sarri
At dawn our horses were packed and ready for departure. After what happened last night I was a bit embarrassed but also confused. I knew it showed on my face as we stood before Adryin and her warriors bidding them farewell.
"Good bye Adryin I hope to fight by your side in the final battle against Alicia."
She shook Drake's hand
"all of us look forward to it."
She then said good bye to Jace, Taleane and Coran. Lastly she spoke to me, reaching into her belt pouch she handed me a glowing yellow orb.
"If ever you find yourself in a difficult situation use this and my family and I will be there."
taking the orb from Adryin I smiled
"Thank you I only hope that I do not find myself in the situation to use it."
Then Adryin leaned forward to whisper in my ear. "Follow your heart princess and your destiny will be for filled."
I smiled sad to be leaving, maybe when this was over Adryin would allow me to join her in her travels. We left their camp disappointed that we were, but I knew in my heart that we would see them again. Mounting our horses Adryin and her family faded away as fast as they had appeared.
The whole day of traveling took it out of me, with a mixture of what had happened the previous night. None of us talked much, Jace and Taleane both had hangovers from the whiskey they had consumed the night before. It suited me fine for I was comforted by the silence it give me a chance to think. At nightfall we again took turns watching for potential enemies. Still close to the road we did not want to take any chances. Coran took the first watch, I sat with him for my dreams had gotten worse and I feared that I could no longer fight the images controlling them. Coran did not approve noting again that I was not getting enough sleep.
"Come on Sarri you need at lease some sleep."
I sighed with annoyance
"it is not your concern Coran, I am dealing with it." He looked at me critically
"so you stay awake? That is not dealing with it Sarri that is avoiding it." "Just let me do it my way please at least until we reach the sanctuary then maybe someone can help me."
He only stared, then giving in he finally answered "fine, but this can't go on forever Sarri. Everyone needs sleep even you. I could watch you if you like as soon as you start tossing and turning a will wake you."
I shook my head
"if I get too tired I will let you watch me but not yet."
He sighed
"very well I know I will not win so I will hold my tongue."
We waited out Coran's watch then he went to bed as I took my turn. Sitting alone I listened to the sounds of the night, the breeze that moved the trees, the owl in the distance. Listening to them seemed to calm me to such a point that before I knew it Drake appeared to take his shift. He sat silently without saying a word. Ignoring him I continued to listen to the many sounds around me, however now that Drake sat next to me my mind started to stray from the new found calmness to thoughts of Drake and what he had said last night. I had pretended that I didn't know but the truth is I heard every word. I don't know why I lied but now it just made being around him that much more confusing. Last night made me realize that something lay between us.
I could not help but look at him, what is this thing I feel? Why do I feel such a strong bond with this man? What is it about him that attracts me? When I'm around him I can't think straight. All these questions haunted my mind, after awhile I could not take it any more. I shook my head trying to understand. Most times I do not even like this man, always in the castle I hated the way he tried to tell me not to do something because it was too dangerous or not letting me go anywhere without a guard.
The only way I could be alone was to sneak away when nobody was looking, however even then he would find me someway. It was weird now that I think about it always no matter where I was Drake was always able to find me, except during the attack on the city. I couldn't believe that I had never noticed any of this until now. Turning to Drake I could not handle the silence any longer. Working up the courage I asked
"Isn't the night sky beautiful?"
At first he did not answer but then still not looking at me he said
"If you say so your highness."
I sighed in frustration.
"Why are you always the stern commander of the royal guard? It would make for a refreshing change to see the real you instead of the stern warrior you show everyone around you."
I went to stand but was halted by his eyes staring intently into my own.
"Why do you always act like just a princess when there is so much more to you?"
I stared back just as intently as he, Stunned by his words. I did not know what to say, my long pause caused Drake to look the other way
"I'm sorry your highness I spoke out of line it will never happen again."
Instantly I spoke before yet another door was closed.
"No Drake it's not that it's just…"
the frustration raged through me as I turned away from his searching eyes.
"It's just. you are just…argh, why do you do that? Every time we talk alone you change your mood like the seasons. One minute your opening yourself to me the next your like a closed book. Why do you do it?"
He did not answer, annoyed I left him to sit on my own away from the camp and him, though it wasn't long before I heard him approach only to kneel beside me.
