Catlorian V

“Only you would call what we’ve done an adventure, Jerrod.” stated Jason with a chuckle.
“What would you call it, Jason?” asked Jerrod with a grin. “A little over two weeks ago,” stated Jerrod with a false bass voice and his arm waving as if giving a great speech, “evil walked upon the great continent Sharlend! All… but Lord Hormath of course… waited for the evil to invade their lives and it was not long in coming! Who would come to their rescue? Who would come to their need? Why, none other than Prince Jason Shedran, son of Jaxom Shedran, King of Shedran! He and his stalwart allies rode forth and stormed the castle! They smote with sword and bow and brought the evil ones low, to the consternation of the brigands and the eternal gratitude of the stricken!” the last said as Jerrod brought the waving hand to his waist in a deep bow from the saddle of his mount.
Illycia laughed so hard she fell back into the carriage as Jason held to his sides and tears ran down his cheeks. When he could get a breath in, he sighed deeply.
“So,” asked Jerrod with a grin, “who are we today: Jason Shedran, Prince of Shedran, or Jason Shields, Lord of the Southern Keep?”
Jason responded, his grin grown small. “I am Jason Shedran, Crown Prince of the Realm and best friend to the new Lord of the Southern Keep, Jerrod Langstrom.” At Jerrod’s shocked look, Jason continued, “Though you know that we will be returning periodically to visit with our friends and seeing if we can help in any way in setting up trade with the city, we must, of necessity, stay in Shedran and continue our work.”
“When we return, Jason will take the Crown of Shedran at the request of the people.” said Illycia as she stuck her head back into the frame of the window. “Jason and I drafted a notice that called for the people to sign a petition that stated that they did or did not want Jason to take the throne. With a very few requests that he not, and those asking that he remain Regent for his own safety, it was an overwhelming yes! I know that Jason would really rather stay as Regent, but…”
“That goes without saying, Illy.” said the prince. He kissed her and looked back at the two men with a grin. “Most of what we’ve accomplished at the Keep and the properties we’ve built was prompted or suggested by you, Jerrod. The people know, trust and love you. I can see no better man, or friend, in whose hands I would leave the safety of our charges.”
“Will?” came the taut voice of the black soldier’s second in command.
Beard glanced back and, following the pointed finger, looked beyond the crossroads into the forest several miles away. He saw the smoke billowing above the trees and frowned.
“Taylor!” he snapped at the lieutenant sharply. “Bring the other wagons up and set a perimeter. I’ll need ten to go with me.” As the man nodded and quickly turned his horse toward the wagon at the rear, Beard looked at Bobby. “Bobby, I need you to stay with the wagons. My guys are good but you’re better with those crossbows. See they know how to use ‘em. If we’re not back by nightfall, set a hard watch and kick it into gear in the mornin’ to the Keep. Got it?”
“Got it, Beard.” said Bobby sternly as he frowned at his brother in arms. “If you run into a meat grinder, get your ass back here. We’ll set up at the crossroad with a second line of defense. I’ll send two to monitor a few miles behind you. Blow that horn if you win and we’ll bring the wagons in to help mop up.”
Will nodded and, as he turned his horse to join the ten mercenaries who had ridden up with the faces of warriors on the verge of battle, Illycia stepped out of the carriage onto the running board. She wore a dark green vest over a light green collared shirt and dark green, bell-bottomed pants. Her cloak of dark green reached past her knees and the soft fur lined boots on her feet could be seen as the material of the pants flowed about them.
“I’m coming with you, Will.” she said matter-of-factly.
“No, lil’ sis. You stay here with Jason…”
“How is she going to do that while I’m with you?” said Jason firmly as he stepped down from the carriage and, sliding his long sword into the sheath at his left side and his dagger into the sheath on the right, walked back to the horse trailing the carriage. He mounted and rode to the side of the carriage to help Illycia up to sit behind him. “Are you coming?” he added as he kicked the horse into a canter toward the forest.
“Dammit!” said the dark skinned warrior as he turned to his friend on the first wagon. “Bobby?”
“I got this, Beard. You better catch up or Alice and her boyfriend will show us all up!” replied the soldier with a grin.