“Have you informed the Lord?” The merchant was talking with one of his men.

“Yes sir. I waited half a day for the answer but the lord agreed to see the guild’s gift.”

Then he whispered something into the merchant’s ear which made the fatty look pale. 

“I see, let’s make haste. We can’t let the Lord wait any longer.” The merchant looked at me.

“You are ready, very well my prince. Oh you brided your hair? No let it loose and pin it up just like by the auction. No need for makeup, you look pretty enough.” He looked at me from every direction. 

“Give him the zither.” He ordered his servant.

“I really hope it will work out, otherwise we are all done for.” The merchant was sweating and looked a bit shaky. 

We went up the hill, the road was twisting and it was the worst part of the whole trip I made here. Finally we reached the outer gate. I was sitting in a covered wagon, I saw nothing. I could only take my guesses based on the sounds coming from outside. It was cold and I was glad. The merchant gave me a warm coat.  

I heard some voices and then we were let in. The caravan stopped and one of the guards helped me out of the shaky wagon. I was on the ground again. 

The air was a bit chilly, winter was coming. Since this fortress was placed in the mountains it was way colder than in the valley below. 

I looked around, the inner court was spacious. There was about two and a half meter wall separating the route leading to another gate. I suspected that the bridge was behind that gate. There were quite a lot of soldiers here. They were guarding the inner court and the way to the bridge. On the left I could see the donjon and a tall tower hovering above the cort. 

“My prince, come here.” The merchant totally lost his cool. He was looking around nervously and even scared. I guess the Lord’s reaction was crucial for the guild’s existence. Well but not for me, still I felt a bit nervous too. If the Lord rejects me, what will happen to me? I guess the merchant will try to sell me again. The idea of another auction was making me vomit. 

“The Lord  will enter any minute now” One of the guards informed us. 

“Yes, yes of course.” The merchant bowed a bit and then looked at me.

“My prince I do hope he will like you, do your best. Don’t make him angry, the Lord’s rejection means a dead end for us.” The merchant was walking in circles and I was just standing there and looking around. 

It was a splendid fortress. Unfortunately. It was well guarded and secured. I recalled our tactician teacher once saying:”There is no such thing as a fortress that can’t be conquered. It’s only a matter of time and money.” Should I stay here I will find a way out. 

As I was breathing a white puffs were coming out of my mouth. It was getting colder. 

The gate opened with an ear-soring, squeaking sound. On a horse I saw a man wearing some black clothes, his face was covered but judging from afar his physique was huge. 

The man got off  his horse and moved in our direction. The merchant was already heading to meet the Lord, doing some awkward bows and weird moves. 

“Thank you my Lord for sparing us some precious time of yours. I appreciate …”

“Show him.” The lord silenced the merchant with one sentence.

“Yes, yes of course.” He waved at me to approach him. As if I were a simple wench from the street. I hated that. 

“My prince.” The merchant urged me. I sighted and approached them. To be honest with every step I made I suddenly started to feel more anxious. It felt like my whole life depended on this encounter. No, I have to stop that. I have been through so much since Deremoth was destroyed. I can handle it. I must. I bit my lips together and faced that tall man. He was huge. He was a head taller than me. I honestly hoped to grow a bit too but there was no chance for me to reach that height. I couldn’t see the man’s face, only his eyes. They were steel- blue. There was such coldness in them that it made my whole body shiver from it. Suddenly I felt I didn't want to be accepted by that man. I wanted him to reject me.

“A prince, hmm” he had a deep voice. He bowed a bit and whispered into my ear.

“I’ve never fucked royalty.” 

That’s it. I knew this man was a bad idea. I wanted to step back, I might even have made a move like that but the Lord of the Bridge grabbed my hand.

“I accept your gift. Starting tomorrow the bridge will be opened again and I even allow you a free pass, once.” 

I looked at the merchant’s face who sighed with relief, bowed again and again and was almost running to his men. So much for the chatty merchant. He was gone out of my life. The Lord let go of my hand and got on the horse. I looked up at him, not sure what to do next. He reached his left hand to me.

“Give me your hand.” I did as he asked and suddenly I was pulled up like a doll, his other hand grabbed my waist and I was swiftly placed on the horse in front of him. What was worse, I was seated like a woman. He lifted me so effortlessly. I was almost a grown up man, yet he made it with one hand. Who was this man? 

“Just a moment sir.” I decided to correct myself and sit astride to save a bit of my pride. I used to ride a horse like that with my older brother. It was a good memory. 

The Lord turned his horse and we went back through the bridge. I could see the construction from close up. The first part was solid,  made of rock, but later it was made of wood only and firm as it was, it still swayed a bit. I was looking at the bridge and admiring the view however when the bridge started to sway a bit I got scared and without thinking I leaned on the warm backrest which happened to be the Lord’s chest. 

“Got scared?” He said with a mocking tone.

“ No, rather surprised and it’s a bit cold” I wanted to save my face.

“Sure, I don’t mind. You can lean closer.” His arm was round my waist and he pulled me even closer. To be honest it was a bit warmer but after some time I felt something poking my buttocks. I’m not sure what it was but I didn’t want to think about it too much.