Nanny For The Alien General by Athena Storm
Serafina
We walk, seemingly, forever. But, by the dimming of the daylight and the wisps of cold that flit around me, I know that there has to be a stopping point soon.
Falling into silence, I let my thoughts percolate on what Keilon’s told me. Family betrayal, political intrigue, the uncertainty of it all…
Speaking of uncertainty, we really need to find shelter soon. Though my body is warm from all the walking, the edges of my skin register the pricking of the cold wind. Judging by the waning light, evening will soon be here. And with it, freezing temperatures. We have to find something soon. The children, even in their father’s arms, need shelter.
Sensing that Keilon is deep in his own thoughts, I don’t express my worries to him. He knows. I don’t have to spell it out for him. Besides, he is guiding us somewhere specific, I can tell. I just hope we reach it soon.
As if on cue, I look further down the path and see a break in the gray-green foliage. It’s a welcome sight. Though weak, peeking through the boughs is a warm, yellow light. A light of civilization. Or at least a place with a roof and, hopefully, warmth.
Keilon heads directly for it and I find my pace speeding up to match him.
Steps later, the foliage breaks open and a clearing appears, with a small but comfortable looking inn standing proudly among the pines. Built from the fruits of the forest, the warm wood walls and slate roof are unadorned but sturdy. A hand-carved wooden placard over the door reads ‘Magun’s Tavern & Inn’.
Keilon reaches the door first. I open it for him as his hands are still full of sleeping children. A blast of warmth, spiced with the smell of cooking and woodsmoke greet us. My mouth waters at the smell and I realize I am starving.
The inn is the same color as the outside - warm and woody, with simple furniture and a roaring central fireplace. A blocky wooden desk stands sentry in the corner, behind which stands an older Kiphian with gray, mottled skin and long-faded tattoos.
As we enter, he peers at us with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. Two guests sit near the fire, both Kiphian. One stares peacefully into the flames and the other is absorbed in their comm-pad. Without knowing why, I try to make myself as small as possible.
“May I help you?” The Kiphian behind the desk croaks, his voice like an unused hinge.
“Yes, I—“
Before Keilon can finish his sentence, the man’s eyes widen and he bends over sharply, disappearing behind the desk. I look at Keilon with alarm but he doesn’t seem fazed.
“Your highness! I didn’t recognize you. Forgive me!”
Keilon calmly but sharply raises his hand.
“No need to apologize, Magun. It is good to see you again, old friend.” Lowering his voice, he continues, “but if you could keep my identity quiet, I would appreciate it. I am…here incognito.” His steady gaze is rewarded by a sage nod from Magun.
“Of course, Your….sir. Whatever you wish. How may I be of service?”
“Some rooms for myself, my children and…my companion, if you don’t mind. And a comm-pad, if you have it.”
“Yes, sir. Right away, sir.” Magun’s eyes sweep over the sleeping children and briefly alight on me but I can’t tell from his expression what he thinks of the incognito King of the Lakes traveling with a human woman. I keep my expression as blank as possible.
Before I can blink, Magun has summoned two young Kiphians to assist him. One, a young man with tawny skin, is quickly instructed to retrieve a comm-pad and bring it to Keilon’s rooms. The other, a young woman, with goldenrod skin, wearing a simple head covering and floor-length uniform is tasked with bringing us to the rooms themselves.
Gratefully, we quickly settle into the best rooms in the inn (so we’re told by Magun who has left his post to personally see we are comfortable). Keilon takes a small room next to mine where a smaller bed will hold the children. As we settle in, I can see him furiously tapping on the comm-pad. He must be overwhelmed by everything he has missed while recovering at Fogfrost Lake.
Everything is simple, clean and practical and I know I could fall asleep instantly were it not for the burning hunger in my belly.
What amazes me is how attentive everyone is, fluffing pillows, smoothing the blankets and asking me every twelve seconds if everything is to my liking. I have never been treated with such respect and reverence by Kiphians before and it takes me several moments to assure myself they aren’t teasing me.
I know it is to Keilon that they pledge allegiance but still, it is nice to be pampered. And the loyalty and reverence they show Keilon is not showy or sycophantic. These subjects, at least, revere their king.
Finally, everything settles down. Magun dismisses the young Kiphians and turns to Keilon once more.
“Anything else, Your—-, sir?”
“Yes, one last thing, Magun. If it’s not too much trouble. Some food. Stew, bread, whatever you have at hand. And may we eat in our rooms? As you can see, the children are very tired.”
Magun looks at the children who are just beginning to wake. They rub their eyes, agog at the change in their environment.
“Of course. Right away, sir.” Magun retreats quickly and closes the door behind him.
Minutes later, the young Kiphians are back, with trays of food. We arrange everything on the large wooden table in my room and the children quickly tuck into a simple, but delicious meat stew with hardy bread.
Silence drapes over the table as Keilon and I eat. The food infuses warmth from within and I feel my shoulders relax as my belly fills.
Hunger satiated, I finally put down my spoon and look to Keilon. His face is a mask of worry and determination.
“What’s going on?”
“I’ve sent a message to my steward. My suspicions were correct. My cousin has had me declared dead and is moving to take the throne.”
His tone is so matter of fact that I can’t help but gasp.
He continues, “A transport is being sent here. It will arrive early tomorrow morning to take us to the palace. Thank the Divine Ones, the election has not yet happened so there is still some hope.”
“Indeed,” is all I can think to say.
The warmth in my belly has dulled somewhat at this news. I look to the kids, who are barely sitting upright, their heavy eyes drooping with sleep. If I don’t get them in bed soon, they’ll fall asleep in their bowls.
Keilon’s news is unsettling and for a brief moment, I long for the simplicity of my cabin and my duties back on Telleli. I am not used to being embroiled in the middle of political intrigue.
Standing up, I prepare to get the kids in bed.
You can’t leave them now. The kids need you.
Does Keilon need me too?
