Moonlight Saga: Lost Throne - Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Look Who Crashed the Party

When the morning dawned on the peaceful town, the villagers began their preparations for Re'ana's coming celebration. Ribbon was draped between the closely packed buildings and wreaths of flowers of every color were hung from the windows of the buildings lining the street. The guards lined the road as the royal family paraded down the main road. Re'ana plastered on a fake smile and waved to the common folk who, she knew, would rather be in their homes and tending their shops than standing in the hot sun to celebrate her birthday. Of course, all of this show was just to get them to the stables, where her future steed was waiting to be chosen by her.

The large pasture was divided by a wooden fence that kept the mares from the stallions. “My lovely Princess,” a large man said rushing up to her. “Welcome to Northshire Fields. I hope that you have been having a pleasant stay.”

“Quite,” Re'ana said. Putting aside her interactions with Fang, her stay had been perfect. “I am here to select a horse.”

“Of course, my lady. Did you have something in mind? Or would you like to look about first?”

“I would like a mare. Not too temperamental, but with a strong spirit, and she must be well trained.”

“I have the perfect horse for you, my lady.” The man led the small group to a horse that would be considered the perfection of equestrian form. A bright white coat, like freshly fallen snow, covered her powerful form and listening intently to the verbal commands of her trainer. “This is Winter. The finest mare I have ever trained and more than a match for your royal request, Princess.”

Re'ana marveled as the mare would trot, stop, and walk backwards with just a simple command from the trainer; but another horse caught her eye. She stood just in Re'ana's peripheral and watched her with a strange intensity. Re'ana turned her gaze to the chestnut mare and saw that it was a little smaller than Winter and probably a little younger. The mare was currently ignoring her trainer's commands as she matched Re'ana gaze. A sudden crack of a whip across her shoulder drew a sharp whinny from the equestrian and, for some strange reason, a dull ache in Re'ana's shoulder. The chestnut mare turned back to her trainer and started listening to his commands once again. “What about that horse?”

“Oh, I don't think that one would be a good choice, Princess,” the man said waving his hands frantically back and forth. “Aria is still being broken in. She won't even take a rider yet.”

Re'ana heard the mare let out another pained whinny and a feeling of pain ache in her shoulder once again. “Maybe it's because she doesn't appreciate being whipped,” she said as she walked toward Aria. She ran her hand along Aria's jaw as she made her way to the saddle strapped to the mare's back.

“Princess, please come away from her. She's dangerous. She'll kill you.” Re'ana hesitated before she pulled herself up into the saddle. She grabbed the riding horn tightly, expecting to be bucked.

But, Aria remained perfectly still. Waiting patiently for Re'ana's commands, much to the shock of the trainers around her. With a gentle nudge to her sides from Re'ana's heels, Aria started off into a gentle canter. “I...I don't believe it,” the man said.

Re'ana let out a nervous giggle as she rode around the training field. “I believe that she's made her decision,” the king said with a wide grin on his bearded face.

Re'ana looked over to the white horse that was currently trotting around the field. She looked back to Aria and a gentle smile spread over her thin lips. “Yes, I would like to take Aria. She seems to have taken a liking to me,” she said as she patted her neck. Climbing from her back, Re'ana walked back toward her parents.

Aria began to follow her before the crack of a whip stopped her in her tracks. Re'ana turned on her heel and glared at the trainer holding the whip. “Strike my horse again and I will see to it that you feel her pain ten times over!” Re'ana cried, staring down the trainer. He quickly regretted his action and backed away from the guards that were moving towards him should Re'ana give the command.

“Princess, he is just inexperienced. He didn't know what he was doing,” the man said nervously.

Re'ana huffed and turned her back on the trainer and left him trembling as she left the fields. Returning to the carriage, she was pleasantly surprised to see Aria being tied up to the back of the carriage. “Well, I have to say that you put the fear of god in him,” Mirana said with a gentle smile playing on her lips. “Perhaps a little loud, but you handled that very well.” Re'ana smiled back at her mother from the compliment that she was being given.

A day of going from shop to shop followed. She chose a cake that would be presented at her birthday celebration that evening as well as the decorations that would fill the mansion by the time the sun set. Re'ana sighed as she continued to wave to the people lining the street. Her cheeks starting to feel sore from the fake smile she had on her face.

