Obran accepted his fate but felt sad that his friends and especially his brother were all in danger now because of him. Yet he was surprised that everyone was calm and measured. They asked a lot of questions—mostly Zico, Tomas, and Obran—about why didn’t Tori go directly to the coast and the nearest ship. Collatinus said it would take a few days to put together a crew he could trust and that it would be too difficult to keep secret. Once word got out that she was going back by ship, she might be intercepted by pirates, a dark elf ship, or worse, be attacked by sea people who were now openly probing and attacking all along the Mediterranean. It had gotten so dangerous Armenus had come to Roma from the north by land, and even a delegation from the east had been lost and believed captured or destroyed.
“So we just need to stay in Remus for a few weeks?” Zico asked.
“Wherever you like, don’t even tell me if you wish young Zico, but yes, outside of Roma until this is all settled,” Collatinus said.
“I want to go with Tori too—to the north—to make sure she is taken home by the dwarves,” Mara said as she glared at Armenus.
“Mara, It’s okay. I will be more than fine with Armenus and Obran, and the praetorians that will accompany us,” Tori said.
“While I do think a fairy will bring you all great luck on your journey, your husband should be the one to decide that, Samara,” Collatinus said.
“Thank you,” Zico said.
"We'll see," Mara answered.
“So it has been decided,” Collatinus said. “I will have your transport ready and you will leave as soon as possible.”
So it was decided, Obran thought. What choice did they have? The King had asked him to escort Tori north and now a consul of Roma, who was in charge now of the kingdom, had ordered them all to leave Roma. But it would not be easy. A trip to the north could take a week or more. They would travel over mountains and forests to reach Genoa and the dwarven ships docked there, all the while avoiding monsters and creatures on the road, as well as any Romans or dark elves who might be looking for them. In fact he knew he might not see his home ever again.
With the details settled Collatinus and Armenus left. Tomas, Erkin, and Zico now seemed anxious but Samara appeared joyful at the idea of an adventure. Obran only tried to figure flaws in the plan but he had to admit Collatinus had been thorough.
“Obran, I don’t think I can ask this of you or any of you. I can go alone to meet Armenus in Remus with my two minders,” Tori said.
“No Tori, you shouldn’t go alone, I’ll go with you if you like,” Mara said.
"Dear, you are not going anywhere without your husband," Zico said.
“Tori. I know you can take care of yourself but I don’t think it would be a good idea for you to travel alone,” Obran said. Would her minders know about the elves who had attacked them or that the King had been poisoned? Obran didn't want to trust anyone.
“Why,?” Tori said.
“First I don’t think any of us would be safe here once they find out you're gone. I’ve seen what Romans do to extract information from prisoners. So we all need to leave Tori, Collatinus is right about that. He may not be in charge for much longer.”
“Okay. I’ll trust you, Obran,” Tori said.
So they all rested a bit and ate some fruit and sweet bread then changed into some casual clothes. A tribune in uniform soon came to their room and told them all to follow him; he is young for a tribune but Collatinus must trust him, Obran thought. Tori had told them all again not to speak or ask any questions so they all followed the tribune quietly.
They all walked down some back stairs, descending and descending, and into what Obran imagined were the deep bowels of the castle, then through some dark tunnels which appeared to be leading away from the castle. There were a lot of twists and turns but Obran did his best to remember them all. They also passed some prison cells, all of which were open and empty and finally after a long passageway they climbed up a long ladder and emerged in what seemed like a stable. Must be a secret escape route, Obran thought. I’m sure there are others. They were still inside the inner keep but much closer to the gate. It was early morning now but Obran hardly heard any sounds in the castle besides a few revelers who were still enjoying the festivities. Yet he knew there would soon be more games and races and lots more eating and drinking.
In the stable Collatinus stood alone by a covered, wooden wagon which resembled a modified passenger carriage. The tribune who had escorted them walked up to Collatinus and whispered a few words that even Obran couldn’t make out with his exceptional hearing.
“Consul, any word about King Aurelius?” Tori asked. It had been over an hour since Collatinus had left them.
“Unfortunately there has been no change, princess. But I fear word has already started to spread. By midday it will be common knowledge in the inner keep that the King is ill which will surely affect the celebrations. I’ll try to control what information leaks but I’m afraid there’s no good news to share. You should go now. I’ve instructed your minders to remain in proximity and out of uniform. Signal them if you feel you are in any danger like we discussed.”
“Thank you,” Tori said. “Consul, you have been very kind to me ever since I arrived to Roma. I will forever be grateful.“
“It has been my pleasure, Princess Victoria. I hope we can meet again under better circumstances,” Collatinus said. “And that goes for all of you.”
They all thanked him and Collatinus left, wishing them luck one last time. One of the centurions told them to light a torch or raise a red flag if they needed help, both of which they’d placed in the wagon. Both centurions wore plain tunics and cloaks without armor so as not to stand out, but Obran sensed the serious looking men were well trained soldiers, who he hoped they could all trust.
They quickly boarded the wagon. It was a typical carriage that could carry either goods or people. Inside were several leather satchels along with some vases full of wine, water, and olive oil. Obran, Erkin, Tori and Mara got in the back, sitting out of sight while Tomas and Zico rode up front as Collatinus had suggested. The two could pass for a pair of traders and even the horses looked a bit old and worn out like those used by merchants. Zico took the reins and proceeded out of the stables and to the sanctum gate. Obran closed all the curtains in the carriage, after making sure the soldiers followed them out of the inner keep, and they all exited without incident just like any supply or passenger wagon.
