Aesta: Chapter 2 - Princess Laurel

Chapter 2

Princess Laurel

"Vaughn, wake up already!" Mayuko shouted at Vaughn. It was another bright and sunny morning and Vaughn was still in bed, sleeping. The young soldier pulled the blanket over his head and groaned, "Five more minutes..." This, Mayuko would not allow. "Get your...lazy ass...out of bed!" She shouted at him as she tugged at the blanket once, twice, three times before she pulled it away, sending her flying backwards and through his bedroom door. She picked herself up and rolled the blanket in her hands. "Vaughn!"

Vaughn curled up on his bed and reached around for a blanket that could not be found. "Nnng." he groaned and slowly opened his eyes to see a female figure before him. He looked higher to see Mayuko's face. She did not look happy. "What?" he grumbled as he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and slowly sat up.

"We're late for a mission." She said flatly.

"Shit!" Vaughn jumped up and went over to where his uniform hung on the wall. He started to change, not really caring that Mayuko was there watching. "When were we supposed to leave?!" He glanced over his shoulder after putting his pants and boots on.

"About an hour ago."

"Why didn't you wake me up!?"

"I tried to! Do you know what kind of sleeper you are, Vaughn?! If the whole world was crashing down, you wouldn't even wake up!"

Vaughn didn't respond. When he could sleep, he slept. Well that was, when he knew he was someplace safe. Outdoors and in the middle of dangerous territory, he slept lightly. But all soldiers were trained to sleep with eyes and ears open. Vaughn let out a huff and pulled his under shirt over his head. He tucked the bottom into his pants and then looked back over to Mayuko. "Why didn't you just go without me?"

Mayuko had her arms crossed over her chest and her index finger was tapping her arm. "We have to collect taxes from the Green Kingdom of Rune. It's a two or more person's job." She growled at him. Obviously, she didn't like the idea of going alone.

Vaughn finished dressing by putting on his jacket and wrapping his red scarf around his neck. He picked up his pack and moved toward the door, walking passed Mayuko. "Well, what are we waiting for?" With that, he left the room.

* * *

It took about ten days of uneventful travel on horseback before Vaughn and Mayuko made it to the Zaoli Forest-- the forest which separates the peninsula that the Green Kingdom of Rune is located on, to the rest of Lithan. It was named after the previous great emperor, Emperor Zaoli.

Vaughn looked up through dense green leaves to try to see the sky, but his efforts were futile. He knew it was about mid-day but under canopy of the forest it was hard to tell. It was rather quiet in this area, which was strange. Usually the sound of birds chirping wildly would fill the air. But there was nothing. Not even a twitter.

"Are you sure you know where we are?" Mayuko asked, unsure of Vaughn's navigational capabilities. She was riding on her horse while Vaughn walked beside his.

"Of course I know!" He scoffed and waved off her worry. How could she even doubt him? He was one of the best navigators in the empire. He glanced around, then up to his female companion. "We're in the forest." He joked.

"...I think we're lost." She muttered flatly.

"I know where we're going! Have some faith, will you?"

She looked at Vaughn skeptically but he paid no attention to this. It was then that they heard a scream echo through the trees. The two soldiers glanced at eachother before Vaughn let go of his horses reigns and took off, pulling his weapons--two hooked swords--from the sheath that was strapped to his back. He held them low to the ground as he weaved through the trees until he came upon a scene. He stopped and hid behind a thick tree and watched to see what was going on.

There was a group of men surrounding a young woman. One man laughed and the others followed his laughing lead. The woman was obviously distressed and tears could be seen running down her cheeks. She pleaded with the men to leave her alone, let her go back home. She promised them anything that they wanted. But the laughing men simply laughed harder. "Give me your body and I might just think about it." A tall, muscular man told the young woman as he reached down and grabbed her arm. She screamed and thrashed around, trying to rip away from his grasp.

That was all that it took to trigger Vaughn's rage. How dare they treat a woman so despicably? "Let her go!" He shouted as he ran out from his observation point. The men turned around to see Vaughn with his hooked swords raised at a attacking position. Compared to the Goliath-type men, Vaughn was puny. How could he ever take on five of these men? The obvious leader narrowed his eyes on the soldier, keeping his grip on the woman's arm.

"Who are you?" He growled loudly.

"The guy that's gonna kick your ass if you don't let her go!" Vaughn snapped back. His eyes went from the lead man to the other four. He was sizing them up, calculating. They looked like bandits and that's exactly what they were. Low class men with nothing but the clothes on their back. They would rob anyone that they happened to stumble upon. And from he looks of them, they usually got what they wanted. "Gods help you if you don't release her after I count to three. One!"

