Saving Royalty

Chapter V

“So, what you’re saying is we’re having to go to Talon, which is on the eastern sea side, to find Signe?”

Jack asked as he and Mark road on horseback. They were traveling through the countryside headed up that way at the moment. Tall yellow grass flowed in the wind that moved across the rolling hillsides that traveled all through the countryside. They were able to smell the fresh mountain hair coming from the north when the wind just happened to blow right.

Mark who was riding on his brown horse ahead of Jack nodded.

“She’s the only able bodied herbalist that I trust to help the queen.”

Jack nodded. Signe was indeed skilled in the ways of being a herbalist. He knew that if anyone could manage to make the antidote to save the queen and to help Nikki’s wounds heal faster it was that woman.

“So what happens when we arrive at Talon? I know she’ll most likely be in the herb shop.”

Jack questioned wanting to know what their plan was for when they arrived. Looking up at the sky Jack wasn’t so sure that they would arrive today. The sun was already starting to fall behind them which made the once blue sky a rainbow of oranges, reds, and yellows.

“We make sure that she has the herb that she needs. If she does then we head back to the kingdom with haste. If she doesn’t then we’ll have to help her to collect what she needs.”

Mark told Jack as he kept his eyes forward.

Worry still plagued his mind. He didn’t like leaving the kingdom so open as they did as they left to find their herbalist. Anything could happen and if the evil that had attacked Nikki came back then the castle guards wouldn’t be enough to stop that murderous looking man.

Traveling for a while longer the two of them hadn’t been speaking, but both knowing that night was soon to fall. Pulling off to the side of the dirt road, Mark made his horse stop as he dismounted and stepped down into the patchy grass.

Looking around he found a treeline off a ways from the road. That would be a good spot to set up camp. It would provide them with the coverage they needed in case they were to have trouble in the middle of the night.

“Dismount. We’ll camp here for tonight.”

Mark said lifting his hand and pointing toward the trees causing Jack to follow his finger.

“The trees will provide us with coverage in case something were to happen. And by morning we won’t be roasting in the heat thanks to the shade.”

Jack nodded, agreeing with Mark that it was a good idea.

The two of them took a moment to set up camp and tie up their horses. Jack took it upon himself to collect some firewood from around the area. There was enough fallen branches and logs that there was no need to cut down any trees. Coming back to camp Jack stepped over a fallen log that Mark had pulled over so the two of them could sit in front of the campfire.

“Do you think everyone will be alright?”

Jack questioned dropping the pile of sticks and logs he had managed to gather. He kneeled down in front of the pit and started putting the logs in order. Mark had been laying out the blankets that he would be sleeping on tonight. Neither one of them had taken the time to pack a tent, so they opted for sleeping under the stars.

“They’ll be fine. We won’t be gone for long. Once we return everyone will be okay.”

Mark replied. Although he didn’t know who he was trying to convince more – himself or Jack.

“Here’s the flint.”

Mark said tossing the small piece toward Jack who would need it for the fire. Jack caught it in both hands as he went about working on getting the fire started. With a few swipes across the small piece sparks caught the logs and they had a fire. Sitting back after it was done Jack watched the flames flickering and almost seeming to dance upon the logs.

After Mark finished setting up his bed he sat down and joined his friend beside the fire.

“That book that went missing. Do you think it has something to do with why all of this stuff is happening?”

Jack inquired, his blue eyes slipping from the flames to look beside him at his friend. Mark was quiet for a while. Not having the answers was starting to become difficult for him. He wasn’t use to being in the dark like he was now. He was always able to figure stuff out quickly and to keep people from getting hurt – but now that wasn’t the case.

“The book might hold some clues as to why the king was taken. If Amy can figure out what the book in the Restricted section was about we might know more about how to help the king.”

Jack frowned. He sat there watching Mark struggle with himself. He had been watching it happening since Nikki had gotten hurt and they learned that the king had been kidnapped.

“Get some sleep Mark. I’ll take first watch.”

He told the man. Mark nodded his head standing up and heading to bed after a moment longer sitting there and looking at the flames.

It took them nearly half of the next day to get to Talon. Talon was a small sea side port that lay on the west coast of the island. The island wasn’t that large to begin with since you could cross from one side to the other in about two days time.