"I must apologize to you your highness I do not purposely set out to confuse you or cause you anger. I have no explanation for my actions for I do not entirely understand it myself. I only beg that you forgive me for whatever hardship I have caused you and for what I will most likely still cause you while we travel. I only hope that we reach the sanctuary before anything else happens and then everything will return to some normalcy, at least to some point considering what is happening in the world."
His words confused me beyond measure, so much so that I could barely move. The clouds that hid the moon drifted slightly allowing it to shine into his eyes seeming to set them alight. Giving in I sighed
"there's no need to apologize commander it's just gets so frustrating with you sometimes. Believe me I know what you meant when you said you don't understand it. I myself do not understand what has been happening lately. I just wish that none of this had ever happened, the attack, Killarai, last night. I just…"
I stopped not being able to continue. Hesitantly Drake pulled me closer as he wrapped his arms around me. I stayed in the comfort of his arms not being able to move, frozen in his warmth and his eyes. I needed comforting and he gave it for that I was grateful. I saw his hand reach for my face, inches away he paused.
Without warning he pulled away creating a large gap between us
"I'm sorry your highness I should not have, I…I will excuse myself from your presence."
He went to stand
"Drake wait!"
He froze as I said his name looking down at me I rose off the ground to stand before him.
"Why do you apologize every time you touch me or even speck to me?"
He stood straighter giving away nothing
"you are princess of this land your highness, even one with my rank should not presume he can treat you like a common equal. You are higher in society therefore it is required that I treat you as befits your status. To not do so would result in severe punishment your highness."
Frustrated again I whispered harshly so as not to wake to others
"you do not always need to be so noble in your actions Drake even you can not be as perfect as to do everything that is required of you. Even a princess is permitted to have friends even if they are of a lower social status and as friends touching is allowed when one is comforting the other."
"I am a warrior in your army your highness and your loyal servant. Servants, even ones of the highest ranks as myself can not be friends with a princess. It just is not done and has never been done in all of our history. I have worked hard to get where I am and would not risk it by going against tradition to befriend the princess and hair of this land. "
I stepped closer with a smile on my face
"The world changes commander, traditions change. What was once deemed proper etiquette is now considered old fashioned."
"The queen would not think so your highness. If she or one of her advisors were to catch us talking as friends I would likely find myself with no life left to live or at the very lease stripped of my command."
I laughed at this I had not realized before now how stubborn he could be, it remind me of my own stubbornness.
"Why do you laugh?"
I smiled at the look in his eyes
"It's just strange how things turn out."
I watched as his face changed from the mask I was so used to seeing to something else.
"Imagine finding comfort in the most unsuspecting place."
Both of us remained silent just staring into the others eyes. I could not stop myself from staring, everything around me was forgotten. The only thing that mattered was us and the fact that I knew I could not let this man vanish from my life. I could not let him become invisible to me nor did I think I would be able to. I liked his company being around him was like a drug once you've tasted it you can't stop. I wanted us to be able to talk to each other without worrying what others would think. I wanted us to be in each others company as man and woman not as princess and her loyal guard.
However I could not bring myself to tell him any of this for fear that he might think me foolish so I remained silent. After what seemed like hours we were interrupted by the suns razes peeking over the horizon bathing us in light. As soon as the sun hit the others they began to wake, silently Drake turned and started back to the camp. Now standing alone I wrapped my arms around myself sensing the loss I felt by his absence.
After a small breakfast everyone mounted their horses ready to continue with our travels. Not surprisingly Drake scouted ahead of the group occasionally going to check the road before us. He did not speck nor look at anyone except to bark an order to pick up the pace. As I sat in the saddle observing everything around me I gave a start when Coran asked
"You did not sleep again did you?"
I remained silent as I turned to face him he looked at me with concern
"Stop fussing over me, I am fine I can go for weeks without much sleep and still have energy enough to fight a week long battle. As soon as we reach the sanctuary I will have the alchemist make me a potion to help me sleep until I find out a way to rid myself of these dreams if that makes you happy."
"Fine it will have to do I suppose."
"So you will not mention it again?"
He hesitated not wanting to agree but knowing that he could not do anything while we were so far away from home.
"Alright you win I will not mention it again." Returning to my observation of our surroundings I relaxed again.
