The Sentinel of Cassendar: Resquarian

Roderick stood by his horse as he waited for the others to be ready for their morning ride.

“Are you sure about this, Dracia?” asked Prince Leal as he walked with her to her horse. “It is very cold today, and you seemed very tired last night.”

“I feel very well, this morning, and I never have minded the cold. I know you don’t like it so if you would rather stay behind, I would understand,” said Dracia as she put her foot in the stirrups, preparing to hoist herself up onto Aarit.

“I told you I would ride out with you. You know how I feel about leaving your side if it can be helped. Here, let me help you,” said the prince as he put his hands on Dracia’s hips, hoisting her up into the saddle.

“I appreciate your help, though I didn’t require it,” said Dracia as she smiled down at him. “If you still want to come with us, I, of course, welcome your company.” She turned to look at Roderick. “Are we expecting anyone else?”

“Lord Ethen, Lady Maia, and Lady Selene had said they were coming, but it seems they are late,” said Roderick. “Perhaps they all changed their minds.”

“We can wait for a moment, or Dracia and I could ride out and you could stay here for a few minutes to see if they show, Roderick. I am sure you could find us,” said Prince Leal as he mounted his own large horse.

“No, we will wait with Roderick,” said Dracia as she steadied her horse. Aarit seemed anxious to be off. “If they don’t show in the next few minutes, we will all three ride out and leave word here at the stables of where we are headed.”

Roderick nodded as he mounted his own horse. They didn’t have to wait long before Lord Ethen walked towards them with a smile as he shook his head. Lady Maia and Lady Selene walked behind him, Lady Maia obviously displeased with her sister.

“I am terribly sorry for our late arrival,” said Lady Maia as she scowled at her sister. “It seems one of us couldn’t be bothered to arise on time.”

“I woke up quite early this morning actually,” said Lady Selene as she smiled at Roderick. “I just couldn’t decide what to wear.”

“What does it matter what your wear for a simple ride with friends?” said Lady Maia as Lord Ethen spoke to a stable attendant about their horses. “Besides that, you are wearing a cloak.”

“I am always careful about how I appear, dear sister. Especially when I know I will be joined by two rather handsome men,” said Lady Selene as she smiled again at Roderick before turning to Prince Leal.

“I am sure it is no real bother, Maia,” said Dracia looking down at the lady. “We have no set plans this morning, so your delay is not causing any trouble.”

“It is rude and inconsiderate,” said Lady Maia. “My sister needs to learn this kingdom does not revolve around her.”

Ethen came forward leading two horses as the stable attendant walked behind him with another. “It will be alright, my dear,” said Lord Ethen as he put Lady Maia’s horse before her. “Your sister will learn her place eventually.”

“Oh, I already know my place, dear brother,” said Lady Selene as the stable attendant helped her to mount. “And I shall take it now.” She moved her horse forward to stand by Roderick’s side.

Roderick rolled his eyes slightly but couldn’t help but notice she did look very becoming in the dark red simple gown she wore with her fur trimmed black cloak. Her hair was half pulled back, with the rest over one shoulder.

“Where shall we go today, Roderick? Is there some place special you wanted to show your High Captain?” Lady Selene asked as she glanced back at Dracia and Prince Leal.

“I thought we would follow the stream through the woods behind the castle, towards the lake. I think that would be a fine ride we could all enjoy,” said Roderick as he looked back to make sure all were ready.

Seeing that all were mounted he urged Magni forward towards the front of the palace. Lady Selene moved her horse with his, so she remained close to his side. As they came close to the palace gates, Dracia rode up on his other side, seeming to have to put more effort than usual into controlling her horse.

“Poor Aarit is very anxious today. I hope where we are riding will be some where I can let him run a bit. I don’t know why he feels the need to stretch his legs so. I know you took him out a few times,” said Dracia as she leaned forward and whispered to her horse.

“He has missed his Captain, I imagine. I think he is so overjoyed at having you with him; he is in overly high spirits,” said Roderick as he smiled at Dracia.

“I think you are right, and I have missed him as well. You will have to try to stay with me when I let him free, Roderick. You know only Magni has any chance at keeping up with Aarit.”

