BOOK 2: PRINCESS ALENAíS ADVENTURE

Part 1: Awareness

Chapter 7: The Hardest Choice

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Brey poked his head around the corner of a small, sleeping cottage, hacking with damp air in his lungs as he did so.Ý The old tutor was starting to regret coming back out into the rain.Ý Of course, looking back on the option of staying with the innkeeper, he figured this was probably preferable.

The sight of the manís ravaged face was still finding its way into the old tutorís head even as he searched the area.Ý Yet, could Alena have been capable of such a thing?Ý He knew her as a tutor ever since she was five years old. During her lessons, he would sometimes observe slightly violent tendencies during her common mood swings.Ý However, these outbursts would never lead her to seriously cripple anyone.Ý

The more he thought about it, though, Brey had noticed Alena was becoming more and more violent as of late.Ý At first it had been nothing more than pounding her fists into a table during a tantrum.Ý Now her frustrations seemed at their breaking point, as the studyís wall was first to discover.Ý

This dangerous breaking point was all the more reason her quest was necessary.Ý He figured Alenaís outbursts were a result of inactivity and constraint, the former being her way of lashing out in protest.Ý She needed to be out in the open country and free from constraint so all her frustration could be vented without harming others.

Or at least, it was Breyís original thoughts until the incident at the inn.Ý

There appeared to be so much aggression within the Princess, even she could not control herself.Ý What she needed was someone to help her guide that passion into a more practical use and he decided it was going to have to be him.Ý After all, he had been the one to recognize this potentially dangerous personality trait.Ý Who better than the man who had taught her all of other lifeís lessons?

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ So absorbed in his thoughts was Brey he almost did not pick up the sound of faint whimpering over the howling wind.Ý He turned his head in the direction of the sound and discerned it was coming from underneath a nearby tree.Ý Even in the limited light, Brey could make out the form of someone huddled in the mud.Ý The tutor slowly edged towards the person, cautiously asking, ìPrincess?î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Alena looked up and Brey nearly did not recognize her.Ý Blood and mud caked her arms and face.Ý Her auburn hair fell out from a muddy, feather hat in matted clumps.Ý Her silk dress, a luxurious piece of clothing when the tutor had last seen the princess, hung like a tattered, old curtain, exposing parts of her body no one should be allowed to see in a public place such as this.Ý Large streaks of mud ran down Alenaís cheeks, indicating she had been crying.Ý

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ She looked at Brey for long moments, as though all recognition with her tutor was lost.

He sensed this, though, and gently continued.Ý ìItís Brey.îÝ Alena still did not show any recognition.Ý ìYour tutor, Brey Soratos,î he pushed, taking a step forward.Ý As he advanced, Alena took a cringing slide away, her eyes wide open in terror.Ý Sheís really out of it, he grimly thought.Ý Anyone seeing her in this state could easily mistake her as nothing more than a wild animal.Ý

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìPlease,î Brey continued as he cautiously stepped forward. ìListen to me.Ý Listen to my voice!Ý Do you know who I am?îÝ He took another step forward and this time Alena did not back away.Ý Brey smiled and slowly continued forward, gently repeating himself to let the princess become comfortable with his voice.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Once he was within five feet of her, Alenaís eyes suddenly turned from fear to recognition.Ý ìBrey?î she quietly murmured, her lips hardly parting.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìYes!î Brey smiled, nodded. ìItís me.Ý Iím here to help you.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Alena blinked twice, as if coming out of a trance.Ý Tears began to spill out, instantly becoming lost on her face in the rain.Ý ìOh, Brey!î she cried, crawling in the mud and coming to rest at his feet, streaking mud across the remains of her tattered silk dress.Ý ìBrey!Ý Brey!î she continued to ramble, crying with each breath.Ý She grabbed onto his legs, nearly causing the old tutor to fall over.Ý

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Once Brey regained his balance, he looked down at Alena and sympathy crossed his aged face.Ý Slowly, he removed the feather hat and gently patted her head.Ý ìItíll be all right, dear,î he said, compassion in his voice.Ý He took off Henryís cloak and wrapped it around Alena.Ý It would not provide any warmth in its drenched state but at least Alenaís modesty would remain intact with the decent cover it provided.Ý

