An Unexpected Rescue

"Jumper, is that you?" Ledford repeated with a smirk.

Devrim was frozen in place. His mind flashed to the last day he had been at school. Ledford had tortured him as usual. "Look, it's the poor orphan boy. Good thing you are good at jumping, Jumper. Maybe you can join the circus. They are the only ones who will ever accept the likes of you." The other boys had laughed. Devrim's stomach turned as he thought about what happened next. For some reason, Devrim had finally had enough.

"I'd rather be an orphan than an idiot," he'd muttered.

"What was that?" Ledford had clearly heard him, but challenged him to say it again.

"I'd rather be an orphan than an idiot," Devrim repeated clearly.

Ledford's face burned with anger. "Looks like your afternoon beating will be early today, Jumper." The tall boy grabbed his younger classmate by the collar and shoved him to the ground. He had reeled back to slam Devrim with his massive fist just as a school tutor had walked in to bring them to the palace. "We'll finish this later," Ledford had said when he released his captive. But Devrim had been selected by the Empress and no such time had come. At least until now. Devrim swallowed as the group of boys neared.

Aurora, who was unaware of the boys' history, could see there was tension. Devrim was usually calm, but right now he looked like a rabbit in a snare. "Hello, Ledford," Devrim managed at last.

Ledford was tall for thirteen, muscular and popular. He would have been considered handsome if not for the malicious gleam that was ever present in his eyes. To Aurora he looked frightening. However, she was used to frightening figures, and she stared bravely at him. For the moment the boys ignored her.

"Where have you been, Jumper? We haven't seen you since that day at the palace." One of the boys asked.

"Isn't it obvious? They made him a servant," Ledford sneered.

"If you must know, I serve the Empress," Devrim said proudly.

Ledford was undeterred, "Glad I wasn't chosen!"

'That makes two of us,' Aurora thought.

Ledford continued his taunt, "Tell us about the Empress. Is she a demanding witch like her mother was?"

"Sometimes," Aurora responded to diffuse the situation. Devrim's face had changed from fear to fury. The boys turned on the dark haired girl.

"I know you! You were at the palace too. Another of the Empress's lackeys?" Ledford mocked.

Aurora smiled, but it did not reach her eyes. "In a manner of speaking, I suppose that's true."

Ledford's expression changed. "I like this one. Are you sweet on her, Jumper?"

"We are friends," Devrim answered through clenched teeth.

"Then you won't mind if she blows me a kiss or sends me a wink, just to prove there's no hard feelings." For a person to do something like that in public to someone they barely knew was considered shameful and crass. Ledford intended to humiliate her.

"Let's go, sister," Devrim started to lead Aurora away. Ledford had heard servants call each other brother and sister, but the term of closeness with the pretty girl irked the bully.

"You'll leave when I say you leave. Now give us a wink." The boys surrounded the pair and backed them into the corner of the street.

"I'd rather die than let you degrade her like that." Devrim stepped between Aurora and Ledford. Without warning, Ledford struck Devrim on the jaw, knocking him to the ground. He climbed onto the boy's stomach, poised for another hit.

"That can be arranged, orphan," Ledford spat.

"Get away from him!" Aurora ordered. There was a power in her voice that surprised the boys.

"Stay out of this!" Ledford shoved Aurora into the group of boys. Many of them reached out to hold her in place. The situation was hopeless.

From nowhere, a man in a black cape appeared behind the group. His face was hidden below the cowl, but his imposing figure made the children stop to stare. Only Ledford dared to challenge him. "What do you want?"

The man threw back the hood to reveal a lean face, long dark hair and silver eyes. "Chief Zan!" Ledford recognized him instantly. He climbed off Devrim and stood. The other boys released Aurora and bowed their heads. None would meet his gaze.

Zan nodded slightly at the mention of his name. "What is this I have come upon? An ambush of marauders? I thought Valiant was a safe place to walk the streets."

"No Chief. We were teaching these two some respect." Ledford jerked his thumb toward the dark haired girl and the boy on the ground.

Zan raised his eyebrows. He looked at Aurora and Devrim as if he did not know them. "I was unaware that the Empress had hired such young soldiers to carry out her orders."

"She didn't, Chief Zan," Aurora piped in, "And I know Empress Aurora would never treat her servants in such a manner." Recognition dawned on Zan's face.

"If you have a grievance with the Empress's servants, I suggest you petition the palace for justice." Zan suggested. "Otherwise, I suggest you boys go back to school for your afternoon lessons." The boys heard the warning: go before I tell your head master what you have done. They left without another word. Aurora ran to her friend's side.

"Are you hurt?" She could see a small trickle of blood from the boy's mouth.

"I'm fine. Ledford must be out of practice without me for his punching toy." He managed a lopsided smile.

"Your Majesty," Zan whispered, "Could I please have a moment to speak to Devrim?"

Aurora nodded, and walked toward a clothing stall across the street. When the men were alone, Zan sighed. "I don't know whose idea it was to come out today, and I don't want to know. But if you are going to continue these types of excursions, you have to protect the Empress. She trusts you. May I suggest a having a few extra palace guards patrolling when you are out or strategically having a bodyguard follow you?"

Devrim couldn't process what he was saying. He had anticipated a harsh lecture and perhaps some sort of punishment since he was not a 'real' emperor. The boy nodded slowly. "Yes, good idea, Chief Zan."

"Can you get back into the palace the way you came out?" Zan asked.

"Yes, I…"

"Don't tell me any more. It is good for the Empress to keep some secrets even from me." Zan smiled. "I am glad I listened and came out for a walk."

"Listened to whom?" Devrim was confused.

Zan smiled mysteriously and lifted his hood. His face disappeared completely under the cowl. "I'll see back you at the palace. Make sure the Empress returns in time to prepare."

Devrim flicked his glance toward Aurora. "I will," he responded, only to realize he was talking to himself. Chief Zan was nowhere to be found. Devrim walked over and joined Aurora.

"Are we in trouble?" Aurora asked.

"I don't think so." Devrim's eyebrows furrowed. "That Chief of yours…it's like he disappeared into thin air. And he said someone told him to come find us."

"Well we can add that to our long list of mysteries," the girl said. "Maybe eventually we can solve one of them." The Empress touched his mouth gently and wiped blood with the edge of her purple scarf. "We should get back," Aurora said sadly.

"I'm sorry I ruined your birthday by getting us both assaulted." Devrim's plans for a perfect day had not gone as planned.

"Are you kidding? It's just like a story book! My brave knight defended me against treacherous men," the Empress paraphrased one of her favorite books. "I've always wanted an adventure like this!" Aurora hugged her friend, and again Devrim turned crimson. He loved nothing more than to see her pleased.

"I'm glad you are happy," he said shyly. "Let's go home."