The Komodon Capper

Rebe

Rebe had decided, after much deliberation, that she would not tell Sato or Daniel where she was going. After coming to this decision, she had convinced Sato to go home so he could recover from his ordeal on the battlefield. It conveniently also worked out that while he was gone, she could more easily slip off without being caught or having to explain herself.

She still didn't trust Leo or Bruno enough to tell either alone. She had gotten to know each of them individually over the past few months. Both Bruno and Leo were impressive and talented. She trusted no one more with her protection, yet it was clear to her that the two of them were keeping secrets. She couldn't truly trust them with her secrets until she was sure of their intentions. She was anything but sure at the moment. 

Rebe greatly wanted to tell Adelaide, but for the girl's previous reaction to the Darkwood, which had dissuaded her even more greatly. Gran knew and could tell the others should she fail to return within the week. 

The walk to the forest would take a day and a half journey on foot, longer in the dark. If she took a komodon she could cut the travel time in half. But that might require someone to know where she was going. She had thought about telling Princess Sam. She had no reason not to trust the girl. And she could get Rebe a komodon easier than anyone else. She set herself to go to see the Princess at the stables the day before she planned to depart.

"Good evening, Princess Sam," Rebe greeted the girl formally with a curt curtsy.

"Just call me Sam. I already told you. None of this princess nonsense," Sam insisted. Rebe had found her in the stable yard as she had expected. She was brushing the scales of one of the komodon. 

"I met a boy from Chaffield named Samuel," Rebe replied, hoping to ease the tension. Sam gave a contemplative nod but did not reply. Not to that anyway. The two had ridden together more than once, but Sam was not a chatty princess. They had spoken little on their outings. 

"So, where are you planning on riding off to. If you need a komodon for a whole week, it must be beyond the Sea," Sam guessed.

"Nearly. I'm going to the..." Rebe hesitated. She thought she could trust the girl, but what if she told her brother? "I'm going to the Darkwood. On business for Gran. She needs me to gather some rare mushrooms that only grow under the shade." This was not a lie. Her mission served a double purpose. Sam stared at her blankly.

"You know that's where the Wolves live. They have been known to take people... or eat them," Sam threatened.

Rebe had heard the stories of the Wolves from many. When people talked of the Wolves, they were rarely talking about the dire wolves that also lived in the wood. They usually were referring to the people held up in the forest. They wore wolfskins and practiced the Wicked ways.

"I know the danger. Gran thinks they will not harm me." Rebe responded. She stopped herself from saying she was like them. It wasn't something one said inside the walls. 

"That is foolish. If you are captured or killed, the Hero will drop everything to come save you. My brother will have to protect him. Then they will both be in danger as well," Sam considered.

"That's why I'm not telling either of them. Only you and Gran. I'm leaving while Sato is away, so he can't stop me. That means your brother needn't pursue him," Rebe had prepared her response.

"I'll go with you. To keep you safe," Sam offered.

"I'm sorry... Sam. You know you can't. If I take a princess, your brother will chase us down before we reach the edge of the wood. That will put him right back in harm's way. This is something I must do myself. I'm not helpless. Gran has taught me... skills," Rebe hesitated.

Rebe knew she mustn't say anymore on the topic. She had already said too much. This was something that was not openly discussed. There was a reason Gran wasn't allowed inside the walls, and visiting her required such an exhaustive escort. Sam seemed to understand her meaning. She was grateful Sam didn't pry.

"Very well. Take Dasher. He is fondest of you, and he's fastest too. He will keep you safe. Remember, you must travel at light. I'll give you ample feed. You will have to get the rest from Gran," Sam stated as she went to get the feed 

"Thank you, Sam. You are a true friend," Rebe said and meant it too. 

"Friend? I'm not sure I've had one of those before," Sam pondered. 

The girl smiled shyly, and her hurt became visible all at once. Rebe grabbed the girl into a hug. She held her for a long moment and let go. The girl didn't cry, but her eyes had threatened to.

"When I return, let's go riding together again, okay?" Rebe offered.

"I like that very much. Now go. Before someone sees you. I won't tell anyone. I promise. Only that you visited Gran with a komodon," Sam promised.

"Thank you, Sam. I won't forget this," Rebe promised. 

Sam brought over Dasher and his feed bag. They said their farewells, and Rebe rode hard on to Gran's Greenhouses before the light fully faded. There was much to prepare for her journey.