Traveling with the Aqualarians

As best as she could with her muddled brain, Fred considered the offer. Her brief yet disastrous encounter with the general public did indeed justify Astra's concern for her safety. Also, facing this Belboz person again anytime soon did not appeal to her right now, especially not without reliable memories. So, she made her choice.

"I will go. With you."

Fred noticed a look of relief on Astra's face. Had she been worried about her? The thought brought a tentative warmth to her chest. It felt nice to have someone care about her, even a relative stranger.

"Good," said the princess. "When we reach Aqualaria, our sorceresses can look into your curses and see if any can be undone."

A few hours later, Fred found herself traveling alongside the Aqualarians as they left the campsite behind. It was amazing how quickly they had everything packed, especially given that they were escorting a princess. In fact, Astra seemed to have fewer possessions than any of the others, only enough to fit into the two small packs now strapped to her horse. Really, if not for her title and Fynia's constant supervision, one might have assumed her rank to be the lowest.

Only Fred had fewer possessions to her name. None, really. Even the horse she currently rode had been a spare. Still, to the surprise of everyone, including Fred, she seemed quite adept at riding. Sitting atop a horse felt natural to her. Yet another clue from her past, she supposed.

"Are you a warrior?"

Fred blinked and looked over at Astra. The girl had slowed down to come alongside her. Seeing Fred's puzzlement, she added, "I just wanted to know. You handle that horse like one of us. Most Allarian ladies I see ride side-saddle and are awkward on a warhorse. I wonder if you can fight, as well."

"Milady, you know that Allarian women don't fight," said Fynia, riding within earshot.

"Didn't their queen fight on the battlefield in her younger days?"

"She was originally a Dornenkranz, an anomaly amongst the Allarian noble houses. All members of their family, male or female, are renowned fighters on par with even our own warriors." Fynia sighed. "At least, they were before their best warriors vanished."

Astra nodded sadly. "And every other warrior sent to defeat that terrible dragon. Such a shame. The Kronins, the O'Farrels, the Allards, the D'Honaires, so many worthy knights and hunters lost. Poor King Embron must now rely on allies to protect his own people."

Fred sat up in her saddle. Something about the princess's words stood out to her, a word that reverberated throughout her brain and refused to fade away completely. Opening her mouth, she repeated the word to herself as if hoping to draw out its meaning.

1. "Dragon."
2. "O'Farrel."
3. "D'Honaire."
4. "Knight."
5. "King Embron."
6. "Protect."

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