100: The Lady’s authority

The Lady’s authority

Adela ended up following Egon after all.2

Their horses galloped leisurely until they reached the lands close to the border between the Archduchy and the dukedom where Egon slowed Xavier down.

The scenery behind them changed significantly, with the pine trees giving way to the dry lands that preceded the desert. Small cactus-like bushes spread to the left and right of the main road. Adela's heart sank at the sight of the stony gate, its imposing structure guarded by armored sentinels.

I should've seen this coming...

Apart from going to Kolhis, Adela had never left the Archduchy before. Seeing the border up this close was a new sight for her, especially considering the heavy guard presence.

She caught up to Egon and rode by his side, her voice heavy with concern, "It must be because of the state of emergency... They can't stop me, but they won't allow you to pass without written permission from the Archduke."

"You underestimate your authority," came his low voice from beneath the helmet.

As she looked back at the guards in front of her, she noticed a shift in their formation. Instead of obstructing their path, they now stood in two parallel lines, creating a welcoming corridor and beckoning them from a distance.

"I did not even introduce myself yet..."

"There's not a single border guard in the kingdom who doesn't have the portraits of the royals memorized in every detail," he said bitterly.

"From such a distance, I believe the only one who can discern facial features is you."

"...Must be your hair then."

Anxious to pass through as quickly as possible, Adela urged her mare to pick up the pace closely followed by Egon. When they reached the two lines of guards, a loud thud on their armor echoed. Both Adela and Egon passed through until they reached the highest-ranking knight who happened to be the only one facing them.

"Lady Adelaide," he said, his fist pressed to the left side of his chest as he addressed her. "We have not received word of your departure."

Adela steeled herself, allowing Egon's words about her authority to bolster her confidence. She held her head up even higher on her mare. "Introduce yourself first, My Lord."

The guard knelt down and replied, "Ezra Cholis, at your service, My Lady."

The familiar name combined with the knight's curly hair made her recognize him. "Rise, Sir Ezra. You are the son of Count Sirius, am I right?"

The young guard smiled. "Indeed." His expression turned serious once more as the horse belonging to the suspicious-looking rider behind Adela huffed loudly.

"I assume Sir Arkin passed through not too long ago?" she asked carefully.

Ezra nodded, eyeing the apprentice knight behind Adela warily. "Yes, My Lady... Permission to accompany your ladyship on your sudden journey."

"I appreciate it, My Lord, but that won't be necessary."

The guard's suspicions intensified. There was something about the individuals passing by today that unsettled him. The fact that both Sir Arkin and Lady Adelaide were heading in the same direction but separately raised his curiosity. Moreover, the presence of the imposing apprentice behind Lady Adelaide — who showed no respect by keeping his helmet on and ignored saluting a higher-ranking knight — added to his concerns. The young knight felt a pressing need to ensure that Lady Adelaide was not being coerced into any situation before he missed the chance to protect her.

Taking a menacing step towards Egon, Ezra commanded, "You there, take off your helmet and present the permission you obtained from the Archduke to leave during a state of emergency."

Egon dismounted the horse, and Adela followed suit, her heart pounding in her throat as she stood between the two of them.

"Sir Ezra, my companion is no apprentice, as you must have already concluded," she interjected.

The guard placed his hand on the handle of his sword and threw one sharp look at the knights behind him that changed their formation to block Egon's retreat.

Adela placed her hand on the guard's forearm. "He is a veteran knight, but he must remain undercover."

Ezra's frown became more pronounced. "My Lady, I must insist that the knight stay here and guard the gate in my place while I accompany you."

"That's not happening," Egon's first words to Ezra sounded exasperated. "We will leave the horses in your care and you will prepare one camel with water and a tent for us."

Adela's eyes widened at the mention of a camel, when she looked at Sir Ezra, she realized that he was observing every twitch on her face and was about to refuse Egon's demand because of that.

"Two camels," she ordered.

Egon turned his head towards her. "...My Lady, have you ever ridden a camel before?" When Adela did not immediately respond, Egon shifted his gaze back to the guard. "We'll take one camel."

Ezra glared daggers at Egon, his reluctance to let the Lady go with him growing by the moment. Adela, seeing it all written on Ezra's face, had no time to reason with anyone.

She turned to face Egon. "Kneel."

Without a word of objection, Egon kneeled and looked up at her. He did it so naturally that Adela had to calm her racing heart.

It was as if no man had ever kneeled before her.

She gulped, "...You were chosen specifically for this mission because you are highly knowledgeable in the customs of the desert and comprehend the importance of time in my situation. However, in the absence of Their Excellencies, my authority is unquestionable within these lands."

Her gaze flicked briefly towards Ezra, who seemed both content and slightly intimidated.

Perfect.

"Only stand when you comprehend that arguing with me is futile. Otherwise, Sir Ezra here will accompany me instead."

Adela's intention had been to defuse the situation, but it had taken an unexpected twist. She intended to honor her words if not for the fact that Egon promptly rose to his feet.

She turned around and directed a pointed gaze at Sir Ezra.

"I expect you to prepare the finest two camels available for our journey,"

"Yes, My Lady."

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