Coming into Talon one could see that the whole town was made of rocks collected from the cliffs beside the sea which helped to add the already linger smell of salt to the town. Walking through the large gate to enter the town right directly ahead in the town center was a large fountain made from stone. It depicted a merwoman which sailors coming in and out of town often told stories of saying that they’d either heard them singing or had seen them.

The town was pretty compact having the usual shops and church spread out through the town. The path was made from a light almost orange colored stone that lit up the town nicely. The path continued straight which lead down to the docks that held the ships coming into port. White sales could be seen from prior to entering the town from ships docked at the harbor.

Mark and Jack had dismounted their horses by the inn which was off to the right once you made it to the middle of town from the entrance.

“Do you know where the herb shop is Jack?”

Mark questioned, wondering if the man knew where it was as to save time by asking for it. Jack looked at Mark for a second trying to remember. It was such a long time since he had any need to come to Talon it was safe to say he had forgotten the layout of the town.

“I think I still remember.”

Jack replied as children ran past laughing and yelling. Jack turned and watched them smiling as he did so. People were walking about and past them since they had arrived in the busy sea side town.

“If we go this was and take a right we should get to it.”

He told Mark pointing toward the fountain and then his finger veering off to the right. Mark nodded as he patted his horse on the head before following Jack who – for once – lead the way.

It didn’t take long walking through the cheerful crowds of people till they came to the front of the herb shop. Walking inside they were both instantly met with the smells from different flowers.

“Yeah, I think we found it.”

Jack said pinching his nose. He had a heightened sense of smell that had come from his training. It wasn’t just his hearing that he had been trained in but all his elements. Mark wasn’t nearly as effected from the smell as Jack and moseyed on inside looking around at the different displays of shelving and plants that were placed on those shelves.

It was a small shop but held a large variety of different types of herbs and flowers. The walls were a nice light wood color and the floors were green to match the plants. One could definitely tell that they were in a herb shop just by the site of it.

“Hello there how may I help you?”

An elderly woman called out as she walked out from behind the desk. Mark looked down at the four foot woman to address her.

“We’re looking for a friend. She’s a well known customer here. Her name is Signe has she been here?”

Mark questioned. The old woman smiled and nodded pointing toward the back.

“She in the back with the more experienced type plants.”

“Thank you.”

Mark said with a nod as he and Jack walked around the woman toward the backroom. The room was small just barely big enough for four or five people to fit back in here at a time, but there were just as many plants.

Catching sight of the short brown hair and nice green dress both men knew that they had found her.

“Signe!”

Jack called out causing the woman to turn around. Her large green eyes looking at them curiously. A questionable gaze coming to her.

“Jack? Mark? What are you two doing here?”

She asked wondering why both men had come all the way from the kingdom to Talon. Last she knew they were both suppose to be meeting with the king and queen which was the reason for Mark’s arrival to the island.

“Signe, you’re needed back at the castle. The queen has fallen ill and needs your help.”

Mark explained. Signe blinked slowly her expression growing even more puzzled than before. How had the queen fallen ill so suddenly, she was fine prior before she had left.

“She’s been poisoned. And Nikki was attacked and badly wounded. The king has also been kidnapped.”

Jack explained in a whisper, not wanting anyone to overhear their conversation.

“What! How did all of this happen!”

“Signe, please. There’s no time to explain, we need you to come back with us and use your lab and your skills to make an antidote for the queen. Help Nikki to heal faster from her wounds. We need them both better and out of harms way.”

Mark informed the young woman. Signe sighed and lowered her gaze. She couldn’t believe that the kingdom had come under attack while she was gone. Granted there wouldn’t have been much she could have done, but it still made her feel awful that it had happened while she was away and caused Mark and Jack to come looking for her.

“Alright, if we don’t have much time then let me buy some herbs and you can take me back to the castle. I’ll do what I can to help the queen and Nikki both.”

She agreed. Both men nodded as a bit of relief was lifted from the both of them. They weren’t out of the woods just yet, but now that they had found Signe and she was aware of the situation they could bring her back and she could start working on the antidote to help.

A day and a half later and the three of them had arrived back at the castle. Signe had road on the back of Jack’s horse with him as they traveled. As they entered the castle Signe headed into the back as she passed through the throne room and used the back door of the room to enter a hallway that going right and then taking a left had brought her to the door to her lab.

Both men followed her inside. The room was one large room but getting to the right corner of the room and there was a doorway that led to her lab and storage area in the back. But the main room held a large table that was littered with papers and baskets of different berries and roots that she used to make potions and antidotes.

