Chapter 1:

Lost But Not Forgotten

*Ten Years Later*

A wooden door opens and Joe steps outside. Wearing loose fitting leather clothes, he looks up at the horizon. Shielding his eyes from the sun. "Looks like its gonna be another beautiful day," he thinks aloud. He picks up the woven basket laying alongside the house. "Time to check on everyone."

The area in front the house is desolate, but he smiles as he turns the corner. "Good morning. Glad to see you survived the night without being eaten." Before him is a large garden filled with various plants and herbs. He glances to the right and sees three Elemental Deer with their fawns standing at the edge of the burnt forest. "Looks like I arrived just in time to save you."

Joe sets down his basket and walks the stone wall surrounding the area. "Nothing to repair today. Good." He notices a bunch of hoof prints circling the outside of the wall. Looking over at the deer, "This wasn't you guys. The Razor Boars must be in the area again. *sigh* They haven't found a way in yet, but their not gonna stop trying."

A shallow pond sits in the middle of the garden. Rice and watercress are growing along the surface. "Water level is starting to drop. Hope we get some rain soon." Joe takes off his boots and steps into the water. He picks weeds as he walks towards the center. Reaching a pole pushed into the mud, he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a mesh bag of dead bugs and worms. He pulls on a string attached to the pole, revealing an empty bag from the water. "Hungry little buggers," he exclaims about the small fish residing in the pond. After replacing the bag, Joe does a lap around the pond, pulling weeds as he goes.

*Mid day* *A sound catches his ear*

Joe looks in the direction of the sound and sees a horse-drawn carriage approaching in the distance.

"That peculiar. It's been 10 years since anyone's traveled through here." He watches as the carriage approaches. "Maybe they are lost or were attacked. I guess I'm finally getting some visitors." Joe leaves the pond and walks towards the front of the house.

"Hmmm. Four mounted soldiers traveling with them on horseback. Nice pair of horses and the carriage almost looks new. No damage. Maybe a Noble just passing through."

The carriage swings around so that the door faces the house. The Royal Linarian Seal is printed on the door. "Curious," Joe says under his breath. The driver pulls on the reins and the horses come to a stop. The four soldiers ride up beside the carriage. Two on either side of Joe.

A female soldier speaks, "Are you the one known as Joe?"

"Yes," replies Joe. "May I ask who you are and what brings you so far from the Capital?"

"We are the Royal Elite," says the female soldier. "We are escorting someone who wants to speak with you." The female soldier dismounts her horse and walks to the carriage door. *knock knock* "We have arrived."

The carriage door opens and all of the soldiers bow their heads. A beautiful young woman emerges and smiles at Joe.

"It has been far too long, my dearest friend," she says with a smile.

Joe smiles. "Hello, Princess Vesper. It has indeed been far too long and you have definitely grown since the last time I saw you."

Vesper smiles. "It is Queen Vesper now. Father passed away during the winter and I just finished the Coronation Ceremony."

Joe's smile fades. "My condolences to you and your mother. He was a good man and King. He always knew what was important."

Vesper nods. "I'll try to live up to the standards he set before me."

"You will without a doubt be a good Queen," says Joe with a smile. "Would you mind introducing your companions?"

"This is @snowy. She is Captain of the Royal Elite and my bodyguard," Vesper gestures towards Snowy.

Snowy nods, but it is obvious that she doesn't want to be there. "These three are handpicked by me to help protect Queen Vesper." Snowy motions towards the other soldiers. "@Advait0007, @Sabashiii and @Luan."

"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," Joe says. "Please dismount and relax. There are no major threats around here."

Snowy says under her breathe, "Maybe not from the beasts..."

Vesper raises her hand cutting her off. "You can relax, Snowy. Joe has been a part of my life since birth. I know who he is. You and the others can start setting up camp. We'll return to the Capital tomorrow."

