The Sentinel of Cassendar: Resquarian

Roderick waited by the stables early in the morning. He stood in front of Magni and Aarit, both fit for a ride through the forest. Roderick looked to see Dracia walk towards him from the palace. She still had a slight limp, and at one point she almost tripped over a branch on the ground, causing a flash of pain to go across her face. Roderick almost walked to her to turn her back around, but he knew it would do no good. She said she was ready to ride, and that would be the end of it.

She was dressed for it in her Sentinel uniform, her black cloak with the silver stitching flapping in the wind. Roderick couldn’t help but smile at seeing her so familiarly dressed. It had been strange to not be constantly by her side these past few weeks. He had grown accustomed to being in her company often over the years, and since they had left Winsdell he had felt the loss of her companionship. He knew he would need to get used to it. She was officially the queen now, and the king seem to enjoy taking up her time as much as he could. Roderick couldn’t blame him, not after all they had been through.

It didn’t stop Roderick from missing Dracia. She really was the best friend he had ever had, and he was sure she would always be one of the dearest people in the world to him. It didn’t matter if he or she left the Sentinel or if Roderick did get married someday, there would always be a large place in his life and in his heart for his High Captain.

“Good morning, Roderick,” said Dracia as she walked to him, smiling brightly.

“Good morning, High Captain,” said Roderick with a bow. “I have your horse ready to go, if you are sure you are ready for this.”

“I am more than ready for this,” said Dracia. “I don’t believe I have ever gone so long without riding, and I am sure Aarit misses me as well.”

“I am sure he does, but I would not like you to press your leg too quickly. I would like to see you fully healed before we head into Lanoxan which I know is coming up soon.”

“I am nearly healed,” said Dracia. “My leg hurts worse in the morning, but once it loosens up, I hardly notice any pain. Now, will you help me up on Aarit? I am not quite sure I can manage it just yet.”

Roderick saw it was no use to argue with her, so he walked over to Aarit with her and put his hands on her waist, lifting her up to the saddle. He waited by her side as she adjusted herself and nodded to Roderick that she was ready. He walked over to Magni and mounted the large horse.

“I would like to finally see the lake if you please,” said Dracia as she pulled Aarit around to walk to the front of the palace. “Once we are in the trees, I would like to let Aarit run. He must be ready for some real exercise.”

“Magni and I will try to keep up,” said Roderick with a grin.

The rode side by side to the front of the palace, over the stone bridge, and through the palace gates. Roderick and Dracia both remaining mostly silent, just enjoying the cold morning and each other’s presence.

“What have you been up to the past few days, Roderick. I have barely seen you,” said Dracia as their horses walked towards the forest.

“I have had worked to have some messages sent out to the kingdom, and try to arrange safe passage to Winsdell for your brothers,” said Roderick.

“The leave the day after tomorrow, I believe,” said Dracia.

“Yes,” said Roderick. “I have three of our best Elites accompanying them. They will also carry a message from you to the Sentinel. Have you written the letter yet?”

“No, but I will do so today after meeting with Leal and Ethen. I want to be able to give instructions, and we will decide when we will leave for Lanoxan and where we will go at our meeting. You should come if you can.”

“I am not sure I should attend a meeting of three rulers, your majesty,” said Roderick.

“Well, I am one of the rulers, and I would like you to be there,” said Dracia. “You are my second, and when I cannot see to my duties as High Captain, you oversee the Sentinel. You need to know what is happening, and I value your advice.”

“Then I will do as you wish,” said Roderick.

“Good, we will meet in the library directly after lunch. After that, your brother and Lexine have asked me to go over something with them. Maybe they have found something useful,” said Dracia.

“Is all well with those two?” asked Roderick.

“Not quite,” said Dracia. “They are certainly more friendly to one another, but there is still distance. It won’t be long now, though. They won’t be able to keep from one another, not with the love they share.”

“You do have experience in that area,” said Roderick.

“Quite a lot, and I know how hard it is to stay away from someone you truly love. I could never manage it,” said Dracia. “Thank the gods for it.”

“I am very happy for you and the king. I still believe he is very fortunate to have you, but I will admit that he is good to you. I am glad to see all has worked out.”

“It means a lot to hear that from you, Roderick. Your opinion means very much to me, and your support during all these years is something I could not have done without,” said Dracia as they entered the forest. “I should like to see you happy, you know.”

“I do,” said Roderick as he looked over at Dracia, waiting for her to go on.

Instead, she turned her horse towards the now full frozen stream and had Aarit trot on its banks. Roderick had Magni turn so he cold ride by her side.

