The Princess's Secret [completed]

Chapter 66: Conspiracy Of The Three.

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Jamaal.

"Don't rush it now, just take your time." The physician instructed as Jamaal and Hiram helped a young warrior to his feet. Herschel had healed quite well, and was at last ready to start moving around again. 

The boy rolled his eyes at the worried tone of the physician. Had it not been for his orders, the apprentice would have been on his feet at least a week ago. But he wisely kept his mouth shut as they made their way out of the building. 

The fresh air and exercise would do him good. Jamaal glanced at Hiram as they walked. He was getting more and more concerned about his friend's back, and was beginning to think about all the people he had met during his travels. Perhaps there was someone out there who knew how to fix the problem...

Herschel was growing more and more steady as they went, and Jamaal finally released him, watching as he walked on his own. He was almost healed, and it was time for him to regain his strength again.

The bruises had faded, the cuts healed except for a few scars, and he had regained what weight he had lost. The burns were fading into scars now too, and injured muscles were repairing themselves. 

But what Jamaal saw the most, was how close he and Hiram had gotten. The giant warrior was rough, but had a hidden soft side for the young apprentice. And Herschel had been slowly talking more. But there was something else... He couldn't quite out his finger on it. 

Suddenly he spotted a figure entering the camp on horseback, moving swiftly, and without hesitation.

Jamaal glanced at Hiram and Herschel, but the pair seemed not to notice. He shook his head at their lack of observation and walked towards the figure.

As he drew nearer, he recognized Isidro, charging through the camp like a man on a mission. "What did you discover?" He asked.

Isidro didn't pause, motioning him to follow. "Much. And there is now much to do." He said hurriedly, leading the way to Caspian's quarters.

They were ushered in and found the King sitting at his desk, studying some papers. He looked up as they entered.

"Good, you're back. What's the report?" 

"There have been similar attacks in the area. While patrolling along the border for signs of this new group, I came across some scouts from Adrelawin. They were searching No-Man's-Land for signs of the barbarians as well." 

Jamaal saw something flash in Caspian's eyes at the mention of Adrelawin, but just as quickly it was gone as Isidro continued. "There doesn't seem to be a large gathering of any kind, but there are definitely barbarians living in the gap again."

Caspian nodded thoughtfully, gaze returning to the papers before him, though not really focusing on them. "We need to clear out that land. It wouldn't be too difficult to block it off at the ends, and later we can build a wall with a couple gates between Rayndra and Adrelawin."

Isidro nodded. "It would help save our resources too."

Caspian nodded. "Was that all?"

"Yes sir."

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Caspian.

He waited, pretending to be focused on the reports on his desk as the pair left. Once the door was shut behind them, he leaned back in his chair and sighed. He knew he needed to write the letter, but there was a part of him that didn't want to.

He stood and paced to the window, peering out at the knights who were training. He didn't want to think about Tamar, or Adrelawin, because things were different now. They both had their own lives to live, their own people to attend to, and their own futures. To write her a letter now, and see her again, would just stir everything back up. 

He roughed a hand through his hair. He'd rather try to forget all about her. He returned to his chair and took out paper and a quill. No matter how much he wished to avoid it, he had to do it, for Rayndra.

Queen Tamar, reigning Queen of Adrelawin,

I write this in hopes that all is well for you and your people, and that security has been restored. I am writing in regards to a matter of security both for Rayndra and Adrelawin. 

Word has reached me that there has been a new surge of barbarian attacks on the outer villages, and that there are still those who camp in the gap between our lands. With your agreement, I would like to clear out that gap, and set up guard on each end of it to prevent further invasion and attacks. 

I will wait to hear from you in regards to this matter.

~King Caspian, reigning King of Rayndra

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Isidro.

The Three watched as a messenger went to the King's office briefly, then left for the stables and mounted a steed. Isidro smiled, while Jamaal and Hiram frowned at him.

"I thought we agreed not to meddle." Hiram pointed out, a little annoyed. 

"Actually we never agreed on anything." Isidro replied, still watching in satisfaction as the messenger took off. He then turned to them, and found Jamaal smirking knowingly. He'd guessed it all along, as usual. 

Hiram's expression was mostly annoyance, and his arms were crossed. "Well maybe it's time you agreed to let us in on this little conspiracy."

Isidro nodded and gestured them to follow him to a more secluded place. Hiram snorted and followed stiffly, while Jamaal shook his head in amusement. 

They headed towards the stables, which were calmer today, thanks to the horses being released into the make-shift fence to enjoy the spring sun. Isidro worked hard to contain his grin. His plan was in action.