23 This is What Happened

"Is he okay? Do I need to do anything? Does he need to take anything? Do I need to be concerned?"

Andri slightly amused says, "he's fine. I have returned his body to its regular flow. He was in shock."

I nod, grateful.

Lark says, "what–"

I cut him off, "I'll tell you when we meet up with Irvin, so I don't have to repeat the story. Right now I want to look for Ivo." At Lark's confusion, I say, "the little boy I was talking about earlier." Not willing to wait I head off in a random direction with Daric in tow, but stop myself. "Also there might be man-eating blue zombies roaming around. So we're going to have to be extra vigilant. They're called draugr if that means anything."

They shared a look, doing the silent communication people who have been together for a long time develop. I'm not sure if they believe me or think I'm crazy, but they silently follow me.

When they see me leap with Daric in tow, I can feel their surprise. The Princess Nadia they knew wasn't a mage. Therefore, had no enhanced strength. "Nadia" didn't have the power to climb up a single tree root, let alone jump to the top of one in a single bound. I ignore their surprise, knowing it will not be the first.

I don't know how long or far we searched, but exhaustion is riding me harder than before. I keep pushing because I hope despite massive blood loss and a horde of the undead after Ivo, he would find a way to survive. Any moment he'll come falling out of the bush; acting like an old man despite being a child.

That's when I see it, again. At this point, I'm getting tired of seeing it. Blood. Trailing off into a bush as well as some smeared on the nearby trees. I was about to take a look when Lark and Andri stop me. I snort and almost shoved my way past them, but stop. If he turns out to be beyond the bush, I won't be able to handle it. I let them check and clench Daric closer. Fearing the worst, hoping for the best.

They come back, and Lark raises his open hand. Resting on his palm is a bit of bloody torn cloth. Darkened by dried blood, but easily recognized as Ivos'. I take it with trembling hands and fight tears wanting to fall.

"I'm sorry, this is all we found," Lark says softly.

My throat clogs, but I manage to push out a couple of words, "thank you."

/And why are they looking at me like I'm a talking monkey...That's right, "Nadia" is never grateful./

Daric remains unresponsive. Ignoring their stares we make our way back to camp. The trek is short and quick. At this point, I ran out of energy a long time ago. Now, I'm running on flagging willpower. Daric is better since Andri used Soma Asura on him. Scias and Lina are sitting around camp. When we arrive, they jump up greeting us. I give them points for not gawking at the messy state of Daric and me.

They bow, and Scias starts, "Princess Nadia it's a wondrous reli–"

I cut in, "yes, yes, I'm sure you're all so thrilled to see me alive and well. But I don't have the energy to pretend I'm happy you're happy to see me alive. So, moving on. Where's Irvin?"

After a moment of hesitation, he answers, "the Commander is out searching for Princess. Since Princess has made a fortuitous return, this servant will retrieve him."

"Thank you, that will be a great help."

Surprise flashes across his face before saying, "this servant suggests a wash in the river while awaiting the Commander, as it'll take time to locate him."

"I'll take you up on that suggestion," I cringe at the mess covering me.

"Understood," he turns to the Lina, and her sea green eyes hold fear as she stares at the ground. He tells her to gather the necessary items to bathe. "This servant will depart and return as soon as possible," he bows and leaves.

We go to the river leaving Lark behind to guard the prisoners and camp. Lina led the way carrying general supplies to get clean, towels, and a change of clothes. While we were in the river, Andri stood watch, out of sight. Bathing is a long process spent on detangling knots and twigs from my hair. Strangely enough, other than slime and twigs, there wasn't a scratch on me. There was a weird moment when Lina tried to wash me, but that wasn't going to happen. When I freaked out, it scared her. Her bald head was shaking so hard; I thought she was going to rattle her brain. I told her to help Daric because he's still not moving and needs cleaning. When his shirt was taken off, I hissed at the countless cuts and bruises marring his body. Lina, despite her fear towards me, gently cleans Daric.

Refreshed, we went back to camp. I changed into a brown dress that's similar to the last one. Daric is wearing brown pants and a shirt, although it's the smallest size we have, it's too big.

Irvin was already there speaking to Lark. When we approach, they both bow; which is getting on my nerves.

Irvin says, "This soldier was told Princess returned unscathed."

"If by unscathed you mean not dead then yes, completely unscathed," remembering what happened makes me snarky.

"If Princess doesn't mind, what reason did Princess go alone into the forest?"

"Uh, you see...I was bored," I chuckle awkwardly.

Disbelief washed over his face. A little part of me is proud I broke his usual unflappable facade. "Princess went into the wilderness. Alone. Where there's any number of creatures fully capable of tearing Princess apart...because of boredom?"

"You know when you say it like that it sounds like a stupid idea."

His expression clearly said it was, but he said, "why didn't Princess have one of these soldiers accompany Princess on the outing?"

"Well...and I'm sure you're all lovely people, but..." There was no kind way to say it, so I spit it out, "I didn't want to spend with any of you." In a small voice, I tack on, "No offense."

He is speechless. He attempted to speak a few times but thought better of what he was going to say and closed his mouth repeatedly. Lark snickered while Scias and Andri are bewildered.

I add, "if it makes you feel better. I had planned to come straight back, but there was a whole jump scare incident, and I got a little lost."

He silently stares at me for a beat before putting his impassive face back on, "this soldier understands there's a lack of entertainment. For Princess' safety, all this soldier asks is to have someone accompany Princess next time."

I sigh, "alright, I won't run off on my own." Considering how long I was missing. I did feel bad for causing unnecessary stress.

"This soldier believes Princess was planning to tell what happened while gone when Commander returned?" Lark chimes.

"I am, but I'm not sure how much of it you will believe," I say.

"These soldiers have no reason to doubt your word," he replies.

"You say that now..."

I told them about everything. The three men, the children, and the draugr that killed everyone except Daric and I. By the time I was finished retelling what happened. Their faces were carefully blank. I can't blame them, knowledge of draugr is very rare. Let alone knowledge on how to cast the spell to summon them.

I shrug, "Yeah, I did say you might not believe me. However, I wasn't covered in dirt and dragging around an unresponsive child for the fun of it."

Irvin says, "as you say, Princess."

He's placating me; which brings my blood to a simmer. I throw my hands up, "fine, believe what you want. But there is a chance those things will spread to a nearby village. You don't have to believe me, but as Elite you should to at least take a look. Even if it's to prove I'm out of my mind."

Andri, Lark, and Irvin share a look, "of course. These soldiers are here to serve."

"Great. Scias and Lina will stay and keep watch." I kiss Daric on the forehead and say, "I don't know if you're listening but know I will be gone for a little while and I'll be back shortly. Try to get some rest while I'm gone." I pass Daric to Lina and tell her, "put him in my bed and keep watch over him for me." I turn to Irvin, "what are you waiting for? Let's go."

"You will be joining us?" he asks, trying to hide his irritation.

"Of course I am."