Road trip

They set out the next morning. Kael chafes a bit at having to ride in the royal carriage, but as he is repeatedly reminded, a certain level of decorum is expected of a ruler. The guard contingent traveling along is small, only 10, plus the driver of the carriage, but that’s plenty to put off any would-be bandits. And that’s not to mention Petra, who ride along with Kael. And no amount of persuading could convince Kael to leave his blade behind. A formidable ****, sure to ward off any trouble.

The morning is pleasant as they set out, and the journey shouldn’t take more than a day. They leave without fanfare, since Kael would prefer to keep the knowledge of his absence to a minimum. For all his dislike of riding in the carriage, Kael has to admit that it has its perks. It’s a much smoother ride than horseback, for one thing. And the company is much better, he thinks, smiling at Petra sitting close beside him. After a moment, he puts an arm around her, and a smile spreads on her face as she leans in against him.

The two of them spend the time talking, mostly small talk, enjoying each other’s company. Petra’s speech has improved considerably, though she still struggles a bit. She seems grateful for the opportunity to practice with him, and happily talks with Kael about nothing in particular. Despite the cozy conversation, Kael can feel a tension in her, a part of her that is still clearly vigilant, protective. She’s still guarding him, even as they relax.

The trip goes on, and they stop to eat lunch along the way. The guards are surprised when he emerges and joins them around the cooking fire. Kael quickly puts them at ease, sitting on a roadside rock and joining in their banter. Though hesitant at first, they warm to him, seemingly realizing that he’s hardly a stuck up noble or bureaucrat, but a warrior, not so dissimilar to them. Petra joins in as well, though she’s more reserved, clearly watching the tree line and road cautiously. Still, she’s pleasant enough, and when they get back on the road the mood is good.

The sun is starting to get low in the sky when the carriage comes to an unexpected stop. Kael is about to ask the driver what happened when he hears a voice call out from ahead of them.

“Well now, I believe we found who we’re looking for! No need for anyone to get hurt, just hand over your so called king, and you can go.”

Kael shares a glance with Petra, then sighs, drawing his blade and opening the carriage door. The nearest guard, a younger man whose name escapes Kael at the moment, looks at him in surprise. “My lord, stay inside! It’s not safe.”

Kael emerges regardless, with Petra on his heels. Sword in hand, he walks to the front of the carriage, and is a bit taken aback by what he sees. There must be at least thirty men blocking the road, led by a large man with a nasty scar bisecting the left side of his face, which pulls his lips into a sneer. The head guard turns as Kael approaches, a veteran named Cassus.

“My lord, what are you…”

He’s interrupted by the laughter of the big, scarred thug. “Well well well. The big bad hero himself. And I see you’ve got one of your little pets with you too.”

Petra snarls beside Kael, and there’s a crackle of electricity and the smell of ozone as lightning ripples over her claws. Kael places a calming hand on her shoulder, and she relaxes ever so slightly. Resting his sword on his shoulder, he looks at the thug with narrowed eyes.

“You’re making a mistake. If you’re here to rob me, or kidnap me, I’ll give you this one chance to leave.”

The thug laughs. “Big words for someone so hopelessly outnumbered. And no, we’re not going anywhere.”

He pulls at his collar, and Kael can see a brand on his chest. A flaming hand. “I am here on a holy mission. The Purified One and Hestia the Golden have entrusted me with your capture.”

He grins nastily. “But if you wanna make it fun for us, let’s do it.”

Kael shakes his head. “Of course. Cultists. The problem is, you didn’t bring anything like enough bodies for this. On your own heads be it, then. Just try not to get your blood on these clothes. The maids will have my head.”

The thug pulls out a large axe, and the men behind him ready their weapons. Kael simply rolls his shoulders, and looks at Petra with a nod. Turning his gaze back, he speaks calmly as he points his sword at the thug.

“You are guilty of assaulting the royalty of this nation, with intent to kill. As king of Erillia, I sentence you.”