Field Trip
Year of the Golden Gilled Boar, 1983, Kliloln, Spobi 23rd
The King’s Road it should have been called. While that would not have made it more appealing, or interesting, it would have highlighted the fact that no one else was allowed to use or pass through it.
Only the periodic station, populated by four guards and one or two steeds, dotted the otherwise unremarkable road. Pictures of castles behind stone walls, busy streets filled with wagons and people alike sprung to mind now and again as I anticipated my arrival at Osmouth.
Just before the prince graced Litoc’s and my sleeping figures at the guard station that morning, limping and wincing as he was, the children, I learned later, actually took it upon themselves to help prepare breakfast at the nearest kitchen. The aroma of fish, meats, and eggs mixed with that of freshly baked bread greeted my senses as I blinked away the grogginess borne of a late night and one too many cups of wine.
I had no idea how long he had been standing by the door but, to his credit, he did not find it necessary to wake us up. I figured prince’s didn’t like that sort of stuff.
“Morning.” I greeted casually, walking over to Litoc’s side and giving the foot of the bench he lay on a few light kicks.
“Morning.” Jakeli returned, gesturing to the laid out breakfast and taking a seat.
When Litoc stirred, I thought it prudent not to keep disrespecting the man, at least by his standards, by pouring him a drink before I moved to fill my plate. He nodded at me, I took it as a thank you and I did not speak to him again until I finished.
I feasted on the eggs. At Osea, eggs were one of the more expensive items. Nobody raised fowl for eggs. Whether to eat or to sell, they all raised fowl to raise more.
Litoc on the other hand, right after yawning loudly, and removing the crud from the corners of his eyes, immediately engaged Jakeli in a conversation about the current state of things at the castle. It was too detailed and micro for me to catch on so, instead of listening to the exchange, I decided to check on the children after I was done.
I asked for Jakeli’s permission as a formality and, since I could not exactly remember the turns we took the night before, ordered a guard to accompany me. Ordered, not requested. I’ve never liked authority and have always secretly hated those who felt like they could lord over me in existence version one, but I had a measure of actual power I could exercise so I used it. It felt… nice.
When I saw the familiar corridor, I dismissed the soldier accompanying me and went towards the door alone. There were two soldiers stationed outside the door. Both stiffened, unsure how to address me. I flashed them a smile.
At first, I planned to enter at once, but I could hear the high-pitched, shaky voice of an old woman, rising above the noise inside the room. I could also hear the clatter of metal plates and utensils and the chatter of children. The woman seemed determined to carry on, calling out the attention of some kids periodically. She was teaching them about the kingdom, the stations, and their functions. I wondered if she already knew about the assassination as I pushed the door open.
Heads turned as the door creaked. All eyes registered recognition at the sight of me except for two pairs. A little girl around the age of Bira, sitting between Vindeth and Jibel, turned to look at what everyone else was ogling at. From her clothes, she could only have been the Vindeth’s younger sister. The old woman was rooted where she stood, pose frozen, right hand caught mid-air below her chest. She might not know the monarchs were dead but she definitely had an idea who I was.
How in the hell will Jakeli be able to keep all of these a secret?
“Ora!” Jibel exclaimed, leaving his meal to approach.
“You learning well?” I asked, shooting a glance at the transfixed woman.
“Ha. A little. Did you have breakfast?”
“I did.”
“Vindeth, Jenaila, and I helped make them!” He declared proudly.
“It was delicious. Thank you.” I mouthed my thanks to the royal siblings. The little girl flashed me a smile, large front teeth on display. “We will be leaving soon. You have things to bring?”
Jibel looked around. I could almost piece together his thoughts. Kidnapping aside, which would have been a horrible experience for anyone, this was his first school. There were no schools in Osea or, to my knowledge, anywhere outside the church. His first classmates, probably all orphans, like him.
“Just some clothes, ora.” He replied, tone tinged with sadness.
“Go get them. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of learning to be had. Especially when it’s just us with Litoc on the way back to town.”
“Is he reall-”
I cut him off with a gesture to be silent while nodding. His eyes flared for a moment, a trace of a smile showing on the corners of his lips. There was no outright mention of it when he joined us the night before, but it was enough to piece things together.
“Say your goodbyes.” I instructed.
The farewell went without incident, save for the girl saying ‘But I want to learn more!’. I smiled inwardly. Jibel remembered. After gathering a bundle of the same type of clothes he was wearing from a chest, we left.
Hanni and Tukru were having breakfast with the prince and Litoc when we reached the guard station. They have retrieved our mounts. Through the wide-open door, I saw the magrals being tended to. There was at least a dozen more from the sound of it.
“You both should rest first. You can always catch up to us.” I said.
Both had been out since after midnight. Only the prince, Litoc, and I needed to reach the castle quick. When it came to it, since the prince already knew what to do, we could always stay back and go later.
“I can manage. I’ll rest at the crossing.” Tukru replied.
Hanni just looked up and around the table. I didn’t insist. A quiet meal was the least they deserved.
“Where’s that lovely wife o’ yers?” Litoc asked Jakeli.
“Magrar. Went to see about this year’s steeds.”
“Ah! Inaena’s from there, isn’t she? Think ye can convince ‘er to part with a few?”
“Ask her yourself,” Jakeli answered abruptly, “when she comes back.” He added.
Not all’s well in Camelot.
“I sure will.” Litoc affirmed. “Ye sent for ‘er?”
“Sent riders at first light.”
“San. San. I’ll go check on my steed. We should be ‘eadin’ out my midmornin’ at the latest.”
Litoc downed the contents of his cup and headed out.
“Go, help him. Tell him you’ll be riding with him today.” I told Jibel with a smile. “And thank him. He needs to hear that.”
Jibel placed the small bundle of clothes on the bench. Moments later I heard Litoc chuckling loudly. The station was silent once more. Only the sound of soldiers putting on airs, marching about, and sharpening their weapons outside could be heard. I had a mind to ask Jakeli about the casualties, but his foul mood prevented me from initiating conversation.