seemed to have gone straight into the black pit of hell.”
K’xarr continued to watch the rain. “I know Kian is crazy and I’m sure Endra will not agree to leave him. Rufio and Vandarus are wounded and Rhys is tied up with this damn Princess somehow. Things were much simpler when it was just you and me, my friend.”
“They were simpler, but not as exciting,” Cromwell said with a half grin.
K’xarr pulled his sword out and began to look it over. The rain had washed it clean but he would have to oil it before the rust set in. “That is true enough, I don’t know if exciting is the word I would use though. I thought that maybe we should just ride out on our own and leave the others. At least get out of Turill. If we stay here I think things are going to get bloody and I hate to spill blood for free. We seem to just keep getting in deeper and deeper Cromwell. We’ve angered a wizard, the city watch wants our heads, and we’re trapped in a barn with a runaway Princess.”
Cromwell chuckled. “Maybe we should see if the Princess needs some help? I wouldn’t mind helping her at all. She must be rich and did you see the way her hips move when she walks?”
“Leave her alone. I doubt she likes Torans and besides if you bedded her, you would most likely kill that young girl, but you might be right about her needing a couple of extra swords though. It seems like there has been a little trouble in the palace, and like you said she has to have some coin.”
K’xarr stopped and thought a moment. “Cromwell, you’re a genius. I bet she just might need an escort out of town or a few bodyguards. That might make us a little coin. Then we can ride up and see if this King Cain needs a couple of good men. The others can stay here if they want or go with us, it doesn’t matter, by the Gods, we might make a little gold yet.”
Cromwell puffed out his huge chest. “See Torans are not just mighty warriors, we are thinking men as well.” K’xarr laughed harder than he had in a long time.
Ansellus looked at the little Princess. “If your father said you were to rule then it matters not what anyone else says and that includes William Blackthorn and your brother. Aaron was King, sick or not, his word was law. By right you are the Queen of Bandara.”
He knelt down before her. “If you would have a self-exiled old man, I will swear my allegiance to you and see that you get your birthright if it’s with in my power. It’s the least I could do after leaving your father’s service and allowing Bandara to come to this sorry state.”
Raygan was very moved by the old general’s gallant gesture. It had been a long time since anyone had treated her like royalty. “Of course. I am honored. I would consider myself lucky to have a man like you serving me, Ansellus. I don’t know about reclaiming throne though. I just don’t see any way it can be accomplished.”
The old general looked up at the Princess. “Let me worry about that, Highness.”
Raygan felt much better now. She didn’t think she would ever be Queen, but it was nice to imagine. If Ansellus wanted to play at restoring her to her rightful station then she would go along.
The old general stood back up, he hoped the Princess didn’t hear his knees pop. “I did warn your father about Havalon, that old villain has always wanted Bandara. The Abberdonians can wait though. First, we have to put you in power.”
K’xarr and Cromwell walked over to where the older man was talking to the Princess. “Is he giving you a hard time Princess?” K’xarr asked.
“No, no, we are old friends.” Ansel cleared his throat “They don’t know about my old life, Highness.”
He faced K’xarr and Cromwell. “I used to serve Princess Raygan’s father.”
Raygan giggled. “He was once the general of the Bandaran army. Ansellus you make it sound like you were a washer woman.”
Ansel looked sheepishly at K’xarr. “I guess I forgot to mention that.”
Raygan stepped up beside the former general. “He didn’t tell you who he was?”
“No, Your Highness, he said his name was Ansel and he was a woodsman. He took us into the Adorn to find our friend,” K’xarr said with a