Kelya (part14)

"… So... They would have a contract then."

The night had finally fallen and he was feeling ill, but Charles couldn't go to sleep before he could think of the right way to introduce himself to the strangers he had seen. He needed something big enough to be memorable yet small enough not to attract unwanted attention...

Fireworks? Too flashy, everybody in the next three villages would come over for the show. A fight with a marauder? Where could he find one that would be willing to stage a good enough fight? Anyway, marauders had too much of a stab-in-the-back tendency for his taste. Saving them from an enraged animal? He didn't know where he could find one at this time of the day. There had to be something he could do. Something... This should be sufficient at least for now.

Having made up his mind, Charles packed what he would need for the next few hours, a bright mischievous smile illuminating his face.


The morning had been going so well. Fox had woken up early, waking her as well so she would know that he was going scouting. Kaleb was resting and a quick check-up showed that his shoulder was finally starting to heal as it should. If he took things slow, pretending he was able of doing such a thing for any length of time, it would be all better in a few days time. If he didn't play hero until then, which would obviously not happen seeing that Kaleb was... Well, Kaleb.

A loud sound brought Kelya's attention back to the present situation. A young man was there, making ample movements, sword in hand, fencing with air. He was proudly shouting nonsense about protection of princesses, honorable quests for the good of humanity and something about an evil dragon. The low growl behind her told her that Kaleb was waking up. She walked toward the stranger, gesturing to be quiet. Before she could react, he had her held tightly against his chest. He was laughing cheerfully as he told tales of his prowess.

An eye opened. A groan escaped him. World. Horrible noise. Lights, shapes : swirling, and swirling, and swirling. More sounds. A shadow blended into another. Another groan. An unhealthy ruckus all around. Why were things moving so much around here? This was hell. Had to be. Sounds started having separate pitches and forming words. More groaning. Why would anybody talk so loud so early in the day? Kelya knew better than that. And the little fox thing didn't seem to be the kind. Why was all this happening?

"And that, princess is the truth of Charles," he said, holding her dramatically to his chest. "You will let me save you from this barbaric brute, won't you?" He petted her hair twice before continuing, "Why, you are the sweetheart everyone in town is talking about, aren't you? The one who was viciously kidnapped by that mean hyena?"

"… Yes, I'm her... But I really don't need saving from Kaleb. He's a friend, see? Otherwise I would've run while he was asleep. I'm not an idiot" It was hard to tell with her ears muffled agains his chest/arm like this, but she was pretty sure Kaleb was becoming quiet. Which meant he was coming to and he was going to be cranky. Again. "Please, just let go of me for a little while."

His grip tightened around her. "Let you go? Oh, you poor thing. Of course I won't let you go. Do not fear, for Sir Charles Julius of Derin Lar'main entrepreneur extraordinaire and future Baronet of Derun Lar'main is here at your aide."

Kelya's voice came in a hurried buzz. A low voice kept answering cheerfully. Kaleb's eyes tried to open. And failed to remain so. Another two times and he could focus on the blurry shapes. Kelya was struggling against a larger shape. He'd thought they had finally lost their followers... Had he been wrong? Why was this man doing holding her like that?

A cackle came from behind her. Not the growl of the annoyed awakening. Not the forced laugh of the unamused. A cackle, much like the one of a hungry hyena uses to spook its prey. Which, in all fairness, it probably was. And she guessed the prey would be the young man in front of her.

Kelya slipped out of Charles' arms. He let her go easily, his focus turning toward the angry-looking young man who had been in the background until now. His smile brightened.

"My, my, aren't we cranky in the morning. What might have woken you to such a bad mood my good fellow? If you would like, the young lady and I might just leave so you might catch up with you well-deserved sleep."

"Who in the name of hell do you think you are?" Kaleb growled. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh, that's easy. I saw you last night while I was passing by. You seemed like a group of adventurous escapees. I seek adventure as well, so I will remain with you and accompany you in your journey. Isn't a handsome swordsman just what you needed?"

"Oh for gods's sake." Kaleb sighed. His head went down and Kelya could've sworn she hear the faintest hint of a whimper. Then his head came back up. "No. We don't need anyone. We're doing fine. What would make you think any of that?"

"Well... For one, you have no food. Then, the state of you all. I mean, your shoulder is obviously wounded, the little purple dog had patches of fur missing and the little sweetheart here... Well, she's okay. But she still looks tired. You obviously need someone to take care of you lot."

Kaleb's face went blank. He was probably not aware that his mouth was hanging open.