“Of course, thank you, Mina.” She pulled her nightgown over her head and dropped it on the floor.
Mina reached for a dress crafted from a fine blue silk until Irinia said, “The light pink one please.”
Mina turned and grinned at Irinia teasingly, “Your favorite dress? What is the occasion? Trying to impress someone, Princess?” Mina had been with her since she was a child. She was more of an employee than a servant and oftentimes they acted more like friends. Mina had teased her about her lack of any romantic interests for years.
Irinia looked to the floor as she pulled her dress down over her head, “Of course not. I haven't worn this dress in quite some time. Help me tie it, please.”
Mina must not have believed her since she persisted on the topic. “That young man, what was his name? Croix? Yes, that's it. He is very handsome.”
“You have met him before?”
“No, but my mother has. When she was first began serving here he was a frequent visitor of your father's. She said that he came and went as he pleased and the king paid no mind. They have some history together that has made them very close friends. I heard they fought together on many occasions. She said she was witness to one battle in particular. Soon after the city was built the daem led a siege. Mother says that Croix fights with a bow, swords, and spells. A blade magi she called him.”
Irinia listened, then it clicked. “Wait... your mother knew him before the city was founded? He’s way too young for that.”
Mina shrugged and continued, “I don’t know anything about that. He is part of an elite group of warriors that travel the world combating the daem. I don’t know the group’s name, but they are some kind of ancient order. Mother continued to tell me that he could fell dozens of daem at one time.” Mina glared at Irinia teasingly again, “And you have him as your very own personal bodyguard. How fortunate for you.”
“Stop it, Mina. You know that nothing will come of it. I don't even know him.” Irinia walked out of the closet and toward the door to the corridor. “Besides, there are only princes for princesses. Father has said as much.”
“But you like him.” Mina smiled looking away. She knew she was pushing her boundaries. Mina had been serving under Irinia for a long time. As far back as she could remember. She was a sweet girl that liked to joke.
Irinia blushed and sighed, “You're so stubborn sometimes.” She walked down the corridor briskly hoping to talk with her father before he took to court for the day. As she exited the corridor she heard a familiar voice. “Hey, Princess!”
Irinia stopped and turned politely. While she is to a fan of formalities she was not used to be addressed so causally. She was ready to reprimand the one who would address her in such away until she saw who it was. Croix was leaning with one foot pressed up against the wall. “Croix?”
He walked toward her and half bowed. “Would you mind if I joined you, Princess?”
She was confused. The festival was still a few days away, what did he need to guard her for? “What for?”
“If it bothers you I can carry myself elsewhere. I thought that it would be nice to get to know the one who I am guarding.”
She found the thought of spending alone time with Croix exciting. “I don’t see any problem with that. I would like to learn more about you as well, being a good friend of my father and all.” More fake pleasantries.
“Then you lead the way. I have nothing to do in the city today.” He started walking and put his hand on her back urging her forward. She felt her heart speed up at being touched. People usually go out go their way to avoid touching her which made the impact stronger. As they exited the castle he took his hand away. It was still warm, warm enough to feel in the heat of the morning for several minutes after. She was about ask about it, but decided to wait until later.
They continued together to the street walking towards the marketplace. All the while they were greeted with strange stares. It was not often that the princess was seen walking around in the streets with a hired sword, or anyone for that matter. After a moment of silence Croix was the first to speak. “Why do you come to the market so much?”
“What do you mean?”
Croix tossed a couple coppers to a fruit vendor and grabbed an apple. After rubbing it on his shirt and admiring the shine he took a large bite. “You were here yesterday with the beverage vendor. He has always had the freshest drinks.”
Irinia stopped and looked at him, “Were you following me yesterday?”
“Of course not. I purchased some squeezed juice from Haran. It is the best in the city.” He took another bite from his apple. “And I wanted to catch up. It’d been years since I had talked to him last. You left as I got there.”
“For one so young you sure seem to have done many things and met many people.”
“I am older than I look, Princess.”
There it is. If he fought alongside her father how could he possibly still look as though he was still in his late twenties?