The man looked to his men and burst out laughing. "What can a little man like you do to us?"

"Two!"

"You can't harm us!"

Just then a burst of fire spiraled through the trees and struck one of the men square in the chest. The man fell over and started to roll around, crying out in burning pain. The fire had caught his clothing on fire and he was literally frying. As this was happening, Vaughn quickly ran to another man and ducked low to slash at his feet. With surprising strength, he slashed open the second man's leg, making him fall to the ground. He also cried out in agonizing pain. Another flash of fire shot through the trees from a different direction and scared the remaining men, making them back up into a small triangle. "Where is it coming from?!" One man shouted. "Where is he?!" Another one asked with panic. The leader was still hanging onto the young woman, who was now crying hysterically.

Out of what seemed to be nowhere, Vaughn jumped up and slashed again, this time cutting one of the lesser man's face. He knelt down, holding his hands to his mutilated face. And then there were two. Again, fire shot through the trees and scorched the last of the grunts, leaving the leader all alone. He looked around to find that he no longer had any backup. "This isn't worth shit!" He cried and let go of the young woman. He started to run, but then Mayuko stepped out from the trees.

"And where do you think you're going?" She asked sweetly, a charming smile on her lips. She tilted her head while raising her hands level to her shoulders and cracked her knuckles. As Mayuko took "care" of the man, Vaughn went over to the young woman and knelt down beside her.

"Are you alright?" He asked, while he put his swords back into their sheath. She was sobbing and could barely speak. "Calm down, take deep breaths." He went to place his hand on her back, but then hesitated. Maybe touching her wouldn't be a good idea. After she calmed down a little, she took one final deep breath.

"I'm alright now, thank you." She mumbled to him, wiping her tears away. She looked around to find that the men had picked themselves up and ran off. Now she could relax a little more. She let out a small sigh and looked back to Vaughn. "You are a solider?"

Vaughn nodded and plucked his uniform jacket. "Yup! Special class soldier." The young woman gave him a faint smile. Mayuko walked over to the two and stood beside Vaughn. "What's your name?" She asked and crossed her arms loosely over her chest.

"Vivian. And you two? May I have the honor of knowing your names?"

Vaughn grinned and pointed to himself with his thumb. "I'm Vaughn Chesmu." He pointed to Mayuko next. "And this is Mayuko Sakata." Mayuko smiled to the woman and waved at her slightly. Vivian smiled and waved back to Mayuko and looked back to Vaughn. "A pleasure meeting the both of you. I don't know how to repay you for saving my life."

The two soldiers glanced at each other. There were a million things they could ask for in return. Food and money was especially on their mind. But she looked like a low-class commoner. What could she possibly have? Vaughn glanced back to Vivian. "You don't have to repay us. It's our duty to protect those who are in trouble." Vivian blushed slightly and turned her faced away.

"So where are you going?" Mayuko asked to change the subject. She noticed the girl's blush and a sudden urge to punch her in the face wiggled its way into her conscience.

Vivian glanced to Mayuko and started to answer her question. "I was just taking a walk in the forest, but I suppose I should go back now." She lowered her head slightly. Obviously she wasn't happy about the decision. Vaughn looked from Mayuko to Vivian.

"We'll be happy to accompany you to the kingdom. We're heading there anyways." He suggested. Mayuko shot a glance at him. Sometimes he was just too nice of a guy. She knew it would probably get them in trouble one day. Vivian looked up to Vaughn with a brightened smile. "That would be most wonderful." Mayuko wanted to smack her forehead. This girl annoyed her and she really hadn't done anything. Why was she so annoyed?

Vaughn stood up and held out his hand for Vivian. She happily took his hand and hoisted herself up. Mayuko went back into the dense forest to retrieve the horses. Once she came back and got on hers, Vaughn offered for Vivian to ride on his. She agreed and he helped her on the neighing animal. And they returned to their mission to arrive at the Green Kingdom of Rune.

* * *

After a few hours, Vivian decided it was about time to make some small talk. The birds were chirping and everything seemed as it should. Bright and peaceful. Although that's not exactly how Mayuko felt. Vivian was simply rain on her parade. "May I ask what your business is in the Green Kingdom is, Sir Chesmu?"

Vaughn glanced up at the girl and smiled. How formal of her. Sir? He was nothing close to being dubbed Sir. "Please, just call me Vaughn. I'm your simple solider after all." He then looked forward. They would arrive shortly. He could see the trees thinning out. "We're on our way to the castle to collect taxes. Nothing too special, really."

Vivian frowned slightly. "Taxes?" She echoed and lowered her eyes to her lap.

"Yup." He replied, thinking nothing of her reaction.