Then beyond that was a fireplace that sat in the middle of the wall. In the room to the right laid tables that held different types of beakers and equipment for making the potions. A bookshelf that held many books on different recipes to help Signe if she were to need it. There was also a small table with two chairs in the room which was where Mark and Jack both sat as they watched Signe waste no time and started to get to work on making the antidote.

“How long will it take?”

“Shouldn’t be long. I have to crush up and mix somethings but I’ll hurry.”

She answered Mark’s question while moving around the room like a busy bee. She was worried that the poison was advanced since it had been two days at least since the queen had been found. Jack watched Signe moving about so use to watching her work that he had an idea of what she was going to do next.

“You should go check with the nurses and see if the condition to the queen has changed any. It will let me know how strong I need to make this.”

Signe said. Mark knew that the order was directed toward him. Nodding he stood up from the table and went to leave the room to check on the queen.

Opening her eyes Nikki looked around the room. She didn’t know what had woken her up, but she swore it was from a loud sound coming from outside her room. Slowly pushing herself up from the bed she tossed her feet over the edge. Blinking slowly she noticed that she had been placed in a white gown that was common for someone in the med bay.

As she sat there she heard the sound again. It sounded like something heavy being dropped onto the floor repeatedly almost. Finding the strength to stand up, she balanced herself the best she could. Her head was light feeling from the blood loss as she stumbled a bit toward the door.

Grabbing the knob and twisting it she peaked her head out and gazed around the room. It seemed empty for the most part. Looking around more she felt what little color she had in her face drain. Her eyes locking onto a very tall and black figure that – luckily for her – had its back turned to her.

The sound that she had been hearing was the bloodied and disfigured head that the monster was repeatedly banging against the tiles of the floor. She watched horrified as the creature’s long and skinny arms moved back and forth. Its long pointy, sharp, black fingers wrapped around the head that seemed to be too small for the palm of its hand.

Dipping her head back into the room she placed her hand over her mouth and tried to keep calm. Whatever that thing was had gotten into the room and had killed anyone that was inside from what she could tell. Her eyes widened when she heard the thing outside starting to snarl and give a low pitch growl.

She swore that her heart felt like it was going to rip its way out of her chest by how frightened she was right now. Listening closely, she found herself to scared to peak back through the crack of the door so she had to relay on her ears, she heard what sounded like the creature moving away from the body of the poor person it killed and down the hallway.

It was then it dawned on her. What if this creature was searching for the queen which was brought to the med bay. Panic started to overtake her. She had no idea if the queen was still here or what room she’d be in if she were. She knew she had to do something but she had no idea what that could have been. But she had to think fast before someone else got hurt.

Slowly peaking her head through the door she had lean out slowly to see down the hallway. Sure enough the creature was moving slowly toward the end of the hall. It seemed to glide across the floor instead of walk which was odd and gave spine tingly chills to her. Watching as the creature stopped in front of a door at the end of the hall, she noticed it had bypassed all the other doors.

The queen must have been here. Nikki’s mind was blank as she tried to think up of something to do, but she was terrified to even attempt to think of something. Biting her bottom lip she pulled her head back into the room for a second time. Tears came to the corners of her eyes as she was so afraid. She hadn’t ever seen a creature like that before and had no weapons to work with to help her. What was she going to do to protect the queen. She was wounded and weak.

Just then she heard a shrill as the monster screamed causing her to shove her hands over her ears quickly. She swore the whole room was shaking as she crouched down to the ground and tried to block out the sound that left the monster’s mouth.

Suddenly light shone into her room and her eyes snapped open, having not noticed she closed them. She barely had time to see long black claws grabbing her up as the door was ripped off its hinges and tossed across the room, much like she just was right then. Flying through the air screaming her back hit one of the tables that was in the room causing her to roll off the edge and hit the floor hard.

She was disoriented as she tried to get up as her arms were killing her and bleeding through the bandages. Shaking her head she screamed seeing the thing coming toward her. Quickly she slipped underneath the table, which was flipped up and out of the way leaving her exposed to the creature. She was screaming as she was trying to crawl away. Imagines flashing through her head of her friends as she reached the wall in front of her.

She figured she was going to die now. That’s what happened before someone was going to die right? They would see their life flash before their eyes or something to close to that right? Looking up at the large figure that towered over her she couldn’t bring he eyes away from the large empty white spaces which she assumed were its eyes.

