Later in the day. The campers were busy preparing for their departure.
Some were excited, but some were showing the sign of indifference .
Everyone gathered together to discuss some pressing matters.
Some talked about the length of the journey, others talked about the lack of supplies. While the future thinkers talked about how they were going to survive when they get to their kingdom.
Some volunteered to speak with the king, but Madame Reynolds was against it.
She had told them that if not for the bravery of young Lyon, they would have had to leave immediately or risk becoming slaves.
Everyone was perplexed and shocked after hearing her speak. Young Lyon? What has he to do with their freedom? They all wondered.
"Lyon is a brave kid that is all you have to know". Grit said to Lucius when he asked about what Madame Reynolds had said.
"Big brother…please….I need to know what really happened in the palace. Was he really brave? What did he do or say?".
He cried holding Grit's hand.
"Well if you want to know, the king had already given us the instruction to leave his kingdom in two days time, we all know that would not be easy. Young Lyon had courageously spoke out on our behalf, we the elders were as mute as if our tongues had been tied by a cat. I was really surprised hearing him speak. I think he also got in the good Grace of the king".
"Whoa! That is great, he will be a good spokesman ". Lucius jumped around happily.
"I guess he told about that already " . He laughed ." Young Lyon wants to be a warrior ". He teased.
"Yes, and I will become the greatest ever heard of". Lyon said from behind.
"Oh! I did not notice your presence ". Grit grin." Our little warrior".
"I would not always be little ". He pout.
"I shall be your king, and you my army commander ". Lucius smiled at him .
"Really…? ". He asked with his eyes almost falling off their socket.
"Yes, friend…".
"How greedy you are Lucius, his king? I guess you want to also lord Over us too". Grit gave him a hard look. "And you…". He turned to Lyon." You are excited about becoming his army commander? Why do not you be his king and he your army commander ".
"We have talked about it before now big brother. I told him I want to become the greatest king ever heard of, and he begged for he to become my army commander ". He shrugged." I did not oppose it on him".
"Go ready your things Young men"Madame Devlin commanded the kids as she approached them.
"Alright mother ". They both chorused and ran away.
"I hope you too have prepared your belongings?". She sat on a rock and stretched out her legs." Oh… I am exhausted ". She yawned.
"I have". He smiled his reply." You need to rest. You know the journey ahead is not going to be easy".
"Yes son.. I do know that".
Taking a long pause she added, " You know Lucius was only eight years when we left and came here, I guess he would not remember much of our land".
"It is better that way. I am still haunted by the…". He stopped." I just try so hard to forget those memories, but it seems like I am trapped in them".
"You could make better memories once you get there". She smiled.
"Hmm". He sighed ," I will try…".
He had not completed his statement when she said.
"You can not on your own".
"I can not? Why can not I?".
"It is not good to be alone". Her expression was a bit sad but she kept on a smiling face.
"You know mother… the one thing no one would probably want in life is to be alone, but… I have been alone since I can remember ". He held her hands and looked deep into her eyes." I am okay with my present status, I do not want to be the cause of pain in anyone's life".
"You are not alone, always remember that okay? And why do you say such a thing? How can you become the cause of someone's pain? You would force anyone to be with you?".
"No I would, but… what if I leave unexpectedly? What the she do huh?". He rolled his eyes.
"Why would you leave unexpectedly?". She asked amazed.
"One may never know when the traveler comes knocking on your door.., you might not even get the chance of saying goodbye to your beloved ones, he would just take you away". He rested on his knee.
"Hmm". She sighed. "Everyone is going to leave this earth someday, that does not mean we should not make good the time we have got to spend in it ". She stared into a distance. "When my husband left us I was not prepared, neither was he nor Lucius, but we have come past that now huh… life goes on from where someone's own ends".
"But it left traces in you both yes?".
"Yes..,it did, but we have gone past the pain, now we just miss him".
"Hmm". He sighed.
"Give it a chance". She held his hand with a reassuring smile on her face.
"Huh? What that?". He asked surprised.
"You know what I am talking about ". She hit him gently gently n his head.
"I do not ". He laughed.
"What you promised to talk to me about". She eyed him.
"Oh! I almost forgot…". He scratched his head. " I do not know if I will be permitted to ask ".
"Huh what is that?".
"King Edwin and Madame Reynolds, they seem connected in a romantic way". He waited for her response with his heart beating faster than normal in chest.
"Hmm, you noticed? Well… they were lovers who got separated by marriage. King Edwin was forced into marrying a princess, while Madame Reynolds was betrothed to a duke in our lands, for the sole purpose of the protection her people would get from our land. So… that was how they were separated. You are really a good observer. The king can hardly hide his feelings towards her".
"Wow!". He exclaimed with great astonishment. "That is really a sad love tale". He whipped a fake tear.
"Is it what was bothering you?". She asked with doubt.
"Huh? Yes..". He replied politely.
"You are certain?". She narrowed her eyes.
"Hmm". He sighed. " Well… it is just…".