“And how old would that-” Irinia was interrupted by a young boy who ran by her and tripped. He tumbled to a stop at their feet. After sitting up and seeing his scraped knee he began to cry. Irinia knelt down and pushed his overgrown hair from his face. “It's alright.” She placed his hand on his knee. After a moment the boy's expression quickly changed from anguish to surprise.
“Wow! Thank you! It feels much better.” He stood and ran back to play with his friends. “Princess Irinia is the best!” He shouted as he resumed his run down the road.
Croix stood there and took another bite out of his apple. “What was that?” He threw the spent apple carelessly over his shoulder.
Irinia stood and began to walk again. “What are you talking about?”
“The kid's knee. Our princess is also a priestess?”
She had tried not to make it obvious. “I have been able to do it since I was a little girl. Only minor things like scrapes or bruises. Deeper cuts still need to see the healers in the temples.”
He was looking at her strangely, “Can I ask a favor?”
“That all depends on what it is.” She was sure to keep her pace through the market.
“Stop for a second.” She did. Croix placed his palm on her forehead. She quickly backed away.
“What are you doing?”
“Nothing in particular. At times those who perform the healing arts can get a fever.”
His tone hinted at a lie, but they were in the middle of a busy market. What could go wrong? “I’m fine…”
“Please, Princess Irinia. Let me do my job.” He reached out again and placed his palm on her head. She felt a slight pulling sensation and the rest of her body felt cool in spite of the hot day. “Hmm...” Croix turned and began walking in the direct they were headed.
“What did you do to me?” Irinia quickly began to follow.
“Nothing. You were right. No fever. Where to next?”
Together they walked down to the docks. The king’s warship, The Fissure, and several trading vessels were tied up. As they passed through the docks Croix had exchanged words with several foreign sailors. Of which, a few had shared lewd words about the princess when they thought she couldn’t hear. They were quickly quieted by stern looks from her bodyguard. They made their way to the entertainment district.
Croix stopped and she did the same. He was looking up into the sky at the sun. “What is it?” Irinia asked.
“Hungry. We should go get our midday meal.” He looked up and spotted a restaurant several blocks down. “Ah yes, that will work.” He began to walk down the street leaving Irinia behind. She was surprised that he had stayed with her this long. Even her friends did not tag along with her for as long a walk through the city.
Once they reached the restaurant Croix let himself fall into a chair at a table outside the door. Irinia gently sat herself down in the seat across from him. She was trying to figure out what Croix was trying to gain from his time with her today. Even new guards did not take the time to get to know her before guard duty. It was just what they do. Guard her and then leave. “How do you like our city, Croix?”
“It is a great city. I am glad to see that your father has been taking such great care of it. We fought hard to reclaim it.”
“You fought alongside my father?” She knew the answer, but was hoping to pry more out of him.
“Mmhmmm.” So casual with me. We took this land from the daem. Piece by unnecessary piece. Nobody needed it. We could have waited until they moved. But the foolish young lord wanted it so badly that he was willing to risk anything for it. Even all his people. Your father was one of those people. I told Toran that I would help him in combat as his friend.”
Irinia leaned forward with interest. Her father never discussed the battles he took part in to claim the land he built his kingdom upon. “What happened to everyone?”
Croix just sat there for a moment. The server girl came out and approached their table. “What can I get for you two- Croix!” She squealed and embraced him in his chair. He squeezed her back again revealing the marking on his right arm. There are far too many mysteries about this man.
Irinia, upset that their conversation was interrupted, cleared her throat. “You know this girl?”
“Oh!” The serving girl bowed, “My apologies, Princess. My name is Ara.” She must not have seen the princess sitting there. “When I was still a child Croix saved my life and that of my mother. We were outside of the city limits picking herbs, berries, and such for our restaurant here. We were attacked by daem. Lucky for us Croix was passing by and killed them all. Ten of them, like they were nothing. After he was sure there were not anymore around he escorted us back to the city. I wouldn’t be here now if not for him.”
Irinia was not sure what to say. Croix mussed Ara's hair and sat back down in his chair. “A woman with her child alone in the woods. I couldn’t just ignore you lot. I was glad to help.”
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Ara clapped, “It is much appreciated!” She bent over hugging him again her breasts pressing into his face. Croix smiled and Irinia sighed and rolled her eyes. “Are you the one who will be taking our orders?”
