The Tiger Within 217 Carriage Ride Part 2

"Take that same knight that was protecting her. Have him put her on a horse and send her off. Tell her to ride as far and as fast as she can until she comes to the next town. Find a inn, wait there. If they don't show up have her ready to send a message to the crown." Kyera explained rather practically. "She would have a greater chance of survival and the Knights would have a better chance of killing the bandits as they tried to follow the princess or, the more likely option, the bandits stay to try and loot the carriages."

Clovis was as bit shocked. He had never thought of this in this way. Silence fell over the carriage as it swayed along the road. Kyera's stomach was feeling unsettled as they continued on their way. She was suddenly very glad she had chosen to skip breakfast that morning. If she had not perhaps things would not be as pleasant on the outside as they were now. In truth, she had never been more happy to be nearing the human village before.

"I see. It is a interesting take on the situation." Clovis agreed mentally making notes to teach Raina to ride as soon as possible. He had never thought of it as a self defense method. Kyera smiled softly and nodded.

"I traveled between kingdoms a lot as a child. I quickly learned bandits have a lot more trouble catching a single horse and rider than they do a carriage drawn by two rather tired horses." Kyera replied looking as sincere in her comment as she could manage. She envied his ability to be so oblivious to such common woodland troubles.

"That is true. I just never thought of it that way." he admitted as they came to a stop. Kyera was relieved that the journey was over, and moved to escape the box. The attendant barely had time to open the door before she came climbing down.

The attendant nodded at her and she smiled radiantly, dazzling him for a few moments. Clovis and Raina followed her down to find her looking around casually. She seemed calm, but in truth she was seeing memories in the city that she tried so hard to ignore. However, she couldn't hide from the pain.

"I must trouble you to show the way, Lady Kyera." The Fourth Prince spoke gently to remove her from her trance. Kyera's smile had fallen but she tried again to curl her lips. Raina was her saving grace, slipping her little hand into Kyera's.

"Of course, let us be on our way." she started leading them down the bustling streets. The Vendors called out their wares, and market goers haggled at a few of the stalls. Children laughing and playing, performance set up on almost every street corner. Pumpkins and other fruits of fall were being sold, signs boasting of a plentiful harvest and the sweetest of flavors.

Raina was lost in the amazing sites and sounds she was being offered. The flowing colors and excitement of the Market was not something she saw often. It was invigorating and curious to such a little girl. It was hard to contain her wonder and hold the mask of a princess firmly in place. Kyera didn't correct her, here among her people… Raina should feel she can express herself. Yes, she's a royal but in Kyera's mind it didn't mean she should hide and lie to her people about who she was inside.

Masterfully, Kyera guided Prince and Princess through the throngs of people. They were polite though several gave Kuera sad smiles as they pa.s.sed. She knew news had reached the city, but no one spoke a word. Not with the Prince there, but Kyera felt the support she was being given by her people.

"I am going to step into the guild hall while we are here, why don't you two ladies go look at the jewel merchant next door?" he offered smiling at the girls.

"We will peruse the shops in this area. Take your time." Kyera replied and led Raina over to a unfamiliar stall.