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìCome on,î he said, gently lifting Alena up.Ý ìThereís a shed nearby.Ý You should get out of this weather.îÝ The princess nodded, sniffling back her tears as she did.Ý

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Leaning on each otherís shoulders, Alena and Brey made their way to the shed the old tutor had mentioned.Ý Once there, Alena sat down, huddling herself to keep warm.Ý Brey stood opposite of her, trying to decide what to say that could make her feel better.Ý Unfortunately, nothing reassuring came to mind.Ý

Seeing Alena seemingly traumatized by whatever happened at the inn made the old tutor regret his earlier course of action.Ý It had been foolish of him to just let her go out on her own.Ý He should have acted more responsibly and somehow devised a way so they could sneak out together.Ý

However, it was all the past now.Ý What was done was done.Ý Now he needed to plan his next course of action.Ý Yet, how could he tell Alena she was going to have to continue with her quest?Ý Despite what had transpired here, he knew if she returned to the castle she would only become rebellious again.Ý The only way to cure her wanderlust was to make her go through with her quest, to force her to experience the real world and its hardships.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Breyís thoughts were interrupted when heard someone shout from the shedís entrance and his attention was drawn there.Ý ìPrincess!îÝ The tutor immediately recognized Henryís voice.Ý The hunter rushed in, rain dripping from his face.Ý ìThank the Master youíre all right!î he rapidly said, looking at her with concern.Ý Alena looked at the hunter, confusion crossing her face.Ý ìWhat happened?î he asked.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìWhat do you think happened?î Brey snapped.Ý Henry jumped, not even realizing the tutor was standing by the entrance.Ý ìIím guessing your ëfriendí tried to rape our Princess and she had to defend herself. The weight of what happened was more than she could handle and now her very sanity seems to be teetering like a board on a pyramid!îÝ Henryís face contorted in confusion and Brey heaved an exasperated sigh, looking away.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Shaking his head, Henry turned back to Alena and knelt in front of her.Ý ìAre you all right?î he asked, concern in his face.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Alena nodded once and quietly said, ìPlease take me home.îÝ Henry nodded and stood up, helping the princess up as well.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ They started to head for the entrance when Brey suddenly jumped in their path.Ý Both of them looked at the tutor with confused glances.Ý ìWe really shouldnít be bringing her out in this weather,î Brey explained, raising his arms to bar the shedís door.Ý He then sternly looked at Henry and added, ìAnd think nothing of bringing her back to the inn.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ The hunter looked at Brey for moment, then asked, ìThen what should we do?î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Brey turned his head around for a moment, glancing out in the rain-soaked night.Ý He turned back to Alena and gently asked, ìWill you be all right by yourself for a few minutes, Princess?î ÝAlena gave a small nod in response.Ý Brey seemed to grimly smile for a moment.Ý

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ He turned back to Henry and said, ìWe should go back to the inn and wait for Cristo and Reginald. Once weíre all together again, we can provide better protection for the Princess.îÝ The hunter nodded in agreement.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Once Alena was cared for as best as they could with what they had, Henry and Brey started to leave the shed.Ý The moment Henry was outside, Brey quickly held up an index finger at Alena.Ý The princess was confused by his gesture but was even more confused when Brey raised his walking staff and silently followed outside.Ý

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ The rain pelted the shed and, for a while, that and the howling wind were all Alena could hear.Ý However, she easily heard a muffled thwack and the sound of something heavy dropping in the mud over everything else.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Moments later, Brey came back in the shed, clutching his staff even tighter than before.Ý His face was contorted in a grim frown.Ý ìIím sorry, Henry,î he mumbled to no one in particular. ìYouíve been so helpful to me and this is how I repay you.îÝ The tutor heaved a sigh then approached the princess.Ý Alena edged back, unsure whether Brey was going to strike her with his staff as well.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìIím not going to hurt you,î he said, slowly putting his staff down in front of him.Ý He then spread his arms, reassuring he was unarmed.Ý