It was only one day before we would reach Bailnet from there we had just over a week before we would arrive at the Sanctuary. When we settled down to sleep that night I had no chance to continue my conversation with Drake for it was Jace's turn to keep watch. After him it would be Taleane's so it was likely that I would have no chance at all tonight. I was partially glad about this for I knew I would never find the words to question this thing between us anyway.
I was also upset because I already missed his voice. It was strange even though I did not think of him romantically I felt as if he was apart of me and that without him in my life there would be a hole where he should be. Confused I tried not to think about it as I lay down to sleep. I managed to keep him out of my thoughts but it did not stop the fear in my heart of the continuous dreams that haunted me. The voice in my dreams was becoming increasingly tempting. All I wanted was to take her hand if only to have release from them, if only to understand them. But I knew I needed at least an hour of sleep to continue the next few days of little sleep, so I closed my eyes. Within seconds I was asleep and within seconds the dream had began.
Images so many images, I try to separate them but the more I try the more aggressive they become. Then I hear it, the beautiful voice. All I want to do is see her, meet her, I'm drawn to her. I feel like I need to know everything about her, for everything about her invites me in.
"Sarri I can help you, there's no need to hide from me or your dreams. All you have to do is take my hand, come Sarri together we will defeat it. With me helping you will be rid of these images that plague you. By letting me help you will become stronger and more powerful then you've ever been."
I shook my head
"You lie, nothing can help me, nothing!"
I felt something touch my hand, when I turned it was gone
"It is not a punishment all you have to do is trust me completely and I will help you with all that is wrong in your life. Everything that you want can be yours I can give you the world. All you must do is to give yourself to me, trust me with your life and I will do this for you. Take my hand and I will show you what I can do to help."
Like before a slender hand appeared before me. Again something touches my shoulder but this time so hard that it rips me awake, snapping upright. I lash out fighting off she who seeks to torment me "please make it stop, I can't take any more."
A hand ran through my hair
"It's just me your highness."
Stunned and not fully awake yet I looked into his eyes as the moon makes them shine brightly. The dream was still imbedded into my mind that I did not comprehend Drake even holding me.
"She's getting stronger,"
I whispered to myself. Drake's face suddenly turns serious
"What are you talking about? Who's getting stronger?"
I sat back instantly realizing where I was and who was holding me. Drake looked at me so intensely that I felt as if he could read my mind, but I knew that was impossible so I smiled to hide my fear. "I'm sorry did I wake you?"
He stared at me in shock.
"No, but your highness you were tossing and turning in your sleep. When I woke you, you said she's getting stronger-"
I laughed cutting him off
"What are you talking about? You must have heard wrong"
"I know what I heard, your highness there's no point in denying it."
I stood in anger
"I'm denying nothing for there is no need. There is nothing wrong Drake it was just a dream nothing more."
Turning I left him where he knelt, seconds later I heard him come after me. Grabbing my arm he roughly pulled me back
"The dreams you've been having are more then just dreams. With what's been happening in the past few weeks you of all people should know that and with your power you should sense it."
Ripping my arm out of his grasp I yelled
"How dare you speck to me like that pulling me around like some child who has been up to mischief. I could have you flogged for that, now I say that my dreams are just dreams nothing more do you understand. I order you never to mention them again, not to me not to anyone am I clear?"
Standing straighter as he glared into my eyes with silent anger he answered
"Yes your highness I am here to serve and will do as you wish."
He paused I could tell that he was fighting back the anger so hard that his teeth were clenched when he asked
May I be accused your highness?"
I nodded in return not believing what I'd just done and said. Realization hit me hard Drake's back was turned as he headed back towards camp. What have I done? Falling to my knees I looked to the sky. Now I will never get to know him, he will never talk to me again. Why did I have to do that, I was closing myself to him as he has done to me, suddenly my heart hardened well good riddens who knows if he would even open himself to me or anyone for that matter. If he wants to rome the world with no friends and no loved ones then so be it. I refuse to feel bad, this is the elder's way of saying he is not worth my time. Maybe he was meant to be my royal guard and nothing more. Standing I slowly walked back to camp and silently waited for dawn not looking at Drake even though he sat only meters away.
Coran was the first to wake, the instant he noticed me he said
"how long?"
I knew what he was talking about for I saw the concern in his face
"an hour."
