Waiting for Spring - Part I

Chapter Nineteen

Now the moon is rising on the starry sky, and drinks are all around

I ask her name and let my eyes grace, her empty, pale and stunning wrist

Dare I say I my mind wander to her thigh, oh yes, such a short gown

She looks at me with a starry gaze, a striking smile, I am already kissed

So I tell you know, you will see her once

And she'll entwine you, you are but a dunce

So listen I'll say, and take me for my word

You won't believe it, for the truth is quite furred

She is but a wolf in sheep's clothing

-The harvest fayre maid, verse two, Carl-Jon and his merry minstrels.

The rising sun was shining through whirling snowflakes and into one of the openings high up on the eastern wall of the stable. A rancid stench occupied the area like morning mist. Chilly winds blew through the large door and despite being well dressed, April froze like never before. She had her leathers on and Darnell had given her a wolf pelt to wear around her shoulders.

Sitting on a large hay bale she could hint the soldier, who obviously hadn't had a good night's sleep, putting on the last parts of his shiny armour. A dozen feet away Luther and Mira stood face to face, silently discussing something that she wasn't supposed to hear. April found it strange that they had to leave so early, but clearly they were in a hurry.

"I don't want to do it this way either, but we don't have much choice," Mira sighed and tapped her boot against the soft hay on the floor.

Luther appeared anxious, making strange grimaces with his lips.

"You can't just forge letters like this, Mira. However, your position makes this a bit difficult," he finally said and shook his head. "Why can't we just discuss this with Jerrod?"

"No. We can't. Th... I suspect he may be part of this, I don't know why, but he may be. I've already talked to him twice; he won't let the whole army go. You have to do this." Mira was slowly losing her temper judging by her tone.

"I don't have to do anything, I don't answer to you, remember?" Mira pouted her lips and throw her hands in the air.

"You are better than this. Trust me on this one."

"No one trusts you, Mira..."

"I'm so very well aware, but even you do not lack the wits to not see that something is going on behind the scenery!" Mira growled and Luther became silent for a little while.

"I might manage to get two thirds down to Idwallia. And I don't do this for you, it will be for her, and for the sake of the king," he finally said and pointed towards April who stood hunched over a gate, petting a small stag on its head. She pretended not to notice and continued pulling her hand through the pelt. It felt warm against her skin.

"Jerrod won't find out before you are long gone," Mira tried to reassure the man, but he just frowned back.

"We could both be in huge trouble. Why are Jerrod so reluctant? If the king sent you he would have listened, wouldn't he? We all know you would not journey all the way up here just to see the sights. Don't you have a letter or something? The king's royal seal?"

"Does it look like I need a bloody seal? I am a court mage! Jerrod believes it's just pirate raids. Also his pride seems to hinder him from realising what might be at stake. He thinks he has the situation under control. And he may be involved," Mira mumbled. April threw the couple a glance. The redhead bit her lip, shook her head.