Page 22 of Quest of Fools

The four bustled off, leaving Warf alone.He hastened up to his room, where… he really didn't have much to do.He'd just pulled his few clothes out of the wardrobe when Marian's personal servant came in with a sturdy-looking satchel and a bundle of fabric that proved to be more clothes."Tailor had a few of your things ready, so I went and fetched them for you, Lord Warf.Here, I'll get everything packed."

Warf tried to protest he could manage it on his own, but somehow found himself deftly removed, demoted to spectator.

He'd never been one for weapons, as they and the training were expensive, and there was little he couldn't accomplish with sheer size.He had his working knife, and a quick look around Marian's room provided two more that he had added to the satchel.

By the time he was ready and headed back downstairs, he could hear Rath's voice in the hallway.

As he reached them, he saw Rath, Isambard, and a tall, stately woman dressed in leather armor carrying a sword and bow.Her skin was dark, her eyes pale, and hair shaved so close to the scalp it was difficult to tell the color.She smiled and bowed slightly as he came into view, drawing the attention of the other two.

"Thank you for coming so quickly," Warf said."I'm sorry—"

"You've got nothing to apologize for, Warf.Come on, let's go talk to your adorable princesses, so you can make the most use of the daylight.This is Sergeant Viletti.She volunteered to accompany you when we explained the situation."

Folding a hand across her chest, Viletti said, "It is my honor to assist you, Lord Warf."

"I'm not actually a lord yet," Warf replied.If he wasn't able to rescue Marian and set all to rights, he might never be, but that was the least of his concerns, if it was a concern at all.

In the dining room, the girls looked to be just finishing breakfast."Daddy!Kalla said, throwing herself out of her seat and straight into his arms as he knelt to catch her up."You're here!"

Warf's eyes stung."Come on, my darlings, we need to talk."He kissed the top of Kalla's head, then Pika as she joined them.Zoen retrieved Rosi from her special chair, and together the whole group retreated to a parlor.Kneeling on the floor again, Warf took Kalla and Rosi's hands."Girls, I have to leave.I'm so sorry to do this to you, when I've already been gone so much, but Lord Marian is in trouble, and I have to go save him."

Pika had started crying at the word 'leave' and wasn't really listening anymore, but Kalla stared intently."Like in the book?"

Warf blinked."Book?"

"The book Miss Zoen reads to us, about the warrior who has to go save the kidnapped prince from the evil monster.It's my favorite.I can read some of the words on my own!"

Warf wanted to cry.Instead he swallowed and said, "Yes, exactly like that.I'll be back quick as I can, but I might be gone for a long time.Is that all right?"

Kalla sniffled but nodded."You'll come back?"

"I'll come back, and with Lord Marian, who gave us this beautiful house and your new clothes and toys and everything else.I promise.In the meantime, Rath will be here if you need him, as will his betrothed, Prince Isambard here.Can you say 'Hello, Your Highness.'"

Kalla's eyes widened as she stared at Isambard.Comforted by the presence of Warf and Rath, also likely Zoen, whom she already seemed fond of, she went to go shyly meet the handsome, beautiful prince who was clearly going to be her new favorite person in the world.

Warf smiled and rose, Pika in his arms, her tears slowly easing as she saw her sister was having fun without her.Maybe this would be all right, after all.His daughters were in good hands, he could focus entirely on getting to Marian.

He spent a little more time with them, until they seemed more than happy to take their new prince upstairs to show off all their toys.They'd probably be upset later, when it really struck them he was gone and not returning anytime soon, but if he could leave them on a happy note, he would call himself content.

Rath lingered as his betrothed was deftly taken away by little girls, hugging Warf tightly."Was my betrothed just kidnapped by children?"

"Yes, but I'm pretty certain they'll return him for toys or sweets, or at least a promise they can kidnap him again tomorrow.I did not anticipate he'd become the favorite, but looking back, I really should have.Evenyoucouldn't resist a pretty prince."

Rath laughed, cheeks turning faintly pink."Can't deny that.Get going, you.Be safe, come back alive, if only so I can get my prince back."

"Thank you again, Rath.I owe you more than I'll ever be able to repay."

"You don't owe me anything, you ass.Now go away."

Warf walked off laughing, lingering only to bid the servants farewell and thank them for doing so much while he and Marian were absent.With a parting promise he'd bring Marian home as quickly as he could, he followed Viletti out of the house and onto the street.Two horses waited for them, one of them so enormous that Warf almost felt small.She was a beauty, a dapple gray with white mane, tail, and feathering.She'd already been saddled, with bags attached and a place to put his satchel.When he swung up, she seemed to barely notice his weight."Beautiful horse."

"Prince Rath picked her especially for you, and said you're to keep her if you're inclined.I was told you'd likely never ridden before, but you seem to know your way."

"Of course Rath said I could keep her," Warf said with a faint smile."That brat.As to knowing how to ride… not really.But horses are often cargo that need unloading, and that can be… adventurous.So I've very limited experience.Thank you for coming with me, I know it can't be fun to be away from home for months and months, not even knowing when you'll return."

Viletti laughed."On the contrary, I've always enjoyed an adventure, my lord.Anyway, now my mother can't keep pushing me into marriage.Ha!"

Laughing with her, Warf fell in alongside her as they rode through High City, across the holy bridge and then through Low City, where a handful of people stared as they realized who he was.Warf waved to a few of them, but didn't slow or stop.

---