Re'ana paused a moment when she heard the sound of music and laughter. “Oh,” she said idly. “It appears there is a carnival.” She leaned out of the carriage a little to try to get a better view. She could see a crowd of people working their way back between the spectators at the side of the road and the ordered line of horses and carriages. Men and women danced about to a lively tune, played on violins, drums, and flutes. Re'ana watched them with a quiet smile on her face, until one of the ladies in waiting across from her scoffed.

“Elves,” she said with disdain.

“Gypsies,” said the other. “Supposedly, they'll use their magic to put you in a trance so they can rob you blind or curse you so that all of your hair falls out.” Re'ana looked to the dancing people, dressed in vibrant colors. Their faces were narrower than most people and the peak of their ears had a definitive point.

One of the Elven women danced up to the side of the carriage and held out a lily. “A present for the princess' birthday,” she said. Her auburn hair was decorated with a lily and her eyes emanated mischief. Re'ana gingerly took the flower and gave a nod of thanks, prompting the elf to twirl out of sight. Re'ana brought the lily up to her nose to smell its sweet perfume and was startled when the petals of the lily suddenly turned into doves that flapped about the carriage before making their escape out of the window.

Re'ana tossed the empty stem out of the carriage window. “The things they say about Elves are true. Why do they even let them into the wall?” Re'ana inquired.

“They entertain the peasants,” Leena said. “And the tax placed on them goes straight to the treasury. So they're tolerated because they more than pay for their stay.” The reasons, though reasonable, didn't make Re'ana like them any more. Gypsies were nothing more than con-artists seeking wealth from the easily amused.

They'll quickly sell you a bottle of snake oil as a miracle cure, just to earn a few more coin, she thought. “The only thing good about Elves is m their music,” Re'ana commented to herself as she continued to listen to the flutter of the flute, the beating of the drum, and the flourish of the violin cascading together in a mesmeric harmony.

“It's definitely something to dance to,” Leena said quietly. The Elves disappeared around the bend of the road, the sound of their music continuing just beyond the buildings.

Re’ana watched the spot where they had disappeared. “Let’s see how well they entertain,” Re’ana said getting the attention of the driver. The carriage was led to the open square which had been filled with stands displaying jewelry and clothes. Performances from acrobats to fire breathers were intermingled with the commoners who watched the performances. Stepping from the cart she was greeted by the commoners with a bow and an acknowledgment of “Princess.” Wandering about, without much direction, she watched the performers do their specific art before looking at the stalls of jewelry and extravagant clothing folded in a neat row on the makeshift counter.

Pausing at a jewelry stall, that was predominantly blue, Re’ana looked at a necklace of blue gems accented with silver swirls. “That there is a lovely necklace for a princess such as yourself, your highness,” an elderly woman said gently. Very few wrinkles marred her face and a pair of points marked where her ears were in the full bun of her white hair. “It’s crafted with azure stones from the Ice Mountain and silver spun from the spiders of the Everdark Abyss.”

“It’s lovely,” Re’ana said quietly.

“Take it,” the old woman said holding it out to her. “A birthday present on the princess’ big day.”

Re’ana looked to the woman, studying her for deceit. “Will it suddenly turn into birds or a weasel or some other kind of animal?”

“No, princess,” she said with a quiet chuckle. “It’s just a necklace. No magic. No tricks.” Re’ana took the necklace carefully, just in case it should suddenly disappear in a flash of light. She placed it around her neck and turned a little in the mirror on the table. “It suits you perfectly, Princess.” Re’ana nodded in approval before turning on her heel and walking off into the square.

A man stood on a stage and began shouting. “Come one. Come all. Witness the magnificent power of Lex’fend, the Magician.” He waved his hands about and threw skittering balls of light into the crowd, much to their amusement. “I need a volunteer, anyone will do.” Hands shot up throughout the crowd, trying to catch the attention of magician. “My lady!” he cried, spying the princess. “My lady! Would you grace us with your presence?” Being placed on the spot, Re’ana reluctantly agreed and walked up onto the stage. “Would you hold this, Princess?” he asked holding out a vase to her. With Re’ana holding it with both hands, Lex’fend rolled up his sleeves and waved his hands about in a theatrical manner. The vase in Re’ana’s hands suddenly changed into flowers. Re’ana watched in amazement as Lex’fend grabbed one flower and pulled out a string of flowers until there was none in her hand. “Do you like flowers, my lady?” Re’ana nodded and he flung the string of flowers into the air, where they gently drifted down in a ring to land around her neck. “Of course, these serpent daisies don’t always behave as they should.” Re’ana lifted her hands to the flower necklace and felt a smooth texture. Looking down, she saw the flowers around her neck were no longer flowers.

