The Kingdom of Dawn

Chapter 2: My Lord's Command

'Why am I doing this? I should be back at the castle burying my king, not racing through the kingdom on horseback with a child in my care.

I've never even had a child, how am I supposed to raise one who I barely know? At least I can train her, I have done such things before.

Why was I chosen for this? What am I going to do?

I don't think I can do this, but I must find a way. This was my lord's command, his last command, and I must find a way to obey. 

I should take her to the caves. They are the safest place for her. There is only one way in, and that is easily defensible. My friends are there. They will help me keep her safe. They will also provide soldiers if she should want them at some time in the future. Yes. She will be safe there. Let us go then, and begin this task.'

Turning his horse to the west, Tarvill raced out of the city, with Estrella bouncing in a sling on his back.

It was 2 days ride to the fortress of Dusk, so he would need to stop at an inn for the night. Hopefully,  he would find one where someone would help him with his new charge. If not... he sighed, thinking of what would occur and hoping that he would have help.

He would reach Aquarius, a small fishing village along the coast, by nightfall. He could spend the night there, riding inland the next day. This would allow him to reach the fortress without having to pass through any cities, where the princess was more likely to be noticed and identified.

Emperor Edmund likely had spies in the cities, and if Estrella was discovered by one of them, his task was over.

They would be arrested as they slept, and would both be destined for execution by the next sunrise, as Reuben would likely not take well to Tarvill 'kidnapping' the princess.

Knowing Reuben, he would take the chance to get rid of the princess as well, if that was in his plans. Riding through the cities would be a rather shorter route, but not worth the risk of failing the king.

Aquarius had a nice small inn with some of the best ale in the kingdom, but he decided he would need his senses in order to carry out his assigned duty. "One mug of warm cider please," he said, entering the warmth of the inn. "A meal as well please, and lodgings for one night for myself and my horse."

Estrella had fallen asleep due to the rhythm of the horse's movements, but she awoke with a start, let out a loud wail, and quickly became the center of everyone's attention.

"Can someone please help me with her? She is the orphan of a friend, and I am taking her home to be cared for."

The serving maid, who had a newborn at home, quickly came over and offered her help. At Tarvill's nod, she began feeding Estrella some warm rabbit stew.

"When she is done eating, Sir, I will settle her in for the night. In the meantime, you will be glad to hear that your horse is being well cared for in the stables."

The meal was delicious. A large bowl of rich, hearty stew, a chunk of soft, grainy bread, and a slice of sweet blueberry pie helped Tarvill relax and process his thoughts. Mildred would help him care for her, surely she would.
Mildred was the cook for the fortress of Dusk. Her children had children of their own by now, and she had not had a husband since Peter died ten years ago. Surely she would love to have someone else to care for, he knew she would.

Having finished his meal, he headed upstairs to check on young Estrella, who had been taken up to their room by the kind-hearted serving girl a quarter of an hour before.

His room was small but comfortable. It had a slanted roof and a window one end, through which one could watch the sunset. A stout oak chest stood by the window, for putting one's belongings in. A rough, wooden bed stood along one side of the room. It's straw mattress and woolen blanket may not have been the best accommodations, but they were surely better than sleeping outside. Opposite from the chest stood a cradle, placed away from the window so that the night air would not bother the princess sleeping soundly inside.

As he removed his armor, he did his best not to disturb Estrella. The armor was plated in silver, with a blue surcoat displaying the rising sun of Dawn. This was no common armor, for only the royal guards wore the blue surcoat. The common soldiers wore a brown surcoat, and the royal scouts wore green.

The entire suit of armor had been carefully made for him by a professor of the art,  and it was a masterpiece. The helm, gauntlet, and greaves went in the chest, along with the carefully folded mail shirt and surcoat. The boots and sword went next to his bed, and the large, kite-shaped shield went onto the hooks on the wall for that purpose.

He was tired after the events of the day, and he was sure she was as well. The last thought that passed through his head before he feels into a deep, dreamless sleep was, 'I think I can do this.'

The princess rose at the same time as the sun, awakening Tarvill with a loud scream that shocked him more than the cold water he splashed on his face.

Clueless as to what should be done, he picked her up and went downstairs. He was correct in thinking that some breakfast could calm her down. She ate quietly, allowing him to enjoy his meal in peace.

After a light breakfast of fruit, bread, and cheese, the serving girl appeared again. She took Tarvill up to his room, and slowly and patiently explained the care that Estrella would need.

Then they were back on the road, with lunch in the saddlebags and Estrella once again bouncing on Tarvill back.