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìWhat did you do to him?î Alena asked, cringing from the old man.Ý Her instincts were still dominating her mind and any sign of danger would cause her to recoil in fear.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìHeíll be fine,î Brey said, smiling grimly, ìbut thatís not whatís important right now.Ý Please listen to me.îÝ He knelt forward, placing a gentle hand on Alenaís shoulder.Ý The princess accepted his touch but kept a defensive posture.Ý ìDo you know why you are out here?î the tutor asked gently.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìI...î she began to answer but tears started to spill out and Alena began to sob uncontrollably.Ý ìI donít know!î she wailed and fell into Breyís chest, nearly knocking the old man over.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìDonít worry, dear,î he whispered, hugging her compassionately.Ý After a moment, he gently moved her in front of his gaze.Ý ìListen to me.Ý You have to understand why Iím doing this for you.Ý It is very important that you do not return home yet.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Alenaís eyes widened.Ý ìWhat?î she nearly screamed.Ý ìBrey!Ý Do youÖdo youÖknow what Iíve had toÖîÝ She was interrupted by her tutorís finger on her mouth.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìBelieve me,î he said, ìI wouldnít be doing this if I didnít feel it was necessary.Ý Iíve probably put my entire life at Santeem on the line by doing what Iíve done.Ý If anyone finds out I instigated this whole thing, Iíll probably have a death sentence put on my head.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìNo, you wouldnít!î Alena quickly said, shaking her head violently.Ý ìIíll make sure it doesnít happen!î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ An erudite smile found its way onto the old tutorís aged face.Ý ìTrust me, Alena, youíve already saved my life once.Ý I donít think youíll be able to do it again, though.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ A confused look crossed the princessí face.Ý ìIÖdonít understand.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Brey shook his head. ÝìDonít worry about it,î he said.Ý ìIt has nothing to do with right now.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìListen, we donít have much time.Ý All I ask of you is to trust me.Ý I feel this is my best chance to do something that will not only benefit our country but you as a person as well.Ý Will you come with me?î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Alena looked at her tutor for a long time, her mind a dizzying array of indecision.Ý After what had happened tonight, returning home looked infinitely more inviting.Ý At least, it did for the short term.Ý Deep down, the princess knew the exact same thing her tutor did; after the nightís shock had worn off, the desire to escape would return.Ý Unfortunately, by then it would be too late.Ý Somebody would inform her father she had run away and her ìprotectionî would increase ten fold, probably so much of it she would not be able to leave her room.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Now was the best time to continue her quest.Ý And, with Brey guiding her, she hopefully would be able to avoid unpleasant situations such as the one tonight.Ý Alena solemnly nodded twice.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ The old tutor smiled.Ý ìWeíll start moving tonight, then,î he said, gently rubbing the princess shoulders.Ý ìThe cover of night should help us.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìI donít think so, old man!î a booming voice came from the shedís entrance.Ý Brey turned around and saw a dark silhouette at the entrance. Although he had only met him tonight, the old tutor could recognize the cold aura Flail gave off at any time.Ý Instinctive fear found its way back into Alenaís mind upon seeing the silhouette and she cringed back.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ The mercenary stepped inside the shed and crossed his arms over his large chest.Ý ìI suspected you were behind the Princessí escape from the castle.Ý Iím sure our King will be very interested to discover this once I take both of you back.îÝ He paused and threw a cold gaze at Brey.Ý ìUnless,î he added, ìyou have a problem with it, old man.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Breyís eyes narrowed, desperately trying to think of a plan.Ý He knew he would not be able to fool the large mercenary.Ý And in terms of strength, Flail clearly had the upper hand. ÝHowever, Brey did have one thing to his advantage...

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìGet behind me, Alena,î Brey whispered, pulling the princess behind him.Ý If anyone informed the King of his plans, the old tutor would surely be a dead man anywhere he went within Santeemís kingdom.Ý Regrettably, he had only one course of action.