“I think my Ruby is faster than you know, High Captain,” said Lady Selene as she looked over to Dracia. “I am sure we can keep up with you.”

“Your Ruby looks like a fine horse, Lady Selene, but Aarit is a horse of the Sentinel. His stride must be almost twice the size of your pretty little mare.”

“I suppose we will see in a bit, High Captain,” said Lady Selene. “You are dressed very severely today.”

“This is my High Captain uniform. I like to wear it when I am going to be doing my duties. I hope to meet with my Elites today, and train with them for a while. I also enjoy wearing it. It reminds me of my purpose and duty to the kingdom,” replied Dracia.

“Perhaps I wouldn’t have taken so long to dress if I had known you would be wearing all black. I was trying to ensure you wouldn’t outshine me,” said Lady Selene with a laugh.

“Do you suppose we are in competition in some way, Lady Selene?” asked the High Captain with a large smile. “I can assure you I have already won the heart of the only man I will ever want. As long as you don’t have your sights set on him, I leave you to whoever you might hope to conquer.”

“I have no plans to lay any claims to you prince. I believe that would be foolish as any simpleton can see he only ever sees you,” said Lady Selene. “Still, just because you are not aiming to be competition, it does not mean that you truly aren’t. Wherever you are, I always see that poor Roderick cannot keep his eyes off of you.”

Roderick felt his face heat up, wondering if perhaps he should fall back and ride beside Prince Leal or even with Lord Ethen and Lady Maia.

“Roderick is my second. He is trained to keep his eyes on me to watch for any commands I may give him. I can assure you, it would not distract him from any woman in which he truly had any plans. I would make sure it did not,” said Dracia as she gave Roderick a playful smile. “In fact, I will let Aarit have his way and ride on ahead a bit. We are going to left are we not?”

Roderick nodded as Dracia let her horse loose, and he shot forward. Dracia expertly maneuvered her horse around the outside of the palace walls and into the tree line of the forest.

“Does she have to ride so fast?” asked Prince Leal as he rode up to Roderick side.

“I believe Aarit was begging for some speed. She thought it best to let him have his way for a moment,” said Roderick.

“I’ll shall see if I can catch her somehow. Though, if she truly let that beast run, I will have hard time of it,” said Prince Leal as he lightly kicked his own horse, letting it run in the direction Dracia had just ridden off.

“I think I rather like your High Captain, Roderick. Most women do not like it when I talk so. She seem to think it a rather good joke, and gave back maybe even better than I gave,” said Lady Selene. “I was only joking; I hope you know it. I do not mind you having your attention on her. I know she is important to you, not only as your High Captain, but as your friend.”

“She is, and as she has been ill. I had hoped to spend at least a few moments with her today,” said Roderick honestly.

“I will see that you do. While I know I could never truly turn the prince’s head, I bet I could distract him for at least few minutes.”

They entered the forest with Lady Maia and Lord Ethen catching up with them. They all quickened their pace, keeping an eye out for Dracia and Prince Leal. Roderick finally spotted them not too far ahead. They had stopped momentarily close to the spring, Dracia laughing at something that prince had said.

“Look, Leal, we have been found at last,” said Dracia as she looked at Roderick. “We decided to stop and wait for you, though poor Aarit didn’t like it,” said Dracia.

“I didn’t like you continuing, weaving through trees so fast,” said Leal. “I was afraid you would smack into one, or perhaps I would.”

“You more than likely than me,” said Dracia, laughing once more. “Aarit would never be so careless with me.”

“Shall we ride on?” asked Roderick as he came up to Dracia’s side.

Dracia turned Aarit and followed along the half frozen stream, Roderick staying by her side. He could hear Lady Selene asking Leal questions about his kingdom, and how he had met Dracia. Roderick smiled to himself, she was on the right topic, if she truly wanted to distract him for a moment.

“I am happy to see you feeling well, Dracia,” said Roderick as they rode along.

“Yes, me as well. I grew bored and tired of being so weary. I do like to read, but one can only sit still with their eyes on a book for so long.”

“I heard you are even training Galen again.”

“I enjoy spending time with your brother. He and I are so similar in many ways. It is nice to be around someone who understands certain things about me, though I think we could get into trouble together if we weren’t careful,” said Dracia.

