“Not much longer now,” muttered Erik, keeping a wary eye on their surroundings. “A few more minutes and we should be there.”
The afternoon wind whipped past them as they made their way along the increasingly empty street. Jaymin shivered and wrapped his cloak more tightly around himself. He had warmed up while they were running, but it was uncomfortably cold now. At least it didn’t look as though it was going to rain or snow this evening. If General Dirken were planning an attack for tonight, he would have clear weather for it.
Ahead, Jaymin began to catch glimpses of open plains and farmsteads between some of the houses. They were nearing the outskirts of Drall, but where was Sir Edmend? Jaymin tried not to think about the possibility that the soldiers might have found him first. He peered ahead as they walked, searching the street before them. A mere handful of pedestrians were in sight now, most too far away to make out their features. A couple of boys on donkeys were plodding along across from them, and a young man led a train of pack mules in the opposite direction. Up ahead, a cart loaded with bulging sacks stood by the side of the road, and a well-dressed couple trotted past in a buggy. But that was all. No Sir Edmend in sight.
“He’ll be here,” Erik assured Jaymin, noting his friend’s worried expression, or perhaps simply reading his thoughts. “He’s probably hiding somewhere, watching for us to come by. Or he might still be further ahead.”
“Yes, I’m sure he is,” Jaymin replied mechanically, but inside he had to admit that he didn’t feel quite so sure.
A triumphant shout behind them made them jump. Jaymin spun around just in time to see four Malornian soldiers – they looked like part of the original group – rounding a corner onto the main street. “There they are! After them!” one of the soldiers yelled, and all four drew their swords.
Not again, thought Jaymin wearily, and he and Erik took to their heels once more. He led the way, knowing Erik would insist on staying between him and danger, and they darted around the first corner they came to. Remembering Erik’s idea last time, Jaymin vaulted over a wall, his friend only an instant behind.
They found themselves in a paved yard beside an expensive-looking carriage parked in front of a large brick house. No one was in sight, but from somewhere behind the house, a horse whinnied.
“Under here!” Erik whispered, and dived beneath the carriage, wincing involuntarily as his back brushed against its underside. Jaymin dropped to his belly and squeezed into the low space after him. They lay there in silence on the freezing cold ground as the soldiers’ feet ran past and then stopped.
“Where did they go?” they heard the captain demand in his deep voice. “There’s nowhere to hide on this street.”
“Perhaps they made it to the corner, sir,” another spoke up.
“Perhaps,” the captain replied doubtfully, “but not likely. I suspect they’re trying to hide on the other side of one of these walls. They could be in someone’s yard.” Jaymin heard his footsteps approaching, and then his voice came from just a few feet away. “No one here. Let’s check the rest.”
The footsteps moved away, and Jaymin could hear the soldiers calling to each other as they strode along the wall, evidently peering into every yard. In a moment their voices grew louder as they returned on the other side of the street.
“They must have gone behind one of the houses along here. Or they could have gone over the wall at the back and came out on one of the other roads. You two try down that way, and we’ll go ahead to the next street. They can’t be far away.”
“And neither is that reward,” gloated another soldier, and the boys could hear the grin in his voice. “Just think, we’ll be rich. Two thousand gold pieces for anyone who can kill or capture Prince Jaymin!”
The footsteps retreated, along with the voices of the soldiers chuckling and congratulating themselves, but Jaymin lay there feeling sick inside. They weren’t even necessarily trying to take him alive. He had suspected as much, but now he knew for certain. If they caught him again, it would all be over.
The boys waited without moving for several more minutes, wondering which way the soldiers would go when they didn’t find them. They would probably assume their prey was in another part of town by this time – at least, Jaymin hoped they would.
He shivered as the cold from the ground seeped through his clothes. Pillowing his face on one hand, he stuck the other into his pocket to warm it, and suddenly realized that the pocket was empty. He switched hands and checked the other pocket, but it was empty as well. Where was Sir Edmend’s note? Jaymin frowned and started feeling around on the ground beside him.