"The Queen and her bodyguards should not be sleeping in tents while they are my guests," Joe interjects. "My cabin is yours to use. It might not have all of the comforts, but it is better than sleeping on the ground."

Vesper smiles, "I knew you would say that and I accept your offer, Joe."

"We don't need such accommodations." Snowy motions to the soldiers. "The tents will be just fine for us."

"As you wish," Joe replies. "Wood is a long ways away for a campfire, so I will provide the meals for everyone, as my guests."

Before Snowy could reply. "We would be happy to join you for dinner and breakfast tomorrow," Vesper states.

"Indeed," replies Snowy not so happily. "Is it customary to walk around here barefoot? I would hate to be rude."

Vesper and Joe both look down at the mud covering Joe's lower legs. "Oops. I guess I forgot to put my boots back on after working in the pond. I saw you coming and got sidetracked," Joe laughs.

Vesper covers her mouth as she laughs.

"No, Snowy. It's not customary to walk around barefoot and covered in mud here," Joe smiles.

Joe offers Vesper his arm and she accepts. They walk towards the garden, with Snowy following behind. After touring the garden and retrieve his boots, Joe leads them back to the cabin.

Snowy glances inside the cabin. The interior of the cabin is sparsely furnished. There is a fireplace with a kitchen area, a table with a few chairs and two doors leading to separate rooms. Snowy nods towards Vesper, then returns to the others, helping to set up camp.

Vesper and Joe enter the cabin.

"So this is how my friend and the savior of the kingdom has been living for the past ten years," Vesper sounds a bit disappointed.

"I don't need much and I don't get any visitors," Joe replies. "How did you know where to find me? I figured only two people knew where I was exactly. The driver who brought me here and your father. His untimely death answers my question about why I stopped receiving Messenger Pidgeons from him."

"Father took very good care of the driver and he was sworn to secrecy," Vesper recalls as she walks around the room. "I also knew that father was secretly sending you messages. He sent them regularly and when I asked about them, he said it was a national secret and forbid me from ever mentioning it again. He got sick at the beginning of this past winter and his health declined during the cold months. A few days before he passed, he summoned me to his chambers and finally explained everything to me. I knew that you never abandoned us, but it hurt not knowing the truth. I secretly resented him for that."

Vesper stops in front of a medium-sized carved statue. She reaches up and touches a smooth face carved from the wood. Crystal's face, as she playfully sits on Nietzsche's shoulder, her elbow on his head with her head in her hand. Her legs is propped up on Pasfon's shoulder, who is holding Xena up in his free arm, like a chair.

"Every detail is perfect," says Vesper. "You captured who they truly were. They're so life-like."

"Close, but not close enough," Joe sighs.

"I know, but a million times better than the ones constructed outside the Royal Tombs honoring them," Vesper sighs. Memories of her childhood playing with them return.

"Come on. It will be sunset in a few hours. Help me gather some food from the garden and we'll prepare dinner together." Joe places his hand on Vesper's shoulder.

Vesper turns away from the statue. She looks at Joe with a forced smile. They both grab a basket as they exit the cabin.

Chapter 2:

Nighttime Raiders

*Sunset*

Snowy and the Royal Elite are milling around outside, checking their equipment and trying to stay busy.

Joe sticks his head out the door. "Dinner's ready, everyone."

"Good. I'm famished," says Sabashiii.

The four soldiers enter the cabin and find a table covered with food. There are only 3 chairs, but there were 2 crates and a barrel are set up as makeshift chairs.

"Looks like you got a little carried away with cooking, " says Advait.

Joe laughs. "Don't look at me. Vesper prepared everything herself. My task was to find enough seats for everyone and to figure out what she can use as platters for the food. She wouldn't let me help with the cooking."

"Someone seems to be enjoying herself," Luan says with a sly smile.

"I don't know what you are talking about," Vesper replies with a smile. "I am just so happy to have found Joe, that I got a little carried away. I figured a little celebration was needed."

"Mhm," Luan grins.