Master, forgive me, he thought.Ý Clasping his hands together, Brey quickly focused his will upon the moist air and used his magical powers to condense the water vapor into a solid form.Ý He then chanted, ìIcebolt!îÝ In less than a second, a four-foot long icicle formed at his hands.Ý Brey took aim at the manís heart and threw his arms out, letting the icicle fly forward.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Flail had not anticipated Brey to act, much less use magic.Ý However, the mercenary was still quick enough to recognize the danger.Ý Unfortunately, he was not fast enough to completely dodge the icicle.Ý Flail dived right and the cold projectile of ice pierced deeply into his left thigh.Ý The mercenary roared in pain as he landed and instinctively clutched at his leg.Ý The pain was so immense, his leg buckled when he tried to quickly stand up, no longer able to support his massive body weight.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Brey swore at his misfortune but recognized an opportunity when he saw one.Ý Quickly grabbing Alenaís wrist, he pulled her up and ran for the shedís entrance, pulling Alena behind him.Ý The princess offered no resistance, her instinctive state of mind unaware of most of the events around her.Ý

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Realizing he could have no hope of pursuing with his injured leg, Flail reached out with a bloody hand for Alenaís ankle, hoping he could at least stop her and pursue after Brey later.

Somehow, Alena sensed his reaching hand.Ý However, in its instinctive-drenched state, her mind did not reveal the mercenaryís desperate attempt to stop her.Ý Rather, she saw a large, dirty hand, reaching for her body.Ý Her mind blurred with fear, unable to see the reality of the world around her.Ý

Painful memories of the inn assaulted her senses.Ý She would not let it happen again, though.Ý This time, she would stop him before he even got a chance to touch her.Ý

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Alena halted her course and savagely lashed out with her leg, connecting solidly on Flailís face with her boot.Ý The mercenary reeled back, clutching for his broken nose.Ý Alena took the opportunity to deliver a few more swift kicks to Flailís head, nearly screaming in a berserk frenzy.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Someone suddenly shouted her name and Alena paused, blinking as she came out her rage.Ý Slowly, the princess turned around and found Brey staring at her in astonishment.Ý She turned back and saw Flail, moaning in pain as the large mercenary did his best to stem the flow of blood from his nose with one hand while trying to get a good grip on the large icicle in his thigh with the other hand.Ý

Standing still, she slowly realized it was her that caused the damage to Flailís face.Ý Unfortunately, she barely remembered acting in such a violent manner and her motives were a complete mystery.Ý

Whatís happening to me? she thought, tears forming in her eyes as she stared blankly at the mercenary by her feet.Ý How have I become such a monster?

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ After what seemed an eternity, Brey broke the silence and gently took Alenaís arm again.Ý ìCome on,î he said.Ý ìLetís get out of here.îÝ Alena, so confused in her state of mind, let herself be pulled by her tutor, a blank, tearful expression on her face.

*ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ *ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ *

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Cristo walked heavy steps towards the center of the village although he hardly noticed the thick layer of mud on his boots that may have been weighing his feet down.Ý Rather, his spirits reflected the dying weather around him.Ý Reginald, who was walking just a few feet ahead of him, had mentioned early in their search it would be very unlikely they would find the Princess on the outskirts of Weser.Ý However, Cristo had to make certain he did not overlook any hole Alena may have been hiding in.Ý Finding no trace of her in the many barns and sheds dotting Weserís border seemed to darken the bodyguardís spirit despite the several reassuring comments Reginald had offered.Ý Whether he was sincere or just attempting to ease Cristoís tortured mind, the bodyguard did not know.Ý It did not help anyway.Ý Despite the trackerís comments, Cristo kept replaying a dozen horrible situations Alena might be in at this very moment, each more graphic than the previous.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ As the pair walked towards the center of the village, a glimmer of movement in the shadows of a cottage caught Cristoís attention.Ý ìHold it, Reg,î Cristo said, stopping dead in his tracks and holding up a hand. ìI think I see something.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìAgain?î Reginald said, letting out an exasperated sigh.Ý

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Cristo flashed an irritated glance at his companion.Ý ìOkay, I admit the last few times have been nothing more than hoaxes,î the bodyguard said, ìbut I have to know for certain.Ý If thereís even the slightest chance itís her, then I have to find out.îÝ Reginaldís expression did not change, however, as the tracker crossed his arms over his chest.Ý Cristo sighed and added, ìYou can wait here.Ý Iíll only take a second.îÝ Reginald kept his frown but, even in the limited light of the night, Cristo could tell the tracker was somewhat pleased he was not going to have to follow the bodyguard as he chased after another shadow.Ý Cristo nodded once to Reginald and set off to search the area he saw the movement.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ The area was tucked behind one of the peasant cottages where a few, wretched apple trees whipped back and forth with the wind.Ý It would have been easy to mistaken the rapid shadows the trees produced against the cottage for someone moving.Ý Cristoís heart began to sink as he saw yet another prayer go unanswered.Ý

Master, he thought, looking up at the storm clouds above, why are you doing this to me?Ý Why do you continuously let my hopes go unfulfilled?Ý Can you not give me some sort of sign I am in your favor?