Ara quickly stood. “Of course Princess, what would you like?”
Croix waved his hand for her to order first. Irinia read down the menu, “Your finest greens please.”
Croix tipped the chair back on its back legs. “I will have whatever you would recommend, my dear.”
“Excellent. I will be back shortly.” Ara disappeared inside the restaurant to get their food.
“We were discussing what happened when you and Father were purging this land of the daem.” She leaned forward again wanting to know what happened.
“Your father and I fought our way through and won. That is as much detail as I can give you now. The fighting lasted months and we could be here just as long. I’ll say though, your father was a formidable fighter back then.”
She was a little disappointed and wanted to know more. “What about the others?”
“Mostly dead. A handful including your father and I survived.”
Ara appeared in the doorway skillfully balancing two large trays with their food. Setting it down on the table she placed their dishes in front of them. Irinia had a plate of green herbs and vegetables and Croix had a large piece of meat with baked apples and a flagon of ale.
Croix smiled, “Thank you, Ara.” Irinia agreed, “Yes, thank you.”
“Enjoy your meal you two.” Ara lifted the serving tray to block her face from Croix and mouthed the word “lucky” before retreating back into the restaurant.
Irinia played with her food with her fork. She was upset about what Croix had said. So many people gone and for what?
An hour passed as they ate in silence. Croix stood, tossed his coins on the table leaving a generous tip, and walked in the direction of the castle. Irinia quickly chased after him. Some guard. He keeps leaving me behind.
He walked at a brisk pace and once she finally caught up with him she was short of breath. “Was it something I said?” She panted out.
“Not at all. We should get you home though. Your father was looking for you earlier. I went looking for you and found you in your room.”
“Why didn't you take me right back to Father?”
“I told him that I wanted to talk with you first.” He patted her head as they walked. She found that rather annoying and condescending. “And I am glad that I did.”
“Why is that?”
“I learned a lot about you.”
Again Irinia was confused. “How is that? I asked more questions of you than you did of me.”
“No matter the conversation you can learn a lot about a person. They way they move and the way they talk. Their eyes.” They arrived at the castle doors. “Have a nice day, Princess. Stay safe.” Croix bowed and turned to walk away.
Irinia watched him walk away and then she remembered and shouted after him, “Thank you for lunch!”
He stopped and turned. With a smile visible from where she was standing and shouted, “We’ll have to do that again.”
Irinia watched him walk away into the city's bustling crowd. There is something very odd about that man. She turned and walked into the castle. Taking the same route as her last visit to the Throne Room. Her father was sitting in his chair, fingers pushed into his blond hair. Most of the day he sits there giving council to farmers, merchants, and soldiers.
“How is everything, Father?” She continued up the dais, sitting on the top step.
Rubbing his face with his hands her father sat back. “Your brother's scouting party has announced that they are returning.”
Irinia was excited. Her brother had been gone for several weeks to personally gather information about the foes on their land. He was finally coming home. “Why do you look so upset if Garan is returning home?”
“They met with battle on their trek back and it did not bode well for them. Of the forty men he left with they will return with fifteen. Your brother amongst them. Also, we know more of our plight. I think we may need to disregard the festival this year, Irinia. I am sorry.”
Irinia quickly stood. She had been waiting all year for the ceremony practicing all the motions, the dances, the customs. He could not call off the festival this year, it has never been done before. “Father, you can't! We can still continue with the festival. We have the city guard to protect the citizens, the royal guard to protect you, and Croix to protect me.”
“You seem very confident in his abilities.” Toran raised a brow.
“You are not? He is your friend and your choice for my personal guard. I spent some time with him today and I feel as though I can trust him. He said he fought alongside you when you first arrived here with some young lord. I’ve already heard tales of his deeds from people in the city and from Mina. He told me a story of when you took this area from the daem.”
“What else did he tell you?” There was an edge to his voice.
“Nothing, Father. He grew quiet after I pressed more and escorted me back to the castle. Then he walked into the crowd... What happened?” She felt that this must be a sensitive subject for her father, but she wanted to know how the city her family was responsible for was built.
“You will learn of it when you are older. No sooner.”
“Father, I am eighteen, I believe that I am old enough.”