"Ladies, the chairs are yours. The guys and I will make due with what's left." Joe motions toward the table.

Everyone chooses at seat and gives praise to the large assortment of food sitting in front of them.

"It's getting a bit dark in here," remarks Sabashiii. "I don't want Advait taking advantage and stealing food off my plate."

Advait quickly stabs a potato on Sabashiii's plate and eats it. "I don't need the cover of darkness. You're just to slow to defend it properly," Advait laughs.

"I am not too slow." Sabashiii tries stabbing a piece of meat on Advait's plate, but Advait easily deflects Sabashiii's fork with his knife.

"Control yourselves you two," Snowy says.

"Yes, ma'am," reply Sabashiii and Advait at the same time.

"Maybe this will help." Joe holds out is hand and 4 white orbs appear. They rise into the air and separate. Hovering over the table and illuminating the room.

"I don't remember seeing you use magic," Vesper exclaims.

"Crystal was slowly teaching me the basics," Joe replies. "It was very rudimentary then, but I have had plenty of time to practice and there's nothing to accidentally damage out here."

Snowy doesn't seem pleased with what she is seeing and hearing.

"This boar meat tastes amazing," exclaims Advait. "It tastes fresh. Not cured or smoked, but I didn't see any evidence of you hunting recently."

"No. I hunted this boar a few months ago. I stored it in what I call an 'ice box'." Joe points to a large upright box. "The meat and vegetables stay fresh in there longer because magic helps it remain cold."

"I've never heard of such a thing," Luan speaks up.

"It is something I created myself," replies Joe. "I freeze most of the meat, then thaw it out when I want to cook it. There's a barrier around the box to keep the cold inside and the warmth out."

"Interesting," says Advait. "I'd like to check it out later."

"We'll be heading back early tomorrow," Snowy cuts in. "That means an early night tonight, Advait. You will have to satisfy your curiosity another day."

"Yes, Ma'am," said Advait.

Vesper looks at her plate and pushes around some food. "Actually, the purpose of my trip was to bring Joe back to the Capital..."

"Seriously!" Snowy blurts out. Slamming her fork on the table.

"But I have been banished to this land for the good of the Linarian Kingdom," Joe adds.

"I am Queen now and I overturn the banishment," Vesper says sternly, while looking at Snowy. Vesper turns to Joe. "Things are changing in the Kingdom and I want my dearest friend back."

Joe inhales deeply. "Can I think about it tonight?"

Vesper nods. The sound of silverware as Advait, Sabashiii and Luan keep eating. Pretending that they don't hear a thing.

*A loud crash from outside*

"What was that?" Luan asks.

Joe sighs and looks annoyed. "I guess they have returned."

"Who?" asks Luan.

"Razor Boars," Joe says as he gets up from the table. "I noticed some tracks outside the garden wall this morning."

"Are you serious?" Asks Sabashiii.

"It takes a group just to kill one," Advait exclaims. "How many do you think there are?"

"I saw two sets of tracks this morning," Joe looks out the window. "I don't see them around your tents. The crash must have been them breaking through the garden wall."

Snowy gets up. "Rush to your tents and grab your weapons everyone. Queen Vesper, please stay in the cabin."

"Most definitely," Vesper replies, looking a little pale.

"This wouldn't be fun to begin with, but I ate too much. I'll suffer from my gluttony later," Sabashiii remarks as all four soldiers run outside to their tents.

Joe stands in the doorway. Watching and listening.

"Don't let them get injured," Vesper says. She's still sitting at the table.

Joe looks back at her. "As you wish. Try not to worry. I won't let anything happen to them. I need to borrow some of the orbs. Be right back." Joe waves his hand and three of the orbs follow him outside.

Everyone meets up with Joe in front of the door. Advait and Sabashiii arrive with spears resting on their shoulders. Snowy and Luan return with their swords.

"Everyone ready? Follow me." Joe grabs a wooden pole that is leaning against the cabin.

