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Tranquil Waters: The Lead Crown Ch 8.4, Rude Awakenings

Princess Noriene held her own council as the party made its way through the sewers. She remained silent partly because she didn't have much to say but mostly because she could barely stand the stench and any time she opened her muzzle her tongue threatened to taste it. Her followers were either similarly inclined to keep their thoughts to themselves or else they simply couldn't think of any reason to risk sewer-flavor for the sake of a few words.

The Rat aiding them made good on his guarantee, guiding them through the labyrinthine tunnels beneath Newport as easily as Errol had led guests through her manor's hallways. She did not particularly trust the rodent but she had faith in Kesst's willingness to follow him; he seemed to be an astute individual and, despite some false starts, a decent judge of character. In the end, that trust turned out for the best as the Rat came to a complete stop and motioned to a thick iron ladder leading up. "A'ight... we're 'ere."

Theo asked the question for her. "Where is 'here' exactly, sir?"

"Under a ware'ouse... my boys got a carriage ready fer 'er 'ighness an' everythin'."

It was a pleasant surprise for the Wolf, but she wasn't about to get gidy just yet. "Nothing too obvious, I trust."

The Rat gave a poor attempt at a courtly bow. "Nah, yer 'ighness... it should be nicer'n most but prolly not what yer used to, anyway. It'll fit right in on the streets."

She maintained a cordial tone despite her eagerness to be free of the sewers. "It will be fine, I am sure."

The big black tribal Bear did not seem to share her tact. "Anything is better than here."

It took several minutes to get everyone up the ladder; the Rat went first, followed by Kesst. Once the above-ground was deemed clear Errol assisted the Princess up, following right along behind her. Noriene was complacent in accepting the Dragon's offered talon at the top of the ladder though it was more out of courtesy than any real need for the assistance. The Wolf stepped to the side of the hole in the concrete floor as she inspected her surroundings; they had come out inside of a large wood-and-brick building.

Although the Princess didn't spend any great amount of time in the warehouse district she was fairly certain that was precisely where they'd been led. The building in which the group found itself did not have any light sources but the Wolf could clearly smell the scent of blood and, judging from the coldness in which she found herself it was not hard to guess. "Meat storage..."

Theo was just climbing out of the hole. "Pardon, your Majesty?"

Kesst caught on. "We're in a meat packaging warehouse. Why bring us here, Mr. Grange?"

The Rat snickered. "No Mr... just 'Grange'.... and I chose 'ere cuz there ain't many people around when there ain't no meat gettin' shipped. This place's easy t'get inta and outa and th' boys promised they'd be able t'get a carriage pulled up t'th' loadin' docks."

The brown furred Tribal bear scowled. "I do not like the idea of being on another carriage."

Errol scowled right back. "It is far better than walking, sir... it is many miles to Graddin and having the benefit of--"

The tribal interrupted the Bull. "Do WE have business in Graddin?"

With everyone out of the sewers things finally settled down they were just in time to catch the question. The Princess quickly spoke up before anyone else could echo it. "It is imperative that we get to Graddin. Whether it is for me or for Kesst or--"

The black tribal Bear snorted. "Sanmer is HERE... in THIS village... not another one."

Although most times the trait of 'thick headed' was one the Wolf found off-putting she had to admit that it sometimes came in useful. "Sanmer has pledged himself to helping Kesst... and Kesst is coming with me to Graddin, is that not correct, my dear?"

Kesst glanced between the Bears and Noriene and ultimately looked back to the Tribals and nodded. "The Dragon that made me knows I'm with her... he trusts her and said I should stay with her until he finds me."

Theo's ears raised at that. "You've spoken with him? When?

The Dragon shifted his weight from one leg to the other. "It... it's hard to explain... but I'm staying with the Princess-- if she's going to Graddin that's good enough for me-- safer than Newport right now anyway, I'm pretty sure."

The black Bear grunted again. "What about Sanmer?"

The Princess smiled. "He shall be rejoining us when the opportunity presents itself."

The brown one continued the line of questioning. "How will he know we are going to Graddin?"

Noriene's smile didn't waver. "I have already considered that. Errol... join me to the side for a moment please?"

She pulled the Bull aside, stepping away from the rest of the group as they talked amongst one another. As usual, he stood at attention as she addressed him. "I anticipate Sanmer will be awaiting word at a prearranged location once he returns to town."

Errol nodded, but said nothing. The Princess reached out a paw and slid a kerchief into the breast pocket of his fine coat. "I want you to be there to let him know where we're going."

The Bull cleared his throat, waiting until he was certain she had nothing more to say. She remained silent, providing him the opportunity to say what was on his mind. "Yes, your Highness. And then I lead him to you?"

She shook her head, patting him on the forearm. "No, Errol... once you inform Sanmer about my destination I need you to pass a message on to the woman he was sent to find. She is a Human and goes by the name of Alarice."

The Bull flicked an ear; he was no stranger to the prominent names in Newport... even among the less savory elements. "Alarice? As in--"

The Princess nodded, holding up a finger to silence him; it worked. "Yes, Errol... THAT Alarice. Tell her what we have learned of the University and I am certain she will do with the knowledge what she will."

Once again she fell silent and waited for Errol to realize that he had another opportunity to ask a question. He didn't hesitate. "And THEN I join you on the road, your Highness?"

This time she took one of his hands in her paws. "No, Errol. Once you have relayed the message I would like you to return to my manor, if it is safe, and see what can be salvaged."

He nodded obediently. "Yes, your Highness-- I will see to it that it is made serviceable by the time you return."

Her smile was bitter sweet when she considered his promise; her plans didn't include coming back to the dock town. "If all goes well, my dear Errol, I will not be returning to Newport."

He matched her smile with a much more genuine one. "Then I will await word that you have taken your rightful place on the throne, your Majesty."

Princess Noriene laughed aloud at that, and finally broke her proper guise to reach forward with both arms and hug him. "You have served me well, Errol. Do not consider this goodbye-- within a month you will be serving in Castle Graddin. I promise."

He accepted the small envelope she slipped into his hand as she hugged him and he looked down at her as they disengaged. "Then I will have no doubt and will toast to your success your Highness."

With no more time for goodbyes, she delayed letting him go regardless. "One final thing."

He waited obediently as she brought him back to the rest of the group. Everyone looked up from what appeared to be a crude map the Rat had scratched onto a crate. Kesst spoke first. "Ready, your Highness?"

The Princess shook her head. "No... Errol will be staying here to watch my holdings while I travel... and I believe Evelyn and her child should stay here with him."

Professor Theo nodded. "That's a good idea... it'd be safer here than on the road."

Evelyn, faithful, loyal Evelyn shook her head. "I swore to serve the Princess, Theo... besides, with everything happening here it would be safer to--"

The Princess held up a paw and the young Ermine girl fell silent. "You may argue with your brother if you wish, Evelyn, but it is MY request that you remain here... for your safety, and the safety of your kit. Return to my manor with Errol and he will see to it that my guardsmen keep you safe."

Evelyn began tearing up immediately as she looked to her brother. "I hadn't wanted to be separated from you again..."

Noriene smiled. "He can always remain here with you, my pet... I can certainly extend my hospitality to your family."

Apparently her brother was just as loyal. "You may need all the help you can get, your Majesty... wouldn't it be better if--"

Grange the Rat interrupted the discussion. "Beggin' yer pardon, lords an' ladies, but th' carriage don't wait long."

The Princess gave one last nod to Errol and made her way after the rest of the group; she didn't turn around to see what the Ermines had decided since, in the end, she planned on making due with whatever hand she was dealt regardless.