I was going to find out...

That was the phrase that dominated in my mind.

This was the point I would die. Oh, Shoot! I should have eaten those extra pies when I had the chance now I'm going to die hungry. This day can't get any worse!

"It's good to see that kids actually interact with the world around them, don't you agree Edward? " Ulric confided

A grunt was Edward's only response, his bushy eyebrow raised, he watched me in what I could only describe as worry for my sanity.

It wasn't funny, I wasn't normally a person to attract so much attention but now I had two of the Royal guard staring me down and all the foals flocking around me. Although, the foals were more comforting than I anticipated. Their sweaty flanks although not pleasant brushed past were warm to the touch - maybe how a mother's loving embrace would be. It was sweet of them to try to help me out.

Alas! My life had run its course. Their futile attempts were just that, utterly futile. - Okay so, I might be exaggerating but a good hint of exaggeration is just what the physician ordered in the life of a young boy.

Edward scoffed.

Oops had I said that out loud? No - that was surely in my head.

"On with in then lad, we don't have all day to dawdle like you seems to have" Edward stated hands crossed over his broad chest.

"Coming! " I uttered before I was pulled into a strong grasp. My feet left the floor before I was gently placed on Ulric's shoulder. The ground was incredibly far up from here.

"So this is what tall people feel like " I whispered. I was too used to being one of the shortest and being so tall for a change boosted my self confidence more than I would ever care to admit.

***

Apparently I had spaced out for the rest of our journey for in a few minuets - or what seemed to be a few minuets - we reached a colossal oak door its wood polished black with intricate golden designs swirling across the front. The handles to the door were neatly placed in the middle of their great expanse not unlike the other doors. However, this one held two emerald green gems flashing I the light within the eye sockets of two small red birds.

It was extremally extravagant and surely cost a fortune. I wonder what it would be like to have so much that you could surround yourself with luxury. No one I knew well, had that opportunity and the blessing had seemed to evade me.

The two attendants at the sides of the door bowed low to the kings men, only casting a curious glance my way before returning their eyes forwards, hands folded neatly Infront of them.

"Took you a while " a deep voice contemplated as soon as we had entered the chambers the doors closing behind us with a ominous thump.

"Hmh. We lost some time trying to find him then looping around to loose the guards posted on us. "

I turned my confused gaze to Ulric. Who would want to post guard on people who could already protect themselves so well, I doubt warriors that were tasked in protecting royalty wont be able to protect themselves.

"Morning son, have you had breakfast yet? " The king gently pried "Come along and join me " He tapped the cushion next to him and gave me what I presume was aimed as a comforting smile. It only increased my anxiousness to leave. Never the less after Ulric had lowered me to the ground I preceded to walk stiffly over to the King. I bowed low as we were all taught and answered in the most polite way I could thing of which at that right moment did not at all sound nice " We're not aloud to eat breakfast, we're only aloud to get a snack at tea and the dinner meal. But I can serve you if that's what you want. "

The king blinked, then slowly smiled head tilted to the side some, as if marveling at my sharp mouth but his eyes were shadowed in pain. It must of been why he couldn't have gone to the hunt with the rest of the keep.

"You were the little boy in the tavern were you not ? I remember your exuberant appearance and your quite extravagant departure. Caused quite the disruption in my men," He finished...

I didn't get it, what did he want from me though?

"Umm, okay... I am so sorry ! I can go apologies to the them to." I turned around to face The two soldiers that had escorted me and opened my mouth another apology on the tip of my tounge before I was very rudely - if I say so myself - by Edward who interjected with "No, Stop. We don't want you to apologies. We need your help and your going to help us."

It earned him a sharp jab in the chest from Ulric and a low, rumbling growl from The king. The kings eyes darkened and his voice had become impossibly deeper when he spoke next. "Edward, what have we said about letting me deal with the negotiations or discussion. You obviously lack tactic." He berated, not unkindly, with an exhausted sigh and a dismal roll of his shoulders.

The crisp green tunic rustled as he stood to his full height all 6 feet and some inches towered over me making me feel even more tiny. "Alright , lets get down to the issue. Sir Edward has already informed you why you are vaguely here so let me explain a bit more.

You and your friend have achieved the pleasure and not to mention honor of helping us. Isn't that exiting!" He added with fake excitement. Apprehension took root, its iron claws digging deep and drawing blood.

"I don't really care what you tell your friends as long its relatively far from the truth and to no one but them. I want you to get in and out as fast as possible. Don't draw attention to yourself and do your best - you know what's at stake and what you can gain."

"Freedom " I whispered awe struck and giddy with hope. I had heard why and what they were doing yesterday but now I knew that it was true and not just idle talk. Every dream left undreamt and every hope resurfaced. I could feel a small grin working through my facial muscles. My eyes begging to sparkle again as the power of the possibilities ahead filled my head.

The king looked sad - I wonder who made him so sad. But it wasn't important now. All I could think of was tne word 'Freedom!' it sung a haunting melody of a time in the past when life was better. A time I could not remember for it had been so long.

"This is the plan ..."

*****