He sighed but said nothing more keeping to his word as he got up and wrapped his blanket. I stood up and taking his blanket from him and began packing our saddlebags while he got some food out for us to eat before we set off again. It wasn't long afterward that the Taleane and Jace were also awake. All of us sat to eat before we set off, that is all except Drake.
"I can't wait to get to Bailnet."
Exclaimed Taleane
"The Ten Horses In has the best food,"
Added Jace. I smiled at their enthusiasm; Bailnet was one of the largest cities in Dralic. There were thousands of people who lived there. Many people went there just to get away from there lives. Many warriors from the royal army can be found there as they drink their pays away. Bailnet was not the sort of place that I had spent much time in. However it was obvious that Taleane and Jace had like most warriors. As I listened to them talk of Bailnet I began to rethink its reputation. Maybe when I had been to Bailnet I had not fully experienced it's every aspect. They continued to talk even as we left the campsite.
Finally after hours of hearing them talk Drake reprimanded them.
"Jace, Taleane enough we are only stopping at Bailnet for one night do not neglect your duties, be on guard Alicia's warriors could be anywhere."
Instantly they silenced themselves, I glanced at Coran. I knew he had been to Bailnet many more times than myself. Wanting to know more I asked "Is Bailnet really as good as they say it is." Surprised at my question he said
"you should know you've been there before."
"Yes I have but it was always for business concerning Dralic and I never had a chance to explore."
He looked at me frowning
"I'll be honest with you Sarri, I don't think you will like it."
I looked away not wanting him to see my disappointment.
"Very well then,"
all I wanted to do was to be myself without having to watch what I did because of who I was and this was the first time that I would have my chance. Always I had to behave as a princess, only when I was with those that were close to me was I able to act like myself, but how would I do it Bailnet was full of warriors from the royal guard they would surely know what I look like, I would not be able to hide my identity From them especially with my eyes people would instantly know who I was. I sighed it was hopeless.
Just as the sun began to set Bailnet stood before as, even from where we were we could already hear the music. Despite my mood I found myself feeling excited as we edged closer. Leading our horses we stopped before the Prancer Inn. It was the best looking place in Bailnet. There were people everywhere, most were already drinking even as we entered through the main door. As we were approached by the owner he was a burly human who introduced himself as Garv. He set one look on me and Coran, instantly his eyes widened.
"Your highnesses it is an honour that you chose my inn no doubt you heard of its reputation, I don't mean to boost but my establishment has been the best for years. Please allow me to show you to the common room and I will have one of my girls serve you the best wine in the city."
I smiled but it held no happiness for once again I was forced to keep up appearances.
"Not right now Garv we have been traveling for quite some time and would like three rooms to rest for the night."
His smile became wider
"Yes your highness you will have three of our best rooms. I will take you to them myself,"
Instantly he began to lead us up the stairs through fine wood corridors to his finest rooms. As we followed we could hear the drunken voices of many people entertaining in one room. Garv stopped at the first room where Taleane and Jace entered, the second room was Drake's and Coran's. Drake entered leaving Coran to escort me to my room. As Garv left us to ourselves Coran turned to face me
"You should have got only two rooms. Taleane could have been with you so that you were not alone."
"I do not need a constant watch Coran, there are too many people, most being of our army around for Alicia to even try anything here."
He stared at me
"honestly Coran I will be fine, stop worrying."
He did not stop staring annoyed I grabbed his hand and dragged him to the door
"go drink meet new people have fun Coran I will be fine I promise."
He shrugged his shoulders
"Fine I'm going, but promise me if you hear anything out of the ordinary find me or one of the others. Even with your powers you can not face Alicia alone."
"If I hear anything out of the ordinary you will hear it too when I use my powers on the intruder, now go Coran. I know you want to go out, go you deserve it. Have fun for me ok?"
He laughed
"alright you win."
Closing the door I went to sit at the window, as I looked out I saw all the people having the time of their lives. I envied them, they had all the freedom in the world. I was stuck here else it would reach my mother that I was seen misbehaving in Bailnet.
Suddenly I heard a knock on the door, as I opened it Taleane and Jace stood before me.
"Would you like to join us in a drink your highness?"
"not tonight I fear I would never have peace, everyone would look at me once and I would be surrounded with people wanting to be in my favor. I would not ruin your night by interrupting it like that."
Jace smiled as he looked to Taleane together they both looked back to me.
"We have a way around that your highness."
I stared at them disbelievingly
"How?"