The group walk around the corner of the cabin and see the gates to the garden splintered and laying on the ground. Grunting sounds coming from within. They all walk forward quietly. Weapons ready. Joe casts the orbs out to illuminate the area. They see plants tramped and broken on the ground. Everyone looks around.

The light falls on something moving. A creature roughly the height of a man. A bulky body covered with hair. Twice as long as it is tall. It's head low to the ground, eating the fruits and vegetables laying there. Two long tusks come out of its mouth and curve towards each other in front of its snout. Each one measuring an arm length. A row of sharp spines run down the center of its back from head to tail.

Snowy nods her head. Advait and Sabashiii charge towards the beast quickly, but silently. Pushing their spears forward, they pierce the hindquarters of the boar. A loud squeal of pain and the boar quickly turns towards its attackers.

Sabashiii and Advait jump backwards to avoid the tusks.

"Man, their hide is tough. We barely broke through it," Advait exclaims.

"Stay on your toes," Sabashiii remarks. We have to keep it distracted, so Snowy and Luan can get close with their swords."

Advait and Sabashiii dive out of the way as the boar charges between them. It stops abruptly. Barking at them and shaking its head back and forth.

"You're not so tough," shouts Sabashiii, as he jabs his spear towards the boar's neck.

The boar swings its head and blocks the spear with its tusk. While the boar is distracted, Advait thrusts his spear forward. Stabbing the boar in the ribs.

Squeallllll

"No you don't." Sabashiii stabs the boar in the ribs, on the other side, as the boar turns to confront Advait. "Whenever you ladies are ready. A little help would be nice."

Sabashiii steps to the side, as the boar rears up and tries to stomp on him.

Snowy and Luan have been circling the battle. Waiting for an opportunity.

The boar's front legs crash to the ground and narrowly miss Advait and Sabashiii. Snowy jumps in and slashes at the ribs. Making Sabashiii's cut bigger.

Squuueal

Snowy retreats to a safe distance.

Luan rushes in and slices the back legs. Hoping to slow the boar's movements. Then she retreats.

The boar stares at its assailants. Its breath visible in the night air. It growls and shakes its head. The tusks throwing dirt from side to side. Advait and Sabashiii cover their faces. Now! The boar rears up in front of Advait.

Sabashiii rushes in. Pushing Advait out of the way and taking his spear. Sabashiii raises up both spears and slams the ends of them into the ground. The tips pointed upwards. Sabashiii dives out of the way as the boar crashes back down. The spears push deep into its chest from its own weight.

The boar let's out a piercing squeal and stumbles as it tries to stay upright. Luan and Snowy dash in and slice the front legs.

Unable to stay standing, the boar falls to its knees and rolls onto its side. Snowy walks up and pushes he sword deep into the wound she opened before. Pushing her sword deeper and deeper until only the hilt is all that could be seen. The boar exhales one last time.

"Well that was a little easier than expected," Sabashiii says, as he tries to catch his breath. "One down and unfortunately, one to go."

"Where's the other one?" Asks Luan.

"I don't know," says Advait.

Advait's eyes widen as he looks behind Snowy. The other boar is charging and almost on top of her. Advait opens his mouth to yell. Snowy turns and sees the boar only a few feet away. Fear takes ahold of her.

A loud crack pierces the night air and the boar falls to the ground. It's tusks inches away from Snowy. She looks down and sees blood coming out of its nose and a big dent in its forehead. Joe lifts the wooden pole he was carrying from the boar's head.

"That was too close for comfort," Joe sighs. "Vesper would have killed me. Is everyone alright?"

Everyone just stands there staring at Joe in confusion.

"I'll take that as a yes," Joe chuckles. "That was the last of them. Let's return to the cabin. I'll make some tea and you all can unwind before going to bed."

"It has been a rough night so far. I would feel better if we all stayed in the cabin tonight. It would be a bit safer than our tents, I think," Luan suggests.

