BOOK 2: PRINCESS ALENAíS ADVENTURE

Part 1: Awareness

Chapter 13: Decisive Action

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ The village eventually commenced with its regular routine, the somber mood of Tempe a lurking reminder of the curse hanging over the village.Ý Instead of cheering for the three travelersí victory over the beasts, various threats and curses were thrown at them, blaming the travelers for the attack.Ý Some were even daring enough to throw small rocks, although they were fairly weak throws and easily avoidable.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Despite the harsh rebuttal from the peasants, Brey still managed to find out where the Lord of Tempeís residence was.Ý He had already suspected the large, well-kept house on the east road but he had to be certain, not wishing to waste time going from house to house.Ý

It was only a one-story building but it was a long building, suggesting the rooms within were spread out lengthwise.Ý A simple sign hung loosely above the front door reading Lordís Manor, confirming this was indeed the correct residence.Ý

Brey looked up at the long building, frowning.Ý ìëLordís Manor,íî he sniffed disdainfully. ìEven the peasants in Weser had larger commendations than this.îÝ Alena shot him a warning glare, reminding him to keep his opinions of peasant dwellings to himself.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ The old tutor knocked on the door with his walking staff and stepped back, letting Cristo take the front as he seemed more the type of person these simple peasants would accept as the leader of the group.Ý After waiting for several moments, they began to wonder if anyone was even home.Ý

Cristo was about to knock again when they heard a lock rattle from inside.Ý All three travelers prepped themselves, making sure they looked reasonably presentable to the Lord.Ý

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Soon, the door opened slightly and a middle-aged man with a declining hairline appeared.Ý He was wearing a simple, tarnished jerkin with pants and his eyes were hallowing, as if he had not slept in days.Ý ìYeh?î he timidly asked, keeping the door opened just a crack.Ý His voice was weary, yet high-strung.Ý

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìHello,î Cristo greeted, tilting his head slightly. ìIs the Lord of the village presently at home?î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìYeh,î the man replied, pausing for a second. ìIím thí Lordía Tempe.îÝ Alenaís eyes widened with disbelief.Ý Given his weak dialect and scruffy clothes, the man standing at the doorway could easily have been mistaken for a servant, perhaps even a street dweller.Ý Was this the highest state of nobility in this wretched hamlet?

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Cristo, however, seemed undaunted and politely asked, ìWe were wondering if we might be able to have a word with you, regarding the curse on this village.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ The lord looked at the three travelers for a moment, studying each individually.Ý At length, he muttered, ìWasía you three that brought thí rabidhounds to attack, wasnít it?î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìRabidhounds?î Cristo repeated, confused.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìObviously the name of those beasts that attacked,î Brey said, stepping forward.Ý The old tutor realized the bodyguard was not going to be able to get much accomplished doing the talking, so he decided he would have to take control of the situation.Ý

ìGreetings, my Lord,î he said, tilting his head in respect. ìI am James Sanouch and-î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìYeh, thí wizard,î the lord muttered again, his voice having an edge of contempt.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Brey was quick to shake his head, knowing how many peasants feared wizards with great power.Ý ìNo, my Lord,î he said. ìNothing more than a dabbler to protect myself as I wonder the world in my last years.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìIt be quite nice, I sure,î the lord said sarcastically, ìbut I want tíhave nothiní to do with you or yer groupía trouble makers, soís if yíd kindly leave thí village...î

He started to close the door but Brey was quick to intercept by jutting his walking staff in the doorís path.Ý ìThat was what we wanted to talk to you about, my Lord,î he said, grinning.

*ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ *ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ *

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ The three travelers sat around a small, pock-marked table waiting for their host to return with some refreshments.Ý Being inside the lordís manor shattered the tiny fantasy of the building being respectable.Ý While well kept on the outside, the inside of the manor was in disarray; shoddy furniture and moldy walls made up most of the interior, with a repugnant, musty scent throughout.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Eventually, the lord, whom had introduced himself as Patro, entered the living area, bringing a tray of mugs.Ý ìIt be water or ale,î he stated as he set the tray down. ìIíve nothiní else tí offer.îÝ

The travelers nodded and took their respective mugs according to their taste; Alena and Cristo taking the mugs of water and Brey taking the ale.Ý Both drinks were stale, though, as if mold had been growing in the barrels Patro had drawn the refreshments from.Ý However, all were wise enough not to complain as guests.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Once Patro sat down at the table, Cristo decided to break the ice and asked, ìSo, my Lord, do you live here by yourself?î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìNay,î he replied, shaking his head, ìIím married.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìWhereís your wife, then?î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Patro frowned and said, ìSheís in thí other room, mourning.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìHas there been a death?î Alena asked.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìNay...î the lord slowly said.Ý He looked down at the table, a frown forming on his face.Ý ìWell,î he muttered, ìnot yet.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìWhat was that?î Cristo said, leaning forward.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Patro shook his head, then looked up, muttering, ìIt be a long story.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìIf it has anything to do with this ëcurseí we keep hearing about, I think it would be a good idea to start at the beginning.î Brey halfheartedly said.Ý He was lazily leaning back in his chair and casually drinking his ale.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìYeh...î the lord slowly said, nodding. ìYeh, I guess it would.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìI think about five years ago,î he began, ìa strange creature moved to thí forests just north of thí valley, bringing with it thí packs of rabidhounds yí saw in thí square.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìWhat kind of creature?î Cristo asked.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìI really donít know,î the lord replied. ìIt donít seem tí look thí same twice.Ý It only has thí shape of a man but everythiní else be different.îÝ

He paused, expecting questions to spill out from the travelers.Ý However, none were forthcoming, each satisfied with the explanation he had provided.Ý Shrugging, Patro continued.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìI guess it saw thí village as an easy target for it tí take over.Ý It sent its rabidhounds through thí streets, ravaginí aní destroyiní anythiní they came across.Ý Most of thí mess yí see here was caused then.Ý We really couldnít fight back.Ý We be a tiny village aní ëave not a warrior among us tí protect thí village.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìAfter thí rampage was done, thí creature appeared in thí village square aní thí rabidhounds formed a circle around their master.Ý It stated its terms then; once a month, we had tí offer a young female on a sacrifice alter, or else it would ravage thí village tí thí ground.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìHow awful!î Alena gasped, a hand unconsciously reaching for her mouth.Ý ìWhy didnít you notify my fath--the King about this?î she asked, careful not to reveal her identity.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Patro shook his head.Ý ìWe try, believe me, we did try,î he explained, ìbut thí creature wouldnít let anyone leave thí village.Ý If someone tried, thí rabidhounds would pursue thí person, killing ëim with not a shred oí mercy.Ý Then it would send thí beasts in thí village as punishment for defying its rule.îÝ He paused again, shuddering as he apparently remembered a few of these instances.Ý

The lord regained his composure, though, and continued.Ý ìIt didnít stop there, though.Ý To make sure word of its control over us would never be let out, it forbade all merchant travel through thí mountains.Ý No one from thí Wild Lands could pass through tí reach Surene, aní no one from Surene could pass through tí thí Wild Lands.Ý If anyone did, it would, again, send thí rabidhounds.Ý So, we just try aní turn all travelers away without mentioning thí creatureís dominance over thí village, hoping they would be spared.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìWait a minute,î Cristo suddenly said, his eyes widening. ìAnyone who knew of the thingís existence would be hunted down if they left the village?Ý We know of its existence and you were trying to get us to leave!îÝ

Patro said nothing, looking down at the table.Ý Cristo stood up from his chair, pointing an accusing finger at the lord.Ý ìYou knew those things would be after us the moment we left,î he proclaimed, ìyet you tried to get us to leave, widnít you?îÝ Again, Patro said nothing, a frown forming at his face.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Cristo was about to persist with his accusations when Brey laid a gentle hand on his shoulder, forcing the bodyguard to sit back down.Ý ìIt doesnít really matter if it was his intention or not,î the old tutor said to him. ìYou know we canít go back.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìWhy not?î Alena asked, leaning forward to her companions. ìSure, the mountain road would be tough but-î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìDonít let it concern you, dear,î Brey interrupted, looking at her now.Ý Alena waited for moment, expecting some sort of explanation but none came forth, so she leaned back into her chair.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ The old tutor now turned to Patro, a steel glare in his eyes.Ý ìLike it or not, my Lord,î he said, ìwe are going through to the Wild Lands.îÝ The lordís eyes widened in horror but Brey held up a hand, preventing Patroís objection.Ý ìLet me finish,î the old tutor adamantly said.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Satisfied the lord was not going to interrupt, Brey continued.Ý ìAs I said, we are going to continue our journey to the Wild Lands.Ý However, I do not like the idea of leaving this place victim to another attack as a result of our selfishness, nor does the idea of a pack of those beasts after us once we leave sit well with me either.îÝ

