The sun starts to set over the trees; the light blue of the sky turning to a soft yellow. The group has been walking since dawn. A lot of people had fled from Amber as soon as word from the imperials seizing the Capital spread, meaning there wasn’t anyone Jack or her family knew who could sell or let her borrow a wagon. Luckily a neighbor had an old horse he sold for three coppers and the party decided to use to carry bags and equipment. Marshmallow is a white mare nearing twenty years with fluffy mane and a calm demeanor. Being a blacksmith’s horse most of her life she was used to walking in circles and carrying a load, so the change of scenery was doing her good. Plus the guide was happy to have someone familiar there during the trip. Not that her employers were bad, just…

Jack turns her head to the side to observe the others. She is leading with Marshmallow and the closest to them is Kai.

The rogue is playing with her new pair of daggers – that was the favor she asked before –, spinning them around to get used to the weight. Every once in a while she goes to talk to the boys or to Jack, but never with the princess.

Aisha, as Kai calls her highness making the knight roll her eyes, hasn’t talked much. She seems to be thinking a lot, and that’s understandable. The situation must be hard for her. Jack wishes there was something to say that would offer some comfort to the woman, but not being good with words she remains silent.

Solanus and Omega would probably be more suited for that. They speak of many things that the girl can’t keep up with. Spells, myths, history, geography, et cetera. The summoner and child are chatterboxes when together. And, although Jack has assumed the older to be the teacher and the younger a pupil, the kid is so knowledgeable that it appears to be the other way around. Which was weird enough, but got even more bizarre after she asked where he came from to know so much. The boys exchanged an uncertain glance and answered it was best she didn’t know that.

They are not a bad bunch, just far too secretive. But in five more days Jack will be on the road back home, so it’s okay.

Anyway, it’s starting to get dark. She halts and announces: “We should make camp for today”. Taking the route by the beach is longer but also safer; there are only fishermen’s villages and forest on the way. Maybe tomorrow they’ll be at an inn, but for now the sand it is.

Solanus lights a fire, Kai starts preparing supper, the princess sets up the tents they bought back at Amber, Jack and Omega unload the mare.

Everyone is tired and eats quietly around the flames. Marshmallow grazes near there.

“Are you meeting with the resistance at Enseada?” Jack’s curiosity makes her speak.

They look at her. Aisha utters an “Huh?”

“That was the word at Amber. I though lady Kai was escorting yo--.”

The rogue snorts. “Lady Kai?”

“You are the princess bodyguard…?” The girl is not sure anymore.

Aisha makes a disgusted noise.

And Kai laughs hysterically. “Oh hon, that was hilarious. But we should let you in a few things.”