The Curse of Thir
Chapter 24

“Then why haven’t you been going too your classes since I’ve been here?” Xylee walked with Naveen in the stables, the horse whined and snorted in excitement.

“I’m the Princess, if I don’t want to go I don’t have to.”

“But why wouldn’t you want too?” Xylee was baffled by Naveens lack of interest in learning.

“Because.” She pouted in a spoilt manner. Xylee wanted to ask again but was unsure whether it would be ok to press the matter. Naveen sighed when she saw her face become anxious.

“You can say whatever you want Xylee, we’re friends. But I know what you want to ask.” She held an apple out to Xylee who took it and bit into it; Naveen took out hers and gave it to a chestnut coloured horse. Xylee looked at her apple with a portion of it missing and gave it to a rather large and hungry looking tanned horse.

“I didn’t want to go because I didn’t want to leave you alone. I was having fun and I didn’t want to spoil it with learning things from Gelnane or any other of those old fools.”

“But isn’t learning fun?” When Xylee had overheard children talk about their days at school whilst being tucked into warm beds at night by loving parents, she found the sound of it exciting and fun.

“I guess, sometimes it can be fun. But I’m the only one they teach, so I get lonely at not having anyone to share it with.” She turned and smiled. “But now, I’ve have a friend to learn and share things with, now it’ll be far more fun.” It was the second day since the king had thanked Xylee and offered her the opportunity to study with the princess. Today Naveen had requested that Xylee be taught to ride a horse, which meant that they would be able to leave the castle and the grounds for the first time since her arrival, with an escort of course.

“So you’ve really never ridden a horse before?”

“No never. Does a mule count?”

“Perhaps you could count it as a form of experience but not really, horses are stronger, faster and a lot taller.” Naveen stroked the chestnut horse on its neck, she really seemed happy to be around them. “But you know how to treat and act around horses’ right?”

“Oh yes, I groomed all the horses of the Dreag, although theirs didn’t look nearly as healthy as this lot.”

A highly excited voice surprised Xylee.

“Ah if it isn’t Princess Naveen and her heroine friend!” It belonged to a young lean foreign looking gentleman who approached quickly.

“Clanece! It’s been awhile!” Naveen walked swiftly towards him and was embraced warmly, picked up and swung about.

“Have you grown? You’ve grown! More beautiful than ever, any man shall be lucky to snatch you. If only it could be me.” They smiled and laughed, which left Xylee feeling awkward at the sight.

He gently set Naveen back down. Naveen gestured towards Xylee.

“This is my friend Xylee.”

“Come stand in the sunlight so I may see you in all clarity.” He led Xylee out from under the stable covering and next to Naveen. He stared fixedly at her.

“How they could call anybody with such beauty a demon is beyond me. But then again the inhabitants of Ridgare have always been odd to me.” He smiled a warm and earnest smile. Xylee blushed with discomfort at this change of attention.

“So we teach you to ride today yes?” Naveen squealed in delight at that statement.

“Oh, this is going to be so exciting Xylee and it’s not hard at all, and he’s the best trainer around. He use to belong to a travelling performance group before my father found him and asked if he could be the official trainer here at the castle.” She smiled at the thought. “He was only sixteen at the time, and he has made such a name for himself since then. Haven’t you Clanece?” Her happiness at this Clanece character somewhat offended Xylee although she was unsure why. He was not physically threatening the princess.

“Many names yes! Some not so fitting for a Princess to hears.” They chortled merely at this joke which Xylee did not understand.

“Why haven’t I seen you here before?” She questioned Clanece in an attempt to stop this over friendly reunion.

“Ah, I have merely been outside these walls training some local yokels... that is the word yes?” Naveen laughed and nodded. “Some of them wish to become Horseback huntsmen for the King.”

“Besides this, it has been unnecessary for me to be near the castle for awhile now, seeing as the Princess is such a wonderful and talented rider, she has no need for me.” He leaned forward as if telling Xylee a secret, yet it was loud enough for Naveen to hear. “You should see her with a bow and arrow on horseback. Magnificent.”

