Chapter 4 The shallow

"Good morning father. Any word from the king? Cassandra asked hanging onto her door which she opened halfway at the sound of her fathers footstep. Come out of your room Cassandra," Lord Venter said sternly, walking past his daughter.

Since the king was not around, he was the head of state affairs. He was on the way to the council meeting, but first he had to have breakfast. This was the most important meal of the day and as a rule, he never skipped it. He sat down at the head of the table, Pray for us Violetta. He instructed his youngest daughter.

We thank God for this day, we thank him for the food, may we continue to enjoy his grace, now and forevermore, Violetta ended her prayer with an Amen, which was resounded by old Aunt Haggi and Lord Venter.

"Cassandra you are late, Lord Venter said, looking at Cassandra who had just taken her seat. Im sorry father, I was getting dressed. Why did you wake up late? he paused before continuing, I trained you better than this. I will have a word with your Governess. She cried out in defense Its not her fault; we spend all night trying on new dresses.

"Dont give excusesCassandra. He shouted while still maintaining a stern face. You are going to be queen. You are a symbol of perfection. How many times have I told youYou dont complain, and you dont give excuses. Yes father she said in submission. "Lets eat. We will talk about every other thing later. Lord Venter ended.

They had been riding for hours; ever one had been surprisingly quiet throughout the journey. Damien and Steven could still had keep on riding but it was getting dark and they didn't know whether Eleanor could keep up. They decided to stop and rest. It was getting dark. They set up camp again. Damien decided to go hunting for the food they were to eat that evening, Eleanor offered to tag along but Steven would have nothing of it. There's was an argument about it, but he didnt have much of a choice, he let them go attaching a soldier to them.

"Do you know anything about hunting? Damien asked Eleanor. "I was hoping you would teach me, she said hanging on to the bow she had collected from one of the soldiers. That smile, he said smiling. He couldnt help it, her smile was contagious. Thats my hunting smile" she quickly replied, not making any effort to wipe it off her face. He grinned, Wipe it offYou look mischievous. She removed one of the arrows from her quiver and threaded the bow. I am mischievous.

"Where do you come from Eleanor? "Do you hear that? she asked. "Whats thatoh! I think I hear it.

They chased after the boar but suddenly, Eleanor stopped. Damien was surprised by the sudden pause of excitement in her countenance. He noticed some men with dogs in front of them.

Lets get out of here, Eleanor whispered. Why! Do you know those men?" He asked.

"This is not the time for questions, Damien, she said before adding, Lets get out of here...Now!" She said as she ran, trying to trace her way back to camp. He couldnt understand why she was running but he didnt have time to think. It was already dark and she wasnt safe alone. She didnt know these woods so well and he didnt either. Lets go, he said to the soldier that was beside him, running after her.

Her efforts were futile. The dog barked. They had already been noticed. One of the men shouted, Its her! After them!

How was the meeting? Aunt Haggi asked. Good! Our plans are running smoothly, Lord Venter said in his normal monotonous tone. "It is high time the Xenerian bloodline return back to the throne succession. She said, hanging on to her walking stick as she ran her hands through some of the dusty old books in the library, Looks like we dont have to kill the king anymore." He didnt respond; He took a quick glance at her before continuing his writing. She is ready. Aunt Haggi said.

Steven came out of his tent; his anger had died down a bit. "Arent they back? whats taking them so long? he thought, "I should have sent one more man with them. "Its getting too late. I'm going out to look for the king. He saddled his horse, "Two men, with me."

They searched throughout the evening. There was no sign of Damien or Eleanor anywhere. Steven insisted that they keep searching but there was little they could do under the moonlight. The looks of desperation painted their faces. None of them were tired or wanted to stop searching but they had to. At this time, they were doing more harm than good if they continued searching. Their moves were getting shabby, they could barely see the ground and their torches were almost out. They decided to go back to camp. They would concentrate their efforts on finding the king at first light. Steven was almost losing his mind. He didnt close his eyes at all throughout the night. He kept on thinking on what could have happened. He thought of sending for reinforcements but he knew the uproar that would cause. He had to act precisely and he had to act swift.

They kept on running. The men didn't stop chasing after them. Come on, run faster, he cried out. They had shot down his soldier with a bow. He was angry, he wanted to fight them, but he was outnumbered.

She couldnt run anymore, she had tripped and had dislocated her ankle. "I can'tGo! Go Damiengo without me" he looked ahead before turning back to carry her. He placed her on his left shoulder, holding her to himself by her waist. He tried to continue at his former pace but he couldnt. Im not running away. Im not Before he could finish his statement, he was ambushed from behindknocked out cold.

"Nooooooo! Eleanor shouted.

They were about to kill him when she said, "Don't touch him! Its an order!