They had become a snake. A snake with bright green scales, gently squeezing at her skin. With a shrill scream she tore the serpent away and threw it on the ground.

On the stage lay the broken flower necklace, a few of its petals gliding gently down to the wooden floor. “You are a horrid man!” she screamed in anger. “No! Not even a man! An Elf! A gypsy Elf! I swear that I will see your horrid tricks and underhanded ways run out of this kingdom!” Re’ana stormed off the stage, her hands attempting to wipe away the feeling of crawling from beneath of her skin.

Getting back into the carriage, she planted herself into the seat with a furious posture. She glared out of the window having been put into a foul mood. “They’re tricky,” the woman across from her said. “We tried to warn you.”

“Nothing but charlatans and thieves, the whole lot of them,” Re’ana agreed. “Using their magic to distract you, all while they slip their hands into your coin purse.” She folded her arms in irritatation, huffing as it would be unladylike to spit out curses. “I’m ready to go back to the mansion!” she said to the carriage driver. He quickly spurred the horses toward the extravagant manner, still being decorated for the party that evening. Re’ana stormed out of the carriage and up to her room, not to be seen until the celebration later that night.

As evening brought its orange hued dusk, the mansion was illuminated by thousands of candles that fluttered about with the wind. Ribbons and flowers decorated the fence and halls and guests began funneling into the massive double doors placing their gifts for the princess on a table near the back. The pillars were wrapped in fine silk and bright gems that twinkled in the last rays of sunlight. The festivities began with the stringed instruments playing tunes that invited people to come dance. As always, Re’ana was at the focus of attention in the massive ballroom. Her dazzling gown sparkled in the candlelight. She unwrapped her gifts as the world outside became dark, thanking those around her profusely for their gifts in feigned gratitude. She found most of them to be dull and unfitting of a princess coming into womanhood. Not like Aria. No gift even came close to her father’s present.

Re’ana would dance with a few of the young men that were there to court her, now that she was of marrying age. Most of them were nice and gentlemanly, while others were regal and handsome. In truth, all of them were good candidates as husbands; but, none of them fit the image of her perfect knight. Her prince, whom she had been dreaming of since she was a young girl, when her father would read her fairy tales, would have the body of a god and his only wish would be to see her pleased. When the song came to a close and she gave a dainty bow and returned to her seat, releasing a disappointed sigh. “Is something the matter, Princess?” Leena inquired.

“Oh, nothing,” Re’ana responded. “I’m just a little sad. Here I am at the pinnacle of youth and my prince charming hasn’t arrived to whisk me away to his kingdom. It’s not something you would understand Leena.”

“No, Princess. I wouldn’t understand that at all,” Leena’s eyes rolled as she sang to Re’ana’s tune.

“This celebration is nice and all and Aria is a magnificent horse; but, sometimes I wish I was married and had a castle of my own with servants and cooks.” Re’ana rested her chin in her hand as she slipped into a daydream, imagining what it would be like to be her own queen. She didn’t even notice when her mother came up and started speaking with her. She blinked a few times and turned her attention to her mother, who was giving her a stern look. “I’m sorry. What were you saying?”

“You really need to stop disappearing into your little fantasies,” her mother said. Re’ana gave her a sheepish grin, which prompted an eye roll from her mother. “I asked if you had seen Sarce, the prince of Taqui. He has definitely come into manhood. Nothing like when you saw him three years ago.” Re’ana began looking about the room for him. Mirana nodded her head toward a young man with a chiseled jaw and curly brown hair. “What do you think about him?”

“He doesn’t fit the prince of my dreams perfectly,” Re’ana said, “but he is really close.”

“Shall I have him sent over?” Re’ana nodded eagerly and sat up a little straighter. Her hands resting delicately in her lap as she had been taught to do and exuding reaglity. Mirana got Sarce’s attention and sent him toward Re’ana. She could vaguely remember a young man with curly brown hair that was overweight of the same name. But he was nothing like the well-built spectacle that was now walking up the steps to her.

“Would you care to dance?” Sarce asked offering his arm.

“I would love to,” Re’ana said taking his offered arm. She secretly squeezed his arm through his crimson jacket and was happy to find that there was a firm muscle beneath it. Arriving, once again, at the center of the dance floor, the two of them began to slowly turn in place as a gentle waltz was played. “What took you so long to come ask for a dance?”

“I sort of got the feeling that you didn’t like me from out last encounter,” Sarce responded.

“What would make you think that?”

“You dropped a bowl of chowder on my head and said you wanted nothing to do with me.”