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Cristo stared at the clouds above him for long moments, hoping for some sort of hint.Ý Finally, he looked back down, sighing.Ý He knew it was futile to ask for Master Dragonís favor on this one night.Ý Such miracles rarely occurred, and then only to the highest ranked bishops of the Zenithian Church.Ý Why would the Master pay attention to a lowly apprentice such as himself?

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ He stared ahead at one of the apple trees, a dozen emotions running through his mind.Ý The bodyguard suddenly noticed something peculiar about the tree.Ý For some reason, he could see it more clearly, as if someone had illuminated the area.Ý Cristo looked around, expecting to see a peasant carrying a torch.Ý When there was none, the bodyguard had a sudden thought.Ý Had Master Dragon answered his prayer?Ý

He looked at the heavens again, anticipating a ray of light piercing the dark clouds to shine on the ground he stood on.Ý When nothing happened, Cristo became confused.Ý He looked at the tree again and it was indeed still clearer in his eyes than anything else.Ý Yet, there were no external sources of light that could be illuminating the tree.Ý The bodyguard wondered if maybe the Master had enhanced his own vision but, when he looked at another tree, it remained as obscure in the night as before.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Cristo shook his head, clearing any confusion from his mind.Ý So I can see this tree better than the rest, he thought, running his hands through his rain-soaked hair. If it is a sign from the Master, then I will take it.Ý If not, then I must be going mad.Ý Stiffening his posture, Cristo walked towards the tree.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ As he drew closer, Cristo could definitely make out the forms of a pair of people huddled underneath the sparse cover the swaying tree provided.Ý Hope leaped through the bodyguardís body and he rushed forward.Ý He did not even need to have a physical identification once he was close enough and his heart began to fly.Ý

ìPrincess!î he cried, his eyes becoming moist from happiness.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ One of the people quickly looked up at Cristo, and the bodyguard immediately saw it was Brey.Ý ìBrey!î Cristo exclaimed once he had reached the pair. ìYou found her!î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ The tutor looked at Alena for a moment, then back at Cristo, a worried expression crossing his face.Ý Before Cristo could continue about his joy at seeing Alena again, Brey frowned and said in a low voice, ìI cannot allow you to take her.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Cristo stared blankly at Brey, wondering if he had heard the tutor correctly.Ý Breyís expression told the bodyguard he was serious as he raised in front of the Princess.Ý ìWhat is this?î Cristo asked, confusion crossing his face.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìIím letting the Princess continue her quest,î Brey said simply.Ý ìAs her tutor, I feel this is the best lesson that I can give her; a taste of the real world.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìWhat do you mean?î Cristo said, concern in his voice. ìHas something happened to her?Ý Why isnít she talking?Ý Did she get hurt?î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Brey held up a hand and said, ìYou wish to know if anything happened?Ý All right, Iíll let you see.îÝ Brey stepped aside and let Cristo see Alena.Ý

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ The bodyguard gasped at the sight.Ý Alena was huddled against the tree, staring blankly ahead.Ý Her face was caked with mud and spots of blood dotted her face.Ý The soaked cloak wrapped around her had slipped a little from its weight, exposing the tattered silk dress that did very little to hide her modesty.Ý However, in her state of mind, Alena seemed unaware her naked skin was in plain sight of her bodyguard.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìPrincess...!î Cristo breathed and he took a step forward to her aid.Ý However, Brey stepped back between the two.Ý Keeping an eye on Cristo, the tutor knelt down and pulled the wet cloak back over Alenaís shoulders, covering her body.Ý

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìWhat happened?î Cristo asked, his eyes wide with shock.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìI donít really know,î Brey muttered as he slowly stood up, ìbut I suspect she was raped.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìRaped!î Cristo exclaimed. ìBy who?Ý By the Master, Iíll make sure he pays dearly for doing this!î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìTrust me,î Brey muttered, ìhe already has.îÝ

