296 Listen Part 3

As the carriage rattled down the roads, there was silence in the forest. Shadows swirled and danced over the carriage hiding it from view as it carried their princess through the tainted lands. She slept quietly but the shadows didn't lower their protections for her or her merry band. As the carriage reached the edge of town it slowed to a stop outside the gates.

"Your Highness, Your ladyship, we need to take it on foot from here." Race Offered peaking in the door. Lady Kyera Stretched and yawned realizing where she was laying she blushed and Race turned away. "Sorry your ladyship. I will wait for you both out here." He spoke quickly and stepped back giving them both the privacy the carriage offered. She sat up and ran her hands through her long hair.

"I am so sorry, Clovis. I must have been more exhausted than I had expected." Kyera offered though he smiled at her warmly.

"Kyera, I put you on my lap to keep your body from growing stiff against the carriage wall. Please, don't worry about it for sure. Let's get going." He offered seeing the darkness had recently taken over the sky. It was early evening but the dark took on a new meaning for him. Knowing there were enemies of the crown hidden somewhere in those trees.

"Thank you for your consideration, Prince Clovis." Kyera replied gratefully as she climbed down from the carriage steps. Oslo and Race not far away. Their eyes scanning the forest so Kyera didn't have to, though she did anyway. A general's habits hardly dulled over time.

"Clovis. I think I much prefer my name to a title." He replied agreeing with their sentiment. Kyera offered him a smile and glanced about. The city was quiet, Kyera knew by instinct it was because they knew the streets weren't safe at night. There was no magic to protect the villagers once the light fell and no longer passed through the guardian crystals that were placed throughout the cities highest buildings.

"Alright, Clovis. Stay close. There's a good chance my people have watchers out and they won't recognize you, being with me is your only protection most likely." Kyera offered and shifted forms. Suddenly he was standing beside a Large black and white bear, a black snake and a ginormous wolf. He felt really tiny. Moon at his side really made him feel better.

The three guards moved around so that Kyera and Clovis were at the center. They moved together and slid between the shadows and deeper into the city. The wooden hall that signified sanctuary wasn't too deep into the lower area. The first guard she saw cause them traveling group to freeze. Kyera lifted up onto her haunches so the moonlight glinted off her silver fur. There was a nod of understanding and whispers passed as the watchers warned the waiting of her arrival.

A figure stood tall on the roof, then turned to face them. Clovis reached for her dagger but Kyera's hand moved to stop his hand from pulling the weapon. "Don't." She whispered before moving forward. The figure turned and jumped off the roof, landing nearby.

"Kyera?" The voice asked and Kyera nodded walking forward several feet. He was squared off looking them both over. His eyes were passing between the faces around her. Narrowing in on the Fourth Prince.

"Talis, it's me." She replied gently. He stepped forward.

"You brought him here?" He asked almost accusingly. Clovis went to speak but Kyera raised her paw to quiet him.