Ripple Water

28

"If you're interested, come to my camp" Raphael leapt up to the dead snake. I suspect there was poison in the arrow that Rafael shot that got the Snake killed. I turned my face when Rafael slashed the Snake's head with his sword.

"What are you doing ?" I asked to feel disgusted. The smell of blood from the snake made me nauseous. With indifference Rafael put the body of the snake into the sack he was carrying. Three friends emerged from behind the tree and immediately lifted the sacks away.

"I'm a Princess Hunter, so what else do I do besides hunting for food. This snake will be enough dinner for me and my friends" he said upon seeing my reaction. "So how, would you like to come or spend the night here with another snake waiting ?"

Prince Arana seemed to disagree. His jaw was tightly clamped. But I feel like this is a good opportunity. We don't have any help or support right now. Only the four of them without any meaningful preparations.

Our initial plan was just how We could enter the land of Rashamsah without being discovered first. Newly infiltrate the King's palace and lastly rescue the Queen and Princess Margitha. Prince Arana once said that it is very difficult to penetrate the Rashamsah guard on the border with ordinary lines. If you want we can pass through steep mountains and full of ravines to enter the region of Rashamsah. But in addition to the risk is quite large, also the time used is much more. Princess Margitha and the Queen have been in captivity for more than four months since I dreamed of it. I'm increasingly worried about the Queen and Princess Margitha. If We had the opportunity to enter the region of Rashidunn't have to pass through the rugged mountain, We would have been quick to help Them.

The most difficult of our plans was to enter the land of Rashamsah. If We reach the King's Palace, Prince Arana has memorized the ins and outs of the palace and the secret places that allow escape. Bringing Princess Margitha and the Queen is easy.

"We'll just try. But please lest He also know the identity of Prince Arana" My whisper when Raphael is some distance away to listen to Us.

"I don't believe it" Prince Arana said with pursed lips.

"I know, but let's try it first. Who is Tau luck on our side" I said soothingly.

"How, it's getting late. Are you coming or not ?" Raphael asked loudly from the top of a boulder.

"Yes, we will listen first to what your plan is to decide whether or not we will come"

Rafael shrugged his shoulders indifferently. Three soldiers came back to retrieve the horse we left behind. Not long after they're back. I followed his steps. We cannot use horses because the terrain is not possible. Raphael moved swiftly in front of me, He is very familiar with the state of this forest. Several times I slipped because of the moss. Fortunately, there is Prince Arana who always helps me.

"Obviously you don't have any experience living in the woods. But you're desperate to escape here"

I gulped at Rafael's insinuations. We finally arrived at the camp of his group. Some people burn meat on the fire. Reminds me not to eat that later. I'd rather be a herbivore than eat snake meat.

We set up a tent a little apart from Rafael's group. Prince Arana still feels uncomfortable if it is too close to them. I tried to convince him that What we are doing now is merely to speed up the entrance into the land of Rashamsah.

Rafael gave me a safe, enclosed space to clean up. There was a small room he built, with barrels placed in such a way as to shelter water. I undressed all my clothes. I put water on my body and hair. Sow them. I haven't had a shower in a few days. Now being able to take a bath like this is a miracle. After shower and change clothes. I went out to meet him who had been waiting while stalking the bonfire. Rafael gave me a plate full of yams that had been burned before. He seems to know, I won't eat snake meat even though I'm very hungry right now. Prince Arana is near me. He didn't leave me alone let alone with Rafael.

I peeled that yam. Still a little hot. But when I eat it, my stomach feels warmer. This sweet and delicious.

"So what's your plan ?" I asked while eating yams in my hands.

"We cannot enter the territory of Rashamsah carelessly other than passing through the mountain. You know King Trandem really likes beautiful women. All this time I've been looking for the right woman to help us"

"And.." I began to suspect.

"If you want to help, we'll be able to get through the Guard easily, and you'll most likely be able to make your way to the King's palace faster than expected"

"Tell you, what do you need from me ?" I said without saying stale again. I felt Rafael's gaze go through my entire body. Sometimes there's a feeling that he's a dangerous guy that I need to avoid. Something inside of him makes me uncomfortable. But...I have no other choice.

"It's easy" Rafael lifted the parcel beside him. He threw the package into my lap. I reflexively caught it. Made the yam in my hand fall to the ground. "You just need to change clothes with that and get a little dressed up to be able to help us"