What Is Done

Chapter 5 - Meet Me In The Woods

In six weeks, like Sellion had said, everything had been prepared by the castle staff for the journey to Cärrish. The girl called Essaerae Mala joined Sellion and me by the Castle of Glass' gates. I was unaware of my surroundings, messing with my appearance. I wore all white, matching my hair and my royal white stallion. The other horses, a black and a brown one, were covered in packs full of supplies. Essaerae easily recognized the black horse as the one belonging to my father before his passing. She was quite different than I imagined for her namesake. I had not seen her in person before my father's death. 

Sellion called Essaerae over to the horses and introduced her to the brown one. "This is Adkin. The people who cleans the stables thought she'd be a good fit for you with your shy personality and all," I overheard him say. 

First, Essaerae put her hands on her hips as if she was saying he was wrong and she wasn't shy. Then she placed her hand on Adkin's nose, petting her. "Hi, there. You're quite beautiful." Essaerae pulled an apple out of her cloak and fed the horse. "I think she likes me."

"That being said, Essaerae, Adkin is King Laverne's property. From here on out, you are responsible for anything and everything that happens to her. Do you understand?"

"Yes," Essaerae badgered, mounting the horse.

Sellion's attention drifted towards me. Essaerae watched us. I was watching and listening into their quick conversation while pretending to be preoccupied with how I look. I wanted to get a good interpretation of what kind of person this woman was. I got what I was looking for. 

Sellion huffed. "Sire, it's time to depart." I kept up the act and faked picking something out of my teeth. "Sire."

"What?" I asked, still having my fingers in my mouth and holding a silver hand mirror with the other hand.

Sellion observed me closely, noting that I was distracted by myself. "We should go before we lose more daylight." 

I'd be lying to say I do not hate mirrors. Sellion knows this. I once told him I couldn't stand to look at myself after my father perished. I often feel like I am the reason for his demise. I couldn't save him. Something deep inside me broke out that day. There was some sort of monster who had my eyes staring back at me in the mirror. 

I said nothing and handed the mirror to a servant. Before I could get on my horse, Jericho and Khaleesi came bolting out of the castle. Khaleesi held onto my waist, not allowing me to move further.

"Don't leave!" Khaleesi wailed. "Don't go, Verne!" Jericho approached slowly, behind her.

I bent over, patting her on the head and loosening her grip by taking her hands in mine. "I will not be gone for very long. I promise."

"How long is not very long?" Khaleesi asked, sniveling. Jericho kept his distance, watching us. My sister never liked being left alone. Jericho stayed in his room mostly, she'd have to find other ways to entertain herself which would mostly include bothering him.

"I will be back before winter," I told her.

My sister nodded then said, "Then you'll miss my birthday?"

"Unfortunately," I nodded slowly. Tears began to swell in my sister's eyes. I brushed a tear away before it could fall. "But, I would be more than happy to re-celebrate once I return."

My coddling words calmed my younger sister easily. "Will you bring me a present from the far place you go to?"

"Of course." I ran my fingers through her dark hair.

I looked up at Jericho. Jericho was in the same spot as earlier.

"Farewell, brother," Jericho kept his goodbyes short and simple. I thought that was the end of his goodbyes until I found Jericho's arms wrapped around my neck in a hug. "I wish you safe travels."