Thread: it's about the journey || bear & campion

To say that Hugh was feeling conflicted would be a gross understatement. He was to escort the Princess Lina to her destination...the castle of her affianced by political arrangement King Richard of Poligrad. Granted, calling the man a King was a bit of a stretch. It seemed that this loosely knit land had far too many who took that grandiose title upon their shoulders as though a bit of noble blood made them superior to all and sundry. But since the old kingdom fell into splintering factions, there were no less than 17 kings where once had been a single monarch of Rotland. But Richard had the largest army by far and looked to make a bid to expand his holdings. Lina's aging father, a REAL King hight Jason, true Majesty over Swartland, was making a bet and then backing his horse...or in this case man. With King Jason's only daughter marrying Richard, his neighbors might hesitate to band together to take him down and he might eventually gobble up the other principalities. So why was Baron Sir Hugh of Swartland out performing this duty? First, it was his sworn duty. When King Jason had requested that a strong Protector be assigned to guard over Princess Lina, Hugh had been the obvious choice. Not only one of the most acclaimed swordsmen and archers in the land, he had performed deeds and served the kingdom since childhood and his honor was unimpeachable. Second, he had personally promised Princess Lina that he would be there for her through thick and thin. So now that she had to leave the kingdom, he would go with her as her first defense. Of course there were soldiers ahead and behind them at a proper distance, but only Hugh was by her side at all proper times. Thirdly, he was a nobleman of the kingdom, though a landless one, so while the kingdom could do without him, he could carry its banner. Fourthly, and most importantly, he adored her. He had worked very hard to hide this fact from all eyes. Often his answers to her appeared cold to outsiders, but he knew she was aware he was fond of her. While she might call him Uncle fondly, he was really a second cousin once removed...which meant that he was a cousin to her mother. For all that, he was but six years her senior...of course, at this age, that much time could be an eternity. So here he was, walking as they led their horses. He'd had to explain that the fitted stone roads close to the capital were hard on a horse's hoof, and hers had four softer whiter hooves. So they would walk a little further until the road turned to dirt. At least she listened to him. She might argue, or not heed what he said, but she did listen. Four years they'd had an agreement, if she asked him a question, when he could answer without danger, he would do so honestly, even if the answer was unpleasant. He'd decided she needed this...truth, when so many would flatter, gossip and outright lie. Now as they walked together and she looked at a future not of her making, he could not lie to her. As was their custom, when speaking so, they were on a first name basis. Fair and handsome? As for handsome, I have not seen him, but I'm told pictures of him are attractive...but artists can enhance. Fair? If you mean light of skin, that would be expected of one hailing from the Rotlander realms. If by fair you mean evenhanded, and of unbiased mind and action, then no...by all accounts he prejudges people, and takes advantage in a way that most would consider unfair. Dark and Mysterious... well, not dark haired likely, but as to his soul...well, I have not heard that he is a kindly or giving king. Mysterious? Well, it is a mystery how the sixth son of a second son rose so quickly and all of the relatives who would have had prior claim either ceded those claims or had unfortunate coincidences that claims their lives or sanity. You ask what say I? I say that you should carry a dagger close to hand and be wary of him and his court. Lina, I am not political artificer, but even I can sift through rumor to find that I am concerned for you. I am so sorry. I wish truly that I had grand news to give you, but you have always wanted the truth from me, hard as that has been at times. He walked another half mile in silence before speaking again. Dear Cousin, I have one other thing to tell you. I am sworn in service to Swartland, but before that I am sworn to you. Though it might be considered treason to say so, I am your hand. I am here for you first and last. I don't like this union and I will be watching in case we must leave quickly. He quieted and chewed his lip. Lina, I have one thing to ask of you. While we are here, if I tell you to do something, don't ask questions, and don't argue. Just do what I instruct you, for it will be for your safety first. Ah look, the paving ends. Let us mount up!