The monster loomed over her. Its long lanky arms spread out as its sharpened claws pointed toward her. It was an odd feeling that came to her next. The fear that she once felt was gone. Was this her accepting the fact that she was about to die? Whatever the case was she didn’t feel afraid anymore. Closing her eyes she had one single thought that passed through her mind.

‘Today is a shitty day to die.’

A loud scream came from the beast as its hand came barreling down toward her.

“Nikki!”

The call of her name caused her eyes to snap open just in time to see a sword slice through the arm that had been making its way toward her. Her bright blues widened as her mouth fell agape seeing Mark had drawn the sword that he carried by his side and sliced through the arm of the beast like butter.

“Mark!”

She cried out watching as he stood in front of her swinging away toward the beast but unable to hit it any further. The creature cried out in pain as it swung its other arm toward Mark only to have him block the pointy fingers, which he found to be like blades, with his sword. Pushing the beast back he managed to slice through the belly of it causing another loud and ear bleeding scream to fall from the beast as it stumbled back.

It’s large empty eyes looked at Mark as if trying to figure out how such a small human could be so power and skilled. Mark stood there taking his fighting stance as he prepared to attack again if he needed to do a counter attack. But the creature did not move as it stood there looking at him.

And then it was instant as black smoke filled the room and what sounded like an explosion came from the beast. Mark covered his face and coughed from the unexpected – what he believed attack – which was actually a retreat once the smoke cleared and neither Mark nor Nikki had seen the beast there anymore.

Lowering his sword he slid it back into his side after he went through each room and checked to make sure that the beast hadn’t just went to hide. Coming back out into the main room, Mark stepped over the dead bodies that the thing seemed to have killed before he could get here. Stepping over to Nikki he kneeled down beside her and seen her bloodied bandages around her arms.

“Are you alright?”

He questioned looking her over to see if she had been hurt any worse than before. Nikki shook her head. She was still alive so any other wound that she had gotten from being tossed about like a rag doll she could live with.

“You’re crazy you know that. Trying to take on something like that without a weapon. What were you thinking?”

Nikki looked up at Mark as he spoke to her. He believed that she had tried to play hero and fight the thing when in reality she had hidden away and cowered in the corner of her room. Swallowing the anxiousness that she had she shook her head.

“Sorry. Is the queen okay?”

She wasn’t going to comment on the fact that he had been wrong, she would just allow him to think that she was brave and stupid rather than a coward.

“She’s fine. The thing didn’t get to her in the room at the end of the hall.”

This was odd. If the queen was in the room at the end of the hall that was the room she had watched the beast go into. But the queen was unharmed? If the creature wasn’t after the queen then who was it looking for – what was it looking for in the first place?

“We found Signe. She’s downstairs right now making an antidote for the queen. She’s also fixing up something to help your wounds heal faster.”

Mark told her as he helped her up to her feet. Grunting as she came to stand she quickly found that her side hurt like hell and must have been bruised when she was tossed. She noticed the look Mark gave her and she shook her head.

“Little sore. I was tossed around like a rag doll.”

She explained as Mark helped her back to her bed. Helping her to lay back down Mark stood back up by her bedside.

“I’m going to go get some guards. But I’ll be back. Signe and Jack should be here soon. Try not to play hero if something else happens.”

Mark scolded causing the young woman to chuckle. She nodded having no intentions of trying to fight off anything else that was going to come into the room if she could help it.

Some time later Mark returned with Signe after she had completed the antidote for the queen and the medicine for Nikki. Signe removed Nikki’s bandages as she went to put the new ointment on her wounds. Amy stood off to the back along with Mark and Jack as the three of them watched the woman working.

“The queen made a full recovery. She’s going to be fine.”

Signe told the woman she was currently taking care of as she applied the thick green goop along the wounds. Nikki sighed, happy to hear that. She didn’t know what they’d do if they had lost their queen.

“You’re the greatest, Signe.”

Nikki said lightly causing the brunet woman to laugh a bit as she shook her head. She was modest when it came to her friends Signe had quickly learned.

“And you’re going to be just fine.”

She replied as she went about bandaging up her friend’s arm. Nikki looked up when Mark began to speak from across the room. She noticed that the man had his arms crossed over his chest and seemed to be serious with what he was saying.

