Chapter 98

We rode for three days more. It was becoming more and more dangerous because we were nearing the capital and the areas were more populated.

Ariston and Bastian-the Sovereign, had wanted to see the Great Vardhamaan River. It was the largest river in Cadarama and it spanned from Crescent bay, the bay in which Crescent Port sat in. Then the river stretched all the way to the capital city and dwindled near the Viskogorny border. It was why Crescent Port was so important.

Linden only worked at a smaller set of docks. The actual docks were a sight to behold. I had a vague memory of them, towers and houses sitting atop the water, in amongst them sat huge galleons and ships of all kinds.

And so the two men had wished to witness the Vardhamaan in all its glory.

We led the horses off of the road and into the woods. I was still riding behind the Sovereign, my arms were forced to wrap around his sturdy waist. And at times it was easier to rest my head on his back as we rode and so I was becoming accustomed to his scent. Though his sandalwood musk had mostly disappeared to be replaced by a more manly redolence.

"Well, here we are." Ariston announced. And I peered out from behind the Sovereign's shoulder to see a thin break of trees then a vast span of water. My mouth dropped open. A few ships scattered the glittering surface, the afternoon sun painting everything a magnificent gold.

"Truly wonderful." The Sovereign muttered and I looked up to see an expression of awe on his face, his brown eyes wide and joyful as he observed he ships below.

We walked along the bank, keeping a slower pace than usual.

"When I was younger and journeyed up this river there were many more ships." The Sovereign announced, "Now, I fear that the Lords have cut some form of trade and that the ships carrying goods will be fewer."

I nodded, understanding what he was saying. It would not be easy to get this country back from the Lords, they had many on their side whereas we had none. Hopefully Viskogorny will hear our plea and help us.

When we settled down for the night none of us spoke as we ate our meal. I shivered in the cold and felt something wrapped around my shoulders. I looked behind me and saw the Sovereign watching me with caring eyes.

I snapped my gaze back towards the fire, trying to ignore what he'd just done for me.

After a fitful sleep from the bitter cold I woke up and found a ship resting near the bank. The bank where we were staying.

"Good morning." I heard the Sovereign say from behind me. I swivelled and didn't return the greeting but rather said, "There's a boat."

His brows furrowed and he walked to where I stood. He hummed and seemed to be curious. I felt suspicious, something about this boat being directly in front of our camp made my stomach churn in unease.

A door opened and a man stepped out. The Sovereign hurriedly put his arm around my shoulder and held me close. I squirmed in his grasp but he only tightened his grip. I realized the struggle was futile.

"Top 'o the morning to ya!" A voice called in a thick Waxingville accent.

The Sovereign waved back, "And to you as well, my good friend." He said in mimic of a Waxingville accent, "Is your ship heading to the capital?" He asked and I tensed in his hold.

Was he thinking for us to get on board that boat and sail up to the capital with a complete stranger?

"Yes, we are! I can offer you free board if you be looking for it." The stranger offered and my uneasiness increased.

"Indeed?" The Sovereign asked and I crushed my heel on his toe. He made a grumbled sound of pain and I saw him grit his teeth. A little fear lingered in my mind that he might retaliate but I just didn't want to be on that boat.

"Pardon me, my friend. I have to speak with my wife for a moment." He called and the boatman nodded, saying that we could take as long as we needed. We both smiled gratefully.

As soon my back was turned to the boat I crossed my arms and flared at the Sovereign, "I don't want to get on that boat."

"Why not?" He asked seeming dumbfounded.

I scoffed and searched for an answer, "Because it doesn't feel right. Something feels off."

He scoffed back, "Feels? Hydrangea," We both paused and glanced back at the boatman but it seemed as though we were in the clear, "Hydie, we must take this opportunity. We will be off of the roads and on a ship, where it's safer and the soldiers won't find us."

I frowned, "But what if we can't trust that man?"

He blinked, "And why can't we trust that man? Hydie, is there something you know?"

I rolled my shoulders and nodded, in a hushed voice I said, "Ratri-kar said that we would come to a crossroads. I believe this is it."

He frowned, almost pouted, "But… this isn't a crossroads."

"Not all crossroads are made of dirt. If we stay on land then we know where we're going. We're going to the capital. If we get on that boat, who knows what that man will do."

He sighed, "Very well, we'll continue on foot."

He then moved to tell the boatman of our plans. I looked to my left when I heard shuffling and saw Ariston emerge from his tent.

"Morning." I said sweetly and he smiled back.

"Morning, what's going on?"

"The Sovereign's just dealing with something. I think we should eat our breakfast on the road, shall we?"

He nodded and we began to assemble ourselves so we could move out and say goodbye to the river.

"How much longer?" I asked Ariston.

"Hm?" He asked as he folded his tent.

"How much longer till we reach the capital?"

He nodded and seemed to think for a few seconds, "Just a few more days."

A new nervousness fluttered in my stomach. In just a few days we'd arrive at the capital, the grand walled capital of Crescent where the Premier lived and where we'd somehow cross into Viskogorny.