wish to waist any more time. The sooner they left, the better to return early. And once his father awakens, all the mistrust and threats from other high lords would be hushed.
“We should leave tonight then. Are you fit to do so?” He asked his tone seriously. “You should remain if you need to rest you have done more than enough.” knowing what the fierce warrior would say.
“I’m ready on your command” Leena replied, standing upright. “It seems we are not the only ones who misfortune has fallen upon.” recalling what she had overheard from the Murisa officials the night she had arrived in Vessener. The officials had not seen her in the dark corners of the city even inside the walls of the castle she had hidden well except for the persistent lady whom she met the morning after.
“What happened?”
His kind had minimal interaction with the humans except trade being the only affair they had with them, to exchange goods. Well, truth be told, it was an excuse for some of his kind to wander beyond their lands and appease their bored selves. It was never that way though, before the Dark War of course. Thinking of the war, it conjured horrific images he didn’t want to remember. The memories old and still fresh in his mind, he didn’t desire to dwell in them. They were too painful and brought guilt to his conscious.
“War is brewing between Kalil and Murisa, I believe Abasi initiated his hand first,” Leena informed him. Although he never visited the human territories like other elves did, he kept abreast what went on with the people. Calemir was aware Abasi was the king of Kalil as was Lorenz the king of Murisa. And more so, he knew too well of their unique relationship. The whole story behind it. It seemed their alliance had reached its end. He ruefully thought.
“How bad is the situation?” Calemir asked. He planned to march out there directly and take what he needed quickly without getting caught in the crossfire. He needed to take precaution lest they got trapped in a war that didn’t concern them.
“Quiet when I left in the afternoon. The Muri General had just received news of the ambush a few days before.”
“So, they didn’t know Abasi would strike?” he ventured. A soft nightly breeze teased his fair hair, long strands of hair caressed his cheekbones. His brows creased in contemplation. He and Leena were more than capable of handling a troop of human warriors if trouble arose along the way. However, were trouble smelled, other dark things followed. Dark and nasty things that would be a nuisance to kill if it’s just the two of them. He needed more men.
“Calemir who is the lady you are talking to?” a familiar voice called out.
Calemir turned his head toward the direction of the sound. Finn trudged toward him.
Calemir grinned resolutely. Just the man he needed. He noted how his trusted comrade’s mouth carved into a charming smile as he drew near, ready to lure. Finn’s unworried and relaxed expression garbled his intelligence and efficacy as a battler. Calemir smothered a smirk, only if he knew who he was speaking with. Upon Calemir receiving news concerning the king’s condition, Finn, his friend had volunteered to ride with him to Gwainor’s house. Calemir suspected his friend was tired being stuck on border patrol and lack of contact with the peeress.
Leena shifted closer to him and peered at Finn.
“Forgive me my lady for intruding, but I had to put a face on the beauty that shines like the stars” Finn drawled. Leena hissed. His tall frame managed to hide her from Finn’s view not that Leena was short to say so.
“It is only fair to do so don’t you think prince...” Finn dragged the last words as he stood in front of them, his long dark midnight blue hair plaited in one easy braid, and dressed in an airy tunic, black trousers and boots with a sword hanging on his waist.
“Oh! It is you lady Navari” Finn bit out, the lightness disappearing from his eyes replaced by a glint of nerves and caution.
“It baffles me how much drivel spews from your lips” Leena retorted, a scowl settling on her face.
“Kiss me, and you’ll cure my muddled brain” Finn replied sweetly, taunting her as he placed a hand on the head of his sword. Leena rolled her eyes.
If it was any other ordinary day Calemir would’ve left them banter to their hearts’ content but they had important matters to attend.
“Finn go and round several men. Three will be enough. We are going to Murisa” Calemir cut in and ordered. “And Leena find an urn for the water.”
“Why are we going there?” Finn asked, looking at Calemir then back to Leena.
“Lady Leena will tell you” Calemir replied and quickly started for the palace.
He rushed to his quarters first, where he grabbed a baldric and wore it across his chest and wrapped a cloak over his shoulders before he picked a porch of coins. When he reached his parent's room, he found his mother the way he had left her but with her head pressed lightly on the chest of his sleeping father.
His expression stiffened at sight.
“Mother” he called softly. He watched her raise her head and stared at him tiredly. “Yes son” she replied, tiredly looking him over. “Are you going somewhere?”
“Lady Leena Navari has found the Vár. I leave tonight to fetch the water” he said. Light shone in her eyes at the news. She gave a tired smile.