“The council has yet to decide on what we’re doing. They’ve made up their minds that the kingdom needs to be protected while the king is gone. Once the queen is able to stand and be back on the throne she’s going to assist them in figuring out our next moves.”

“But shouldn’t we go after the king? Should that be our next moves?”

Jack questioned wondering why they wouldn’t suggest that to be what happened next. Mark shook his head looking at the green haired man.

“Do you even know where to start looking?”

Mark was right about that. Nobody had any idea who these people were that were constantly attacking them with their king gone. They didn’t know what they wanted or why they kept coming back.

“Actually, I think I might have some idea as to why they’ve come here.”

Amy said. Everyone looked to her in the room. They were surprised that she had a clue or had an understanding as to why things were happening the way they were.

“What is it Amy?”

Signe asked as she stood up from kneeling from the floor as she had finished up her work with Nikki. Amy looked over everyone before continuing.

“I figured out what the book was that was stolen from the Restricted section of the library. It was a dozy to try and figure out seeing as how all the records for that section are coded and you have to be able to understand the code to figure them out. But I managed to do it.”

“And?”

“And – Mark. I was able to see that the book that was taken was Mörkret. Which is Swedish for –”

”Darkness?”

Jack questioned having known a little bit of it himself. Amy nodded looking from Jack to Mark.

”It’s an old Fable. Telling of monsters that were born from darkness and how the world nearly came to an end. But then it goes on telling how some Goddess vanguished the evil and sealed it away or something like that.”

”So they went through all this trouble for a story book? Why is a book like that even in the Restricted section?”

Mark questioned looking at everyone not understanding why a book like that would be there. Signe shook her head, she honestly didn’t have a clue at all either she knew was that’s what the book was about because she had heard people from her old village telling tales about it.

”It’s such a common story thought. Why would they want the book?”

Jack questioned having heard the story growing up as well.

”Maybe the king had something hidden in it? He’s known to be sneaky like that.”

Nikki added getting everyone thinking. Mark shook his head and sighed.

”We won’t figure out anything doing these ’what ifs’ we need facts. Hard evidence that we can use. If whoever this is took the book about – Darkness, then we need to hurry and figure something out. I’m no expert, but that dark creature that I fought early looked like something bad.”

He was right. That tall black creature that he had fought with early was pitch black which could have meant it was from the Darkness. And who knew how many more of those things like that was out there lurking about waiting to strike if they had the chance.

”It’s getting late, I say we all head to bed and see what happens tomorrow.”

Amy said to which everyone seemed to agree upon.

The next morning and news had spread through the castel that the queen had awoken. Thankfully she was unharmed all but for feeling slightly ill from the poison. Regardless of that however she found herself on her throne with Mark and Jack standing before her.

”My king has been kidnapped and our kingdom attacked. Such acts of treason cannot go unpunished. We must find who it is that’s done this and make them pay for their actions.”

She informed the two standing before her. Jack took a step forward nervously.

”We don’t know where to begin looking. We don’t know who it is that’s attacked us and we don’t know how to find them.”

He explained causing silence to fall upon the room. The queen sat there thinking for a moment. If they didn’t have any leads then they would have to ask questions. They’d have to ask the right questions to the right people in order to find the answers that they seeked.

”I want you and Mark to travel across the sea to Brandenburg. Start asking questions about the king’s missing there.”

The queen said, her bright brown eyes watching the two men. Both men glanced at each other before they looked back at the queen.

”But, the king has many enimies in Brandenburg my queen. Asking there I’m afraid would show them that our kingdom is venuralable and they’d try to invade while we’re gone. My queen, I don’t believe this is a good idea.”

Mark told her trying to conveince her that this was a bad idea all the way around.

”Yes, which is why you must go there and figure out everything you can. If anyone is to know about the king it would be his enimies. Believe it or not, even bad guys like to golat about their victories.”

Mark lowered his head.

”That’s what we’ll do then, my queen.”

He told her as he bowed to her. It wasn’t ideal and Mark didn’t like it, but if it’s what his queen wanted to happen then it’s what they’d have to do. Clearing his throat Jack spoke up.

”I’d like to request that we take Nikki with us.”

Mark glanced Jack’s way and frowned. Jack was quick to notice this but shurrged as he placed his hands on his hips.

”I know she’s wounded, but she’s from that area. She might know someone there and can be of help.”

”You honestly believe she remembers anyone there after what happened?”

