Lost Royalty

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

During the ride to Vriles the tension in the air was so thick that it could be cut with a knife. They were even more nervous about what was waiting for them than they had been when approaching Grea. All of them had never visited Vriles, so what was awaiting them was completely unknown. And this terrified them.

They had left the guards in Grea, instructing them listen out for new information. One of the guards had ridden back to the palace and was recruiting a small group to meet them in Vriles. They wouldn't arrive until after the three men, but it was better than having no back up at all.

When they arrived in the village it was growing dark. People were on their way home and the busy street markets were closing.

The whole busy atmosphere was nothing like the one in Grea. James had always loved this time of day, but seeing it in a different place was odd. Especially since no one here seemed to be happy or smiling.

"We'd best hang back. We don't want them to know that we are here," Oscar said, stepping back behind the buildings.

"Yes, we don't really fit in very well," Andrew said, looking down at his grand clothing. Oscar was wearing a very similar outfit, and even James' old tunic would be too clean and fine to fit in.

They sat in the shadows and watched the people walk by for a while. It didn't quiet down until it was dark, and even then there were many people out in the streets. Some were drinking and conversing with each other, others were sleeping in doorways and under small shelters.

"I don't think it will get any quieter than this." Oscar said, looking very worried.

"But we can't let anyone see us." Andrew was nervous about this. He had had a very sheltered life, so he was very overwhelmed by everything that he was seeing. What troubled him the most was the fact that he wouldn't fit in at all and people would be sure to notice them.

"I don't think we have a choice. We can stick to the back streets but people will still see us." Oscar replied.

As much as they didn't want people to see them, it was a risk that they had to make in order to find Elizabeth.

"Where do you think that she is?" James asked, looking around. They still hadn't begun walking.

"I have no idea," Oscar countered.

"Surely we need a plan?" James suggested.

"No. We always make plans and they always go wrong!" Oscar said. It was true, they had planned to find Elizabeth in Grea and that hadn't worked. They had planned to find her during the search and that also hadn't worked.

"Okay then. Let's go."

One by one they came out of their hiding spot. Oscar was first, closely followed by Andrew. James was trailing behind them.

They started walking up the street. They were constantly on the lookout, and none of them failed to notice the curious glances sent their way.

James clutched his arms to himself to try and stop the shivers. Sure, the air was cold. But it that wasn't why he was shivering. There was just something slightly wrong about the place. Everything just didn't seem right.

"Where do you think they are hiding her?" James whispered to Oscar.

"I have no idea."

They continued walking, but nothing seemed unusual. Well actually, to James a lot of it seemed unusual. Just nothing seemed to be linked to Elle.

A little boy approached Andrew.

"Please sir!" he began. "We're starving. Can't you spare a penny?"