Alena looked at her tutor for a moment, somewhat startled by his sudden sense of moral.Ý Of course, she had the same sentiments as him but the fact he would bring them out like this surprised her.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìWhatíre yí suggesting?î Patro asked, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Brey stroked his white whiskers for a moment, absorbed in deep thoughts.Ý Finally, he looked back up and asked, ìDo you know where this creature lives?î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìI said thí forest north of here,î Patro replied, ìthough I donít know exactly where, if thatís what yí mean.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Brey nodded, expecting the answer.Ý However, he did have a few other options open.Ý ìHow do the sacrifices work, exactly,î he asked carefully.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ The lord sighed, obviously finding it difficult to talk about the subject.Ý ìWe build a litter tí place thí...victim...in,î he explained somberly, ìthen deliver it tí thí alter and leave it.Ý Usually, a day later, thí litterís gone.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìThen someone or something takes it to that creature, right?î Alena concluded thoughtfully.Ý Both Brey and Patro nodded in agreement.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìCould we maybe follow it to its lair, then?î Cristo asked, anxious to take an active part in the conversation.Ý

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ However, Patro shook his head. ìIt only appears when thí offerings are left,î the lord explained.Ý ìBelieve me, itís been tried.îÝ He then looked down at the table, a mournful visage etching on his face.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìWhatís wrong?î Cristo asked.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ At length, Patro replied, ìMy...daughter, Nina.Ý Sheís tí be thí next offering.îÝ The bodyguard sucked in his breath, sorry he had asked.Ý The manor was quiet for a moment, the impact of Patroís dilemma sinking in.Ý

After a while, Brey leaned forward to Alena and motioned her to follow him to the side of the room, away from the lordís ears.Ý Once the pair had gathered together, the old tutor whispered to her, ìThis creature obviously has other things on its mind besides just ruling over a tiny village such as this.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìWhat do you mean?î the princess whispered back.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Brey gave her a grim smile.Ý ìThink about it, Princess,î he quietly explained. ìWhy would this thing just want young females?î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìWell, I guess because they make for easy victims, and...î Alena started to reply before she actually thought about it.Ý However, her voice trailed off, an appalled look in her eyes.Ý

ìWhy that sick bastard!î she absently cursed, clenching a fist.Ý She looked back at Brey and said, ìIt uses them as...as...?î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Brey nodded grimly.Ý ìI believe as much,î he stated, pausing for a moment to give Alena a sly smile, ìbut it may be to an advantage, I think.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìWhat do you mean by that?î she asked, starting to get irritated by Breyís cryptic statements.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìDonít worry about that right now,î he evasively said. ìI think I have a workable plan but it involves a huge responsibility on your part.Ý You donít have to agree to it right away but, like I said before, I donít want to waste too much time here, so donít take too long thinking about it.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìOf course Iíll help you out,î Alena immediately answered. ìI have no more desire to spend the rest of my life in this lousy village than you do.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Brey nodded but kept a neutral expression, showing no sign of delight or disapproval in his wrinkled face.Ý ìOkay,î he said at length and hobbled back to the table.Ý Alena looked at Brey for moment, startled he had not explained his plan to her first, but merely shrugged it off, knowing he would reveal it in due time.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Once everyone had gathered at the table again, Brey took a long gulp of his ale, seemingly finishing the mug off before wiping foam from his white whiskers.Ý After he was done with his drink, the old tutor leaned forward in Patroís direction and asked, ìWhen is your daughter to be offered?îÝ His voice seemed cold, making light of the lordís apparent loss.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìOne week from now,î Patro replied, ìwhen thí moon is full again.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìDo you think this creature would mind if we delivered the offering a little early,î Brey asked. ìSay, tomorrow?î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ At that, the lord bolted up from his chair and slammed his hands on the table.Ý ìAre yíasking me tí sacrifice my daughter now?î he cried, his face filled with horror.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìNo, no!î Brey quickly replied, holding his hands up in an attempt to calm the lord down.Ý Patroís eyes remained agitated for a moment, staring incredulously at the old tutor but he eventually relaxed, taking his seat again.Ý

