38 Return

I followed him as we made our way back to the boat. Occasionally he hesitated as he lead us back, but I was impressed by his skills. He'd walked only a few of these paths before and yet he knew the way, reading the small markers I had laid down in the shrubs and trees. 
I was impressed by his skills with the sword and dagger, his Master would have been pleased with how he conducted himself. 
I was also impressed by the other side of his personality, the side which had been groomed to lead. Yes, this was an alpha in the making and I hoped I could continue to bring him more insights into my way of living; at some point I knew it could save his life.
We reached the boat before I realised, I had been deep in thought relying upon him and following quietly.
"I have to go back," he said turning to me, "I have to go back and explain to Father. He needs to know this is the second attempt. He needs to know who is behind it and he has to be made aware of potential repercussions to the Manor."
He looked worried.
"Okay, if thats what you think you should do..." my voice trailed off, was he going back already?
" I do. I must. If I didn't, Father would be angry. Anyway, they must be watching my brother. They came after he left remember?"
I nodded. Yes, it was pretty clear now I think about it. How else would they know?
"I want you to come with me." He looked at me, eyes filled with hope, " I need you to come and meet him. He needs to understand."
Understand what? I didn't follow his meaning and stared blankly at him. 
"This is the second time you have stepped in and saved my hide. Once at that clearing and now here. I want him to know and I want him to realise just how valuable you are to us, to me even." 
He looked somewhat bashful, "please say yes."
"Okay." I replied. 

It took us an hour to make our way back and mooring up at the Chen quayside, I reached out my hand. Without thinking she accepted the offer and lifted herself up onto her feet. Stepping onto the wooden quay I looked at her and realised just how lovely she was. 
She had tied her hair back it a long, luxuriant braid which hung down almost to her knees. She wore a pair of soft skin breeches she had made some time in the past, topped off with a newly created deer skin jerkin, I had watched her create whilst we sat at the fire. Her feet were neatly wrapped in hide which had been treated with tree resin. They were tough and the soles, watertight and allowed her to movecas silentlyas a cat.
"Come," I said, offering my hand once more, "we will go to my Father's side chamber and wait for him there."
She followed quietly and obediently looking around at everything we passed. There was a wariness in her eyes and the feelings I got off her was one of a skittish horse, ready to bolt at the first opportunity. 
"It's alright. You're with me and I promise to keep you safe. I know it's strange but I promise, I know this world as well as you know yours. Trust me, it's going to be alright."
She relaxed a fraction. I knew I needed to keep a watch or she would run at the slightest thing. I just hoped Father would be gentle of tone.... but then, I knew just how loud he could be, once emotionally roused.
"There you are lad!" He bellowed his greeting and Niao froze. "What's taken so long? I expected you to give up and come back last week! You been with that woman this long?"
He stopped and stared at Niao, " who's this? What is she doing in here? Throw her out, we don't have her sort in this Manor! Guards! Throw this tramp out!"
Niao turned and bolted. 
I hoped she would find her way back to the boat, her world was in there. I hoped she would forgive me for bringing her here. I hoped she pushed off and went back downstream.
I had a feeling it would take me a while to find her again. 
But I hoped.

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