Bonded

Chapter 26

"Absolutely not! The snake will betray us all," The sandy haired man answered. His face was even more redder than before which nobody had thought was possible.

"Now, now, no need to be hasty in judgements," The Princess positioned herself between her prisoner and the Gordioners unconsciously.

"Of course, your highness, anything you want but this turncoat should not be allowed near weapons much less you," Their redhead companion's jaw was clenched at the thought of the enemy protecting their Princess.

"Obviously leaving her at the mercy of a bunch incompetents is the perfect solution," Tarquin couldn't help but needle the easily provoked group. Jza's hand landed squarely on the injured man's newly clothed chest asking him to stand down but his body remained tense. The prisoner now wore truly prisoner garb since staying unclothed would only expose him further to the elements. They had raided the prison closet to find him appropriate garb.

"If there's anyone who needs a weapon right now, it's me. I would like to take that quiver if you please," Jza interrupted any further bickering with a firm glare at the participants. She was handed her weapon of choice immediately which she hung on her left while the infirmary bag hung on her right.

"Have I seen you somewhere before?" A dark bushy, bearded man asked abruptly and for a tense moment the Princess felt herself lose the calmness she had been radiating. She could explain the presence of an unnamed Somerlian in many ways. Her mind had already found a few explainations if she was pressed for more details but expecting them to accept the company of Lord Tarquin was just too much. She would not blame the crowd for beating their enemy to a pulp. He was the cause of all their woes after all.

"Perhaps he has cleaned your stalls now and then," Jza answered carelessly. She picked up a pair of discarded daggers and handed them to Tarquin. He wordlessly hid them in his newly acquired ensemble.
"There is no time to be lost. Dawn is upon us. We will lose the advantage if we stand here squabbling. Bring me my ride."

"Am I to go with you?" Tarquin asked and was met with silence and a sea of stubborn faces who were assembling together one by one. They could hear the horses outside being herded.

"I will not share my horse with you," The large gardener answered without any show of mercy. He would have spit on the Somelian if he could although the Lord shared the same setiments. Obviously he had never considered sharing a horse with anyone else but her.

"He rides with me. He is my responsibility and I will take care of him," Jza answered with a sigh. Of course she would be left minding Tarquin since everyone else were loathe to tolerate his presence.

"Your highness!"

"I will not argue any longer," She pulled her damp hair back in a knot as she spoke. They had all taken turns refreshing themselves in the prison outhouse when the men had been out completing their errands. She had hoped she would feel more alive but alas fresh water was no solution for the lack of sleep.

The Princess walked out of the prison rooms with the crowd parting for both her and her Somerlian companion. She found the sky lightening and gave them orders to hasten their flight. She was given a black horse which she mounted easily. Her loose and flowy skirts had enough give to allow her a comfortable seat on the pillion saddle.

"What are you waiting for? Behind me," Jza ordered as she found Tarquin's pale face eyeing their ride stonily. Sensing his hesitation she leaned in and chastised, "Do not argue for your words fall on deaf ears. Please, there is no time!"

Tarquin gave his companion another freezing look before jumping up on their ride barely jostling the horse. Jza felt him settle behind and tensed up as he put a hand on her waist, "Hanging on for dear life since I have no wish to be thrown off."