“Where is it,” Val asked, standing. Calemir chuckled, glad to see her regaining strength upon the good news.
“Vessener, in Murisa” he replied taking a step closer to her. “Cheer up mother, the father will soon be back to your side.” He brushed his lips gently on her forehead and took a step back, looking at her for the last time until he returned. “Wait” she called before he stepped out of the room. She placed her hand on his upper arm and looked up at him with rejuvenated eyes. “Don’t go empty handed. You should carry something that would appease them... for caution.” She let go of his arm and paced about the room, searching for something.
“That’s unnecessary.” Calemir didn’t think it was needed for him to carry a gift to the king of Murisa. If at all, he was certain their presence wouldn’t be noticed as they entered and took what they needed. They would be like shadows.
“My dear boy not all men welcome strangers in their house for free. Especially us.” she carried a squared coloured box on her hands. She motioned for him to take it. Calemir took it in his arms and considered its weight.
“What’s in here?” he asked, shaking the box. He recalled how kings could be greedy and thought perhaps she was right, either way, he would get what he wanted.
“Two or three gemstones I do not like” she replied dismissively. “Hurry off now. I will handle everything here” she said with new determination and hope.
He slipped the ornate box in a gunnysack on his way out. He reached the palace’s courtyard and found Leena and Finn mounted on their horses with three other men behind them. Finn held the reins of his mare. He approached the gang. Calemir tied the bag tightly on the saddle and hoisted himself gracefully on top of the horse. He twisted the reins and commanded the horse to turn then briefly acknowledged the other three men with a tight brief grin. They responded with a salute. Calemir gave the steed a light kick on its side and duel him out of the great walls of the courtyard and into the night.
Chapter Fourteen
Capital city of Kalil
Nikolas gulped the ale and slammed the tanker on the wooden counter. No one in the crummy inn seemed to pay attention to his little outburst except for the innkeeper who gave him a hard stare before continuing with his business. He never hoped anyone would, maybe if he stood on the stool he was sitting on and announced himself as the king’s son maybe then they would and pester him if the rumors had already spread from the northern villages of the border between Kalil and Murisa. He glanced at the plastered people in the inn, they appeared oblivious about the matters of the kingdom, or they simply didn’t care. He smiled bitterly as he kept on looking around the room. Schmerz has successfully been able to contain what got out to the cities from the castle. The image of Schmerz sprung forth in his mind causing his body to shudder. He despised his cowardliness whenever he was in his presence. The man had a way of reducing him to nothing.
The man instilled fear even on the most brazen oldest council members. He dropped some coins on the counter, shoved his hands into the pocket of his coat and strode out of the tavern. It was late night outside as he walked down the hot streets towards the castle. The moon was not bright tonight. The light filtered through the wooden and brick house windows and, porches casting shadows in the streets while noises from nearby taverns chased the silence. No one in the castle would be bothered by his absence. His father had long stopped caring about him and besides he was twenty-two, he no longer needed nursemaids or guards to worry about him. He watched a man and woman stagger in the darkness with their hands roughly grabbing one another’s clothes. Their bashful behavior reminded him of his father and stepmother shagging in the gardens. He had walked in on them. It wasn’t a pleasant sight. He stifled the ale threatening to come out from his throat leaving a vile taste in his mouth. His father was no longer the person he knew. His behavior and physicality changed drastically over the few months of the year. He looked too old and thin with withering skin, fringed hair that threatened to fall if you touched it, trembling at the gentlest wind and had become intemperate, vindictive with no reasons and lewd.
His body swayed a little and fingers shook from the drink he just had. He was a light weight, he never could hold his own down. He kicked a pebble and halted a short distance from the castle. Few of the rooms glowed light from within. It was a grand castle from the outside well kept by the servants and guards, and yet it was agony inside. His glazed eyes darted to the balcony of the king’s room and saw her, his step mother, Dagny. Although the dark hid most of her he could see what she was doing, her hands were stretched out to the sky. She depicted an image that of a devoted follower to the gods, pure and serene as if a divine spiritual being was manifesting in her. Despite her perfect beauty that made men weak and women envious, in his eyes, she looked wrong to like something too evil was lurking under.
And that evil was responsible for his father’s madness. He was helpless where it involved his dad and her. He couldn’t save him from her. His father was beyond smitten despite knowing so little about her. He was obsessed.
It settled oddly with Nikolas that little was known about her, even after hiring someone secretly to dig anything related to her. Same information came up from few people from the small town she claimed to have grown up in. Her father a wealthy trader who died in a sea storm, and her mother couldn’t dare live alone without her beloved, so she killed herself.