Mark questioned causing Jack to frown this time. He often forgot about what had happened all those years ago even though he was there in the mist of everything at the time. Sometimes he forgot that he blocked out that part of his past.

”It’s worth a shot. Maybe she’ll recall someone who could help.”

”Well, I don’t like the idea.”

Mark snapped causing Jack to stare wide-eyed at him.

”We are all stressed about this Mark, but don’t take it out on your friends. Jack, even though your plan is a long shot – and I do mean a long shot – it’s something that I’m willing to try. The king won’t like it, but he needs all the help he can get right now. And the more people we have helping at once the faster we can bring him home.”

There was a short pause after the queens words.

”You’re right my queen. Forgive me.”

She merely looked at Mark but did not say anything else to him. Lifting her hand she made it so they were free to leave. Leaving the throne room Mark and Jack made their way back to the med bay to inform Nikki of the plans.

”We’re all three going to Brandenburg to see if we can’t find information on the king?”

She questioned looking at the two men. She noticed that Jack didn’t seem to have a problem with it, but Mark was a different story all together. She watched her friend standing there with his arms crossed over his chest. Something about this whole thing had him seemingly on edge she could tell.

”Yeah, the queen wants the three of us to all go so that we can do things faster since time is short.”

Jack explained the queen’s reasoning to her. Nikki looked down at her arms. How did anyone expect her to be of any help with her wounded like she was. Even Signe had told her that her wounds would leave nasty scars since they were so deep in her skin. Glancing back up she wasn’t going to question the queen, but she did have a great many questions that needed answered.

”If we do manage to find out information from the enemy, what’s not to have them come here with the kingdom ungarded?”

”That’s what Mark asked as well, but the queen seems to have faith that everything will be okay.”

Nikki blinked slowly and sighed. Her body still ached and she was tired. No doubt that there would be even more monsters on their way to find the king. She questioned how she was suppose to take care of herself during this trip and not have to rely on her two friends.

”It’ll be okay Nikki. We’ll find the king and kick some bad guy butt!”

She nodded slowly looking at her friend who was smiling like the dork he was. She was glad to see that even through everything his spirits hadn’t been crushed like many of the people’s around here that had happened.

”We’ll be leaving in the early morning tomorrow. Signe and Amy are packing us what we’ll need for this trip.”

Mark finally spoke up as he stepped out of his corner. The girls were working hard to provide what they could for the three of them for their journey tomrrow morning. Nikki looked over at Mark as he spoke and could see the worry that was clearly wirtten across his face as he spoke.

”So get some sleep. We leave early in the morning.”

He told her before he uncrossed his arms and walked out through the door of the room – which had been fixed and placed back on the hindges. Jack was next to leave as he tossed her a toothy smile before leaving as well to allow her to rest like she needed.

Nikki sighed and looked down at her arms. How was she suppose to be any help to the two tomorrow on the trip? What could she possibly do being wounded like this? Shaking her head she laid back down onto the bed. Looking up at the ceiling she started thinking about how useful she could be to the other two highly skiled men.

Not able to come up with anything she turned her head to the left and her eyes caught something strange sitting on her entable. Sitting there was a tiny box.

The next morning people were bustling about as Nikki made her way out of her room dressed. She had packed extra clothing in case something was to happen and it was a good thing she did. Wearing more of a man’s style of clothing now for the jounrey she found herself dawned in short bloomers and a man’s top. Both pieces still blue to match the color of her hair all but for the brown of her riding boots which she wore.

Today was the day they were setting out on their journey to find their king. Mark and Jack were already downstairs helping Amy and Signe prepare what was left for the journey. They were in Signe’s backroom using the large table to prepare for it.

”Jack this bag is yours. Mark this one is yours. And this one is – Nikki!”

Amy called out smiling as she seen the younger woman walking in through the doors dressed seeming prepared to hit the road. Everyone turned to look at her with a smile of their own.

”Hey guys. That my bag?”

She asked seeing the bag Signe had picked up and brought over to her. She nodded as she waited for Nikki to turn around so that she could put the pack on her back. Once Nikki had turned around and the pack was on she adjusted it to the point where it was comfortable before she turned back around.

”Not too heavy is it?”

”No it’s fine.”

Signe smiled having hoped that she had packed the woman’s bag just right. Luckly she had done so. Nikki glanced over at Jack and Mark before she approached them.

”So the plan is to leave for Brandenburg and then what? Ask around if someone’s kidnapped the king?”