“Prince Edgar informed me of the news himself,” replied Lou trying hard to keep the smirk off his face. “Prince Edgar and Prince Joshua were close, there is no reason for Prince Joshua to lie to Prince Edgar or for Prince Edgar to lie to me. And what Prince Edgar informed me was that Prince Joshua had run off to join the resistance to the east, the one that’s trying to overthrow you. ”
“My own son, a traitor,” spoke the king in disbelief. “Have you notified the guards?”
“Yes they are to arrest Prince Joshua on site,” replied Lou.
“When they catch him inform me immediately,” ordered King Chasez. “Joshua shall be executed for his crimes.”
“Yes your highness,” replied Lou bowing low.
*~*~*
Later when Lance returned Joshua was still sleeping soundly on the bed. At first Lance was afraid something had happened, but he soon began chuckling when he realized the prince was merely sleeping.
‘So much like Raine,’ thought Lance as he stared down at the young prince. ‘But also different. Raine never held Josh’s innocence.’
“Hey wake up,” Lance gently ordered shaking the older man awake.
“Huh?” asked Joshua, sleepily and confused, as he looked up at Lance with his crystal clear blue eyes.
“Get up Joshua,” ordered Lance again, this time with more command in his voice. Showing the prince, his gentle side would not be a good idea.
“Where did you go?” asked Joshua, sitting up on the bed and watching as Lance dumped a pile of clothes on it.
“Clothes for you, unless you want everyone to think of you as a beggar, which I won’t tolerate if you are to be traveling with me.”
“Traveling with you? Where are we going?”
“It’s too dangerous here Joshua. Besides we can do no good here right now. You’re going to have to trust me Joshua. Now get dressed.”
Lance turned away while Joshua dressed in the all black clothes which were similar to the outfit Lance was wearing. “Do you know how to fight with a sword?” he asked over his shoulder as he strapped his bow and arrows to his back and made sure his sword and his various hidden daggers were in their proper place.
“Yes,” replied Joshua as he finished dressing by slipping on the new cloak Lance had given him around his shoulders. “The guards taught me when I was little.”
“Good,” replied Lance turning around and handing him a sword. “Keep this close to you.”
“No problem,” nodded Joshua. “So how do I look?”
“Like someone trying to pretend they’re not a prince but it’ll have to do,” replied Lance pulling out a small pendant from his cloak and motioning to Joshua to turn around so that Lance could place it around his neck. “Here,” he said as he fastened it. “It’ll give you good luck. Also start growing your hair out, we’ll dye it at the next town.”
“Just what is your plan anyways?”
“First I get you to a safe place which means out of town. Then we prepare to fight.”
“Umm . . .okay,” replied Joshua, still not really understanding what was wanted with him from the mercenary. True, Joshua was prince but as long his father was around Joshua could do nothing and at the moment his father wouldn’t even believe him that Pearlman was out to destroy the kingdom.
“Stay close,” ordered Lance as he began leading Joshua out of the room and through the busy streets. Lance had thought they were safe however they weren’t; they were being watched by unseen eyes.
“Move out,” ordered Brian of the BackAlly Boys to the other four members. “Kill both of them.”
“No problem,” replied the one known as AJ. “It’s five on two we’ll be finished this in no time.”
“Don’t underestimate the mercenary,” warned member Howie before nodding to Nick and Kevin. “Plus Nick and Kevin say the prince is a skilled fighter as well.”
“You’re too cautious, Howie,” smirked Nick. “No body is better than us.”
“Shut up Nick,” ordered Kevin, swatting him on the back of his head. “Lou wants no mistakes.”
“Let’s get them,” grinned AJ wanting to kick some royal ass, as the five men began following the mercenary and the prince.