Nikolas watched her disappear into the room.
He had waited a minute before he dragged himself, passing the knights stationed in front of the castle and walked inside. He crossed the great quiet hall and turned to the left wing strolling down the long dark corridor to his private chambers when he heard murmurs coming from the right room across. He halted and listened. He recognized one of the voices belonged to Schmerz- he watched the empty corridor for any signs of anyone walking by before drawing near the closed whispering room. A tremor raced through his body, afraid he would get caught. He pressed his foggy head against the wooden door and listened.
“We march to the central villages. Lay them bare.” Nikolas heard Schmerz menacing voice instructing. This is where they strategized the raids against the Murisa Kingdom. He wondered how many wolves were in there. Pretending to oppose the war while in the dark their filthy souls celebrated. He leaned in more closely.
“But that’s too dangerous there’s a larger troop base shared between the Port City and some of the central villages. Guards travel almost every route because of the transportation of goods from the port to the villages and likewise from the villages to the harbour. It’s well-nigh protected like Vessener. And the number of force we have is not enough. We will be marching to a dragon’s mouth and not just ambush if we do as you say” replied a voice very low nearly to whispering, Nikolas couldn’t identify who spoke still it seemed the owner of the voice knew Murisa well enough. He stole a glance at the corridor his head turning to both ends to check if he was still alone.
“Soldiers can be made. We proceed as agreed” came Schmerz snarky reply.
Cruel bastard! He would take the pleasure of snatching young boys for his purpose. A moment of quietness had passed before he heard the sultry voice of Dagny coming from the room.
“You would make such a good husband. Fierce and commanding. I wish we had a son like you”.
He heard Schmerz chuckle. Nikolas didn’t miss the insult in her words. It wasn’t enough they have reduced him to a pathetic eavesdropper like a hungry gossip monger looking to get an earful to spread later, but now they mocked him in closed doors. Humiliation taunted him as he scampered to his chamber.
The room was plunged into darkness, as there was no candle burning. Nikolas dragged himself to his bed and laid on his back His father was right. Indeed, he was a coward a miserable being. Being a prince was just a title, Nikolas would wager many would have desired Schmerz being the prince despite his cruelty. He was too docile, he had let his humane turn him to a fool. He berated himself. Humiliation turned to anger and boiled inside him. His fingers closed to fists against the silky bed cover. No! No more will he be pliable, today would be the end of his meek righteous days. It would take Schmerz and his force a week to arrive at Murisa’s central villages. If he left tonight, he would get there before them. The corners of his mouth lifted while the wheels in his head turned. It was a shitty plan he was forming, but he was fully determined to make Schmerz and the queen suffer. They have turned him into nothing so will he turn their plan to dead bodies. A gift from the coward prince. He would prove he was better than what they and rest of the counsel thought of him. He abruptly stood from his bed and matched an oil lamp on the table beside the bed. Still plastered he walked towards the closet and grabbed a rucksack and shoved a shirt, a bottle of liquor in and slid a dagger in his boots. He grabbed two porches of the coin and shoved them in the pockets of his cloak.
The second he stepped out, he came face to face with Schmerz. Nikolas froze, shocked. His stomach dropped, hands began to sweat, eyes fixated at the cruel planes of the General's face. A scar butchered his left eyebrow. Nikolas’ insides whirled, and his heart drummed violently as the cold, suspicious eyes of the General penetrated his.
“Where to my prince in this dead night?” Schmerz asked, eyeing his bag with scrutiny. Nikolas forced his body to remain calm.
“Since when Schmerz do we tell each other what one is up to?” Nikolas laughed quickly to hide the tremor in his voice. Nikolas saw the heat in Schmerz eyes when he called him by his name. He knew Schmerz despised being called by his name, he preferred being called General. His parents must have hated him to name him such a brutish name. Nikolas’ lips twitched from the small hold he had on him-the hold was small, but he reveled in it.
“We wouldn’t want the prince to be harmed especially in these crucial times. I’m just doing my duty as the General protecting the heir to the throne” Schmerz replied his cold stare sharply still on him.
Nikolas felt like his soul was laid bare. He would not be able to enact his plans if he wasted anymore more time. He would succumb to the fear gliding inside him. He pretended to stagger although the ale was quickly washing out.