“I imagine you could. You are both very brilliant and skilled, but you both lack self-preservation and are at times too bold.”

“Which is why it is fortunate we have you to keep us in line, Roderick,” said Dracia warmly.

Roderick looked at her, truly happy to be riding along side her. For so long, he had been worried about her constantly. He had seen her suffer all fall from the attacks of the Navalians. He had watched as she doubted herself in the Winter Palace. He still could see Darron strike out at her if he closed his eyes, still remembering the horror he had felt when he realize he had actually hit her. When she appeared in the huge caves with Galen, Roderick had thought for a few moments that she was for sure dead. Then he had suffered as they moved through the dark caverns, thinking during that long first night, that perhaps she had died in Prince Leal’s arms.

She was here now, and she was healthy once again. Her were eyes bright, and her cheeks rosy with the cold air. He almost reached out and touched her just to assure himself this was real, but he kept his hands on the reins and smiled at her instead. She stared at him with her own smile for a second before it faded off her face. She looked down at Aarit’s back and took a loud breath.

“Is something wrong, Dracia?” asked Roderick with concern leaning towards her.

She shook her head, but he could see tears had gathered in her eyes. He looked behind him to see there was some distance between them and the others.

“Dracia, what is it?” asked Roderick.

“I know I have told you this before, but I want you to know just how much you mean to me, Roderick. I know I don’t deserve your devotion or your love, but I am very grateful for it.”

Roderick leaned back and looked at her, wondering why she was bringing this up now, and why it seemed to be upsetting her.

“You know my feelings on the matter. I think you deserve all that I can give you as your friend and second and more. I have never doubted my worth to you.”

“But I…” started Dracia as she shook her head. “I just never….excuse me, please.”

She stopped Aarit and turned him abruptly, riding back quickly towards the palace. Roderick looked behind him to see her fly by the others. Prince Leal rode up swiftly to Roderick followed by Lord Ethen.

“What just happened?” asked Prince Leal, angrily “She looked upset. What did you say to her?”

“I don’t know what happened. All was well, we were just talking casually, and she started crying. She said something about wanting me to know how much I meant to her, and then left.”

“I will go after her,” said Prince Leal.

“No, let me,” said Lord Ethen. “I believe I know what is wrong, and I will be the one to best help her. Go on with your ride, your highness. Trust me when I saw she is well. I just need a little time alone with her to help her understand.”

“Are you sure, Ethen? I would hate to not be there when she needs me,” said Prince Leal.

“I am very sure. Help Roderick entertain these two lovely women, or at least help Maia handle her sister,” said Ethen with a small laugh. “All will be well by the time you return.”

Lord Ethen turned his horse and nodded to his wife, before riding off back towards the palace.

“It shall be well, your highness,” said Lady Maia brining her horse up to stand by Leal. “Let us ride a bit further, and then we can turn around. I think you will find your wife is perfectly fine by the time we get back.”

“These Siccarian High Nobles are all very mysterious at times,’ said Lady Selene with a smile at Prince Leal. “Your wife is one of them. Trust me when I say it is best to let them do as they deem necessary.”

Prince Leal still looked hesitant, but he nodded his head. “Roderick, I believe you said we were riding to the lake. Show me where it is so, later I can bring Dracia back to see it.”

The rode all four together to the lake, Lady Selene trying her best to lighten the mood as Lady Maia scolded her for some of her more outlandish statements.

“Oh Maia, do understand what I am trying to do. These poor men are worried about the High Captain. I am only trying to distract them for a while, the best I can. You and I both know she is in the best hands with your husband, but I can tell they both ache to be by her side. Let me at least try to ease their minds.”

“I am not sure Dracia would appreciate you being so bold with her husband,” said Lady Maia.

“From what I have experienced from the High Captain, I believe she would find it good fun,” said Lady Selene as she smiled at Prince Leal.

“She would, only because she is very secure in her place with me,” said Prince Leal. “You are wasting your energy with me, my lady. You have a perfectly nice single gentleman next to you. Give him your smiles and flirtatious words, and I will speak of more substantial things with your sister.”

“Roderick gets tired of me after a time, I am afraid,” said Lady Selene.