Soon the kingdom's walls could be seen and the castle of the Green Kingdom of Rune could be seen on top of the highest hill. Everything was green and it was beautiful how the sun set just behind the white stone castle. It made everything seem angelic. It was as if the god of land, Toshen, blessed the entire place. The harbor could also be seen and it was remarkably blue, as if it was also blessed, but by the god of the oceans, Aquan.

"There it is. The Green Kingdom of Rune!" Vaughn exclaimed and looked over to Mayuko with utter excitement. This was his second time visiting the kingdom. He had gone there with his father-soldier when he was young. It was just as beautiful as he remembered it. For Mayuko, this was her first time. She stared out to the scenery in awe. How could she have never been to somewhere so magnificent? She turned to Vaughn and smiled at him, the falling sun light up her powder blue eyes. "Vaughn, its amazing!"

"Just wait till you get inside the kingdom walls." He told her and grinned. He looked down to see where his next step would be and he trudged onward. Mayuko followed on horseback. Vivian stayed behind for a moment. She watched the back of Vaughn and Mayuko's heads with a saddened expression. She let out a small sigh before following the two.

* * *

The three had finally made it to the gates of the outer wall. Vaughn checked his jacket pockets for the papers that would allow him and Mayuko into the kingdom without having to be questioned. Security was tight these days. They stopped at the gate where two fellow soldiers in similar uniform stood. Their uniforms, instead of a dark tan in color, were a forest green. "Who goes there?" He demanded.

Vaughn pulled the papers out of his breast pocket and walked up to one of the men. "Imperial soldiers from the capital." He announced as he handed the papers over. The guard looked over the lettering and then handed the paper back. "And this one here?" He asked, looking to Vivian. "A kingdom peasant." Vaughn replied. He looked over to the other guard and nodded his head ever-so-slightly. The guard on the other side of the gate turned to a crank that was connected to a chain that was connected to the iron gate. The other guard walked over to his side and helped him with the crank. The gate rose and the three of them walked through. Vaughn looked back to see the gate close behind them and then spotted one of the guards hurry to the other side where he stood before.

The streets were quiet, seeing as people were heading to their homes after a hard day’s work. Vaughn glanced over to Vivian, who was still on his horse. They needed to find a stall to temporarily store their horses. “So where is your home?” He asked Vivian as they passed some residential areas. He was expecting her to point out some small house somewhere out there.

“I live over there.” She said, pointing to the white castle. Vaughn glanced around. Maybe she was pointing to a house near there. But he didn’t see any other living area. “What, in the castle?” He laughed, not believing her at first. But wait…maybe she was a king’s servant? He stared at the young woman for a moment. Who was she?

Vivian nodded to his question and looked down to the ground. “I think I can get off now. There is a stall you can hold your horses until you’re finished with your work.” Vaughn stopped the horse and let the young woman get off. Mayuko followed and got off of her horse. Vivian then led the horses over to a nearby stall and tied them up. It was late and the owner of the tall was probably inside. Vaughn hoped the man wouldn’t mind that they were using it without his permission.

Once that was finished, the three continued on to the castle. The passed the guards just like they did with the guards at the gate—showing papers. Vaughn and Mayuko looked around once they entered the castle. It was a wonderful sight. The floor and walls were covered with a white marble. They waited by the door as Vivian walked farther into the castle. “Father!” She called out and disappeared somewhere.

“Father?” Mayuko mumbled to Vaughn, leaning over slightly so that he was the only one that could hear. Vaughn was slightly confused as well. The two soldiers were left standing there in silence. And then a booming voice rang out to them.

“Ah, so the Imperial soldiers are here!”

Vaughn glanced to Mayuko, then back out to the marble steps before them. A stubby, pot-bellied man came bouncing around a corner, his arms outstretched and a large smile on his face. “What brings two fine young soldiers here to my kingdom?” He asked with a slight chuckle. This was King Laurel.

Mayuko decided to answer for Vaughn. “We’re here to collect taxes, your highness.” The soldiers gave a bow and looked back to the man.

“Please, please, don’t be so formal.” King Laurel laughed and motioned for the two to follow. “Join me. I was just about to have dinner. The man led Vaughn and Mayuko into the dining hall where a large cherry wood table was placed in the center. A banquet only fit for a king was laid out. Vaughn wondered what the occasion was for all of this food. There was no way the man could eat it all by himself. But then he remembered that he was probably waiting for them. “Please sit!” the king said cheerfully and gestured to some seats.

Vaughn and Mayuko hesitantly sat down and looked at all of the different dishes. It ranged from foul to pig and fresh vegetables to the rarest of fruits. This really was fit for a king. “Actually, your highness…” Vaughn started. They should really be on their way back to the empire with the money.