Toran stood, “May the gods damn him for even mentioning it! You will learn of it when I feel that you are ready. There are some things that are best to wait for.” He sighed and sat back down heavily.
Feeling as though her father had heard enough of the topic she started to walk out. Toran called after her. “Irinia.”
She stopped and turned. “Yes, Father?”
“I am sorry. I will tell you soon enough. Croix is a good man and I trust him with your life. Be good to him he will protect you. That I can promise you.”
He had her full attention now. “Why is that? Because he is your friend?”
Toran laughed, “That is one reason. Another is that he is quite partial towards women and would do just about anything for one, especially is he finds them to be pretty. I think he has taken a fancy for you unfortunately.”
Irinia blushed. Stop it, face. “He will behave himself I am sure. Good day, Father.”
Once she reached her bed chambers she fell back onto her bed. She began to doze when she heard a knock at the door. “Who is it?”
Irinia heard Mina's voice through the door, “It is I, Princess.”
“You may enter.” Irinia sat up on her bed.
“So how did it go?” Mina skipped over and sat down next to her on her bed.
“What are you talking about?” Mina always wanted to know everything about everyone.
“Your date with Croix.” Mina leaned into her teasingly.
Irinia sighed and fell back into her bed. “Mina, it was not a date. He just wanted to get to know me better before he has to work with me. Also, he probably wanted to get to know his friend's child a bit more.”
“Get to know you better? He said that?” Mina raised an eyebrow and Irinia nodded. “Sounds like a date to me.”
“Oh, Mina you are ridiculous!”
Mina crossed her arms and said, “Alright then. At least tell me what he is like. My mother holds him in such high regard that it makes me curious.”
Irinia sat up, strode over to her closet and began to undress. “Help me with this, Ara.” Even though it was early in the day Irinia was very tired. “I'll be dressing into my nightgown.” Then a thought occurred to her. “How does your mother know him?” Mina went to her and helped her change her clothes before beginning.
Fifteen or sixteen years ago, Mina could not be sure exactly, Mina’s mother had been outside the barriers in a nearby town. She knew she should not leave the barrier, but being confined to one area made her restless. She would wander outside the barrier during the day because she had heard that the daem were not as active at night. Also, being out during the day was less frightening. She quickly learned how wrong all of that was.
On one of her excursions she heard a rustling in the trees near the side of the main road. The main road lead straight to the gates from the forest between Larin and their home. Her mother had thought it was travelers that were on the way back from relieving themselves in the woods until a daem leapt from the trees. Her mother put her arms up to cover her head in what she knew was a useless attempt at defense, but the strike never came. There was a loud thump in front of her and when she peered around her arm she saw the daem laying on the road with an arrow sticking out from the one gem-like green eye in the middle of its face.
It was then Croix appeared. His bow folded onto itself and he drew a long, curved, and narrow sword. Another daem had charged in from the side of the road by then, but it was cut in two in the same motion in which he removed his blade. Six more attacked from both sides of the road. All were killed with cold and calculated precision. Once the attacks stopped Croix flicked his blade sending the blood spattering to the road before sheathing it. All he said was, “A person shouldn’t wander outside of the barriers alone.” Her mother nodded and ran back to town. When she arrived at the gates she glanced back to see him leave once he knew she reached the gate safely.
“That was the story she told me. Not extremely exciting, but he saved her. I would not be here with you right now if he had not been on that road on that day.” Mina finished. That was the third story she had heard of some outlandish feats in combat. Most soldiers needed to attack in groups of four to six to fight of one sentinel daem.
Irinia settled into her bed. After she was comfortable a cool breeze started blowing in through her window she told Mina what she knew about Croix. “He seems to be a nice man. A bit strange at times, but nice. Nothing seems to worry him. Everything he does, he does so at his own leisure, yet he doesn’t laze about. Almost like he has all the time in the world. He is very casual with me and my father. He talks with us like we are one of is buddies and not royalty. Which is admittedly refreshing. He is full of laughs, but I don’t know. He has a sadness in his eyes. It's not always there, but sometimes you can see it. He said that he helped my father claim this land to build the city. I tried to press for more of that story but he would not budge. The thing about that story is how does he look so young now? After we ate lunch he escorted me to the castle and left.”
