The king took a step toward her.  Anika’s instincts told her to back away, but she remained where she was.  She did not want to seem impertinent.

“I only ask that you allow me to return the hospitality which you have so graciously bestowed upon me and my guard.  Accepting my invitation does not seal your brother’s fate into servitude.  He shall be free to walk away at any time.”

Anika settled her gaze onto Tristan’s pleading face.  He was mouthing the word please over and over again behind the king’s back.  She knew this was an extremely bad idea, but she could not seem to tell him no.

Reluctantly, she agreed.  “Very well.  We would be honored to accept your invitation, your majesty.”

Joyously, Tristan shouted out with gratitude.  Conrad smiled broadly and told them to prepare for their departure in the morning.  Anika tried to push aside the sinking feeling that they were walking into something greater than what they had been told.

Chapter 5

It took the traveling party from dawn until mid-afternoon to complete the distance from Potteria to Certa by horseback.  Conrad made sure to ride next to Anika and Tristan, engaging them in conversation.  Tristan willingly partook, but Anika remained silent and distant.  As they reached the final hill which led down to the city, Tristan pulled back on the reigns to stop his horse so that he could take in the scene before him.

The dirt road on which they had traveled continued on down the hill, dividing fields of grain that blew in the gentle breeze like waves in the sea.  The road disappeared through an enormous iron gate, raised in anticipation of the king’s arrival.  Anika took notice that the entire city and not just the castle was surrounded by stone walls; walls which looked more to keep the occupants in rather than enemies out.

Tristan’s mouth dropped open with no sound passing through his lips.  He had never before seen anything quite like Certa before.  King Conrad, who had been watching the boy, smiled at his shocked silence.