Chapter 4: Whistling Woods
SIGH
“Let’s just get this over with.” a man seemingly in his twenties said as he climbed on his horse.
His hair was a light blue colour, like Elaine’s. His face sported eight or nine points of similarity to hers too. He was Gawain, her father. Funnily enough, he had reached Green about the same time as his daughter, despite being around fifty years older. It was the inevitable consequence of being born at Orange and having a child more talented than he was. That, coupled with the fact his branch of the family hadn’t inherited the bloodline, meant his status had only ever been slightly higher than the likes of Percy. At least until Elaine came along.
“Sure.” Percy nodded, getting on a second horse, with his cousin right behind them on a third.
He didn’t dislike this uncle of his like the others. They’d never talked much, and it wasn’t like Gawain had ever particularly shown any care for him, but at least he wasn’t among the crowd mistreating him either. If he had to be escorted to the temple – and he did have to, it was a long and dangerous trip – then he wouldn’t have picked anyone else.
The horses galloped forward, Percy already feeling excited about their destination. He was still tired of course, having trained relentlessly over the last three days, but the thought of finally learning his affinity after being in the dark his whole life was invigorating.
‘Not to mention the other thing waiting for me there.’ he grinned.
“You seem to be in good spirits today.” Elaine chirped as her horse neared his.
“Well, your highness. Us lowborns don’t get to leave the House very often.” he chuckled.