Young Writers Society

Kieran took a hesitant deep breath and glanced at Jerica for confirmation. She gave a slight nod of agreement. He let out the breath and nodded, too, as he forced himself to relax and take half a step away from Jerica. He glanced back at the guard and managed quietly, “thank you, ma’am.”

He took another deep breath and then stuck both arms straight out and spread his legs far apart, turning into a standing starfish. He forced himself to raise his chin and stare straight ahead, trying to brace himself. He didn’t want to embarrass himself. Or Jerica. Or Lord Ainsley… or… well… any of the Ainsleys. He already knew Governor Ainsley and Lord Biryn didn’t like him, and he didn’t want to make the situation any harder for Jerica to fight for him to stay with her. Best not to make himself a problem.

Jerica glanced at him for a moment, then took a small step further away so that she wouldn’t whack him when she put her own hands out to the sides. He looked like a little sausage, bundled up until he was nearly as round as he was tall. It’d be a nightmare to check him for weapons.

She hoped that the guard would continue to see what an utter lack of threat he posed and that it’d be okay. He’d be useless as a mule to sneak weapons in, even if she’d wanted to. Which she didn’t. She was fully complying, like she was supposed to.

She was, however, a threat. Well. She wasn’t, because she didn’t plan on doing anything bad. But she could be. And the guard had no way of knowing that without verifying for herself. Which meant Jerica needed to make it easy for her to do her job — and Jerica was also still bundled up with a ridiculous number of layers that’d be hard to pat through.

Jerica spread her legs and then began unbuttoning layer after layer of coats and furs she had wrapped around her. She wasn’t thrilled about the idea of taking them all the way off while they were outside. But at the very least the guard would have easy access to check between layers. And it’d be quick if she did want Jerica to shuck them all off.

Her base layer was three thick pull-over-the-head wool tunics, over which she had her belts of throwing knives crossed in an ‘X’ across her torso. She cracked open the layers of her coats as much as possible to give the guard a clear view then held her hands out to the sides, much more casually than Kieran, and took a deep breath, bracing herself. She didn’t like being touched. Her reflex was to shrink away from or push away anyone that tried to touch her. And she couldn’t do that here. Not and it end well. So she braced herself so she wouldn’t.

The guard's hands moved over her with practiced efficiency, applying just enough pressure to note what was and wasn't there. Eventually she moved back and dipped her head. "Please make your way to the barracks; we'll have a dormitory cleared out for you."

“Alright.” Jerica nodded to her and stepped back a few steps, but waited for her to check Kieran over before she properly left.

Kieran was tense and anxious though was trying very, very hard not to let it show. But was doing a bad job of it.

Rek came walking up a moment later, having already been cleared. He glanced at Kieran and then chuckled. “Air’s not contraband; you’re allowed to breathe.”

Kieran blushed and gave an embarrassed smile, forcing himself to take a deep breath. Then he glanced at the soldier and gave a little nod.

The soldier patted him down, then straightened. "You're good to go. Who will be accompanying the Kirut to meet Lord Ash?"

“Uhhh… Derik?” Jerica turned to look for him.

Hearing his name, Derik looked away from the soldier who had just patted him down and glanced around until he saw Jerica. He strode over to them. “Mm?”

“Who’s going inside?” Jerica asked. “To meet Ash?” Derik gave her a stern look. She corrected herself sheepishly, “…Lord Ash.”

“Myself,” Derik answered, turning towards the soldier. “Derik Ainsley, brother to Governor Levin Ainsley.” He offered her a hand to shake. “And my son, Rekard, and niece, Jerica.” He nodded to each as he said their names, and they dipped their heads in turn.

“And Kieran,” Jerica added.

Kieran stared at her with wide eyes. Why Kieran? He wasn’t a noble! He shouldn’t be part of this!

Derik glanced at her, considering it for a moment. He wasn’t sure what was politically correct here. But he knew how anxious it would make Jerica to have Kieran whisked off somewhere away from her. And he could see an argument in her favor. She was, after all, supposed to be mentoring him. That included more than learning how to swing a sword. Derik glanced back at the soldier. “And Jerica’s squire, Kieran.”

Her brow furrowed. "That's quite a few of you. Why so many?"

“We’re all members of Governor Levin’s family,” Derik pointed out. “As well as his military. I’m teaching them diplomatic skills. They need to be present to learn those skills.” He offered a little, hopefully-disarming, smile. “I’ll be doing most of the talking, though.”

Her brow furrowed. "I'll escort you behind Captain Bay, then. We'll see what Lord Ash has to say."

“Sounds good.” Derik dipped his head to her. “Thank you.”

She nodded. "This way, then." She headed for the doors. "Have you met with Lord Ash before, sir?"

“I have not.” Derik shook his head, following close behind her. “This is my first time up this way since taking over my official duties.” He’d been up here plenty of times back when he and Zander were both shitheaded teenagers and into their young adulthood. But none of them needed to know that. Including Jerica and Rek. Had to set a good example for them, after all.

Jerica glanced at Rek, then Kieran, then gestured for him to walk in front of her. She fell into step just behind him with Rek to her right as all three followed Derik and the soldier.

"Hm." She gave a small nod. "Well, good luck in there. Try not to get into the middle of it; the whole Keep says the Kirut will be having words with Lord Ash."

Derik cringed. He’d gotten that impression from D’Ara as well. She didn’t seem the type to hold back on her words or opinions. “…we can wait to see him until after they’re done, if you think that’d be better?” And if that wasn’t an option, then he’d simply have to pray to the gods above that Jerica kept her mouth shut.

"Do you have a purpose in going to see him aside from diplomatic observation and guarding the Kirut?"

“Not specifically,” Derik said. “Levin is hoping to expand trade routes and diplomatic relations, but we don’t have a specific agenda for this visit other than establishing rapport.”