Once Brey was satisfied Patro would not react in a similar manner again, he continued.Ý ìI take it youíve tried arming the victims, am I right?îÝ

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ The lord nodded solemnly and said, ìWe never hear from them again, just like thí rest.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìI thought as much,î the old tutor grimly muttered, ìbut then none of them were really fighters to begin with, were they?îÝ Again, Patro solemnly nodded.Ý ìThis is what I propose, then,î he continued. ìWhy donít we replace your Nina with someone who can fight?î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìWho?î asked the lord. ìI already said there be no one in our village who can...î His voice trailed off as his eyes strayed to Alena.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Alena noticed and shifted uncomfortably in her seat, wondering why the lord had suddenly looked at her.Ý She glanced at Brey, wondering why her tutor had stopped talking.Ý The princess realized he was also looking at her, a knowing smile on his face.Ý

Suddenly, she figured out why and her eyes spread wide open in shock.Ý ìWhat?Ý Me?î she asked incredulously, pointing to herself.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìYes, yes!î Patro cried, his eyes now filled with hope. ìYou!Ý You could pass for thí perfect offering!Ý Youíre thí right age for it aní youíre thí aspiring warrior, right?Ý Of course Iím right!Ý Oh, perfect!Ý Perfect! Elsa, Elsa!Ý Guess what!Ý Ninaís goiní tí be fine!Ý Sheís goiní tí be just fine!îÝ His voice faded as the lord rushed through the manor, supposedly where his wife was mourning.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Alena watched Patro disappear, her eyes wide with disbelief.Ý She looked at Brey, who only offered a sincere smile and a shrug.

*ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ *ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ *

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Cristo busied himself preparing a meal for the Princess but found it was somewhat difficult since not much food was to be had in Tempe.Ý While there were several, small farming fields surrounding the village, the rabidhounds ravaged any crops the peasants tried to grow.Ý As a result, vegetables had to be grown near what few houses remained standing.Ý Given the rough terrain and environment, though, the best anyone could hope for were beans, barely, and sometimes potatoes.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Meat was a different story. ÝAccording to Lieb, the rabidhounds would on occasion leave the slaughtered remains of sheep herds in the village square.Ý While most of the largest portions would have been eaten already, there usually was enough left for the peasants to utilize for a while.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ The bodyguard stared at his finished work for a moment.Ý Compared to the banquets the Princess was used to back home, string beans and a slab of veal could not even pass for an appetizer.Ý However, it was a veritable feast to what they had been eating since they left Surene.Ý

Satisfied she would be pleased with at least his effort, Cristo picked up the plate of food and went in search of Alena.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ It did not take him long to find her.Ý As he entered Tempeís temple, the bodyguard saw her sitting on one of the front benches.Ý She appeared to be watching two men working on the litter she was to be placed in for the sacrifice.Ý Made of interwoven straw, it looked as though it could barely hold up a small child but the peasants assured it would be able to withstand nearly two hundred pounds of weight.Ý If the villagers of Tempe had anything going for them, they definitely had some skill at craftsmanship.Ý

As he watched them make the litter, though, Cristo found himself noticing how much it resembled a coffin.

Turning his attention back to Alena, he was a little surprised by her sitting posture.Ý Rather than leaning back with an arm lazily draped on the bench, she was sitting perfectly upright, similar to a praying stance during a sermon.

