The Lost Hero - Chapter 7

Juen hoped her worry did not show as she waited for the Champion. Ninan stood at her stirrup, ready to boost her into the saddle. The boy and Athus stood across the stable yard, speaking in low voices.

Athus gripped Ero’s shoulders, gaze searching the boy’s face. Ero smiled and Athus pulled him close. Ero’s hands gripped the fabric of Athus’ tunic, his face turned to hide in the man’s shoulder.

Juen fussed with the set of her cuffs, blinking a speck of dust from her eye. A few moments later, the Champion’s boots crunched over the gravel.

“All is ready, your majesty?”

“Yes, Champion.”

But his people did not let him go so easily. His fellow soldiers came to say their farewells, with much handshaking and back thumping. Firn brought him a cloth bundle. He peered between the folds.

“To remember who you are,” she said, reaching up to stroke his cheek. He kissed her forehead and tucked the package away in a saddle bag.

Enon was indignant. “You promised to teach me to shoot from horseback this summer.” He glared up at the Champion, lip quivering.

Ero squatted to be eye-to-eye with the boy. “I have to do this, Enon.”

“Why?” Juen barely heard the whisper over the noise of the others. “I want you to stay. Skeri, I promise to be good.”

“Enon, unon’si.” Juen was surprised at the gentleness. “I will come home. I promise.”

Enon nodded, mouth twisted to stop his tears.

“I’m relying on you to look after Athus while I am gone. Go to your lessons. Mind your teachers.”

Enon’s brow wrinkled in a rebellious frown. Ero saw and grinned.

“Davin is to start your training.”

Enon opened his eyes wide. “But, I am not ten until next harvest!”

“Athus and I feel you are ready. If you mind your lessons.”

“I will! I swear it, Ero!”

Ero laughed as Enon skipped with joy. The servants, the guards, there seemed to be no end to it. Firn even brought Juen a small parting gift.

“The rest of the azual,” she said, handing over the small box of sandalwood. She dropped a wink. “For your true wedding bath.”

Juen accepted it gracefully and discretely kicked Ninan when he chuckled.