"If that is what you all want, it is perfectly fine with me," Joe replies. "You can spread your bed rolls out on the floor."

The four of them look at each other and slowly nod. The group leaves the garden, gathers up their sleeping gear and head into the cabin for the remainder of the night.

Chapter 3:

Returning Home:

*Late morning*

Joe secures a wooden sign on the cabin door.

"This cabin is dedicated to My Family. Their calling was to protect others and they gave everything they had"

"Not very poetic, but it'll do," Joe thinks.

Joe turns away and walks towards the carriage. Advait and Sabashiii are loading the last few crates onto the back of the carriage. Luan and Snowy are packing their belongings onto the horses.

"Sorry to keep you all waiting, " says Joe.

"Don't worry about it," Snowy replies. "I didn't know that you would be joining us originally and last night's excitement was unexpected. It is only natural that we are departing later than I wanted."

"Everything's ready and secured," Advait says. "If we leave now, then we should be back to the Capital tomorrow afternoon."

"That's fine," Vesper says. "I didn't expect us to travel all night to get back faster."

Joe looks back at the cabin one last time. He says a quiet goodbye.

"Alright. Let's go home," Snowy remarks.

Joe and Vesper climb into the carriage. The driver flicks the reigns and the carriage starts to move. The Royal Elite following close behind.

*several hours pass*

"You've been quiet, Joe. What's on your mind?" Vesper asks.

"Kinda nervous, I guess," Joe replies. "It's been ten years since I've seen the Capital and interacted with people. I don't know how much has changed or if I will fit in very well."

"I understand," says Vesper. "You have had to learn to do everything yourself and haven't had any visitors. I'll tell you this, though. The Joe I know really hasn't changed much. You are still warm, welcoming and rather talkative. The Capital hasn't changed much either. The young replace the old and they try to hold onto what they have. The Nobles don't really want change."

Joe nods his head. "As usual, I overthink things and cause myself to worry."

Vesper smiles. "I'm sure that won't change either."

"Truth." Vesper and Joe laugh. "What should I expect when we arrive though?" asks Joe. "Should I change my name?"

"That won't be necessary," Vesper replies. "Most of the Nobles have never heard of you. You got to remember, many of them were very young when you were banished."

"I guess you're right," Joe nods. "Snowy has definitely heard of me though and she isn't afraid to show that she dislikes me. May I ask why she feels this way? She seems to be younger than you. How did she rise to such a position and become your personal bodyguard?"

Vesper looks out the carriage window and sees Snowy riding a short distance away. Her head swiveling back and forth, keeping an eye out for trouble.

"Evening is approaching, we will be setting up camp soon and it is a long story. I'll summarize it for you tomorrow," Vesper says. "It will help the time pass for us."

"As you wish, your Majesty." Joe smiles.

*An hour passes*

The carriage and soldiers stop in a small clearing. A small forest borders one side and a stream on the other.

There is a knock on the carriage door. "We will make camp here tonight, Queen Vesper," says Snowy through the door.

Joe opens the door and is the first to exit the carriage. He holds out is hand and Vesper takes it as she exits the carriage.

"This place looks beautiful," Vesper remarks as she looks at the flowers spread along the bank of the stream.

"We are not far from the western outpost," Snowy replies. "This road doesn't see many travelers, so it is safe from bandits."

"That's reassuring," says Vesper. "I never really understood why people would harm and steal from other people to begin with. The Kingdom has always tried to help those in need."

Joe and Snowy look at each other.

"Unfortunately, Vesper, there are those who relish seeing others suffer, those who will always try to do things the "easy" way and others just trying to survive," Joe states. "Nothing is guaranteed in this world."

Vesper frowns.

"Is there anything I can do to help set up camp?" Joe asks Snowy.

"No. We can manage," Snowy replies. "We have a routine and it's quite efficient. Sorry we don't have a spare tent for you."

"That's alright," Joe says. "I can easily sleep by the campfire."