Naveen laughed and lightly placing her hand on his shoulders.

“You speak of me far too highly; I’m far less talented than you like to describe.” They laughed and yet again Xylee felt highly confused at their interaction with one another. Her one ear twitched with annoyance; human relations were even odder up close.

“Ah, then Princess, enough with this funny business. Let us see what the lovely Xylee can do.” He led them to the stables again. “I am correct in saying that we may use any of these horses, yes? Or has your father changed the rules?”

“We may use any of them, except for his personal steed.”

“Good, good. Then Xylee you’ve never ridden before?”

“No.”

“But you are comfortable with them, yes?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Now all we need is for you to be comfortable on them.” He patted the hungry tanned horse that whinnied with excitement. “This lovely boy here his name is Dander, he should do well with an unknowledgeable rider, he isn’t that young so he won’t go that fast. You know how to saddle and prepare horse to be ridden?” He placed the bridle on the horse and led him out of the stall. She felt slightly insulted at his choice of words but chose to ignore it.

“Yes I do.” Xylee eyed the hungry horse she had given her apple to. He looked friendly enough.

“Good. Basically you know much of horses, except how to ride?”

“Yes.” She rubbed the side of Dander’s face whilst he attempted to nibble her sleeve. Clanece had prepped him and led him out of the stables.

“You have obviously then seen others get on and off horse then. So then here,” he patted the saddle, “please get on as you have seen others.”

Xylee walked up to Dander held onto the top grip of the saddle, placed her left leg into the riders’ stirrup and swung herself up and into the saddle. Naveen had already selected her chestnut horse and had begun saddling her up so she missed Xylees triumphant smile as she sat high above the ground.

“Good! Well done, you have lovely form too. Now get down.”

“What? But I just got up?” She stared down at Clanece feeling tricked.

“I need you to feel comfortable with both the getting up and down. We cannot ride until you are.”

Xylee looked down the side she had just gotten up on and swung herself down again. She found it a bit more difficult than climbing up.

“Nice, not as graceful as up though. Do it again please, up and down, at least twice more.”

She sighed inwardly but did as she was told. She also decided she didn’t like Clanece that much. Swinging her leg up for the last time she found Naveen sitting comfortably on her horse waiting for Xylee to complete her task.

“Done! Good. It was all better than first time, yes?” Xylee nodded, it had been though she didnt wish to complement him, he seemed to have a large ego already so she felt complements may cause a massive explosion.

“Then, let us go over handling and simple directions. Perhaps a gentle walk once you have the knack yes?” He directed the question at both girls but didn’t wait for a reply.

“Xylee, hold gently onto both reigns with one hand, make sure you are not pulling it back to tightly, you should have some slack. Good, now pull lightly to the left to turn Dander around.” She pulled lightly and her horse, Dander clipped on his hooves in a small and slow circle to his right.

“Try it again but pull to the right now.” Dander circled again until he faced the same direction as Naveen and Clanece. “Good.”

Xylee felt a little unbalanced and stared at the distance between the ground and her body. Her cuts and bruises were healing nicely but she didn’t feel the need to add to her collection.

“Shouldn’t I be holding onto the reigns with both hands?”

“Perhaps, but I replace it best to hold with one hand, it promotes confidence eventually and a feeling of stability.” He held up his one arm and circled with his horse. “Also new riders tend to pull back more with both hands, and we don’t want to hurt Dander do we?”

“Alright, if you say so.”

“I do, know I say walk.” He made a clicking noise with his tongue and gave a light tap with the reigns. “Just do what I did now Xylee.”

Naveen copied suite and followed Clanece. Xylee clicked her tongue and flicked the reigns as she had seen Clanece do. This motion stirred Dander into motion and he walked slowly behind the other two.