Mina had been nodding for the entirety of Irinia's story. “Do you know where he went?”
“I have no idea. Father may know, since he has been to the city before he may have some places that he likes to frequent while he is here.” She paused for a moment. “In a way I want to see him defend me on the night of the festival. These tales of him make him sound like a god.”
“According to reports I have overheard you may get your wish. The daem move closer to the city each day. Which is why your father was looking to hire someone to guard you in the first place. Perhaps he knew you wouldn’t want to cancel the event.”
Irinia glanced out the window. The stars were just beginning to show. She did not want anyone to get hurt because of her. Maybe the festival should be cancelled after all. She moved to sit on the edge of her bed. “Oh, I don't know anymore. The festival has taken place every year for the past thirty years. We cannot push it out of everyone's minds so easily. They will know that something is wrong.”
“Then you will go through with it?”
“Yes. If only to keep the people at peace.”
“Then you are braver than I. At least you have Croix and the entire guard. That alone sets my mind at ease. They will keep you safe.” Mina began to back out of the door. “I am sure everything will be fine. There are no signs that they daem will attack on the night of the festival anyway.”
Mina was trying to be kind, make her feel better. There was plenty of evidence from the scout reports that the daem were approaching Larin. The only question was how quickly.
After the door closed behind Mina, Irinia fell back into her bed. She thought of the festival. She thought of her father. Then she thought of Croix. It was then that she remembered. “The archives! They hold the entire history of this city.”
She jumped up out of bed and wrapped herself in a soft robe which was made of a fine fur. Going down the hall the marble floors were cold against her feet but that only spurred her along faster. She would learn more about him tonight. The archives are a trove of information going far back. Mostly it contained the history of Larin, but there were books brought in from other places that were brought in. She wanted to know what he was hiding.
Going down three long spiraling staircases she finally arrived at the archive vault. A large desk stacked high with volumes of books and papers was situated in between two large doors. She thought it was silly. These two huge ornate doors that both went to the same room. She shivered. It was always so cold down there. She pulled her robe tighter. Gand, an old man permanently hunched over, scanned over a series of scrolls laying out in front of him through his spectacles. He was keeper of the old texts within the vaults. Nobody knew the history of the area like he did.
Irinia slowly approached the desk. The desk being relatively tall she had to tilt her head back to see the old man. She softly cleared her throat, “Gand?”
Gand was startled and dropped the scroll he was reading. “Who-wha- Oh! Princess! What brings you here so late in the night? And in such a dark and cold place at that. You’ll catch your death down here!”
She backed away a few paces from the desk. “I am looking for information about somebody.”
Gand adjusted his spectacles on his nose. “Oh? And who might that be?”
“A man named Croix. I believe he has a history with Father and-”
“Ah yes! Master Croix!” Gand shouted! “A nice fellow isn't he? Mysterious and strong. Like myself in my youth,” the old man laughed. What is it you would like to know?”
“What role did Croix play in the founding of this city?”
Gand's face became as impassable as a city wall. “I cannot divulge that information, not even to you Princess. I am sorry.” He began to collect his papers.
“Gand, please.”
“Princess that information is sealed in the deepest areas of the vaults. Areas that not even I have access to. For whatever reason the king and your friend there do not want that knowledge to be public.”
“Then tell me this Garan; how long have you known Croix?”
The old man looked upwards at nothing in particular in deep thought. “A very long time child. And he hasn't changed a bit. Looks the same as when I first met him. You should be in bed, Princess. Would you like me to escort you to your room?”
“No, thank you. Have a restful night, Gand.”
She watched as Gand walked down from his desk and up the spiral staircase and she sighed. More questions than answers. “What did he mean when he said that he still looked the same?” She said to herself. Disappointed she made her way to her room.
Walking up the stairs only noticing the light pattern or her bare feet against the floor she reached her room. She saw a note wrapped around the handle of the door. She opened it and read:
“Princess, I will be refreshing the training several of your father's guards tomorrow in the morning. I would like for you to attend so that you could see them in action. Someday you will need to know how to do such a thing when you rule a kingdom.
At your disposal, Croix.”
Not sure what to make of the invitation she entered her room and laid down in her bed. Her head was swimming with thoughts. Confused and tired she drifted off to sleep.