A Slight Change in Plans

 

Late morning on the third day out of Charmwell, Veressa, Jonath, and a full battalion of Queen’s Defenders came to a fork in the road. Veressa reined Toran to a stop. “Colonel,” she said to the battalion commander. “Could you and your Defenders give me and my father a moment of privacy?”

“Of course, Majesty.” With a quick signal, the battalion cantered south to a ridge to wait.

“What is it?” Jonath asked.

“When we were heading to Charmwell, I mentioned that I could tell a great weight had lifted from your heart. And the farther we were from Graystone, the lighter your heart.”

Jonath glanced away. “I recall that conversation.”

“Now, as we near Graystone, your heart grows heavier once more.” Veressa waited for a response, but Jonath said nothing. “If I can see it, I know you can feel it as well.”

“What do you suggest?”

Veressa pointed down the road angling off eastward. “We could make Warstag Castle by nightfall.”

“Warstag?” Jonath’s eyes lost focus as they searched the horizon to the east. He had told Veressa many stories of growing up a serf, romping through the fields his parents toiled in until he was strong enough to help work off their debts. Veressa thought it a brutal life, but Jonath had nothing but fond memories: of loving parents, caring neighbors, and a close-knit community that struggled together. He often told her that the lessons of responsibility, fortitude, endurance, and tenacity had paid him back later in life many times over.

“I think returning to your old home would be good for you,” Veressa suggested.

Jonath rose in his stirrups as if he could get a better view a hand higher. “No. You need to get back to Graystone. I promised to protect you until Conner returns. Besides, who else can you rely upon for guidance? The War Council will be well rehearsed for their next assault.”

“Then how about I go with you? That way we don’t have to decide right away. We will stay through tomorrow, and the morning after, we can discuss whether you should stay or return with me to Graystone.” She leaned over and placed her hand on his arm. “I don’t want you to think I am trying to rid myself of you. You were invaluable to me during our ... visit to Charmwell. But I still worry for your health. And I will need you healthy in the months ahead if we do go to war.”

“Warstag,” Jonath whispered the name again as he chewed on her suggestion. “I have not been home since before you were born.”

“Then it is settled.” Veressa slapped her thigh and signaled for the commander to return. “Now, no more discussion until the morning after tomorrow.” Veressa waited until the battalion had reformed about them. “Commander, there has been a slight change in plans. We ride for Warstag. I want to be there before dark.”

“Of course, Majesty.”