“I would not say that,” said Roderick looking at her. “I often enjoy your company.”

“But I do try your patience at times, good sir,” said Lady Selene with a sly smile.

“Only when you push too far into my personal affairs,” said Roderick. “We are not acquainted well enough for you to ask some of the things you do.”

“How can we ever become better acquainted if I do not ask some personal things?” asked Lady Selene.

“Maybe start with one question a day, and go from there,” said Roderick with a small smile.

“Can I ask a question now, then?”

Roderick nodded.

“Have you ever been in love with a woman?” asked Lady Selene.

“Yes,” said Roderick.

Lady Selene’s face fell into a serious expression. “Are you still in love with this woman?”

“I said one question, my lady. If you want an answer to that one, you will have to wait for another day,” said Roderick.

After viewing the lake, they rode back to the palace. Prince Leal left his horse with the stable attendant and walked away quickly, Roderick knowing he was anxious to check on Dracia. Roderick would like to know how she was doing as well, and hoped he would see her soon at lunch. He helped both ladies down from their mounts before handing off his own horse to an attendant and walking with Lady Maia and Lady Selene back to the palace.

“I am sorry our ride didn’t turn out as you would like, Roderick. I know you were wanting some time alone with your High Captain,” said Lady Selene as they walked.

“I just hope nothing is wrong. I hope I did not upset her in some way,” said Roderick.

“You did not upset her, Roderick,” said Lady Maia. “I am certain of it. Ethen has probably already set her to rights. You will see.”

Roderick did not see Dracia at lunch. He ate with the rest of their group, sitting by his brother and Lady Selene. She was unusually quiet during their meal, only commenting on something her sister would say occasionally. After lunch, Roderick went out onto the palace grounds with his other Elites to train. He was surprised to find Dracia already outside with Prince Leal and Lord Ethen by her side.

“Roderick,” she said in greeting with a smile. “I hope you enjoyed the rest of your ride this morning.”

“It was rather difficult after you left,” said Roderick. “I hope I didn’t say anything that upset you in some way.”

“Of course not, you did nothing wrong, I can’t think of a time where you ever wronged me in anyway,” said Dracia. “I can assure you that I am very well.”

“Will you tell me why you seemed out of sorts?” asked Roderick.

“I will at another time, but right now we have a busy afternoon ahead of us,” said Dracia looking at Prince Leal. “I will need you to help oversee the Elites as I have promised Ethen and Leal to help them at least for a while.”

“It seems as if we have someone coming to join us” said Lord Ethen with a smile. “I believe she will probably fall under Roderick’s watch as well.”

Roderick turned as Dracia smirked at Lord Ethen and Prince Leal chuckled. Lady Selene was walking towards them, dressed in tight pants and a tunic, a sword hanging at her waist.

“Good afternoon, sister,” said Lord Ethen as Lady Selene stopped and stood by Roderick. “Are you joining us today?”

“I am if the High Captain doesn’t mind. I have been trained as a fighter, but I might be a little out of practice. I don’t plan to stay behind here when you all go fight for Lanoxan. I want to be ready,” said Lady Selene.

“You think your father will be alright with all of this?” asked Lord Ethen.

“My father is the one who taught me to fight, and told me we had a responsibility to our kingdom and our friends. Our kingdom will never be safe if Navalia has its way, and I already consider the people of Lanoxan as my friends. I will fight with you if you will accept me,” said Lady Selene.

“You are welcomed to train with my Elites today, Lady Selene,” said Dracia. “I am sure Roderick can help you find your way.”

She nodded and walked off towards the other Elites, stretching with her arms over her head.

“Do you think this is a good idea, High Captain?” asked Roderick as he watched Lady Selene walk away.

“If she is half as good of a fighter as her sister, we could use her,” said the High Captain as Ethen nodded. She then smiled mischievously. “Besides, Roderick, I should think you would enjoy an afternoon in the company of one as lovely as her. There is little in the world we can find true enjoyment in at the moment. I will not be the one to keep you from the attentions of a beautiful woman.”

“I do not plan on being distracted by her as I prepare to fight for my kingdom,” said Roderick with annoyance.