Clanece pulled back on the reigns and allowed Naveen to pass him and waited for Xylee to fall next to him. He picked up again as soon as she was beside him. They had passed the main entrance of the castle and were heading for the furthest wall. Xylee began to wonder if they were still to be escorted outside by guards when she heard the clinking of armour hoisting itself up onto snorting horses. She looked back and saw five men, three already on horseback, waiting for the trio to head back in their direction and out the gate.

“No need to be distracted by those heavy oafs.” Clanece spoke to Xylee. “You must concentrate on what is ahead of you. If not you might end up turning the horse around.”

“Sorry, sir.” She faced forward and saw Naveen picking up the pace to a trot.

“Such a wondrous sight she is yes?” He gazed at Naveen with open affection. Xylee bristled inwardly. “Do you feel comfortable at this pace Xylee?” He changed the topic as if sensing her animosity.

“...yes...” She found the motion of Dander’s steps to be soothing.

“Then let us try a trot, the pace the Princess seems to be enjoying. Do as I.” He clicked his tongue again and gave a harder flick with the reigns. Xylee copied and found herself feeling unsteady at the increase of pace. She would feel better running alongside them with her own two legs. The bouncing had increased as she fought to remain stationary in the saddle.

“Do not fight the feeling Xylee, flow with the steps. Allow your body to move with his.” This man was perhaps mentally unstable and unfit to teach her to ride. She frowned as she noticed Naveen speed past in the opposite direction.

“Isn’t this fun Xylee!” She shouted these words over her shoulder as she headed for their escort.

The wall loomed in front of Xylee as she panicked and wondered how to stop this heavy creature from attempting to plough right through it.

“Don’t panic, Xylee. Just pull back gently on the reigns and Dander will stop. Besides horses know not to run into walls, they are smart beautiful creatures, like Naveen.” Clanece slowed and watched Xylee pull back on the reigns. She felt annoyed at his comparisons and little quips of how lovely Naveen was.

“Turn him about and face this way, like a told you,” She pulled to the one side and Dander twisted about, “good good, now make him walk then trot.” She made the noise with her tongue and flicked the reigns. Dander walked toward Clanece then she repeated the process and he began to trot.

“Wonderful. Now we shall try and canter. Just flick the reigns harder and head back to that beautiful princess by those idiot guards, yes?” He laughed at his unfunny joke as Xylee snapped the reigns harder. She jerked forward and almost fell but continued on and headed for Naveen who seemed to be speaking earnestly with the guards.

“Don’t forget to stop Xylee!” Clanece cantered beside her, easily keeping pace and looking wonderfully at ease.

Dander steadily approached Naveen and the guards, Xylee began to gently tug at his reigns and he slowed to a slow walk. Dander bumped noses with Naveens chestnut horse.

“You are doing beautifully, Xylee. Are you having fun?” Naveen smiled infectiously at Xylee who bobbed her head with the enthusiasm she did not truly feel thanks to Claneces’ presence.

“Although she may not completely at ease, I believe we can get going if your escort is ready to leave Princess?” The men collectively nodded, Xylee recognized three of them. She smiled at the thought of knowing more people in the group than Clanece.

“Then let us go, yes?” The horses fell into step behind as Naveen and two of the guards flanking her.

“Xylee, you have the basic knowledge know, you just need to follow for now and become comfortable. Just do not try anything fancy, that is my talent.” He laughed at himself and headed for Naveen. Xylee turned to the one guard with a frown upon her face, which quickly turned to puzzlement.

“Shouldn’t I be wearing a cloak if we’re going outside the walls?” All three of the guards that rode along side her looked offended at the question.

“Don’t be daft Miss Xylee; you shouldn’t have to hide anymore. You’re a hero.”

“Don’t call Miss Xylee daft, Maverick. I’m sorry Miss Xylee. He doesn’t have any manners.” His comrade scowled at him. “My name is Jules Tenishie. I’m sorry to introduce and run but I shall go join those other two up front if you don’t mind Miss Xylee,” Jules, smiled and flicked his reigns, “I’m not a fan of that horse instructor, I feel its best if I keep an eye on him.” He cantered past Xylee and hovered protectively about the party in front. Maverick chuckled and looked meaningfully at the other guard.