Together both of them entered my room, Taleane stood before me.
"Just hold still"
curious I did not move as she ran his hand just before my eyes. SHe indicated the mirror slowly I looked into it to find that my eyes had been changed from purple to green. Staring back at Taleane I smiled
"How did you.."
Both of them laughed
"I am gifted with the power of change your highness. What color hair would you like?"
I smiled this was the first time in ages that I was having real fun. I thought of how everyone looked at Adryin's shining blond hair.
"Lets try blond."
Taleane nodded approvingly then proceeded to wave her hand over my hair as it changed to blond. The she changed my facial features only slightly so that I they were more prominent making me look slightly older. Taleane lent me one of her royal guard's uniform. Looking in the mirror I smiled then laughed with the others as we left my room.
I entered the bar downstairs dressed as any other person in the royal army. The whole place was crowded, you could barely move there was that many people. Most were already drunk, the men hassled the women for attention. Taleane and I made our way to the only table left as Jace went to get drinks. It felt so refreshing to not be the center of attention, to not have everyone constantly watching your every move. Jace returned with wine for all of us.
"I thank both of you for giving me a chance to finally be myself in front of others, it really means a lot if there's any way I could repay you?"
"You don't have to thank us it was our pleasure and we don't require payment."
Jace leaned forward to whisper
"Even the princess should have fun every once and a while. Besides this way we are still doing our duty in protecting you."
I smiled as I looked around, just watching others enjoying their lives. The music they played was fast paced as I watched the many people dancing to the beats.
"So what do you normally do?"
Jace looked to Taleane, she smiled
"Well not much really, just talk, drink and dance. It's nice to meet new people and to talk about what's happening in the rest of Dralic. Here you can pick up allot of information about the other parts of Dralic. It makes it easier to know if Alicia's started recruiting more followers or if she has started invading others cities or towns."
I nodded
"I suppose it would make it easy with so many members of other legions of the army and such a wide verity of people."
Taleane nodded as we both turned to watch the dancers. About an hour later Coran joined our table "it's a full house hurry up and join me-"
Suddenly noticing me he smiled
"Hello my name's Coran and who are you?"
Jace and Taleane looked to each other then as one we laughed, confused Coran turned to them
"Was it something I said?"
He turned back to me
"Coran it's me Sarri,"
I did not need to whisper for the noise was enough to hide my identity. He turned to the others
"whose idea was this?"
Taleane looked to me suddenly unsure,
"it is not their fault Coran I ask them to do it."
He looked at me angry
"Are you mad you could be taken easily in this crowd and we would be none the wiser. What were you thinking?"
In his anger he got up and grabbed my arm pulling me outside where he could talk without fear of others hearing.
"You have done a lot of foolish things before but this, but this is ludicrous-"
I cut him off as I ripped my arm from his grip
"Did it ever occur to you that it would be safer to stay with Taleane and Jace rather than pulling me out into the open. I am not foolish Coran I know what I'm doing you keep forgetting that I am not a helpless little lamb that cannot defend herself. My power far exceeds your own I can easily defeat anyone who wishes to take me."
Turning I started to walk away however before I'd even got to the end of the inn Coran grabbed me and started dragging me back to the inn
"You've had your fun now it's time to go back."
My anger growing at him treating me like a child I connected with my power and forced him away from me with an invisible pulse. Stunned he slowly turned to face me. I knew I had hurt his pride but I was too angry to care
"Fine Sarri you want to be taken go I'll not stop you."
With that he turned and went back into the inn. Turning on my heel I headed away from the inn and from him.
As I walked through the crowds I began to feel the whiskey dull my senses. I closed my eyes to concentrate better, after a few seconds I opened them again and looked down the street before me just in time to see Drake. Smiling to myself I started to follow him. I was curious to see where he was going and this was a good chance to find out some of his hidden secrets. As he navigated his way through the crowd I followed a few meters behind him.
Suddenly he ducked into an alleyway, quickly so as to not lose sight of him I rounded the corner. However just as I did so I was slammed against the hard stone by Drake as his hand tighten around my throat.
"Why are you following me?"
The mixture of the wine and Drake's hand on my throat caused my head to spin. I grabbed at his hand to try rip it away but my strength was diminished from my dulled senses. He loosened his grip, the air started to return to my lungs. As he started at me I saw the fierce look in his eyes. It scared me for I had never seen him like this if I did not do something he was likely to kill me. I was so stunned by it that I could not talk, his grip tightened again.