“What is it?” Erik whispered.
“The note from Sir Edmend. It must have fallen out.”
Erik froze. “No!”
“It might be here somewhere.” Trying not to make any noise, Jaymin groped around under the carriage, but the scrap of parchment was nowhere to be found.
“Do you think it fell out when we first bumped into those soldiers?” Erik queried in a whisper.
“Maybe. Or it could have been when we landed in that woman’s yard.”
Erik didn’t reply, but Jaymin knew his friend well enough to feel his tension, hear his worry in the way he breathed.
“Maybe no one found it,” Erik murmured finally. They had to hope for that. Otherwise their enemies would know exactly where they were heading – and where Sir Edmend would be.
At the thought, Jaymin struggled against the panic that clutched at his heart. If they had read the note, the soldiers would be waiting for them at the edge of town. Perhaps they had found Sir Edmend there and arrested him already – or worse. I’ll never forgive myself if he’s been killed because of my carelessness, Jaymin thought. And what would he and Erik do without their old friend? Even if they escaped the soldiers, there was nowhere safe for them to go. They certainly couldn’t stay in Drall any longer, and they didn’t know the way to where General Dirken was.
Finally, Jaymin stirred again. “Let’s go,” he whispered in the dimness. “Whatever happens, we can’t just wait here forever.”
But Erik shook his head. “Not yet,” he whispered back. “Give them a few more minutes to clear out of the area. We can’t afford to take any more risks.”
But how can we not take risks? Jaymin thought. Just being in Drall is a risk. The sooner we get out of town – if we even can – the sooner we’ll be safe. He said nothing, however. Erik had made protecting him his life’s business, and when it came to safety, Jaymin knew he couldn’t argue with his friend.
At last Erik shifted position. “All right. You stay here for a moment while I make sure no one’s around.” He wriggled out from under the carriage, slowly this time to avoid bumping his sore back, and stood up to peer cautiously over the wall. “Come on!” he whispered, beckoning. Quickly, Jaymin crawled out after him, and the two of them scrambled over the wall and into the street, which was deserted. It was getting toward dusk now, Jaymin saw. The light was noticeably dimmer than before. Soon it would be dark, and then they could hide more easily, although it would be that much harder for them to find Sir Edmend.
They hurried back to the main road, glancing up and down to make sure no soldiers were about.
“What do we do now?” Jaymin wondered aloud, relieved to find no enemies waiting for them. Perhaps no one had seen the note after all.
Or perhaps they were just hiding. Lying in wait.
“I suppose we go on to the very edge of town, and then find somewhere out of sight to watch and wait for Sir Edmend,” replied Erik doubtfully. “He may have been delayed like we were.” Neither of them wanted to mention the other possibility.
The boys trudged wearily down the nearly-deserted street, glancing nervously around with every step, dreading to see the familiar wine-red and black uniforms. Approaching the loaded cart they had seen earlier, they paused to peer cautiously around it.
Suddenly, the cart driver reached out and placed a hand on Jaymin’s shoulder. Jaymin nearly jump
ed out of his skin, taking a frantic leap backward. Erik sprang to his friend’s defense with just a little less than his usual whirlwind speed, but managed to stop himself a split second before his blow landed.
It was Sir Edmend.
“I’m sorry to startle you.” The old man smiled apologetically through the straggly gray beard. “But under the circumstances, I didn’t think calling out to you by name would be wise. Our red-clad friends are just down that next street there.”
His wrinkles seemed deeper and his face more careworn than when they had seen him last, but Jaymin couldn’t remember ever having been more thankful for the sight of anyone’s face. He sagged with relief, then remembered himself and hastily hopped up beside Sir Edmend, who gestured to the bulging sacks behind him in the cart. “It would be best if you stay out of sight until we’re clear of town. I hate to suggest it, but there are a couple of empty sacks back there ….”
