Snippet #2093115

The blur of events replayed in Kenni's mind. The priest questioning her from under his long auburn beard, the skeptical townsfolk who used to praise any message from the Skyes ridiculing her and her supposed greed for fame, the royal adviser listening with the utmost astonished of expressions, and finally here she was, standing before His Majesty himself. King Jar was a humble man of drink and religion and she had met with him once before, but she had been younger and with a group. Now, she stood alone, wrapped in her finest deep blue cloak, hood drawn up and red waves spilling out the sides to shield her face just the slightest bit.

She did not feel she had to hide, the ridicule she had received was simply disheartening, as if the people around her had suddenly betrayed everything they claimed to believe. How could it be so simple for them to cast away their source of happiness and fortune to tear down a simple girl from the cathedral.

King Jar studied Kenni closely, deep red eyebrows pulled together. He was a handsome mountain man, burly and eyes full of life. There was no doubt that he gave himself fully to the Skye's and their wills, but there was hesitation in his expression. Kenni stood straighter, mouth a thin line.

"This task is rather...large...for a young girl."

"Yet I have been tasked to it," she responded at once, the booming voice of the Skyes echoing within her chest. "I had your same doubts, My Lord. But the Skye was persistent."

"You cannot have me believe you wish to complete this journey on your own!"

Kenni shrugged once, gaze falling to the ground to the red and gold carpet at her feet. "It is far and treacherous. I would ask for aid, but it is not my place. The Skyes tasked me for this journey and I cannot ask anyone else to complete it. The dangers alone would frighten any soldier."

The King nodded. "Dangers, yes. Dangers you cannot handle alone."

Kenni remained silent, not replying due to pride.

Again the King studied her and soon a smile broke out on his face, one of admiration. "You are very strong, dear girl. Daniels! Send word down the mountain to Mandor and anyone else you can reach. They have plenty of men. And announce to the people that I will be funding this journey, as in gold, that should get a few volunteers as well."

His eyes twinkled as he stood and strode to Kenni. "The Skyes may have tasked only you on this mission, Kenni. But I will be damned if I allowed you to fail. You will have the finest men. Such a journey...you must complete. For all our sakes."

The seriousness behind his friendly demeanor hit Kenni hard. Yes, it was important. If she failed, the Spawn would be unleashed on the world again. She could not and would not allow such to happen. Nearly shaking with fear of the unknown and anticipation to prove herself to the Skyes, she hugged the King close without thinking, arms tight and hardly able to fit around him. He chuckled and waved off his guard, hugging her back and giving her more assuring words. She felt confident now, with the King on her side. Despite having only had one other audience with him, she admired his character and how he handled his kingdom and people. He was the father figure she wished she had had. Then she thought of her nurse and felt an even deeper sadness. She would have to leave him as well.

But for now she put on a smile and stood straight again, pushing her hair out of her face. "You have no reason to worry, Your Majesty."