LITMIR.BIZ

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town with a bruised face and swollen lip.”

      “That wasn’t your fault, Sol. I take full responsibility for that mistake. If not for you two, it could’ve been a lot worse,” she said panting from the pain in her side every time she breathed. “Today was no different.”

      “I don’t know. I think you handled yourself pretty good on your own.”

      “Thank you, but I’m grateful just the same.”

      She was weak and felt the rib already pounding protest inside her, causing her to breathe shallowly. They rounded up the horses, and Tomaz got some medical supplies from his saddle bag. Sol put up a shelter over them so that Tomaz could tend to her wound without the rain washing away all the medicine and getting the homemade bandages all wet. Once he had the bleeding stopped, the wound cleaned and bandaged, they settled down under the shelter with an invisibility spell over it for the rest of the day and night. Sol started a fire, and they ate the cold rations they had left. There were not many edible plants around the shore of the lake to make any kind of stew, so they settled back with what they had and got some rest. Melenthia fell asleep soon after dinner, and Sol and Tomaz took turns keeping watch. He wondered if they were going to have trouble from the guards that had hidden themselves below the ridge and made sure to stay alert and awake all night. When morning came, he still had not seen hide nor hair of the other guards and decided that they had disappeared when the frontal assault came. He figured they assumed their counterparts would take care of the party and ensnare Melenthia in their clutches for Fallon. They left the scene before they were discovered, not knowing the outcome. Let them be surprised, Tomaz mused, then they will have to face the wrath of Fallon when they returned assuring him things were done. When the other party never arrived, Fallon would be angry they didn’t make sure the job was finished and punish them. The three of them would be to Drydon Keep before Fallon could send out another party to catch them.

      After a day and a half the rain started to subside somewhat. They had not stopped for more than a couple of hours, wanting to reach Eston in haste. When they were close, Tomaz slowed for her to catch up. Her head was bowed so the rain couldn’t get in her eyes, and he touched her shoulder.

      “Look, my lady. Home is near.”

      She looked up and noticed they were just coming over the rise and could see the distant twinkling lights from the city below. Eston was just a few leagues away, and her anxiousness turned to relief. Her heart started to beat faster, and she found herself smiling. For better or worse she and Dain would be reunited. She found herself suddenly urging her mount on, picking up her pace to make it home before the end of the day. There was no light, the sun was shrouded by the dark rain laden clouds, but instinct told her they had about three hours before dusk. Just in time for a warm bath and a hot meal. The warmth of Dain’s bed and his arms around her made her heart race more, and she felt a longing stronger than she had felt the entire time they were apart. She was home.

      CHAPTER 5

      The guards on top the parapet wall could see the riders approaching from the distance and yelled down to the gate keepers to prepare for entrance. The Captain of the Guard, Alastair, snapped to a squire standing watch inside the gate. The squire approached and saluted his captain. “Yes, sir.”

      “See that Emerick and the staff are prepared. The princess has returned and is about a half hour away.”

      “Yes, sir.”

      The squire, who was new to the king’s ranks, taking the place of Henri who was on quest with Alek, ran up the stairs and into the castle. He inquired the whereabouts of Emerick and made haste to bring him the message.

      Emerick received the message and put his staff to work, making sure everything was in order for the princess’ return. Her apartments were ready, and the dressing chests refilled with newly made garments.

      He was excited. She had been gone many a month, and he wasn’t sure how much longer Dain could take it. He kept himself busy with war preparations and troop movement, but at the end of the day, his melancholy mood always came out. He missed her more than even Emerick had imagined he would, and he was pleased about it. He hadn’t so much as batted an eyelash at another woman since her departure, and there had been ample opportunity, the castle full of nobles coming and going again, the women doing their best to turn his head. It wasn’t common knowledge that Dain was in love, so the women were frustrated by his lack of attention.

      Emerick smiled largely as he busied himself with other duties. He would be glad to have the light in the castle again. Emerick thanked the maker that Ruan had decided to surprise Dain with his presence. Emerick suspected it was the only reason Dain didn’t go crazy awaiting her return; he had Ruan to distract him and keep his mind on task.

      A half hour later the arrival bell sounded, and Emerick went through the main hall to greet them. He was a bit upset that Dain had not yet returned to the castle; he had gone into Tarun for business and was not there to greet her. Well, he thought, at least he would come home to a surprise.

      When Melenthia climbed the stairs, Sol and Tomaz following, Emerick took her hands in his when she reached him and smiled down on her. “It’s so very good to have you home again, Your Highness, safe and sound.”

      She smiled back at the kind old man who had so slyly hinted about Dain’s love for her. She was very fond of him and was happy to see him in return. “Thank you, Emerick. It’s good to be home. I’ve been away much too long.”

      “She’s safe, but not completely sound,” Sol interjected, a slight smile on his face. Melenthia glared at him.

      Emerick looked to Sol, then back at Melenthia. “What happened?”

      “We ran into a few of Fallon’s guards halfway between Mercer and here, on the Elanorrah Lake road. They ambushed us.”

      His eyes squinted in alarm. “How many?”

      Tomaz answered, “Seven.”

      He glanced at the elf then once again focused on Melenthia. “Are you hurt?”

      “Not badly. I got hit in the rib cage with a broadsword. I have a cut which is healing up after Tomaz’s application of medicinal herbal paste, but the left side of my rib cage is pretty sore. It hurts to breathe in too deeply, and the up and down motion of the horse was to say the least, uncomfortable. Please don’t say anything to Dain. It’ll just make him worry.”

      “All right, but if you don’t feel better in a day or two, I will. Although I’m sure he’ll figure it out on his own eventually.”

      “Thank you.”

      “I’m afraid he’s not in the castle at present. He had business in Tarun today and hinted he would return before sunset. Perhaps his business kept him longer than expected.”

      “It’s alright, Emerick. I would really love a hot bath before dinner. This dust is coating me three layers thick.”

      “Your rooms are all ready and waiting for you, Your Highness. And you’ll find a chest full of fresh clothes as well.”

      “Again thank you, Emerick, but it’s Melenthia. No more formalities under this roof. What do you say?”

      His eyes twinkled at her, and the crinkles showed under the bushy brows. “You’re different, Melenthia. I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s something different about you.”

      She paused for a moment, a small frown of doubt crossing her features. “In a bad way?”

      “Of course not. You’re as ravishing as always. I just see a light in you that was not present before. Knowledge? Power? I’m not sure, but I see it clear as day.”

      “I hope Dain will not be disappointed.”

      He squeezed her hand harder now. “Not at all. He will love you deeper, I suspect. He hasn’t been the same since you left. You put a light in his soul that without you he does not have. He will be relieved that you have come home. But come, let’s get you settled. Bianca will take you up and

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