“That twat instructor’s got more bad names than a book full o names about El-ta.” He gave Maverick a disapproving look. “Eh, sorry for my bad language Miss Xylee.”

“What?” She hadn’t been giving her full attention to Maverick; instead she was trying to over hear any bits of conversation from Naveen and Clanece. Her ears twitched in annoyance as she found the noises of the horses and armour interfering. She exhaled loudly and grunted.

“You ok there Miss Xylee?” Maverick looked concerned as did his friend.

“What, oh yes I’m fine,” she frowned heavily at Claneces back, “I don’t like him.” Dander whinnied; Xylee then relaxed her grip on the reigns.

“Sorry boy.” Patting him gently on the neck she realised it was pointless to fret about someone Naveen chose to be around.

“Not many people do like that man, except maybe young ladies, I believe it’s that whole dangerous look and feel that his got that they replace appealing.” He paused, then took it upon himself to introduce his silent friend named Seth.

They had past the gardens and were now entering the training grounds. It was bustling with activity, some men layered in clothing others fighting in cold looking armour. Most of them stopped what they were doing and cheered on the passing Princess, who smiled and waved politely at their adulation. A few took a look at the three following behind the Princess and called the attention of others to look. In the end almost every person there whispered something as Xylee passed by. She bent her head and tucked her ears back, the words weren’t all kind.

Seth and Maverick glared menacingly at a group of men who mocked killing a horned beast. Naveen hadn’t noticed at all due to the constant whispering from Clanece.

“Would you like us to go back there and mock kill them Miss Xylee?”

Maverick kept pace with Xylee whilst Seth kept a watchful eye out.

“No, no. Please don’t... and could... Could you maybe just call me Xylee?” Maverick nodded Seth just arched his thick eyebrows.

Jules slowed and waited for Xylee and the others.

“I thought the trainees around here had been told not to misbehave.”

“You can’t keep two eyes on a thousand faces, Jules.”

“Sorry Miss Xylee.”

“You mean Xylee, Jules. She asked that we refrain from Miss Xylee.”

“Is it too official?”

Xylee smiled.

“I know it’s just manners but, I don’t quite like it.”

“All right then Xylee. You may call me your lord fancy pants if you wish.”

“What?”

Jules and Maverick laughed at Xylees confusion, Seth just shook his head.

“I’m not being serious Xylee, I’m just joking.”

“Oh, right sorry. I haven’t gotten used to the idea of anybody else besides the Princess being nice to me just yet.”

Jules nodded and smiled.

“I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it soon enough.”

“As long as you three are around, yes.” Xylee smiled earnestly at the trio. They reminded her of fairytale characters from the books she’d read in Naveens room.

Xylee found her thoughts to be happy at comparing them to something more than what they seemed. Perhaps they really were from the books she’d read.

They had reached the outer gates, Xylee still found the magnitude of this gigantic wall breathtaking. She had gazed at it occasionally from one of the many towers she had found herself in with Naveen, yet its sheer size held no candle in comparison as they came closer.

Her neck stretched backwards the nearer they got.

“You’re going to fall off you know. If you continue going backwards like that, I mean.”

“Huh?” Xylee shot right in the saddle again, felt unbalanced for a moment then stared directly at Naveen. She smiled stupidly at her actions then frowned.

“Where’s Clanece?”

“Oh he went with Jules to chat to the gate keepers, he shouldn’t be long.”

“Pity.” Xylee said this softly.

“What?”

“Nothing.” Xylee smiled again.

“Are you having fun Xylee?” Naveen sat comfortably in the saddle. She was designed to be there it seemed.

“...Yes... I think so. I like talking to Maverick, Jules and Seth. They’re very nice to me.”

“I’m glad you’re getting along with them. I spoke to them earlier, I wanted to know how Holton and the other fellow was.”

“And?” the horses had all stopped as they waited for Jules to finish conversing with the gate keeper, a surely looking gentleman who looked angry all the time.

