Chapter 6

I tried my best not to stare but to see everything as we rolled through the city. I did get quite a few stares of my own. I looked down and realized I was still in the clothes I had been wearing when I jumped into the SWAT van. The silk looking black wicking t-shirt with POLICE written across my chest and upper back must have confused many people. After about an hour, we pulled through a seven-foot stone wall surrounding a vast mansion.

While I hopped down from the seat of my wagon, several servants swarmed the carriage. Two unhooked and led the horses towards a stable while others started to unload the luggage on top. Shalyndria stepped out and greeted them. The long teal dress she wore stole my breath away. She saw the look on my face and giggled as Milla led her into the manor behind Terrance. Bob and Hank followed them while I investigated the back to see if anything needed to come inside right this second.

As I was doing this, I heard a voice behind me. “We will bring it all in, sir. The lady has prepared a room for you.” I turned and saw a man with a faded warrior’s build, salt and pepper hair, and wearing a three-piece suit.

“Thank you. My name is Shaun. The only things that need to be brought to my room are the padlocked hard cases.” I replied while indicating which ones.

“My name is Winston, and I am the Butler here.” The older man responded. I extended my hand for a shake, but he just looked at it, puzzled momentarily before turning back toward the house. I grabbed my rifle and heading inside the main house.

I was amazed at the lavish foyer I found myself in. “So, this is how royalty lives. Kansas is long gone. Welcome to Oz.”

“Why do you insist on talking to yourself?” Milla called out from my right as she walked up.

“Old habit, I guess.” I chuckled. “I didn’t let people get close before. Guess I forget I have friends sometimes.” I shrugged.

“Well, please try not to; it makes us worry. I will lead you to your room. Winston already knows which one to bring your things to.” She chastised me before walking up the ornate staircase on our left.

As we walked, I reminded her, “I’ll need a comprehensive tour soon if I’m to do my job. My experience as an infiltrator in Force Recon might show vulnerabilities you might not have thought of.”

“The princess will go over all that after dinner, I am sure,” she finished and stopped before a closed mahogany door. “This is your room; a maid will be tasked with cleaning and making sure your needs are met, within reason, of course,” she pushed it open as she talked. Inside I found a beautiful double size bed with a dark red comforter and pristine white pillows, a desk under the window held an oil lamp as well as a quill and ink well, and a wardrobe against the opposite wall stood open and empty. Next to it against the wall was a small square table with two simple chairs and a candle for meals and entertaining. At the foot of the bed was a large wicker basket. “Put any dirty clothes in the basket and leave it in the hall. Your maid will tend to it for you and put them away once you show her where they go. Now, if you would follow me, Terrance wanted a word,” she called over her shoulder as she exited the room and walked back the way we had come.

I took one last look at my room, then did as she asked. I heard a squeal of happiness, “Petra! I missed you so much. How are you?” Milla’s excited voice floated up to me as I walked back down the stairs.

A musical voice with a mischievous hint to it followed, “You brat Milla. Why did I have to find out you all were back from that asshat, Dereck? You should have said something in your last letter.” I turned toward the voices when I exited the staircase and was once again struck dumb.

“Why me,” floated through my head and out my mouth, unbidden.

Upon hearing my voice, they both turned and Milla doubled over laughing. I couldn’t take my eyes from her friend, though. Standing there in armor from the city guard was a beautiful vision. Her shiny dark brown, almost black, fur looked smooth as silk. Her small muzzle and tiny ears tugged at my memory, but I couldn’t remember what she reminded me of. Her sky-blue eyes held an air of mischief. Milla walked up and hit the reset button on the back of my head while still laughing, “Shaun, this an old friend of ours, Lieutenant Petarina Lontra of the city guard. She is a water mage on par with the Princess in terms of power and skill. She also serves the guard as their Blademaster, teaching new recruits and helping others hone their abilities with swords and other blades. Petra, this is Shaun Kaughman. He is an excellent warrior using weapons I’ve never seen nor heard of before, and he is also an Outlander.” Petra’s eyes shot up in shock at that, but Milla continued before she could comment. “He has earned Shalyndria and Terrance’s trust, accepting a position in Shalyndria’s personal guard,” Milla introduced us.

With my wits back under my command, I was able to give a proper greeting despite my spiraling thought processes, “It is a pleasure, Lt. Lontra. Milla exaggerates, of course. But I’m glad I was able to help them when I did.” As she took my offered handshake in her small paw-like hand, I felt the tiny sharp claws at the ends of her fingers in our grip.

“Nice to meet you as well, Shaun, but unless necessary, please call me Petra. Any friend of this brat cat and her Princess is a friend of mine,” she teased with a fond smile and looked to Milla.

When we ended the handshake, Milla interjected, “Shalyndria is in her study. Follow me, Petra, if you would.” She led Petra away. As they walked, she turned to me, “He is in the study on your right, Shaun.” I waved and entered the door.