“Do you have nothing more to say on the subject?” asked Roderick.

“Such as?” asked Dracia with a very small smile as she looked at the stream.

“Dracia, I know you want to speak of Lady Selene, and I can tell you I have no news.”

“Perhaps I do not wish to speak of Lady Selene, Roderick?” said Dracia. “You have heard my advice on the subject, and you are a grown man. You can see to your own happiness or lack thereof.”

Dracia leaned down and whispered to Aarit, and they shot off into the forest, weaving through trees in a way Roderick could hardly think possible. He shook his head and grinned, before taking off after her.

He caught up with her as she had pulled up at the edge of the lake, patting her horse and looking out over the frozen water.

“I imagine this must be a lovely sight in spring,” said Dracia as she looked around. “All these dogwoods circling the banks must be spectacular in bloom. I hope to see it someday.”

“I am sure your king will see to it if it is something you want. I imagine you will be visiting Siccaria quite regularly,” said Roderick.

Dracia gave him a sad smile. “I do hope so. I hope to have many years to get to know this kingdom when I have time.”

“You will, Dracia. I promise you; I will make it so,” said Roderick.

Dracia nodded. “Perhaps you will be visiting at the same time, and we could take this ride together. I would like to see the dogwoods bloom with you.”

“I will go with you if you wish,” said Roderick.

“I rather hope you are visiting for a different reason,” said Dracia with a small laugh. “Now come help me down. I wish to walk for a moment.”

Roderick hopped off of Magni and walked over to lift Dracia off of her horse and sit her on her feet. She leaned on Roderick for a moment, stretching out her leg before pushing away from him.

“Are you well?” asked Roderick as he stood very near her.

“I am. I just needed to stretch my leg for a moment after riding,” said Dracia as she moved closer to the lake’s edge, sticking the tip of her boot on the ice. “I wonder how thick the ice is?”

“I am not sure, and I would not like to find out the hard way. Back away from there before I have to dive into freezing water to save you,” said Roderick.

“I am a very good swimmer, actually,” said Dracia. “Though, I do not wish to ride home wet in this weather. Shall we walk around the lake a bit. I am sure our horses will be fine here for a moment.”

Roderick nodded and offered Dracia his arm which she took with a smile. Roderick thought it was a rather pleasant morning. No confusing conversations with a pretty woman. No sulking brother to try to cheer. Just him and his High Captain walking in the crisp air, enjoying being together. Roderick looked down at Dracia to remark on something about the lake when he saw her smile and wave at someone ahead of them. Roderick looked to see Lady Selene and Lady Maia walking towards them, leading their horses.

“Good morning, Dracia, Roderick,” said Lady Maia as she walked forward to take Dracia’s hand.

“What a surprise to see you here, Maia and Selene,” said Dracia happily. “Isn’t this a nice surprise, Roderick?”

Roderick looked at Dracia, doubtful that this was really a surprise to her at all, but he did as he should. “It is a very pleasant surprise,” said Roderick with a bow.

“I hope this means you are feeling better in the mornings, Maia,” said Dracia as she let go of Roderick’s arm and stood by Maia.

“Oh, very much so,” said Maia. “The only problem now is I am now constantly hungry. I shall be as big as a house by the time this baby comes.”

“I would not worry about it,” said Dracia. “You have grown thin of late. I am sure your body is just letting you know what it needs to help your child grow. I am just glad to see you feeling better.”

They walked on together back towards where Dracia and Roderick had come, Maia still leading her horse.

“I am sorry to have disturbed your morning with your High Captain, Roderick,” said Lady Selene with a small smile. “I can see that my sister and I leave soon.”

“No, there is no need for it. I am happy to see you, and it seems as if Dracia is happy to see your sister,” said Roderick as he fell into step beside her as they walked slowly behind Dracia and Lady Maia.

“I was surprised my sister wished to ride this morning,” said Lady Selene. “She has never been an early riser, and she has been so sick lately. I guess she is so happy to be feeling well, she wanted to get out.”

“I suppose that must be it,” said Roderick as he smiled at Lady Selene.

“Do you suspect another reason?” asked Lady Selene. “You do not accuse my sister and your High Captain of subterfuge, do you?”

“I would never accuse your sister of anything, but I have seen Dracia manipulate things a certain way in the past. She was the one who first encouraged Princess Lexine to befriend my brother.”

“Was she?” asked Lady Selene.

“Yes, I don’t think she thought they would fall in love, but she wanted to find someone to help my brother loosen up a bit, have some fun. She thought the princess would be the perfect person for the job.”

“I suppose she was,” said Lady Selene with a laugh. “Though lately they do not seem as close as they were.”

