Wagon

(story continues from Sophira 2) Part Three “You want me to do what?” At the anger in the young Queen’s voice, the two with her stepped back slightly. “Your Majesty,” said the woman facing her, “please try to understand. We have to sneak you into the city. Duke Korza’s men will no doubt be watching every gate.” The woman paused. “Sophira,” she finally said, “trust us.” Sophira gazed at the other woman, her glare softening slightly. “Jenna,” she replied, “I would trust you with my life. But I thought we were trying to put me back on the throne. How can entering the city as a slave do that?” ...

(story continues from The Bronze Horse 12) Part 13 The next morning Mato and Minnie were getting me ready for the trip into town. Fred came up and said “I want you to use our two older mares at the back as breakers, next the two new mares in front of them and then Bronze at the very front. This layout will help train the new mares to be in harness”. ...

Part One At long last, the day had arrived. In the palace, men cursed and sweated as they moved heavy, ornate furniture, while women and girls dashed about, cleaning and dusting nearly anything that wasn’t moving. In the kitchen, the great ovens, cold for the first time in years, now echoed with the sounds of shovels and rakes removing piles of ash and partially burnt wood. Over all hung the smells of cleaners and fresh paint. ...

(story continues from Homecoming) Part Two “Are you harmed?” Sabelina shook her head slightly, barely moving her mane of raven hair. “You?” Isolda’s head shook just as slightly. “These ropes are very tight, though.” Isolda sat at the base of a tree, her ankles crossed and bound together with rough cord. With her arms bent behind her and bound forearm to forearm, she could only squirm fitfully. Sabelina wore identical bonds, as did Emeric. Emeric, however, remained clothed, while the two women sat naked. ...

(story continues from Homecoming 2) Part Three With their bonds removed, the three captives rode with somewhat greater comfort, despite the swaying of the wagon. After a time, Isolda dozed off. From the other seat, Emeric watched as she lay with her head pillowed in Sabelina’s lap. There was a strangely gentle look in Sabelina’s eyes as her hand gently stroked the other woman’s hair. “Your Highness….” Sabelina glanced up, her eyes suddenly flashing. At this, Emeric paused. “You seem to care for her greatly,” he finally said. ...

“Your Majesty, I must protest….” “Enough.” Sophira, recently ascended to the throne, sighed. “My decision is made I will accept no further arguments on the matter.” “Your father would not rule so.” Sophira sighed again. “I,” she said, “am not my father. And I will not base my rule on what I might think he would do, but on what I think is best for my people. All of my people, Korza, not just you and the other noble families.” ...