The Courier’s Collection

Chapter 11

11

When Rasha rode off to check behind them for the tracker a weight lifted off of him. She had a way of making him shy around Chiza. He figured the princess felt the same since her grip tightened around him as soon as Rasha disappeared into the woods. He slowed his tuskin to make the ride a little smoother. She didn’t complain about it but he knew how she must be suffering. His own body, accustomed to the riding, didn’t notice it yet, but by evening he’d have his own pains to suppress.

A sound in the trees to their right caught his attention. He turned and scanned the area until he saw what had made it. A beady-eyed creature with a tail it used for throwing itself from branch to branch among the trees.

Chiza was busy humming under her breath. It was a pleasant tune, and he asked her about it.

“Something I picked up as a girl. I had a mermaid for a friend once. She sang all the time.”

“I sort of imagined you growing up in a castle or something. I didn’t think princesses could have friends,” Lu said with a laugh.

Chiza didn’t giggle as she did when she found something funny.

“I’m sorry, did I say something wrong?”

“No, it’s only that you’re right. Growing up, I had few friends. Most don’t understand the training involved in this life. The mental preparation, knowing you will give your entire purpose over to one person who may or may not even choose you.”

“Well, like it or not, you made another friend. This Tero-Joro can keep in contact with all of his friends, near and far.”

Chiza put her head against his back.

“Thank you, you’re too kind.”

“No, you’re the kind one. I’m a courier and you will one day be my queen. I’m sure that once the prince sees your beauty, generosity, and gentle spirit he’ll be just as enamored with you as—” Lu stopped himself before he finished that dangerous thought. Instead he cleared his throat, and said, “As any man would be after meeting you.”

When he heard Rasha’s whistle he returned it with one of his own. She used the signal to check on them and their distance. His confirmation would let her know they were both all right and she could continue her hunt for their tracker.

Chiza didn’t seem to notice that he whistled back to Rasha. Instead she hummed again to herself and he listened before trying to repeat the song, making Chiza laugh aloud.

“Wasn’t that right?”

“Only if you’re trying to imitate the mating call of a dying piko.” She laughed again.

“Okay, well, are there any words?”

Chiza hummed for a moment then shook her head. “I can’t seem to remember them well enough.”

Lu tried again to copy the tune, which sent Chiza into giggling hysterics.

“Well, I’m glad that the tracker now no longer needs to follow the tracks of our beasts I did so much work to cover. Now he can just follow your laughter straight to our graves,” Rasha snapped.

“I’m sorry, Rash, his tones are so wayward that I don’t know how his people ever learned to communicate with the mermen.”

“Well, hold your tongue, we’re not out of danger yet.”

Chiza leaned close to his back and said, “Isn’t she a horrible taskmaster?” which made Lu’s shoulders shake with laughter though he kept his mouth closed. She was full of surprises. He’d never known a princess to be so open and honest. Although, if he were being honest, he wasn’t on a first name basis with any royalty.

“Are all the Chilalians like her?”

“No, they’re a kind and quiet people. Of all the kingdoms, the Chilalians travel least. They don’t like living in the other kingdoms and prefer to be called on when needed instead. They are similar to the mermen, in that way.”

“So, a peaceful people.”

“In general,” Lu said and glanced in Rasha’s direction. She wore a fierce expression. No doubt the hunger and fatigue were getting to her. He wondered what it would take to get them through another night. They wouldn’t be able to stay at another inn. They’d be sleeping in the elements and there would be little food if they didn’t catch something soon. He’d have to get a fire going, cook them something. He hoped Chiza’s delicate palate tolerated the food he prepared.

“I need to get something for us to eat tonight.”

Rasha slowed her animal, and he slowed to match until they came to a halt. Rasha waited for the princess to join her. Chiza still clung to his waist, not understanding what was happening. Lu climbed down and held out a hand to her.

“I’ll be back soon with something to eat,” he said to her.

“Oh, I see,” Chiza slid down off of the back of his tuskin. He used one arm to ease her down to the ground. She looked up at him and flashed him a smile such as he’d never seen. Her joy lit him up from within. With her smile on his mind and the setting sun in front of them, he rode off to go hunting.

“Your highness,” Rasha said, holding out her arm. Chiza used it to climb up behind her.