The Tiger Within

These points were making Clovis increasingly uneasy . He had not considered most of them before, mainly because he never let his daughter go long distances from home . However, now that a outsider was bringing them to light… he realized their validity . Yet, he very vaguely knew where she was going with this . "And horseback riding would help her how?"

"Take that same knight that was protecting her . Have him put her on a horse and send her off . Tell her to ride as far and as fast as she can until she comes to the next town . Find a inn, wait there . If they don"t show up have her ready to send a message to the crown . " Kyera explained rather practically . "She would have a greater chance of survival and the Knights would have a better chance of killing the bandits as they tried to follow the princess or, the more likely option, the bandits stay to try and loot the carriages . "

Advertis.e.m.e.ntClovis was as bit shocked . He had never thought of this in this way . Silence fell over the carriage as it swayed along the road . Kyera"s stomach was feeling unsettled as they continued on their way . She was suddenly very glad she had chosen to skip breakfast that morning . If she had not perhaps things would not be as pleasant on the outside as they were now . In truth, she had never been more happy to be nearing the human village before .

"I see . It is a interesting take on the situation . " Clovis agreed mentally making notes to teach Raina to ride as soon as possible . He had never thought of it as a self defense method . Kyera smiled softly and nodded .

"I traveled between kingdoms a lot as a child . I quickly learned bandits have a lot more trouble catching a single horse and rider than they do a carriage drawn by two rather tired horses . " Kyera replied looking as sincere in her comment as she could manage . She envied his ability to be so oblivious to such common woodland troubles .

"That is true . I just never thought of it that way . " he admitted as they came to a stop . Kyera was relieved that the journey was over, and moved to escape the box . The attendant barely had time to open the door before she came climbing down .

The attendant nodded at her and she smiled radiantly, dazzling him for a few moments . Clovis and Raina followed her down to find her looking around casually . She seemed calm, but in truth she was seeing memories in the city that she tried so hard to ignore . However, she couldn"t hide from the pain .

"I must trouble you to show the way, Lady Kyera . " The Fourth Prince spoke gently to remove her from her trance . Kyera"s smile had fallen but she tried again to curl her lips . Raina was her saving grace, slipping her little hand into Kyera"s .

"Of course, let us be on our way . " she started leading them down the bustling streets . The Vendors called out their wares, and market goers haggled at a few of the stalls . Children laughing and playing, performance set up on almost every street corner . Pumpkins and other fruits of fall were being sold, signs boasting of a plentiful harvest and the sweetest of flavors .

Raina was lost in the amazing sites and sounds she was being offered . The flowing colors and excitement of the Market was not something she saw often . It was invigorating and curious to such a little girl . It was hard to contain her wonder and hold the mask of a princess firmly in place . Kyera didn"t correct her, here among her people… Raina should feel she can express herself . Yes, she"s a royal but in Kyera"s mind it didn"t mean she should hide and lie to her people about who she was inside .

Masterfully, Kyera guided Prince and Princess through the throngs of people . They were polite though several gave Kuera sad smiles as they pa.s.sed . She knew news had reached the city, but no one spoke a word . Not with the Prince there, but Kyera felt the support she was being given by her people .

"I am going to step into the guild hall while we are here, why don"t you two ladies go look at the jewel merchant next door?" he offered smiling at the girls .

"We will peruse the shops in this area . Take your time . " Kyera replied and led Raina over to a unfamiliar stall .