“Oh,” Re’ana actually felt herself blushing from embarrassment. “Well, that was three years ago. I assure you that those are not my feelings now.” Sarce nodded, almost like he found her statement hard to believe. As the song ended, Sarce released Re’ana from his strong arms and they clapped for the musicians. The doors opened and a servant announced the arrival of the cake.

The towering cake was brought out for the final event of the evening. Re’ana stepped forward, a dainty smile playing on her lips, and took a deep breath to blow out the candles. A sudden feeling of unease filled her chest as the full moon peeked out from behind the clouds. A sudden crash from a window shattering cast the room in darkness. Several of the guests let out screams of terror upon seeing the shrouded creatures that flew about the room from the broken window. The soft light of the moon glinted off of their metallic hands. The wraith-like entities dove down on the frightened guests and would carry one out of the large window.

Between the blood-curdling screams and horrifying screeches, Re’ana could only think of Fang’s words, much to her annoyance. Keep running and don’t look back. She ran for the back of the ballroom where she had been sitting for the duration of the now ruined ball. Crouched beside the ornate armrest, she continued to frantically search about for an exit while the terrified screams of the guests that were carried out through the open windows into the night. When something suddenly grabbed her arm and started pulling her away, she let out a frightened shriek and beat her small fist against the arm. Opening her eyes she recognized the platinum blonde hair and black gloved hand, which currently held her wrist in a tight grip like a vice.

Dragging Re’ana to a nearby wall, Fang tore aside the ornate tapestry that hung from the iron rod mounted to the wall above him. Bracing his body against the stone the wall slowly began to move and revealed a hidden passage. Grabbing the princess’ arm once more he pulled her into the tunnel. The near pitch black darkness of the corridor caused Re’ana to trip and stumble only held up by Fang’s demanding pull. “Where are my parents?” Re’ana cried.

“The rest of the guard is taking them out another escape passage,” Fang replied. “We’ll meet up with them at the safe house.” As relieved as Re’ana was to hear that her family would be alright; she was annoyed by the fact that Fang was not addressing her in the proper fashion.

Fang came to a sudden halt, causing Re’ana to run into his back. He quickly gave her a silent sign to remain quiet before she could speak. Peeking his head out beyond the foliage, Fang scanned the skies for any sign of the T’vi. The safety of the forest lay beyond the open stretch of land that spanned nearly a hundred yards. A piercing shriek echoed from behind them, signaling the T’vi coming down the corridor that had been Fang and Re’ana’s escape. “Run for it!” Fang ordered as he began dragging the princess after him.

Another sound caused Fang to tear his ivory handled sword from its sheath. The sound, that had seemed so close to the cry of the shrouded figures that pursued them, came from a horse that was thundering across the plane. “Aria?” Re’ana said in confusion. The chestnut mare gave out a whinny and a snort before stopping beside the fleeing pair. Fang sheathed his curved sword and pulled himself onto the mare’s unsaddled back, holding out his hand for Re’ana.

Re’ana was shocked to see Aria accepting Fang as a rider. She was only supposed to take me as a rider! Traitorous horse, Re’ana thought to herself. She gave him a dejected look as her attention was pulled to what Fang was implying of her. “You must be joking. How am I supposed to ride without a saddle?”

“The same way your ancestors did before they invented the saddle,” Fang replied. “Now come on!” He grabbed her arm rather forcefully and dragged her up into the space behind him. Giving Aria a swift kick to her flanks with his heels they took off across the plane just as the wraith-like creatures came rushing out of the hidden opening in the wall to pursue them. “Come on, girl! Faster!” Fang glanced over his shoulder, sensing the T’vi closing in on them. Their shrieks sent chills down Re’ana’s spine, like their skeletal hands where trailing their fingertips along her back. Aria’s thundering hooves kept them moving toward the approaching tree line as Fang continued to coax more speed from the mare that carried them.

The T’vi suddenly soared skyward as the trees encompassed the trio. Re’ana released a breath she didn’t know she had been holding and Aria began to slow as the present danger had seemed to pass them by. Sliding down from his place on Aria’s back he patted the mare’s shoulder in thanks. Taking the reins, Fang led Aria through the silent woods. Not even the crickets chirped in the darkness around them. “Are those creatures gone?” Re’ana asked. As if to answer, another shriek came from overhead and passed them by.

“No,” Fang replied. “But the trees will give us cover to slip away.” Now that the T’vi were out of sight, but not quite out of mind, Re’ana’s familiar attitude returned. She cleared her throat to show her irritation with Fang. “What?” he asked looking to her.

