Trojan Prince

Somberly Cavil made his to the Arehal River. Kneeling swiftly he took a drink. The cool water was refreshing after a five hour walk over tedious hills. He looked down the clear, blue expanse of water and spotted a bridge about a half a mile down.
Something was on the bridge but what he could not tell. Curiosity over came his fear of strangers and moved him toward the bridge to figure out what that something was. It did not move, or did it? It look as if it was throwing inanimate objects into the rushing water.
Again curiosity won over his conscious and he pressed forward. Light on his feet like the elves the young man on the ridge did not notice that he had a visitor until he was almost at the bridge. The young man looked up "hello anybody there?" His voice was heavily accented in the southern way and he donned a cap hat that covered a mass of brown tangles. Cavil stepped from the shadows and watched in amusement as the young boy of about 7 sprang up and called sister. A snap behind him marked the arrival of the woman. He ducked her first blow and parried her second. Taking advantage of her placement he swung lightly so as to hook his sword into the notch of her axe. Twisting his sword slightly to the left so that axe would come to him. When he had both weapons securely in his hands he made the decision to speak.
"Halt" he cried "I come in peace. I mean no harm to either of you." The young woman surveyed him disbelieving. To assure her he passed her back her axe. She snatched it and hooked it to her belt. While she did this task Cavil looked her over. She looked to be about his age, 18, and had brown curls that cascaded to her middle back. Her skin was pale as was his and her eyes the color of emeralds. Her clothes and body were not in good shape however. She looked as if she had been beaten and torn. More than ever he wanted to reach out and help her but he did not. It would be strange to have a man walking through your woods let alone a man that came towards you. They would think of it the wrong way. He looked into her eyes once more, they were strong but you could sense the pain.
"Hello sir I am Miramal of Casta and this is my brother Joel. May I ask what you are doing in the woods of Casta?" " Smiling he replied "I am bound for the capital of the New Kingdom, and this is the safest way there." "To Troja are you insane" snapped the young boy. "No, it would seem that way but I'm headed to complete a mission." The girl stared wide eyed as if she finally understood. She bowed low "Prince" she muttered more as a statement than a question.
"Yes, that is who I am. I just found out myself. I have heard enough about your treatment, the torture and pain that my people have to go through each day to make me take drastic measures and that is the way I am headed. My people deserve better than that." They all stood quiet for a moment. "Well I should go. The sooner I complete my task the sooner you have freedom." As her turned to walk away a female hand stopped him. "Excuse me your Highness but may I come with, to help of course." "Of course you may, but would your family agree?" "What family she said in a flat tone. "They were taken by slavers a week ago and we were left for the mid-wife. Her house is just a half a mile more up river."
Cavil was not about to refuse company but what about the smaller child. He turned towards him "would you like to come with us or do you wish to stay in Casta?" "Stay" was the mumbled word. "Very well let's get Joel to the mid-wife." It took about a half hour to get to the Mid-wife's house, but it was filled with talk of old and new.
Surveying the building he saw a small wooden building. As he walked behind Miramal and Joel to the front door he caught the smell of cinnamon coming from indoors. Miramal knocked and was met by a jovial woman who welcomed them with wide arms. It wasn't until refused to come inside that she noticed Cavil standing a short distance away. He smiled cheerily at her.
"And who is that Miramal?" She spoke with scorn, no charge of hers was going to disobey orders for the love of a wanderer. Not well she was to care for them. Miramal motioned for him to come forward and as he did so she watched him. Even looking tired and dirty he was handsome, but he was the future King she could have no thoughts like that if she was to serve him respectfully. "Yes, well mistress this is his Highness." Cavil stood for a moment as the mid-wife overlooked him in shock "please just call me Cavil" he said as he bowed. "Well we must be going. I hope to see you again mistress, Joel" with that he turned and made his way farther down the winding Arehal. Miramal gave her brother one last hug before rushing to catch up with the Prince.
"So your highness-""please just call me Cavil." She stuttered with the name thing as she spoke next. "Okay, so Cavil where will we be stopping tonight?" "In a little town called Goatstrack. So far it has gone unnoticed I hope it has stayed that way." "So do I" whispered Miramal as they continued the rest of their trip in silence.
It was nearing night fall when they arrived at the township. The lady who had provided rooms for the both of them said how much the town enjoyed visitors, and that they were welcomed for however long as they wished. But you could tell people were forever watching the strangers.