100 Theme Challenge #66

(Sequel of #65)

66. Sharp

I stayed silent for a moment, taken aback. It was the first time someone was ever commenting on my combat skills without having something else in mind. Or did he?

"Thank you," I replied uncomfortably. "Let's go then. I'll escort you back to your village."

He shook his head. "No need to do so, the treat terrorizing us had been defeated. Instead I have another request for you.

Oh joy.I saved his life and now he wanted me to help him again. I stared at his simple tunic and breeches. He had the solid frame of a hardened farmer, but so much for using those big muscles.

"What is it?" I already had a fair idea of what he wanted to ask me.

"It seems silly, but... I've never visited the palace before, and since you're heading back that way, would you mind me coming with you?"

I sighed. "Right now?"

He nodded.

"Fine. Just give me two seconds. Here, you must be parched."

I gave him my waterskin and returned to the dragon. I settled for a tooth as a trophy.

"I'll also bring you as a trophy, now that I think of it," I commented, thinking out loud. He spurred a bit of water, and looked at me.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me right. If the roles were reversed, you wouldn't hesitate to do so, so I don't see why I couldn't."

He scoffed. "All right. I don't seem to have a choice in the matter."

I took back my waterskin, frowning when I noticed it was now empty. "You just asked me to bring you with me. I don't see the problem. Let's go now, it's a few hours from here."

He followed me back to my horse, which leaned towards me when I was close enough.

"Hey buddy." I patted him between the eyes. "You'll have to carry another passenger today." I turned to the man.

"Are you okay with that? I don't keep another horse just in case, I'm sorry."

To my surprise, he chuckled. "That's fine with me, if I sit behind you." The way he said it, with that crooked smile, made my heart jump and I turned around to unleash the horse to hide my blush.

"I didn't even ask for your name yet," I suddenly remembered, facing him again.

"And I apologize for not giving it to you sooner. I'm Keenan, pleased to meet you."

"And I am-..."

"Princess Valeria, I know."

I frowned. "You know of me?"

"Who doesn't, in this realm? Your braveness and skills at combat are spoken by many who failed to defeat you."

I smiled, pleased.

"They forgot to mention how beautiful you are," he continued.

I couldn't help but laugh. My hair was tangled, my armor was covered in blood and mud, and I was pretty sure my face looked even worse. "Whatever, let's mosey."

I got on the horse, and he climbed behind me. His strong arms went around my waist, and I had the feeling this would be a long trip. Let's just say I became a bit more and more flustered each time he'd bump against my back by accident.

"Mother, father, I am back!" I cried aloud, my voice echoing in the huge throne room. "I defeated the dragon!"

"By the Maker, would you look at that thing," my mother exclaimed, eying at the tooth I took out of my bag. "And who is this?"

"He was kept captive by the dragon, I-..."

"No he wasn't," my father promptly said. "He's Keenan the Undefeated, he's one of the best warriors yet alive."

Well that was unexpected. "You put that chain around your own neck?" I asked in disbelief, and I almost hit him in the face when he only looked smug. Why didn't I notice earlier his posture, straight as an arrow, and his sharp eyes that were trying to take all of the room at once? I heard of him before, and his reputation was well bigger than mine.

"Playing a prisoner was difficult, but I wanted to meet that princess warrior everyone was talking about." He then smiled. "Now I can say with confidence you are more than worth my time, princess."

Discreetly, my parents shared a smile.

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