A bit of hope surged through Cristoís body.Ý Maybe the conversation he wanted to share with Alena would be much easier than what he had anticipated.Ý If she was praying to Master Dragon to help her in unenviable task of becoming a sacrifice tomorrow, surely she must have a little belief in his religion.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ As he drew closer, however, he realized she was not praying at all.Ý Rather, Alena was merely staring at the two men do their work, apparently lost in deep thought.Ý

If she was completely absorbed in her own world, talking to her would be pointless.Ý It was widely known her solitude during these private moments was not to be interrupted out of fear of a severe verbal, sometimes even physical, thrashing.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Still, he had to try.Ý This might be his last chance to help her.Ý Taking a deep breath, Cristo approached the princess.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ She was momentarily startled when he came from behind, lightly tapping her shoulder.Ý ìCristo,î she smiled, turning around. ìI didnít hear you come.Ý Whereíve you been?î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìJust talking with Lieb,î he nonchalantly lied.Ý

The bodyguard put the plate of food in his hands forward.Ý ìI...thought you might be hungry,î he muttered.Ý Alena generously took the plate and sat down on one of the templeís benches with it.Ý

She poked at the food for moment, trying to ascertain what animal the meat was from.Ý ìItís veal,î Cristo helpfully stated.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Alenaís eyes widened in shock, slightly pushing the meat to the far side of the plate.Ý ìAfter seeing those mutilated sheep,î she muttered, grabbing a string bean, ìI donít think Iíll ever be able to eat meat again.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìI know how you feel,î Cristo said, joining her on the bench.Ý

He watched her for moment as she lazily tilted her head back and dropped the string beans into her mouth.Ý The silence was uneasy, primarily since Cristo had so many things he wanted to say at that moment.Ý He wanted to urge her she did not have to go forth with Breyís plan, that she was risking her life needlessly.Ý He wanted to inform her now would be a good time to put her faith in Zenithism, so if she died the next day, she could at least reside in Zenithia with him when his spirit would eventually journey there.Ý

In all, though, he wanted to say...

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ The bodyguard quickly looked away, realizing the forbidden feelings were once again cropping up.Ý He pushed them out of his mind, reminding himself such a thing could never be possible.Ý He and Alena were nothing more than good friends, perhaps akin to each other as a brother and sister, but nothing more.Ý His duty forbade it, his faith forbade it, and his mind forbade it.Ý

Yet, why was his heart not forbidding it?

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Finding some courage to at least express one of his concerns, Cristo turned back to Alena and started to say, ìPrincess-î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ However, he was immediately cut off when she stood up, handing him the plate.Ý ìThanks for the beans,î she evenly said, then walked away.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Cristo watched her leave the temple and disappear into the village.Ý He kept his gaze on the entrance, eventually turning around as he let a heavy sigh escape his chest.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìBlew it again, huh?î Breyís voice came from behind.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ The bodyguard whipped around in surprise, seeing the old tutor sitting in one of the benches closest to the entrance.Ý ìWhat...what do you mean?î he stammered, more surprised by Breyís sudden appearance.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìConverting her,î Brey smiled devilishly. ìThat was your intent, wasnít it?î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Cristo turned away, frowning.Ý ìLeave me alone, old man,î he said with an annoyed tone. ìIím in no mood for your antagonism.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ The old tutor stood up from the bench and hobbled over to Cristo.Ý ìSorry,î he said sincerely. ìLike the Princess once told me, some habits are hard to break.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Cristo fired an irritated glare at him.Ý ìLook, Brey,î he shot angrily, ìunless you have some sort of business with me, Iíd really-î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìI do,î the old tutor interrupted.Ý