Snowy joins the others. She is right. They are quite efficient. Advait and Sabashiii have one tent already set up and Luan is busy getting a fire going and collecting firewood. The driver unharnesses the horses and leads them towards the stream. They start to graze on the fresh green grass.

"If only life was always this simple and pleasant," Vesper remarks. She grabs a pail and walks to the stream to gather water.

Joe walks across the clearing and into the forest. The songs of birds ring from almost every tree. He closes his eyes, stands motionless and enjoys the songs he has not heard for many years. Memories of better days flooding back to him.

*A faint snap of a branch breaking*

Joe looks in the direction of the noise and sees a shadow disappear through the trees. He walks over to where he last saw it. Faint footprints are left in the soil. "This wasn't an accident," Joe thinks. He bends over and picks up a small item laying on the ground. He examines it and rolls it in his fingers. "This is interesting. I haven't been back for one day and she is already watching me," Joe smiles. He puts it in his pocket.

Joe continues to meander through the forest and returns to camp as the sun starts dipping behind the hills. Vesper is keeping herself busy maintaining the fire and cooking dinner for everyone. Snowy and the Royal Elite are a short distance away practicing their hand to hand combat.

"You know, Queens aren't supposed to be getting their hands dirty," Joe smiles.

"I do enjoy cooking," Vesper replies. "I am not allowed to do it very often anymore and it helps me to relax."

"Something smells good," says Sabashiii. Joe and Vesper look and see everyone returning from their training.

"Well it isn't me," Luan laughs. "I need to go clean up before dinner."

"Same," replies Snowy.

"Ladies first," says Advait. "Sabashiii and I will wash after dinner."

"You both are always putting your stomachs first," Luan laughs.

"If Vesper keeps cooking, I vote that we travel more often," Sabashiii smiles.

"I second that, but I don't think my wife would enjoy me being gone for long periods of time," Advait pats Sabashiii on the shoulder.

"No offense, but your wife is a horrible cook," Sabashiii laughs. "Vesper is like a gourmet chef in comparison."

"You flatter me, Sabashiii, but you know I cannot just drop my responsibilities and travel endlessly," laughs Vesper.

"Advait, Sabashiii, go clean up," Snowy says sternly.

"Yes, ma'am," they both reply. Both of them still arguing about Advait's wife's cooking as they walk away. Snowy and Luan head in the opposite direction.

"Interesting company you keep, Vesper," Joe smiles.

*30 minutes later*

Everyone returns and Vesper has dinner waiting for them. Everyone lines up with their plates. Ready and waiting.

Snowy looks at Advait and Sabashiii. "Alright guys, what happened?"

Advait and Sabashiii are completely soaked from head to toe.

Advait glances at Sabashiii, who is staring up at the sky. "Our, um, discussion got a little out of control and we both ended up in the stream."

Snowy looks at Sabashiii. He's still looking up, avoiding eye contact.

"I hope the water cooled you both off, so the rest of us might enjoy a peaceful night. But after we return, I think a nice twenty mile run will help burn off your extra energy," she says sternly.

"It will help," Advait replies.

Sabashiii just nods.

Everyone sits around the campfire and enjoys their dinner. Very little talking is going on between them. Except for the occasional laughter whenever Sabashiii praises Vesper's cooking.

Joe helps Vesper clean up after everyone is finished eating.

"Perhaps you should consider a career change," Joe laughs.

Vesper glances over her shoulder at everyone around the fire. From his gestures, Sabashiii must be tell another of his stories. "It's a little too late for that," Vesper smiles. "It is nice when I can do something that actually makes people happy."

"It is a good feeling," Joe replies.

"Alright, everyone," Snowy says as she stands up. "Time to get some sleep. I'll take the first watch, then Sabashiii, Luan and finally Advait."

"Actually. Can I have the first watch?" asks Sabashiii. "I am a fool and I ate too much again. If I lay down now, then I will be done for the night."