“He said they were recovering nicely, and that they should be able to leave the infirmary to go home in about a week’s time.”

“That quick?”

“Well, they said that Gelnanes and his apprentice had been making the rounds to them every so often. So I think they might be healing faster due to magic.”

“Oh, that’s good.”

“Yes it is,” Naveen looked about, “so you don’t like the horse riding so much?”

Xylee look awkwardly at Dander shiny hair and stroked it.

“I like the horses but... not the riding so much. I feel silly up here.”

“It’s something you have to get use to I guess.” She looked towards Jules, Clanece who had began trotting in the saddle whilst doing a hand stand. Xylee gapped at him, he really was a talented rider and she liked him less now, if that was possible.

“His very masterful isn’t he? I was horribly infatuated with him when he first came here.” She laughed at herself, Xylee found the thought horribly maddening. “I loved spending time with him; he was so much fun to be around and funny too. I think I might have fallen into a state of despair when I no longer needed a horse riding instructor. I stayed in my room for days, but I eventually got over my childish infatuation.” She smiled at her thoughts of the past.

“Oh.” Xylees mood soured dramatically.

“Are you alright Xylee?” Naveen eyed Xylee curiously. She’d seen Xylee despondent but never upset to this state.

“I’m fine.” Xylee glared at Clanece. Jules had managed to get him to sit properly in the saddle. Naveen noticed the direction of her glare.

“Don’t you like Clanece?”

“...no...” Xylee sank into her saddle.

“Why? You only just met him today.”

Xylee shrugged.

“Damn guard doesn’t ever smile.” Jules trotted towards Naveen and Xylee with Clanece in tow. “He said he doesn’t like the idea of the Princess wandering into the hunting grounds with only a rag tag group to protect her. Honestly! Do we look like a bunch of rag tags?” He sighed, “But he said it is fine but only for an hour, even though technically your Father said you could stay out longer. He said the said something about the King doesn’t look after the gate, he does.”

“Such disrespect for the King! Princess you are offended, yes?” Clanece puffed his chest out in show. Naveen frowned at the sulking Xylee.

“No I’m not offended Clanece, he only has my best interest at heart, and for that I am grateful. I’m sure my father would agree with him considering recent events.”

“This is true Princess, please forgive me.” Clanece bowed his upper body.

“Clanece, you of all people should know not to bow. You silly man.” Clanece smiled broadly and winked at Naveen.

“Shall we go then?”

The group road steadily along the border of the wall and the Kings Hunting grounds, the day was chilly and the sun did little for warmth. Xylee pulled the new coat she had been given recently tighter around her chest. She’d stuck to the back of the group for most of the way, occasionally Naveen would glance back and look concerned, but her attention was quickly diverted back by a noisy, inflated ego named Clanece.

Her seething was interrupted by the silent Seth who had simply fallen instep beside her. She looked his way and felt at ease when their eyes met. He smiled, and looked forward not saying a word. She hadn’t heard him speak since the King had called her to the hall, but she found his presence, although lacking in communication, peaceful and comforting.

A half hour had past in relative silence aside from the occasional obnoxious laughter from Clanece. Xylee shifted uncomfortably in her saddle, although the pace was fine, the pain caused by being seated for so long on a horse began to annoy her. Seth sped up and spoke quickly to Jules, who looked back at Xylee and nodded. Seth stopped and waited for Xylee.

“We can rest for a bit here.” He climbed off his horse whilst Xylee came to a stop. “The others will turn around shortly so we’ll wait here for them.” He placed his hands on the reigns and led his horse to side closest to the massive wall. Xylee clambered uncomfortably down from Dander, feeling the stiffness in her legs; she thumped them to regain circulation. Naveen, Clanece and the others picked up their pace and galloped into the distance, leaving Xylee to feel sorry for herself then become angry for feeling so pathetic.

Seth seated himself on a tree stump and let his horse pick at the grass, Dander quickly followed suit and gobbled greedily at the grass.

“You seem upset.”