“You have come a long way. Please stay for dinner!” He continued on. How could the soldiers say no? Vaughn was starving. And the smell wasn’t helping his decision. Mayuko looked to Vaughn for their answer. “Yes, your highness.” He said with a smile and waited for the OK to start eating. King Laurel sat down in his place at the head of the table and looked around. “Servant!” A man dressed in peasant clothing came to the king’s side. “Yes, your highness?”

“Where is my daughter?” He asked.

“She is changing. She shall join us momentarily.”

“Ah, good, good.” King Laurel chuckled.

Moments later, a young woman in the finest blue silks came walking into the dining hall. She sat down in her place beside her father. Vaughn looked from the dishes to the woman. His eyes widened as he realized who it was. It was none other than Vivian. The peasant girl! He looked at Mayuko in the corner of his eye, then back to Vivian. “Dear soldiers, this is my daughter.” The king announced as he gestured to the young woman.

Vaughn smiled and bowed his head to her. “Princess.” He said as a greeting and lowered his head. At least he treated her nicely. That was all that mattered, right?

“Father, we have already met.” Vivian told the king. “Soldier Chesmu and Soldier Sakata rescued me from some bandits in the Zaoli forest.” King Laurel looked at his daughter, astonished. “You were attacked?! I’ve told you not to go into the forest alone! How many times have I—“ And then the king turned to the side and placed a hand over his mouth as he coughed violently. “Father!” Vivian placed a hand of her father’s shoulder. The man was obviously sick.

Vaughn frowned. He wanted to help the man in any way he could but how could he? It wasn’t like he had the magical ability to cure people from sickness. And even if he did have healing powers, it probably wouldn’t even be that good. Vivian looked over to the two with an angry expression. “You two come here to collect taxes. How could you collect from a sickly man?!”

“Vivian!” King Laurel managed to wheeze out as he wiped his mouth with a cloth. “They are only doing their duty. I owe the empire everything to protect this land. Do not go against out protection.” He glanced over to Vaughn and Mayuko who simply sat there. “Servant!” He called and the peasant man came to his side again. “Yes sire?”

“Bring the tax money.”

“Yes, my highness.” With that, the servant man left the room and moments later came back with a sack of gold coins. He walked over to Vaughn and handed it to him.

“Thanks…” Vaughn mumbled quietly and placed it in his pack.

“Eat, drink, and be merry.” King Laurel said to the soldiers as he gave a weak smile. “I must rest now. If you’ll excuse me.” He slowly stood up and left the room, leaving Princess Laurel with the two.

Vaughn felt rather uncomfortable sitting there, but none the less, he started to eat. Mayuko followed his lead, but only ate lightly. Vaughn stuffed his face, deciding that a full stomach would be better than a half-full one. Vivian simply picked at pieces and let out a sigh. A lot was on her mind. Her father was sick and her kingdom’s economy was slowly crashing.

* * *

After Vaughn finished eating, he looked over to his companion. “Ready to go?” He asked and she nodded. The two soldiers stood from their seats and glanced over to see that Vivian was no longer there. She had slipped away some time ago to check on her father. The two decided it would be best to go and return to the capital.

They headed toward the castle’s front gate. “Vaughn!” They heard a call and Vaughn turned around to see Vivian rushing toward him. He turned slightly, expecting her to stop in front of him, but she didn’t. She continued until their bodies collided and she wrapped her arms around his neck. “Let it be known to the gods…We will see each other again!” She said before she placed a passionate kiss on his lips. In Vaughn’s shock, his eyes widened and he tried to pull away, but the girl was persistent.

Mayuko turned just in time to see this happening and her face light up red. Her fists clenched and she gritted her teeth. “Vaughn…” She seethed.

* * *

Morning arrived and Vaughn and Mayuko were in the Zaoli forest. They had rested at an inn until the wee hours and then they decided to start their journey back to the capital. Mayuko decided that she wouldn’t speak to Vaughn until they got back. But Vaughn insisted why she was so pissed. It wasn’t like he wanted the kiss. So why was she so mad at him?

“Mayuko!” Vaughn finally snapped. He was getting furious at her. She was ignoring him completely.

“What?!” She snapped back, not even bothering to turn toward him. She simply kept on riding. Vaughn reached over and grabbed her arm. “Look at me!” Mayuko narrowed her eyes and glared at him. “Its not my fault, so why are you so pissed?”

“You want to know why?”

“Yes, I do.”

“I’ll tell you why…”

With that, Mayuko pulled out her weapon of choice—a whip. Then, without warning, she started to strike at him.

“Ow! Mayu! Sttoppit! Mayuuuuu!!!!”