"Alright," says Snowy. "We'll switch shifts. Just don't accidentally fall asleep on us."

"I won't," Sabashiii replies. "I'll keep moving around to help digestion and stay awake."

Vesper, Snowy, Advait and Luan head to their tents. Joe unrolls his bed roll at the edge of the light from the fire. The driver wanders back to the horses, sits on the ground and leans against a tree. It doesn't take long before the night air is filled with everyone's steady breathing.

*Morning arrives*

"Joe, wake up." Advait puts his hand on Joe's shoulder. Joe slowly opens his eyes. "Is everything alright. I saw something moving through the shadows just before daybreak."

"Did you happen to see what it was?" Joe covers his mouth as he yawns.

"Not really," says Advait. "It looked human, but it moved very fast and stayed in the shadows."

"I am alright," Joe replies. "You should check the camp and make sure we weren't robbed."

"I didn't see it anywhere else, but I will double check everything." Advait turns and walks away. Checking the tents and carriage for any sign of intruders.

Joe gets up and starts to pack up his bed roll. Something falls onto the ground. Joe reaches and picks it up. A big smile on his face. "You just couldn't resist could you." He puts it with the item he found yesterday.

Joe wanders over to the campfire as Advait finishes his rounds.

"I don't see any other signs of an intruder entering the camp," Advait reports.

"Then it is probably nothing that we need to worry about," Joe says. "It could have been a wild animal just wandering through or the shadows playing tricks on your eyes. Don't worry about it and I don't think there is a need to alert the others."

Advait nods.

"What do we have to cook for breakfast?" Joe asks. "Since I am awake, I might as well prepare it. Besides. If Sabashiii eats much more of Vesper's cooking, then his horse might mutiny."

"That's true! Our twenty mile run tomorrow will help with the weight he gained during the trip," Advait laughs loudly. "We have some eggs and bread mix in one of these crates. I think there was some meat still remaining, too."

Joe makes breakfast while Advait helps the driver reharness the horses and getting them reattached to the carriage. Snowy and Vesper wake up and slowly stroll to the campfire.

"Good morning, ladies. How did you sleep? Coffee?" Joe asks bringing over two cups and a coffee pot.

:Yes please," they both reply. "It was a restful night."

"Glad to hear," Joe says. Pouring coffee into the cups and handing them to Snowy and Vesper. "Sorry, Vesper. I took the liberty of making breakfast. I figured that Snowy will want to get started as soon as possible."

"I told you that I don't get to cook very often," says Vesper, with a bit of sadness in her voice.

"I know. And you will have all day to remind me again," Joe smiles.

"I definitely will," Vesper has a slight grin.

Advait wanders over to the group. "The horses are ready to go. All we need to do is pack up camp after breakfast."

"Go wake up those two sleepy heads," Snowy tells him.

Advait walks away with a mischievous grin.

"Nicely," Snowy shouts.

Advait doesn't turn around. He gives Snowy a thumbs up.

*A few seconds later*

"STOP POKING ME, ADVAIT! I'M AWAKE!" Sabashiii shouts.

"WELL GET OUT OF BED! I NEED HELP WITH LUAN!" Advait shouts back.

Snowy sighs and lowers her head while shaking it.

"Skills are important, but comradery and chemistry are more important," Joe states. "Knowing the people around you allows you to predict what they will do and when the moment arrives, the people you trust most are the ones you want standing beside you."

Advait and Sabashiii come over. They are each carrying an end of Luan's bed roll. Luan is still fast asleep. "She refuses to get up," Advait says as he and Sabashiii flip the bed roll over and dump Luan on the ground.

"OUCH! You don't have to be so rough. I just wanted a few more minutes of sleep," Luan complains. "Oh. Good morning, Snowy. Good morning, Vesper." Luan looks at Snowy. "I guess I'll be keeping these two company on tomorrow's run."

Snowy nods.

