It took until late in the afternoon before they saw smoke in the distance. Simon who had been dozing in the back of the wagon beside Jasper commented. 'That smoke is the vicinity of Vingery is. I fear for my city'
'Is it safe to proceed? We could head East instead' Jasper said hopefully
'My family is there. I must be with them. I am not a coward that would flee. However if you wish to leave at the next village I would understand'
Jasper appreciated that sentiment. As the crown Prince he had been raised to be brave. Not to run from troubles but to confront them. Ironic she thought. She had magically changed to a female and fled the capitol, rather than stay and fight. Was she a coward? She hoped the answer was "No". She justified that she had used the amulet to save herself in order to fight another day. She would not flee again. She would rally the defenders of the city. She was willing to go with Simon. She would give whatever support she could to the defenders. Surely her arms, weak as they were, could still aim a crossbow?
'They are brave and inspiring words Master Simon. I will stay with you'
'I think that would be wise. This is no time for a fair woman to be travelling alone'
'You should not be fearful. Doesn't Duke Gareth have strong walls and a loyal army'
'I fear not. Rumour is that Duke Gareth has only old men left. The best soldiers were conscripted to the Royal guard. As for the walls, I have heard the kings taxes have impoverished the Duke. The walls are in disrepair'
That was not what Jasper wanted to hear.
Simon returned to the front of the wagon. The youth Damon came to the rear and lay down on the sacking to rest. Jasper had not yet exchanged words with the boy. He spoke to Jasper 'I hear you are going to stay with us. I am glad. Mistress is ill she needs help. Here use this to wrap your baby. It is better than using your shift' The boy presented a coat to Jasper.
'Thank-you' She did not tell the boy that the baby was not her own. Caring for a small baby helped her cover story. She had wrapped the child in her petticoat once it had dried, as the weather had turned cold 'I am called Jasmine and this child is Bry. Are you Simon's son?'
'I am an orphan but Master Simon took me in 5 years ago and now I am his apprentice'
'What does the Master do? Where is he taking these casks?'
'He sells them to taverns throughout the duchy. If we were not in a hurry to get home we would be delivering casks at several villages on the way, but Master wants to drive the oxen as fast as possible. He is fearful for Mistress'
'Do you live at the Master's house'
'I live in the loft of the warehouse, which is next to Master's house. I eat meals with the household. He is unlike other Masters and treats his servants as equals. He is a fair and good man'
'That's nice to know' It was. Jasper had seemingly put her lot in with Simon.