“Schmerz always committed,” He slurred. “I won’t tell father if you indulged yourself in pleasure occasionally ehh... A romp with a lady of the evening will make you feel right and loosen you a bit.” He hoped his bloodshot face and wavering blurry eyes persuaded Schmerz that he was crocked. He saw the hard lines of his mouth twitch.
He probably was enjoying the way he appeared, the drunk coward prince.
Nikolas didn’t mind disgracing himself more. Focusing his eyes over Schmerz’s shoulders, to the end of the corridor, a place that seemed so far out of his reach as he stood there, he slurred again. “You can come along Schmerz.” He opened his mouth slightly then closed it for the better, what he was about to suggest, would have been an incredibly stretch, something not only Schmerz would not believe but even the greatest hedonist in the city. He snorted inwardly...for Schmerz to join him in a romp. The whore would cry for death. The thought sent shivers down his spine.
“I’ll have to decline the offer. Should I assign you guards, my prince?” Schmerz asked ignoring his invitation.
“That would ruin all the fun. Have a good evening, Schmerz.” Nikolas excused himself, leisurely walking down the dim corridor stepping on his feet in the occasion. He was aware Schmerz was watching him, he could feel his gaze on his back like daggers. His knuckles had turned white from firmly gripping the bag. He flexed his fingers letting blood flow in his numb fingers.
He was too smart to just leave now. Schmerz might have sent one of his men on his tail. Frustrated, Calemir walked in the shadowed streets, his steps quick as he headed to Nadine’s house. Her modest small cottage home was situated in a less cheap alley.
Nikolas stood before the door and knocked, knowing she must be asleep at this late hour of the night since there was no burning lamp from where he could see outside the small curtained window of her home. He snapped his head behind him, trying to see if he had company while he waited for Nadine to open the door.
A cool breeze brushed against him. He tensed. He was too nervous and oversensitive to everything around him now. Damn you! He cursed at Schmerz and rapped his knuckles on the door again. What’s taking her so long?
Was another man here for her service? Jealousy boiled within him. Anger burned his blood when he recounted what his father had said about Nadine servicing Muri men. His track of thoughts was brought short when the door opened with a creak. Nadine stood at the door with a lamp on her hand, her long nightgown covered her shapely body, her lime eyes swollen from sleep, and her red curly hair untamed.
He didn’t wait for her to welcome him into her house. Instead, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him with his free hand, and dipped his head, catching her lips roughly with his. He felt her stiffen for a second then relax against him as he shoved the door closed with his foot.
She softly moaned into his mouth and responded to his kisses. Nikolas dropped his bag on the floor and grabbed the oil lamp from her hand, setting it on a nearby table while he dragged a chair and sat on it with Nadine straddling him. He caressed her hips and kept on kissing her, feeling the heat of her skin through her nightdress. Guilt filled his chest for using her like this, in his messed-up plan when she responded too eagerly for an experienced whore. She kissed him in a way that made him feel he was the long-gone lover and now he’d returned to her. Nikolas was aware of her feelings for him. The problem was, he wasn’t sure how he felt. Don’t think him wrong, he’s just confused about their relationship that’s been going on for almost seven years. Nothing has changed nor his desire for her since he’d first seen her. Her beauty still drove him insane, he just had to see her for the burning want in his veins to ignite. Nikolas enjoyed spending time with her, talking to her in the quietness when nothing else mattered. He more than liked that she listened to his rumbling of how it was hard being the invisible prince whenever he came to see her, never looking bored for one second. And this is what added to the confusion and the part she has never said she wanted more from him even when he told her his real identity. Nikolas had expected her to squeeze him of all the wealth he has, but not one single day has Nadine hinted she wanted the wealth he could give her. Whenever she brought the idea of him giving her more, she would get angry and change the subject. The other reason that gutted him is her providing favors to other men. He hated the idea of it, his stomach twisted, bile rose in his throat, and sense of betrayal rang in his chest whenever she was with other men. And then there was the way she behaved with him, gentle, caring. Nadine looked at him as if there was no other man but him in her eyes. Was this all pretense to keep as the most valuable client? Was he any different from others? Heck! He didn’t know.
He slowly ended the kiss after a surge of assurance welled in him that whoever was sent to follow him was long gone.
“What is it?” her hazel eyes searched his face. He nuzzled his nose on the crook of her neck and shoulder and inhaled her sweet scent. She smelled like the fresh and innocent flowers that bloomed in spring. He lifted his head and looked at her rosy face.