Everyone eats the breakfast and packs up the camp with very few incidents. Everyone seems to want to return home before it gets too late. Advait, Luan and Sabashiii are tallking about the things they will do when they return.

"You promised to tell me about Snowy," Joe reminds Vesper.

"Yes I did," Vesper begins. "Snowy is the eldest daughter of the Névé family. They are a Noble family that were closely aligned with my father. Our fathers discussed the situation ten years ago and decided it was best to banish you inorder to protect the Kingdom and to help keep the crown in father's possession. During these discussions, neither of them noticed Snowy hiding in the corner of the room. She heard everything that the scouts and soldiers had found, while also listening to everyone putting the pieces together to discover what had happened. She knows more than I do about what was found."

"Children who aren't supposed to be seen or heard isn't the best way to raise a child, in my opinion. But I am not a parent either. My opinions carry very little weight," Joe says.

"That philosophy is true for many Noble families," Vesper continues. "Wait in the background until you are summoned or asked something."

Joe motions with his hand for Vesper to continue.

"Snowy's father was an esteemed general in the army, so Snowy learned hand to hand combat and how to handle weapons from a young age. I had very few interactions with her when we were little. Mostly just dinner parties, where we were expected to be on our best behavior. After you were banished, she and her family spent more time at the castle handling rumors, conjectures and accusations from the other less loyal Nobles. That is when Snowy and I started to get to know each other and hang out more. She would get upset when I would talk about you in the kindest ways. I knew you for who you were and she only knew who you were from eavesdropping. I didn't know she knew things about you that I didn't and sometimes we would have major arguments. I went to the Royal Academy and Snowy was enrolled in the Military Academy. Her father got her accepted despite being two years too young. She was the top student in her class in Academics, Strategy and Combat. While also winning the tournaments hosted by the military. Everyone was calling her a prodigy and the new hero. She kept getting invitations from various military branches, wealthy nobles and businessmen for her services. The winter before we both graduated, she asked me for advice. She told me about her numerous proposals for employment, but she wanted a life which allows her to accomplish things and make a name for herself. So I created the Royal Elite and offered her command as my bodyguard. I let her choose the other members. She didn't hesitate at accepting my offer. After graduation, she officially accepted the assignment. That would be four years ago now. She has done a wonderful job, but since I was made Queen, I can see that she is more stressed."

"That is to be expected," Joe nods. "Even though there are castle guards, the pressure she feels has increased tenfold."

"Yes and once she gets to know the real you, I think she will be relieved in knowing that she doesn't have to do everything herself," Vesper states.

"I'll do what I can," Joe assures Vesper.

They both sit in silence for an hour.

"Before I forget," Joe starts. "I have a strong feeling that you will have a visitor soon."

"What do you mean?" Vesper asks.

Joe opens up a pocket in his bag. He feels around and pulls out the two items he picked up. He hands them to Vesper.

"I found these while we camped for the night," Joe states. "One was in the woods while I want for a walk. The other fell out of my bed roll when I was packing it this morning."

Vesper takes the two items and looks at them in her hand. One is a silver coin with the emblem of evenly balanced scales on one side and a crown on the other. The other item was a bronze broach. It was shaped into a flower. A lily to be exact.

Vesper bursts out laughing. "Uh oh. She found you."

Joe has a big smile on his face. "She has her ways of knowing where I am. I don't know what I am going to do with that woman. It looks like the cat and mouse game begins once again."

Vesper hands both items back to Joe and he puts them back in his bag.

"It seems as if I should find a way to negotiate for your freedom," Vesper continues to laugh.

Joe smiles, "Good luck. She won't let me go that easily."

"No she will not, but I promise to do my best," Vesper can't hold back her laughter.

"Thanks. You filled me will confidence." Joe joins Vesper in laughing at what is to come.

CHAPTERS 4-6:

https://www.chess.com/clubs/forum/view/the-unwanted-hero-chapters-4-6-1

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