He sat down at the bench with Cristo, resting his walking staff on his lap.Ý ìAlena mentioned to me something strange occurring during the battle with the rabidhounds earlier today,î he said at length. ìShe said her skin began to harden, as though it was turning to stone.Ý She thought it was some sort of hidden power the rabidhounds held.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìAnd is it?î Cristo evasively asked, his eyes wider than normal.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìOf course not!î Brey said contemptibly. ìThey may have strange, red eyes, but nothing in this world has the power to turn somethingís living flesh to stone with a mere gaze.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ A tiny smile cracked his wrinkled face.Ý ìThere is, however, a race that, according to myth, can create a casing of iron around their skin, making them invulnerable to any attack, am I right?î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìThe Zenithians,î Cristo lightly muttered.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Brey nodded. ìAnd, along with that passage, it also mentioned Master Dragon granting us ëmortalsí with a portion of that power.Ý While it doesnít create a caste-iron shell, I do believe that it does allow for the thickening of the skin, making it seemingly harder.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Cristo finally stood up, his threshold against Breyís constant prying at its limit.Ý ìWhat are you getting at, old man?î Cristo shot at him, irritation flaming in his eyes. ìAre you saying the Master suddenly found it in His heart to bless Alena with some protection?î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìOf course not,î Brey frowned. ìYou know I donít believe in a realm in the sky with celestial beings and a great dragon overlooking us.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìThen what?î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìIíve read the Texts,î Brey said, ìand, although Iíve never seen it, I know some clerics have the power to cast protective magic as well as healing magic, to make the casteeís skin become harder, thus more defensive.îÝ

He paused for a moment, giving the bodyguard an insidious grin.Ý ìI just had no idea you had that kind of power.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Cristoís eyes widened.Ý ìWÖwhat makes you think itís me?î he incredulously asked. ìIt might have been Lieb, or one of the villagers, or-î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìThese peasants couldnít even begin to comprehend such kinds of enchantments,î Brey scoffed, flinging a hand up in disgust. ìAnd as for Lieb, even if that quivering excuse for a priest knew of such a spell, I doubt he would have used it on Alena.Ý Probably just cast it on himself.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìThen I take it youíve told her about me,î Cristo grimly stated, sitting back down.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìActually, I havenít,î Brey responded, causing the bodyguard to look at him with surprise. ìI merely told her that it was probably her imagination, something caused by her surging adrenaline during the battle.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Cristo stared at the old tutor in wonderment.Ý ìWhy?î was all the bodyguard could manage to ask.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Brey heaved a heavy sigh, turning his gaze at the men working on the litter.Ý ìThe Princess is making advances with her potential in leaps and bounds,î he explained, ìbut her rushing steadfastly into the battle today proves she still has much further to go.Ý Had you not cast the spell on her today, she may have gotten seriously injured, perhaps even killed.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ He paused, turning back to face the bodyguard.Ý ìCristo,î he said at length, ìI want you to continue to use the spell on her, making sure she doesnít injure herself too severely if she ever does that again.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ He nodded, then asked, ìShould we let her know that I am doing this?î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Brey shook his head.Ý ìIf she knows she has added protection on her all the time,î the old tutor explained, ìthen she wonít fight to the maximum of her capabilities, using it as an excuse to slack off on her defensive.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìI understand,î Cristo said, nodding.Ý He leaned back in the bench, feeling much happier than before.Ý Brey was allowing him to continue his duty to protect the Princess.Ý There was not much else the bodyguard could have wanted.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ The men finished mounting the carrying poles and placed it by the templeís podium, where it would rest until he and Brey would bring it to the sacrificial alter with Alena in it the next day.Ý From there, he and Brey would hide in the underbrush, waiting to see if the creature would appear or not.Ý

Cristo hoped it would appear at the altar.Ý It would be a simple enough task, then, to slay the creature by surprise.Ý However, if something else came and brought the litter to the creatureís lair, he and Brey would have to give chase, risking being found by the rabidhounds and forcing Alena to fend for herself until they could reach her.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ A sudden thought came to the bodyguard and he turned to the old tutor beside him, asking, ìBrey, do you truly believe Alena can fend for herself?î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Brey looked at Cristo, an erudite smile on his wrinkled face.Ý ìRemember what she did to Flail?î he asked.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìYes,î Cristo grimly replied. ìI was the one to heal his face.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Brey nodded, then said, ìAnd do you remember what she did to the innkeeperís face in Weser?î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìYes,î Cristo grimly replied again. ìAgain, I was the one to heal it.îÝ He then looked at the rotting floorboards and muttered with contempt, ì...although the man didnít deserve it.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Brey nodded again as he stood up.Ý Placing a hand on the bodyguardís shoulder, he said,Ý ìThen you probably wonít have any reason to heal this creature once sheís done with it.î