“Nothing is wrong love, I just need to talk.” Disappointment crossed her face. She blinked and climbed off him slowly and put some space between them. He watched as she fidgeted her small fingers in front of her. “How can I serve you, my prince?” She asked, her voice detached and void with emotions. It was the voice she used with other customers. Nikolas gritted his teeth.
“I need to talk to you”, he paced in her neatly small living room. The room had a nice brown rug that covered the wooden floor with a moderate wooden table with two chairs, small utensil cabinet in the corner and a heath and yellow curtains adorned the windows of her home. She had a decent home, all from the high price she demanded. And men were willing to pay because she was beautiful and the best of what she does. Her eyes lit with renewed hope which only made him feel guiltier.
“Would you prefer talking here or...” she blushed and averted her eyes shyly “...in the bedroom?”
“Here will be okay. I won’t take long”, Nikolas answered too quickly and picked the bag from the floor. He had to search for a ride heading to the north towns of the kingdom. His head ached when he tried to think where he could find someone traveling at this late hour.
“Is there something wrong?” she asked with genuine concern, her brows furrowed. Nadine neared Nikolas.
“I need you to lie for me. If anyone... especially the guards come looking for me. Tell them I’m asleep and wished not to be disturbed or I have gone out around the city.”
“Are you in trouble my prince?” she loudly whispered, worry mirrored on her lovely face. Nikolas almost gave a maniacal laugh to her question. He probably would be in deep trouble in days to come.
“No, I’m not in trouble. I just have some personal matters I need to take care of”, Nikolas said as he walked to the back door. He saw the curiosity written on her face, wanting to ask more but decided against it. He took some few coins from one of the porches in his cloak pocket and turned to her. “If you can’t do it, that’s fine. I will hold nothing against you,” he said quietly placing the coins in one of her free hands. He kissed her once more before she could protest or register what he was doing and walked out of her house.
Time was against him. He didn’t even know when Schmerz and his force would depart for Murisa. If they left early at the break of dawn, he might as well go back to Nadine and say farewell to his plans. He won’t be able to surpass them while they rode war bred and well-trained horses. He needed at least a day to be ahead of them. He planned as he slinked in the dark streets, searching for any merchant willing to travel. His luck struck when he walked to the local market and found a large young man moving barrels to his tented wagon. He appeared a little older than him.
His rusty oil lamp placed on the muddy ground a few distances from the wagon was the only source of light in the entire square. Nikolas moved closer to the young man.
“Take a step closer, and I will slit your throat” the young man warned him, pointing a dagger towards him.
“I mean you no harm” Nikolas replied quickly. Under the light, he could see the young man tanned face, brown hair and eyes, broad shoulders that stated he carried heavy luggage and used to hard labor. He was dressed in overly sized belted orange tunic with hose and boots. Nikolas cleared his dry throat. “Pardon, where you’re journeying to?”
“I’m heading North to Maji town,” he replied. “What do you want?” the man added sharply still pointing the dagger towards him.
“I would appreciate if you let me join you. I will pay for the accommodations” Nikolas replied glancing around him for any intruders. He didn’t know where the small town is but as long it was in the north of the kingdom he didn’t mind riding with the young man. He took some few coins from his pocket and showed the young man as he held his breath and waited for his answer. The young man studied him with a hard look for a moment. Nikolas hoped the young man wouldn’t recognize who he was.
“If you’re some hooligan I won’t hesitate to kill you.”
Nikolas sighed in relief. He was far from it. “I assure I’m no hooligan, but if you are, I won’t hesitate to do the same to you”, he threatened.
“There’s space in the wagon. You can climb in”, the young man instructed and waited for him to get in before he took his seat. He was bombarded with the darkness and the smell of ale inside the wagon. From back where he sat, Nikolas watched the young man take his seat at the front and pull the reins holding the two horses. Hot pricking sensation rolled over his skin. His heart beat faster, his face paling.
“Stop!” Nikolas yelled, panicking. “I said stop! He shouted again, feeling the walls of the wagon closing in on him. The horses reared and stomped the ground with a whine.
“What’s wrong back there?” the young man questioned, twisting in his seat to look after calming the horse to a stop.
“I…I need to get off” Nikolas muttered under ragged breathing. He crawled his way from the back, feet staggering as they hit the ground.
“Are you, all right?”
“Just go, here take this and leave” Nikolas threw one porch of coins to the man, not looking if he caught it.
O gods, I can’t do this! Nikolas bent forward feeling sick and guilty to his stomach. He was just about to rat out his father and General’s plan to the enemy, jeopardizing his kingdom for a little revenge and hurt pride.