“Just because we’re no longer within the wall does not mean that you can ignore the proper way to address me.”

Fang’s eyes rolled so hard that he thought he might have strained something. “Forgive me, Princess. I will make sure to remember that from now on.” The sarcasm in his voice was unmistakable.

“Watch your tone or I’ll have you flogged.”

“You know, Princess, there are many creatures in this forest that would love to dine on royalty. The louder and longer you talk the more likely they are to find us.” Re’ana wasn’t sure if he was being serious or if he was just trying to make her be quiet, but didn’t want to meet anything that lived in these woods. Her mind was already playing tricks on her. Imagining things in the shadows that weren’t really there.

Half-an-hour passed, but to Re’ana it felt more like half the night, and they came to a small cottage. The stone and mortar buried in a thick blanket of ivy. A lake sat several yards from the small, overgrown building. Small ripples lapped gently at the store. “Looks like we’re the first ones here, unless they went to one of the other safe houses.”

“Well, did they or didn’t they? You said before that we would meet them here.”

“That was the plan, Princess; but, plans change. They might have gotten cut off by those T’vi that came after us.” Re’ana held in a groan from the thought of spending the evening in Fang’s company by herself. He led Aria to the trough near the cottage and helped Re’ana to the ground. The inside of the cottage could barely be considered a place to rest. A few thin mattresses on wooden frames served as beds and a small table to eat at. “I’ll let you get some rest, Princess. I’m going to make a fire.” Fang closed the door behind him, leaving Re’ana alone in the dark cottage. She tested the mattresses and chose the on that provided the most padding on the wooden supports. She lay down on the creaking bed and shifted about trying to get more comfortable.

After tossing and turning for an hour, Re'ana stood up with a huff. Opening the door, she was greeted by the comforting warmth of the fire. Fang sat on a stone by the small fire pit facing the door, the orange glow basking his face in its hue. “Guard,” Re’ana said getting Fang’s attention. “Draw up some water for a bath. I want to clean up before turning in.”

Fang shook his head with a sigh. “I don’t know if you noticed, Princess; but, there isn’t a tub for you to bathe in or soaps for you to wash with. If you really want to wash, then go for a dip.” Fang jutted his thumb over his shoulder to point at the lake.

“You expect me to wash in that filthy water?”

“You’re asking the only capable guard to ignore his duty to protect you so that he can boil water clean for you when there are things like wolves and goblins lurking in these woods. All due respect, Princess; but, my suggestion doesn’t sound like the unreasonable one.” He poked at the fire with a long stick, attempting to coax more fire from the charred logs. Re’ana let out a frustrated sigh and crossed her arms over her chest.

When she came to the conclusion that Fang wasn’t going to get the water for her, she shook her head and stormed off toward the edge of the lake. Stepping behind a row of tall bushes that provided a barrier between her and Fang, she watched his figure, still sitting at the fire. She undressed and dipped her foot into the calm water, breaking the series of ripples coming toward the shore. She bit her lip trying to hold in the yelp that threatened to announce itself when her skin touched the freezing cold water. She slowly began to wade into the pool, causing ripples to spread out toward the far shore.

Despite her steady caution to wade in slowly, her foot slipped in the muck that coated the bottom of the lake and plunged her whole body into the frigid water. A scream of shock tore itself from her throat as she was chilled to the bone. Fang chuckled a little, just loud enough for Re’ana to hear, and threw another log onto the fire.

With shaking hands, Re’ana rubbed the frigid water over her goose-bump covered skin. The thought, This must be how commoners bathe, flittered through her mind. Having rinsed every inch of her trembling body, she stood up from the water and was greeted by the midnight air. Wrapping her thin arms around her body, she cursed under her breath at the realization that she didn’t bring a towel or blanket with her to dry off. She sat nude, yet dignified on a large boulder that sat between the lake and wall of bushes. She refused to ask Fang for anymore help. In fact, she didn’t plan on talking to him for the remainder of their stay at the safe house. Suddenly, a soft blanket collided with the back of her head. She turned, ready to chastise Fang for coming close enough to see a lady naked; but, as she peered through the leaves of the bushes, she saw that Fang had only taken one or two steps from the fire so that the blanket would reach. Wrapping the thin blanket around her trembling form and wiped away the droplets that still clung to her skin. Pulling on her under gown she sighed at her current situation. Stuck in the forest with a guard she detested and no servants to fetch whatever she may need.