The boys did not need to be told twice. The sacks were just big enough for them to worm their way into, feet first so they could pull the drawstrings almost shut over their heads. Though Erik said nothing, Jaymin could tell his friend was in pain as he struggled to force his sore body into the tight space. But in a moment the boys were both settled. Unless someone looked closely, they would never guess two boys were hidden there.
Sir Edmend flicked the reins and the two horses began to move forward at a walk, and then a slow trot. Curled up in their burlap bags, the boys were bumped and jostled against each other and the rest of the cart’s load. Jaymin could see nothing and hear very little above the rustle of the sacks, the creaking of the cart on every side and the rattle of the wheels, though he strained his ears for sounds of danger. At one point he thought he heard several horses canter past, but it was hard to be sure.
It seemed that they lay there for hours, their cramped muscles complaining, the smell of dried corn rising from the bags below and beside them, as they jolted and swayed back and forth with the motion of the cart.
“I feel sick,” Erik whispered finally from the sack beside him.
“It should be safe for you to come out now,” called Sir Edmend, as though he had heard. “We’re well away from town, and there’s no one about.”
Thankfully, Jaymin and Erik loosened the drawstrings and wriggled awkwardly out of their sacks. They stretched their stiff limbs, Erik grimacing in pain as he did so.
Looking around, Jaymin saw in the dim light of evening that they were now out in the countryside. The town of Drall had dwindled to little more than a gray smear against the horizon behind them. Soon it will be just a gray smear in my memory, he told himself with satisfaction. I’ll never have to live there again!
Their road stretched forth from the town like a flat ribbon, straight and sure, with bare fields and farms on either side. Here and there, the peaceful twilit landscape was broken by a farmhouse or barn standing solidly, the ones to the left fading into the dusk, the ones to the right silhouetted against the last glow from the vanished sun. Warm light glowed cozily from some of the windows, making Jaymin think of contented families spending a comfortable evening together. Ahead, the road led gradually upward toward a shadowy range of hills, where pale streaks and patches of old snow stood out dimly as they caught what was left of the light.
The boys clambered over the bags of corn to the front of the cart, and Sir Edmend shifted aside to make room for them on the long wooden driver’s bench.
“Where did you get the horses and cart?” Jaymin wondered when they were settled. “And what about all the corn? Are you taking it to our soldiers?”
“I bought the horses and cart a few weeks ago, your Highness,” replied Sir Edmend, “from a man I know in Almar. They are part of my disguise, and the reason I’ve been able to go into and out of the capital so often without the enemy growing suspicious. I’ve been posing as a merchant taking food to sell in nearby villages, but it all goes to the Southern Woods eventually. Of course ….” He glanced back at the bulging bags behind him. “If all goes well tonight, these won’t be needed anymore.”
“Tonight?” Jaymin repeated eagerly. “So what exactly is the plan? Is General Dirken actually planning to attack Almar tonight?”
“He is, Your Highness, and he is going to make use of the secret tunnel into the palace as you suggested. I believe he is also planning to have a couple of platoons attack different parts of the city from the outside at the same time. He can give you the details when you meet with him this evening.”
“It’s so good to know that we’re finally going to make a move,” Jaymin sighed with a smile, leaning back against the hard boards of the seat. “I can hardly wait to talk to him.”
“He is looking forward to it as well, your Highness.” Sir Edmend glanced at Jaymin, smiling as well through his beard, which still looked as though it wasn’t sure it belonged on his face. “You know General Dirken is not a man to show emotion, but when I first told him you were alive, I could have sworn there were tears in his eyes. And the soldiers will be beside themselves with joy when they see you.”
“So they don’t know yet? Good.”
“No, they don’t; the general agreed it would be more effective – not to mention safer – to keep the secret until just before the attack. And speaking of which ….” His gaze lingered on Jaymin’s tattered clothing and the mud caking his back. “Forgive me for saying so, your Highness, but you don’t exactly look – or smell – much like a prince right now.”
Erik grinned, and Jaymin chuckled ruefully. “I’m afraid you’re right. Any suggestions?”