They proceeded slowly through the city since the streets were starting to fill up while merchants and traders were setting up their stalls. Passing by the central park and forum Obran saw a lot of tents and people sleeping outside on mats or on the grass, many passed out from all the festivities.
“Zico, do you want to pass by your stand or your apartment,” Obran called out to Zico.
“No, it’s okay. I already closed the stand for the festivities and made my deposits for the week in a gnome bank. I’ll send a note by messenger if I need to,” Zico said
“Erkin, Tomas, do you want to stop by the university?” Obran said.
“I’m okay. The school is shut down until Monday, only the dorms are open, and I don’t keep anything of value there;” Tomas said.
“I’m fine too, all our important work and notes are in our burrow; we always keep them there so no one can steal them,” Erkin said.
“I’d like to stop by the burrow from the main road. It should only take me a few minutes if I run,” Obran said.
“Is that totally necessary?” Tori said.
“I don’t want to go into this unarmed,” Obran said.
“Okay,” Tori said.
Obran had looked in the satchels but only found a few daggers—most traders would travel with one—but some might carry a blade or a bow if their cargo or passengers were important. Still Obran wanted his own sword, his own daggers, and crossbow, along with his chain-mail armor. He also wanted to secure his traps in case anyone tried to enter his gremlin hole while he was away. I want one last look too, he thought.
“The gate guards might remember us Obran, you too Tori,” Erkin said.
“We’ll just pretend to be sleeping,” Obran said.
The wagon had blankets and they stretched out, covering themselves.
“Zico, if they ask, just say we are friends who came to celebrate and are sleeping off a wild night of excess,” Obran said.
Zico had experience as a traveling as a merchant so it made sense for him to do the talking and lead the carriage. Obran was sure Zico could handle any curious gate guards. Still, what if a guard recognized Tori? They might think she was being kidnapped or trying to escape Roma. Did Collatinus have time to message them? Did he even want to?
“Obran, I have an idea,” Mara said.
They were now on a line of carts, carriages and wagons exiting the city—in a couple of minutes they’d reach the gate guards. Already he could hear some mumbling between the guards and visitors entering and leaving the main gate.
“What is it, Mara?” Obran said.
“Tori let down your hair,” Mara said.
Tori had placed it in a ponytail so as to look like an ordinary commoner, a plebeian girl—it hardly worked.
“Why?” Tori said.
“Just trust me,” Mara said.
“Okay,” Tori said.
Tori didn’t hesitate, she let her long black hair down which Obran thought contrasted perfectly with her green eyes. Wow, she really is beautiful, Obran thought. In fact he caught everyone taking a peek. Mara then hovered above Tori, closed her eyes, and soon fairy dust started to rain down on Tori. Tori jumped up but quickly relaxed, letting the shimmering dust fall all over her head. Mara then reached down and touched Tori’s hair and the fae dust quickly started to infuse and melt directly into Tori’s hair. In a matter of seconds all of Tori’s hair had turned blonde somehow it all looked perfectly natural.
“Wow,” Obran said.
“Now you look like a typical Celtic girl, only prettier, and there are plenty of those up north,” Mara said.
“Okay everyone pretend to sleep,” Obran said.
The cart stopped at the gate. Obran could hear Zico talking while he was under a blanket. Be calm...it will be ok, he thought. Just wait. He knew it was normal for the guards to ask where they are coming from and where they are going, especially to any non-humans. I know Zico can pull this off. There was a long, silent pause. Was the guard looking in the back? Obran waited and waited but the cart did not move. What would Obran tell the guards if asked? It would be strange for two gremlins, two humans, a fae, and a gnome to travel together, even during the celebrations. Then Obran heard the unmistakable sound of coins exchanging hands and the carriage began to move soon thereafter. Clever gnome, Obran thought. One obstacle down, who knows how many more to go.
“Okay, we’re good for now,” Obran said after they passed the gate and were well down the road.
They all sat up. Everyone still seemed calm but he noticed Erkin was shaking a bit. Obran hoped his younger brother would have the strength for all of this. We just need to reach Remus, then the rest is up to me and Tori. Tori especially seemed fine while Mara started to place highlights in Tori’s hair; Tori touched and stared at her new hairdo and it's distinct color.
“Obran, was there a mirror in any of those satchels?”
“Yeah, I saw one,” Obran handed her a hand mirror. “These aren't exactly a legionnaire's satchels.”
“But doesn’t she look great?” Mara said.
“Always,” Obran said.
“Thank you,” Tori said.
It was the first time Obran had seen Tori blush. While Mara and Tori checked themselves out, Obran moved to the front of the carriage next to Tomas and Zico. He wanted to watch the road. It seemed like the typical heavy traffic he'd seen but most of it was headed to Roma not out of it. He looked out the back but didn’t see the two centurions. Obran guessed they’d catch up once they stopped by the entrance to the gremlin forest.
“If I’m not back in an hour just leave without me,” Obran said as Zico stopped the carriage.
“Don’t say that. We won’t leave without you," Tori said. "But do you want me to come with you?” Tori said.
“I could scout ahead too,” said Mara.
“If elves have set a trap I doubt even you could see it Mara but thanks. No, I want everyone to stay here,” Obran said.
“But I’d like to get some things too,” Erkin said.
“Just tell me what you need and I’ll bring everything,” Obran said.
“Okay, just bring all the sketch books on my desk,” Erkin said. “And be careful, come back safe okay.”
Obran slipped a dagger under his belt and jumped out of the cart before they could say anything else, and quickly rushed up the trail to his home. 239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3v6TP49Qs