She shrugged and looked at Seth; his voice was pleasant on the ears.

“You should speak more.”

He looked questioningly at her.

“Your voice, it’s quite lovely to hear.”

He smiled and nodded. She smiled back and sat on the wet grass a few steps in front of him.

“Are you upset Xylee?”

“I guess I am.”

“Is it to do with recent past events?”

“The attack?

He nodded

“No, although it doesn’t sit well inside but it doesn’t feel real enough for me to be upset about it. Perhaps you feel the same way about it?”

“To an extent yes, but perhaps I have seen things that have left me... numb to such sights.”

Sighing loudly and glancing up at the sky she felt huge waves of peace, where once she had only had droplets.

“I shouldn’t be upset about anything really. I have more than I could ever have dreamed of, because of... of something, but I forget what.” Her brow creased as she attempted to replace her thoughts once again.

“Fate perhaps?”

“Yes, maybe that.”

Birds streamed loudly out of the tops of the trees and flooded the cold sky with excited twits and tweets.

“You are kind hearted and grateful. Those are rare qualities these days.” Xylee blushed at his compliments. He laughed merrily at her reddened cheeks.

“You should get use to being complimented Xylee, I will not be the last to do so.” Her cheeks deepened in colour so she turned her head away from him, to look in the direction of where the others had gone. She could hear laughter coming from a distance, and stood up brushing the seat of her pants off.

“They’re on their way back.”

Seth looked down the dirt road and squinted. He couldn’t see anyone.

“I can hear them, Clanece is very loud.” She said his name with venom, as her ears twitched.

“You don’t like him?” Seth stood up and walked slowly towards his horse. Dander had wondered further down looking for sweeter grass to eat.

“Not particularly. I don’t trust him... with Naveen.” She walked quickly towards Dander but felt really reluctant to get back on. She rubbed her legs and stared at the saddle.

“You could spend less time on the saddle if we rode a bit faster.”

“But I might fall off.”

“I’m sure you won’t.”

Xylee looked at the dirt road and could just about see the group, they were riding quite fast. She stretched her legs out and hopped up into the hard seat once more.

“Ok, we ride fast then.”

Seth stared back and saw the approaching horses.

“Alright then, sorry it wasn’t much of a rest. Our comrades seem to be approaching at rather a speed.”

They collectively began trotting, which quickly developed into a fast gallop. At first Xylee found the feeling unsettling and squeezed her legs tightly against the saddle, but soon enough, with the crisp air whipping through her hair and the long strides of Dander fell into a rhythm, she began to enjoy herself. She could tell that Dander enjoyed running, as the air rushed excitedly out in front of him. Soon enough she found herself surrounded by Naveen, Clanece and Jules, the pleasant feeling of the galloping did not disappear as she expected upon seeing Clanece, but it merely amplified the rush, and she felt eager to egg Dander on.

She hunched down in her saddle, gave Naveen a cheeky grin and sped up. Her led lasted a mere second before Clanece sped past winking at Xylee as he did. She didn’t want to give up but she could feel Dander’s breathing becoming heavier in his attempt to speed up. She pulled gently and he slowed to an enjoyable pace.

“You look a lot more comfortable riding.”

“As you said, it’s something you can get use to.”

Naveen matched Xylees pace and kept beside her till they were back at the gates. They spoke a little but avoided the topic of Xylees original disliking. The guard looked pleased to see them, and gladly motioned for the gates to be opened. As it swung open, the angry gate keeper from before greeted them with a puckered brow.

“Cutting it close there Jules, ten more minutes and I would’ve called a search party.”

Jules apologised as there band trekked in. Xylees face fell as she realised she had to make her way through the camp again.

“Don’t worry Xylee, we’ll sort any of these twats out if they want to cause trouble.” Maverick, Seth and Jules had formed a tight triangle around Xylee and the princess.

Seth gave Maverick a disapproving glare as Naveen laughed at his use of words.

“Thank you.” Xylee held her head as high as she dared and rode back to her new home.