39 Distant enemies.

As last drops of rain fell on her, she shivered slightly, the sky was clear again but they wasn't much to celebrate as she drenched. The water from the sky had given her a compulsory bath, she couldn't complain because there was no one there to hear her and she was bent on reaching her destination that it was not much of a problem.

She looked at the map she was with, she had taken this map from Sebastian possessions while she was with him, then she didn't know it would still be of great use until now, for the first time she thanked her impulse.

Gilda was not very far from here anymore and she was glad next part was going to be hard, her plan was staying the next at Gerald cottage there. She would rest and continue the next day.

The house was quiet as expected, it was open and she wondered why, petty thieves surely didn't bother him, she lit a fire and stayed close to it to dry her clothes, shr brought extra two garments with her but they we're also wet so she couldn't do much.

Them she left to find something to eat, it was already dark now and she only took some fruits from the nearby garden.

Coming into the house, she heard some noise, she droped the fruits in fear, someone was in the house.

Petty thieves? Was it now that she was here that they decided to come? She tiptoed and reached for the window, she saw him, he backed her and it was difficult to tell who he was. Her mind cast back to when Sebastian came here and abducted her, she wouldn't let that, she took out the axe gripping it as tight as she could, if she runs away, where would she sleep. Staying in the open this night was too scary and difficult to do, so she couldn't risk it.

It was now or never, she would injure him or better still scare him away with the weapon.

She rushed into the room trying to hit him lucky for him he moved away and she hit the mirror on the wall, sounds of shattering glass filled the room. It was then, she saw his face.

What in the heavens, he spat, looking at her in horror.

Gerald, is it you, you... You... I didn't know it was you.

What is going on and why are you with an ace trying to hit me like some savage who never seen humans before, he asked her still startled.

"I was scared, I am so sorry, I didn't expect you here, you are suppose to be accompanying lily to her home. "

Ah Natalie, I am also shocked to see you here, what is a these about?

She bent down her head, relieving her self from the shock of what just happened, she could have killed him.

She raised up her head and saw him still looking at her, his face filled with pity.

I don't know, she muttered. She actually didn't, she wished she had more options.

He sighed then looked at her, he was now calm also.

I am ready to listen if only you would put that axe down, he toned.

What! Oh I didn't realize I was still holding it, she said keeping it down.

Soon they we're eating the fruits she had earlier left on the floor quietly.

"You know I could have killed you. "

Maybe, if I didn't spend some many years in the army overseas but you were swift too, you would have succeeded if it wasn't me.

"That was the plan, mistook you for some petty thief. "

"Or kidnapper, I know you had memories of him".

She nodded not saying anything, she was kind of happy he was here, it feels good knowing someone who could relate to her".

There was silence again, two of them concentrating on what they were eating.

So you are not going to tell me why you are here? He asked her, when he was done.

"It is not what you think".

"What I think? Does it matter, I am not going to pester you but coming here in the middle of the night is absurd. "

"You are right, I shouldn't have done it. "

"I am not condemning you but if you do something like this is for a reason isn't it?

"I am on a quest to visit neighbouring kingdoms for support to stop Sebastian, she grimaced.

He said nothing and just stared at her, waiting her to say more.

"What? You want to tell me, it is stupid isn't it? "

"No, it actually isn't, is not that you are waiting for my approval, you came and decided this yourself. "

"I had to, not exactly to do this but I had to do something. ''

"Somebody will have to. "

"This time I don't care if it is right or wrong, it was the only idea that came to me. "

I am guessing Williams knows nothing of this, am I wrong? He asked her adding more wood to the dying flames.

"Of course, if he knew he wouldn't let me"

"I agree. "

"You know when I first met you, I thought you were rash and not thoughtful most times but I was wrong. "

She chuckled, sometimes, I am rash...

"And brave and you don't ever want to feel helpless, he said interrupting her.

"Well, I am the helpless one in all these, everything started because of me."

"All these, started because of some selfish and heartless people who just wanted to ruin other lives just so they could fulfill their desires, this is not your fault, you were roped this. "

"You too. "

"All of us, Natalie, all of us. "

..... ......... ....... .......... ........... .........

You don't have to do this. He said coming towards him, the man was taking his armory.

"Why not? you said it yourself, it is somehow my fault so it is only the right thing to do. "

"Look, I was angry and confused, I must have said some vile things to you, forget it. "

"I can forget that but not the fact that Natalie is still out there alone and unprotected. "

"She is strong and courageous, so... I think she will succeed, right? ''

He stared at Williams, shaking his head, it seems like also said some foolish things too, yesterday.

"But you are right, she really is. "

"No, I wasn't, sometimes brave people die, courageous people suffer no matter how courageous they are or how brave. Williams, good people suffer. "

Well, they also can succeed, too.

OK,but I will go and find out if she did, you can't do that anyways, you have to mind your kingdom, he stood having finished what he was doing.

" May I? "

"I will send some royal guard with you. "

"As you wish your majesty. "

........ ....... ........ ......... ...............

He woke up with a surging headache, must be from yesterday drinking spree and not forgetting the extra drama that happened.

After breakfast, he made to go in search of cosmos, the rebel group leader.

My friend, you have decided to join us, yesterday was kind of musty so I wasn't bothered that you were not yet awake., cosmos said aloud as soon as he saw him.

This man, he glared, don't he ever shut up and what is with the "my friend"tone.

He wasn't his friend and neither his partner, he was just some help he wanted to use for the moment after that, he was sure to treat them accordingly.

Cosmos, I have something to tell you, he moved closer to where he was with his other men, they were learning archery, he blunted out.

Ah, you didn't even answer my greetings, he teased him.

And what the hell will replying your greetings do, he wanted to say but played it cool.

He smiled saying," it is important".

If you say so, I am all ears, cosmos said leavimg the other men and going with sebastian. Soon they are fave to face discussing in low tunes.

You can't be serious, cosmos snapped, after he sebaatian told him the so called "important thing".

What do you mean, he frowned.

"We are suppose to provide the armory for your men. "

My men? Sebastian queried. I thought we are all in this together. He hadn't expected the cherry man to refuse.

"I thought so too. "

Then what is the problem? Sebastian further questioned.

"This, if this is some way to pay allegiance to you, I sorry but I can't do that. "

He sighed, this was going to take a while, unfortunately, he didn't have the strength to try and convince this man.

Look, cosmos, we are partners in this, you have to sacrifice some things for this quest and this is one of them, he said leaning towards him.

"I am already risking the lives of my men and I think that is that is okay. "

You don't seem to understand, do you? without me, without my men, you wouldn't have a chance, he spat, trying hard to keep his rising temper down.

That depends on who we are fighting, and again a have an advice for you, you shouldn't be threatening who you want to keep on your side, cosmos toned.

I presume this conversation is already over,he said to an already furious Sebastian who didn't reply him.

Have a good day, he said leaving him . Sebastian brought out his knife from his breast pocket wanting to do it swift and fast.

"My lord".

"My lord".