“They have hit a rough patch, but I am sure they will work it out. Galen cares much for the princess, and I believe she feels the same about him. They will find their way back to each other soon.”

“I hope so,” said Lady Selene. “They did seem happy together.”

They walked on as they approached Roderick’s and Dracia’s horses. Roderick looked ahead to see Dracia trip over something as Lady Maia steadied her. Roderick walked quickly to catch up to them, Lady Selene close behind.

“Dracia, are you well?” asked Roderick.

Dracia leaned down and raised her skirt a bit to feel her leg with her hand. “I believe I am well. It was only a small stumble, but I would like to get back to the palace and put my leg up, so it doesn’t swell. Leal won’t let me leave my room for a week if he sees something amiss.”

“We can go back directly,” said Roderick as he offered Dracia his arm.

“I would hate to cut your morning short, Roderick. This is the first decent weather we have had in over a week. I am sure I can ride back by myself. You should enjoy the rest of the morning with these two lovely ladies,” said Dracia as she let Roderick help her walk to Aarit.

“Actually, Dracia, I would like to go back with you. I am very hungry and would like to get back for breakfast,” said Lady Maia. “You should stay here with my sister, Roderick. I know she has been wanting to get outside for a while.”

Roderick looked down at Dracia and slightly rolled his eyes. She must have known how obvious she was being. He should ruin her plans right now, and demand to go back to the palace with her. He looked back at Lady Selene. She did look very lovely today in her deep blue gown with matching cloak. He liked it when she wore her hear down completely. He had long desired to run his fingers through it to see if it felt as soft as it looked.

“I think that is a good idea, my lady, if your sister is not opposed,” said Roderick with a smile.

“I should like to stay out a while longer,” said Lady Selene. “If you do not mind my company.”

“I do not mind it at all,” said Roderick.

“That’s a good start,” said Dracia very quietly.

“Leaving me to find my own happiness, are you?” whispered Roderick.

“I can’t help but give you some small assistance. I am very fond of you,” said Dracia with a sweet smile as they stopped walking close to her horse.

“You make it very hard to be angry at you,” said Roderick as he put his hands on her waist.

“Why would you be angry with me? I just gave you an opportunity to have a morning stroll around a lake with a very beautiful woman all by yourselves. You should be thanking me,” said Dracia.

Roderick lifted her up a little swifter than usual, causing her to make a small, surprised noise. She adjusted herself in her saddle and took her reins. “See to Lady Maia, Roderick.”

Roderick walked over to Lady Maia who smiled at him. “Don’t be angry with her or me, Roderick. We only want you and Selene to be happy. My poor sister has sulked more these past few weeks than her whole life together. I think she really does care for you,” said Lady Maia quietly.

“I am not angry, my lady,” said Roderick as he lifted her up gently.

“Have a good morning, Roderick, Selene,” said Dracia as she turned Aarit. “Roderick, I will see you at lunch.”

“Come find me later this morning, Selene,” said Lady Maia. “I want to look at the nursery in the palace.”

Roderick and Lady Selene watched as Dracia and Lady Maia rode off together.

“They think they are very clever, I suppose,” said Lady Selene with a sigh. “We can ride back directly, if you wish.”

“I was rather looking forward to walking around the lake a bit, but if you wish to go back, I will accompany you,” said Roderick.

“No, I should like to walk. I have missed being outside,” said Lady Selene.

“Then tie up your horse, and we will make our way around the shore a bit,” said Roderick.

Lady Selene secured her horse close to Magni and then took Roderick’s arm. They walked slowly together close to the shore of the lake.

“I should have known something was truly up when my sister asked to ride out this morning, but I was so happy she seemed well, that I got distracted,” said Lady Selene.

“I should have realized Dracia had plans when she didn’t pepper me with a thousand questions about you,” said Roderick.

“I have to admit, I am not mad at them for trying. I do like spending time with you, Roderick, even if it is just as friends. I do consider you a friend,” said Lady Selene.

“I enjoy being with you as well,” said Roderick. “I also consider you a friend.”

“Well, that being settled, let us be comfortable together and enjoy this fine morning,” said Lady Selene. “Did you have a nice ride with your High Captain?”

“I did, though it was short. I have missed her, but I will have to get used to not being in her company as much as the past. She has many responsibilities now.”

“The main one being the king,” said Lady Selene with a laugh. “He does dote on her. I don’t think he would be away from her for one second if he didn’t have to.”

“I believe the feeling is mutual. They have spent many years not living as they like, having to keep each other a secret. I am sure the relief in knowing they can live their truth is very freeing for them,” said Roderick.