“Well, as it happens, I did bring some new clothes for each of you. In the village of Keston up in these hills, there’s a little inn where I often stay on my way to or from the forest. If you like, we can stop there for a bite to eat, and you can bathe and get yourself looking presentable.”
Erik’s eyes lit up, and he and Jaymin both turned to Sir Edmend in delight. “That sounds wonderful!” Jaymin replied eagerly. “But can we spare the time?”
“Barring any mishaps on our journey, your Highness, we could stop at the inn for an hour or so and still make it with time to spare. General Dirken isn’t planning to begin until after midnight. And besides” – here he glanced over at Erik with a smile – “I think we should make this a priority. I saw Erik’s expression when I mentioned bathing, and I get the impression it’s been awhile.” He raised his eyebrows questioningly, and Erik chuckled.
“Trust me, sir, you don’t want to know.”
Chapter 12
Jaymin finished lacing up his new boots and rose to his feet. As he strode across the bare little room, his cloak flowing regally behind him, he was struck by the incongruity of the situation. Though smaller than the room in the inn where they had sat and talked in Drall, this one seemed almost luxurious, especially compared to Ana’s tiny house. It was furnished with a bed, bath basin, wooden chair, and writing table, and even had enough space to actually walk around. But now Jaymin was dressed like royalty again, and he felt a little out of place in such shabby surroundings.
Catching sight of his reflection in the mirror on the far wall, Jaymin paused and sighed in satisfaction. Gone was the poor, hungry boy with the dirty face and tattered clothes. In his place, at last, stood the Prince of Alasia. His old clothes lay behind him in a crumpled heap on the floor, discarded like the life he was leaving behind. Now, Jaymin was finally clean, and his still damp hair – though a little too long – was neatly combed for the first time in weeks. His new tunic was of the finest quality wool, pure white. His breeches were tucked into soft leather boots, and his matching leather belt fastened with a silver buckle. Not only that, but his stomach was comfortably full for the first time since the Invasion. True, the future was still uncertain, but Jaymin allowed himself to smile, enjoying the moment of looking and feeling like who he really was again.
There was a soft, staccato tap on the door: Erik’s signal that all was well. When Jaymin pulled it open, he could tell right away tha
t Erik was feeling better too. Sir Edmend, after he had heard about the events of their day, had insisted on going out into the village while the boys were eating supper, and buying a little jar of soothing salve for the welts on Erik’s back and shoulders. It must have helped with the pain, because Erik was walking less stiffly. He slipped lightly in, followed by Sir Edmend, who was carrying a couple of lanterns. Jaymin watched their reactions with amusement as they both did a double-take when they saw him. Erik merely raised his eyebrows, but Sir Edmend stood still for a moment, an unreadable expression on his face, and then he set the lanterns down, quickly pushed the door shut behind him, and made a low bow.
“Your Royal Highness,” he said softly, and then faltered, groping for words.
“You actually look like a prince again,” Erik finished for him.
Jaymin smiled. “I finally feel like one again, too. The new clothes were an excellent idea, Sir Edmend.”
Erik nodded his agreement. He was dressed all in black now, with a long cloak and a hood that hid his dark hair and most of his face. Just the way he preferred to be seen in public.
“It feels great, doesn’t it?” he remarked cheerfully to Jaymin, adjusting the clasp on his cloak. “We’re clean at last; we’ve got proper clothes again; we’ve had a good supper, including meat, for the first time in over a month; our lives are not presently in danger; and we’re out of Drall. What more could anyone want? I – I mean, besides a kingdom, of course,” he added hastily, seeing Jaymin’s expression.
Jaymin could think of several things, the foremost being his parents, but he chose just to smile without replying. Erik, after all, had never known his own parents.
“If you’re ready, your Highness, perhaps we should be on our way,” Sir Edmend broke in. “We still have several miles to travel tonight.”
“Maybe you should wear my cloak until we’re away from Keston,” Erik suggested. “You don’t want anyone to mistake you for a prince again.”
Prince of Alasia (Annals of Alasia Book 1) Page 13