Lost in thought about how terrible things were for her, Re’ana failed to notice the lumbering creature that approached her. She grasped, blindly, for her dress and pressed her hand against the creature’s oily skin. Drawing her hand back quickly, she spun around and came face-to-face with a creature that stood eight feet high. Wart covered skin gave off a greasy sheen in the firelight, and stringy hair hung from its nearly bare head. Re’ana’s month opened as if to scream, but only a soft squeak came from her throat. Completely paralyzed with fear, she stood as ridged as a statue. Even as the creature came in close to sniff her several times, like a dog inspecting a new toy, she didn’t budge an inch. It reached out to grab Re’ana with a hand big enough to crush her torso. Re’ana’s mind screamed at her to run but her body refused to obey.

Re’ana could vaguely perceive Fang leaping onto the creature’s back, driving a dagger into the top of its shoulder. The beast bellowed in pain and began to thrash about. Fang holding on tight as he was whipped about like a ragdoll attached to a bucking bronco. “Get a log from the fire!” Fang cried over the beast’s roars. Re’ana suddenly found her legs again and ran to the small fire Fang had been sitting at. She picked up one of the logs, the end still burning with a small flame, and ran back to where Fang was holding on desperately to the creature’s back as it grabbed at him with its grubby hands. She waved it back and forth in front of the creature.

The beast gave out a fearful roar and waved his arms about to ward the flames away from it. Re'ana struck its arm by accident when combined with the creature's panicked movements. The fire that licked off the log spread quickly over the creature’s oil covered arm making Fang jump off of the creature’s back and charge at Re’ana, tackling her into the water. The fire spread across the creature’s flesh, completely engulfing the beast in flame as it roared in a panic.

Re’ana fought to break free of the water that was so cold that it hurt. Fang continued to keep her below the surface until they felt the shock of an explosion ripple through the water and fire stretching out over the lake’s surface before it dissipated into nothing.

Fang and Re’ana breached the water’s surface, gasping for air. The small cottage had been burned to the ground from the violent explosion that had left a crater at the edge of the lake and still crackling from the fires that covered it. “What in all things holy was that?” Re’ana asked.

“A troll,” Fang replied as they dragged their shivering bodies from the water. “They’re incredibly hard to kill in normal combat. That oil they secrete is like a fast healing salve to them, but it’s extremely flammable. Just a spark can set it off. After that they’re a time bomb that will incinerate anything nearby.”

“Aria!” Re’ana cried in alarm.

“She’s fine. She ran off as soon as she smelled that brute. She’ll return once she knows it’s safe.” Fang dropped down next to the fire, which was ironically still burning, and rubbed his arms to get warm.

“Well, n…now what am I s…supposed to wear?” Re’ana said through her chattering teeth, her voice shaking from the cold. “That d…dumb troll b…burned my dress.”

“What you’re wearing now is fine, Princess. Besides that explosion burned up any clothes that might have been in the cottage.” Aria quietly came trotting back from the forest, sensing that the troll was no longer there. “There you go, Princess. Your mare has returned.” Re’ana ran to the chestnut mare, more relieved that she wouldn’t be alone with Fang than for Aria’s safety.

For a long while neither of them spoke just sitting there in the warmth of the fire to ease their shivering limbs. “I guess I should thank you.”

“Only doing my duty, Princess.” Fang stretched out on the ground close to the fire to keep warm.

“What are you doing?”

“Sleeping.”

“You’re the guard! You’re supposed to stay away and protect me!”

“The explosion from the troll would have driven any nearby dangers far away from here.”

“Where am I supposed to sleep?”

“There’s lots of ground. Pick a spot.”

“I don’t think so. I am royalty. I will not lie on the ground like the common rabble. I demand you find me a suitable sleeping arrangement.”

Fang turned his gaze toward Re’ana with a steady glare. “And just where do you propose I look? This forest goes on for miles and the open country is too dangerous to travel at night.”

“Well I expect you to do something. I will not sleep on the ground.”

Fang sighed as he stood up and inspected the destroyed cottage for anything that might satisfy Re’ana. Dragging the mostly charred mattresses back to the fire and stacked them up so that they might give enough comfort to satisfy the Princess. “There you go, your highness.” Fang returned to his place by the fire and covered his eyes with his arm.

A soft snore signaled Fang’s descent into slumber. Re’ana lay down on the small stack of mattresses with an irritated sigh. Even the stack of mattresses was uncomfortable, but at least it wasn’t the ground. Sleep came in brief spats that lingered only for a moment before fluttering away.