Lady Selene nodded. “It is nice to see people happy and in love in times like this. I am glad my sister has found her happiness with Ethen.”

“They seem very well settled together. I enjoyed getting to know your sister in Navalia. She is a very interesting woman,” said Roderick.

“My sister is the best of everything, Roderick. I know I try her nerves, but there is no one I hold so dear in the world. You must know what it is like. You have two brothers, I believe.”

“I do, though I have never been close to Alaric. I hold him no ill will, and I do care for him, but we have never gotten on as Galen and I have.”

“What is that?” asked Lady Selene.

“Alaric and I don’t have many similarities. I care for the man, but he is quite simple. When father died, he was next to useless. My mother was so distraught she couldn’t do much at all, and I had to tend to Galen and try to organize the attendants in some way.”

“How old were you when your father died, Roderick?” asked Lady Selene.

“I was ten,” said Roderick.

“So young to have such responsibility,” said Lady Selene with feeling. “No wonder you seem such a serious man.”

“I do feel much responsibility towards Galen. I am also very proud of him. He has grown into a fine man with much skill,” said Roderick.

“I am sure he owes much of that to you. I can see why you are close to your younger brother. You practically raised him,” said Lady Selene.

“My mother did regain her senses eventually and see to Galen. She loves my little brother very much. He is quite her favorite,” said Roderick. “I never understood why until recently. I suppose Galen was a sign of my father’s reconciliation with her.”

“I am sure your mother is quite appreciative of you as well. She must love you. How could she not?” asked Lady Selene.

“She does love me and Alaric, but Galen is special to her. I can understand it. She must have felt very unloved when my father left her for Lady Owena. To know he came back and gave her another son, must have given her some hope that her husband esteemed her,” said Roderick.

“I can’t imagine living that way. To love a man, and wonder if he loves me at all would be unbearable. I feel for your poor mother,” said Lady Selene.

“I wonder if my mother knew what she was getting into when she married father. She must have known his heart belonged to another. It is impossible to hide something like that,” said Roderick.

“Sometimes we see what we want to see, Roderick. Perhaps your mother was in love with your father, and could imagine he loved her?”

Roderick nodded and stopped walking. “If I ever am lucky enough to find a woman to love and share a life with, I will leave her in no doubt of my love for her.”

“I believe it,” said Lady Selene softly as she looked up at him. “You are too honorable to have any falsehoods between you and anyone you cared about.”

Roderick looked at Lady Selene. He wanted very much to take the opportunity to see if her hair was as soft as he thought it was. He wanted to lean down and claim her lips with his own. He stared down at her for several moments, thinking he might actually do it when she eventually turned away, and he had lost his chance.

They walked on in silence for a while, making their way around the lake as the cold wind blew lightly around them. Roderick could see that Lady Selene looked to be getting cold, so he recommended they walk back to their horses.

“So, what should we tell our tricksters when we get back?” asked Lady Selene with a smile.”

“The truth I suppose,” said Roderick. “We spent a pleasant morning with good conversation and decided that we are friends.”

“It could be more fun to tell them nothing,” said Lady Selene with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Let them wonder what really happened.”

Roderick laughed. “If that would please you, I would be happy to keep silent.”

Lady Selene nodded. “I will only say that what happened out here was between you and me.”

“I will say a gentleman does not tell tales,” said Roderick with his eyebrows raised.

Lady Selene laughed. “That will give them all sorts of ideas.”

“Perhaps it will spur them on to create more opportunities for us to be alone,” said Roderick as they approached their horses.

“Would you like it if they did?” asked Lady Selene.

“I would like it very much, my lady,” said Roderick with sincerity.

Roderick helped Lady Selene mount her horse, letting his hands stay on her narrow waist a little longer than necessary before he lifted her up. He mounted his own horse and together they rode slowly back towards the palace.

“I would like you to know that I am for certain that I like your High Captain, Roderick. I thought I did, but there is no doubt now.”

“I am glad to hear it. What made you certain in your feelings?”

“She gave me some good advice the other day,” said Lady Selene.

“And what advice was that?” asked Roderick.

“Advice that I plan to take very seriously,” said Lady Selene. “Roderick, I want you to know that while I do consider you a friend, I would be very disappointed if that is all we ever are. I understand you are a cautious man, so I will let you take your time, but eventually I will run out of patience and take things into my own hands.”

With that she kicked her horse and took off through the trees leaving Roderick behind quite shocked. He stopped his horse and looked after the way she had gone. After a moment, he smiled. He decided he would not be disappointed if she did run out of patience very soon.