Chapter Five

Stellan was very much known for his long patience. No matter the circumstances, he is patient, well that was until today.

“So, how do you say ‘I won’t’ in your old language?” That was one of the many questions Ivan has asked the prince and it is getting annoying.

“Dili ko.” But a deal a deal. No matter how thin his patience would get, he still needs to answer.

FLASH BACK

“I’ll give you the journal owned by the Archimage himself.” Shock and confusion invaded Ivan’s face. There was one legend about the journal. Every day of his life, the Archimage wrote it to his journal to keep track of his progress. It was said that the journal contains all the secret and spells the Archimage knew and made. Interesting.

“Forgive me, your majesty but I believe that information is too valuable for a wandering informant to know.” Naneya lowered herself onto her knees in front of the prince as a sign of begging. She was silently begging for the prince to change his mind. The man just showed his cunning side which makes him more untrustworthy. She is willing to over step her boundary just to protect her ruler and her kingdom.

“I agree with the captain, your highness. Please reconsider.” He may have shown evidence that the mages he adores still exist, but the missionary still doubt the man. Traveling informants are cunning and would do anything to get the information they want. The bigger the information, the bigger the danger.

“Stand, captain. You may doubt my decision and this man, but I sense something in him that encourages me to trust him. Whether he broke my trust is solely on him to decide.” I hate this life. Ivan rolled his eyes as the attention was focused on him once again. He just wanted to test the prince. His help does not come easily.

“Tracking the Gaziens and helping you to find the magical object is two different things. I want two different trades. The journal is one. I want information that only Quelle royals can give me as the second trade.”

“Ask me anything. You have a deal.” Stellan stood by his decision. He will trust this man and the Gods knows he wishes he made the right decision.

PRESENT TIME

“How about ‘what’s you name’?”

“How about you do your end of the deal properly?”

“You know captain, being always angry makes you age faster.” Naneya felt her eyes twitch out of annoyance. Only three days had pass since the informant started traveling with them and yet her patience is barely hanging on the thread. Naneya enjoys her sweet silence and being with this man makes that silence disappear and it is wearing her down. Gritting her teeth, she looked away from the man, taking deep breaths in between her internal cursing.

“Anyway, we need to stop on the next village. I need to trade informations.” Ivan looked at the prince giving him a look that he knows the prince would understand. Narrowing his eyes, Stellan gave orders to his knights and missionaries.

They continued their journey to the next village. It’s the last village before they reach the capital of Mindu. Upon arrival, the people welcomed them with smiles. The village was small yet very much productive. They produce their own foods and trades or sells what is left.

“Dear travelers, what honor it is to have you! How many days do you plan on staying?” The chief of the village greeted them as they settle their horses on the stables for travelers. The chief is an old woman with kind warm eyes. Ivan took a step forward giving the old woman the same warm greeting.

“We are travelers from a far Kingdom. We plan on staying for just one night just to rest our people and horses. Restock our resources and gather what we can.” Ivan took out a coin from inside his vest discreetly showing it to the village chief. Every informant has a coin that the information guild gives to their registered informants.

“Most certainly. Please follow me for your accommodations.” The old woman led them to an inn that could accommodate them all. Giving each of them directions on where they could turn in for the night. Stellan watched as the village chief showed the informant a far off direction. A good distant away from all of them.

“Baths are free, but with limited water source. If you need anything, the front desk is always open. Rest well and I’ll also be on my way.” Stellan gave the village chief enough amount of silver coins to pay for them all which made her eyes light with delight and thanked the prince.

“Well, I’ll be on my own room. Call me when you need ---“

“Bring me with you.” Ivan stopped on his track. Slowly turning his head, he gave the prince a weird look.

“I know you know what I mean. So stop looking at me like that.” Stellan motioned for Naneya. He took off his armor only leaving him on his vest. Securing his sword to his belt, he made the first step towards the direction the old woman gave leaving his armor to his captain.

“I know. I was just playing.” Ivan skipped his was beside the prince and asked him one of his questions again.

“Pardon me, captain but is it really okay to let the prince be with that informant without his armor?” The missionary approached the captain as Stellan and Ivan took a turn getting out of their line of sight.

“He may be a prince, but he is also a great warrior knight. Trained by my father and the King himself, Prince Stellan need only his sword to win a full blown battle.”

Naneya is confident at Stellan’s skills and knowledge to get himself out of harm’s way. They were chosen just to be his escort after all. They were there just to ease queen Elle out of her worry. Captain Naneya faced the knights and missionaries lined behind her.

“Disperse and secure the surroundings first then you may rest, but be still on guard. We rise at dawn to replenish our supply and we ride after breakfast. Until then, get as much rest as you can.” The knights saluted in affirmation. The missionaries prepared their materials they would need tomorrow. The reason they were here was to preach to the people of each village or town they pass while also secretly gathering informations. Each kingdom has their own beliefs in regard of the Gods. Taking that as their advantage, they gathered a small group of missionaries from Quelle to preach their own beliefs and have them execute the plan.