“I rather hope you do,” said Dracia as Prince Leal laughed. “But you are right, today we need to focus. Go see to the Elites, and help Lady Selene find a partner to spar with. Galen would do, and that would give you an even number as you oversee them all.”

Roderick nodded and walked over to the Elites, having them pair up as he had Galen face off with Lady Selene.

“Would you like to just sword fight, Galen, or are Mystics in play?” asked Lady Selene as she unsheathed her sword.

“I am all for using all we have at our disposal, with caution of course,” said Galen.

“You do not need to worry, young Elite,” said Lady Selene as she turned and walked away for him. “I will not hurt you.”

Roderick tried to not focus on Lady Selene as she worked with his brother, trying to spread his attention to all the Elites in the large open space. Everyone seem to know their business, so there was little for Roderick to do, and he found himself more times than not, observing Lady Selene as she sparred with his brother.

Galen was well skilled with a sword, and a very talented users of Mystics, but Lady Selene gave him all he could handle. She was quick and flexible, moving around so quickly, Roderick hardly thought it was possible. She easily blocked Galen’s thrust and slashes with her own sword, and was able to dodge or deflect most of the Mystic uses he threw at her.

It was a long session, but in the end, Galen was able to disarm her by using wind to blow some snow that still lay on the ground in her face, and following it up with a stone to her hand, and a hard slash with his sword against hers.

“I am as out of practice as I thought,” said Lady Selene as she massaged her hand. “You are a good fighter though, Galen. I have not seen someone use Mystics as you just did. Where did you learn to move snow like that?”

“From my High Captain,” said Galen proudly. “If you want to see someone fight like you have never seen, you should watch her, or even watch my brother fight with her. I have never seen anything so horribly mesmerizing as Roderick and the High Captain fighting side by side.”

“Is that so?” asked Lady Selene as she looked at Roderick.

“We have fought side by side for many years,” said Roderick with a small shrug. “By now we can guess what each other will do. It is almost second nature at this point.”

Lady Selene nodded and looked over to where Dracia was standing next to Lord Ethen while Prince Leal was about fifteen feet away from them.

“What are they doing?” asked Lady Selene.

“I believe they are working on their royal magical abilities,” said Galen as he too watched the three. “I know Prince Leal has been wanting to better control the Cassendar power for some time. I have seen his power, and it is impressive, but he needs to be able to control it better, so he doesn’t hurt someone he is trying to protect.”

They all three watched as Prince Leal put his hand up suddenly, and Ethen was thrown backwards. He landed hard on his backside, but quickly stood up even before Dracia could check on him. He nodded at Prince Leal approvingly after looking at Dracia. Prince Leal put his hand up again, but before anything could happen, Lord Quain walked over to them from the palace calling for Ethen loudly.

Roderick moved forward with Galen and Lady Selene so they could hear what Lord Quain might have to say. Roderick thought he looked very agitated.

“Ethen, we have had word from Lanoxan,” said Lord Quain holding up a message.

Lord Ethen took the message and read over it quickly, before handing it to Dracia as she read it with Prince Leal looking over her shoulder.

“Two of our northern villages have been attacked,” said Dracia. “They have killed the youngest son of the Lord of Westmoria. The Lord and the rest of his family are on the run, heading towards the southern part of the kingdom.”

“So, it has begun,” said Lord Ethen. “I think we can also assume Navalia knows we did not perish in that avalanche, otherwise they would have not struck so suddenly or so hard.”

“What do we do?” asked Dracia looking at Prince Leal.

“We need to have a meeting now and figure this out,” said Prince Leal. “Lord Quain, can you gather my father and mother, as well as the Yates.”

“Yes,” said Lord Quain. “I will tell my mother as well. We can gather in the palace library at the next bell. That will give us half an hour.”

“Very good,” said Prince Leal as Lord Quain bowed and walked away. “Roderick, I think you and Galen should join us. Galen, go fetch my sister, she will want to be a part of this.”

Galen nodded as he walked away hurriedly towards the palace.

“Roderick, tell the Elites to practice as long as they like before supper, and then join us as quick as you can,” said Dracia before she turned and walked with Lord Ethen and Prince Leal towards the palace.

Roderick walked over to his Elites, knowing their time of recovery in Siccaria seemed to be drawing to an end.