Confusion crossed Cristoís face again and Brey decided to bring them back to the present situation.Ý ìListen,î he said, ìI donít care what you do right now.Ý You can try to take her back to the castle but she will only try to escape again once this nightís shock has passed.Ý Her wanderlust is far too strong to be quenched in one night.Ý I believe the only way to get it out of her system is to spend some time out in the real world, to let her thirst for adventure be satisfied.Ý

ìYou can try to take her by force right now from me, in which case I would have to fight you.Ý Trust me, you know I could kill you with my magic, and I would not hesitate to do it.Ý You could let us go and organize an even larger hunting party, with me as a wanted criminal of the Crown.Ý Fine.Ý Go ahead.Ý Iíll even let you know Iím planning on going to Surene tonight so you wonít have to waste time searching all of these little rat-holes of farming villages.Ý But you would just be back at the beginning with her.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Brey paused, letting Cristo weigh his options before providing his final option.Ý ìOr,î he said, ìyou can let us go tonight to Surene and give me time to blend the Princess into the townís populace, for I know the King will send out a search warrant once he finds out she gone.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Cristo looked at the tutor for long moments.Ý His mind was filled with turmoil.Ý Every bit of him wanted to push the old man aside so he could grab Alena and take her home where she would be safe and hopefully forget about this night.Ý However, in his heart, Cristo knew Brey was right.Ý Alenaís wanderlust was something he had seen growing inside her over the last five years, ever since she was becoming of age to experience the world independently.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìPlease, Cristo,î Brey said, gently laying a knarled hand on the bodyguardís wrist. ìI am doing this for the good of Alenaís soul.Ý As a man of religion, even you must understand this.îÝ

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Cristo looked into Breyís eyes, not knowing what to do.Ý ìI...î he began before faltering.Ý

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Suddenly, he heard someone calling out to him.Ý ìCristo!î Reginaldís voice came, ìHurry up, will you!Ý Iím freezing to death out here.Ý You find anything over there or not?î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Cristo looked back at Alena, all huddled in a confused state against the tree.Ý He looked at Brey, the old tutorís expression reiterating his earlier plea.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Feeling his stomach sink as he did, he gently removed Breyís hand from his wrist.Ý He then turned around and called back, ìNo!Ý Iíll be there in a moment!î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Cristo did not have to turn back around to see Breyís smile of thankfulness.Ý He knew it was there.Ý ìI have just one favor to ask of you,î the bodyguard said.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìWhat is it?î Brey asked.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Cristo turned around, neither a smile nor a frown on his face.Ý He looked at Brey for a moment before replying, ìI wish to go with you.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Brey looked at the bodyguard for a moment, a little shocked by his request.Ý However, the old tutor soon nodded, understanding Cristoís desire to help Alena in her growth was possibly just as strong as his.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Cristo smiled back, thankfulness crossing his face.Ý ìYou go on to Surene,î he said, running a hand through his hair. ìIíll do what I can to throw Reginald and the others off the trail before catching up.î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Brey nodded again, then said, ìI...sort of took care of a few of those problems already, but see what you can do.î ÝThe old tutor knelt down and helped Alena up from the muddy ground.ÝÝ ìIíll leave a message with one of the cityís gatekeepers with instructions of where to find me in Surene.îÝ

They started to walk away before Brey paused.Ý He turned to face Cristo and said, ìThank you.îÝ He then went on, disappearing into the night.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ After a moment, Cristo made his way back to Reginald, feeling uncertain.Ý His mind was in utter turmoil, realizing he had just failed in his duty as the bodyguard of the Princess of Santeem.Ý However, his heart was feeling higher than ever, hoping in the long run Alena would be happy for his actions tonight.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Once he rejoined Reginald, the tracker looked at Cristo with a disapproving glare.Ý ìYou certainly took long enough,î he grumbled as they resumed their course to the center of Weser. ìWhat could you have possibly found back there that would have taken up so much time?î

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ìI donít really know,î Cristo said lightly, tilting his head to the heavens above.Ý The storm clouds were beginning to disperse as the rain and wind was becoming more sporadic.Ý ìPerhaps,î he muttered, ìa sign.î