"Answer me did Alicia send you?"
the air was again forced out of me. Fearing my life I found the strength to use my powers to create an energy ball just powerful enough to force him further down the ally. Falling to my knees I coughed, instantly Drake returned to his feet. He started towards me quickly I held my hand up "Drake wait!"
He stopped dead in his tracks
"your highness?"
I looked into his eyes, instantly he came to my side. Stepping away from me he looked at his hands "Your highness I'm sorry…I.."
I felt at my throat, I could still feel his grip.
"What have I done?"
I stood to face him better
"it's my fault, I shouldn't have followed you. I should have told you who I was from the start but the whiskey…."
My voice trailed of
"What are you doing in disguise and why were you drinking?"
I saw realization come to his eyes
"Taleane....I'll kill her." He made to go back towards the inn but I pulled him back.
"It's not her fault, she only did it for me because I asked her to. So that I could be myself in public, please don't blame her if you must blame somebody look to me."
"Even so your highness she should not have left you alone to walk the streets."
With frustration I said
"She didn't leave me alone I told Coran of what I'd done, we fought and stupidly in my stubbornness I left to angry to stay. None of this is Telesne's fault do not blame her for something I've done."
I pleaded I waited for him to say something finally he sighed.
"Look I'm sorry I'm just angry at my self. I could have killed you do you know how close I was to killing you?"
he turned his back on me. Hesitantly I placed my hand on his shoulder
"it is only natural, I did not look like myself how were you to know."
Turning he looked to the sky. His eyes bulged as he realized the time
"I'm late."
I frowned in confusion
"Late for what?"
He looked to me as if he had forgotten my presence. Grabbing my hand he said
"You'll have to come with me your highness, there is no time for me to walk back with you and I'll not have you walk back alone."
He began to pull me down the street further away from the inn.
"Where are we going?"
He did not answer, so I merely followed in silence. I knew his concentration was beyond hearing my words.
He continued through the crowd of the city then stopped at a tall building in the eastern part of Bailnet. Like most of Bailnet it was a stone building very plain in looks. We approached the oak door, as Drake knocked. Within seconds the door was trusted opened and both of us were pulled in. I looked upon the man standing before us. He had blond hair with brown eyes, he were a simple shirt and pants. He had the look of an army warrior, but in his eyes I saw something I could not put a name to. Around his neck rested an orange dragon necklace.
"Were you followed?"
Drake looked to me then answered
"I would know if we were."
The man before us looked to me as if he hadn't even noticed my presence. Pulling Drake aside I heard him whisper
"I thought you were coming alone."
"Well there were circumstances that could not be avoided."
Ignoring me again this man pulled Drake closer. "Their here asking questions, they know where you are. They even know about me, I wanted to leave but I had to wait for you. We have to leave now there is a large force outside the city. If we do not leave soon it will be too late."
Drake placed his hands on the man's shoulders "Lucas calm yourself, do not lose your perspective. Stop worrying,"
the man named Lucas took a deep breath.
"Is her majesty alright? You were supposed to be here yesterday."
Drake looked to me
"She is fine, we were delayed a bit. Enough of this come and we will leave the city tonight."
Drake moved to leave the house but Lucas pulled him back.
"We can not Alicia's army has surrounded the city. There is no way out, the only way is through the portal but unless you know where it is…."
Drake cursed I saw his face as he began to think deeply. Stepping forward I said
"I know where it is."
Both of them turned to face me
"What?"
Asked Drake
"The portal, I know where it is."
Drake smiled turning to Lucas he switched to commander
"Lucas get ready to leave, meet us in the ally behind the Prancer Inn. One hour and we will meet you there."
Lucas smiled
"Yes sir."
Outside Lucas's house Drake turned to me
"How?"
I smiled
"I am princess of this land it is my job to know ones kingdom and to know my kingdom I must know it all including its secrets."
I strange look entered his eyes as he said
"You your highness are full of surprises."
Smiling I stared into his eyes. He started to say something then seeming to change his mind he gently turned me around
"Come it is time that we leave. The others must be warned."
I nodded feeling like I desperately needed to know what he was going to say, but knowing I would probably never know. Together we headed back to the Prancer Inn and to the others.