Ch. 32.2 — “On the other hand,” said the cat. “Maybe if you listened, you’d hear more than you usually do.”
Eli was still very angry. He thought of several nasty things he could say in return, but he bit back the words. This was the cat’s home, not his. He was the stranger here. “Have you seen any other people out here today?”
“Four armed men rode by here earlier. Two of them looked a little like you, except they were larger and they had beards. Relations of yours?”
Eli swallowed hard. “That would be my brothers and their guards. Whatever they’re up to, it isn’t good.”
The cat growled. “I asked the oldest one to help me, and he almost ran me over. I told him to beware of pride.”
“Matthew doesn’t listen to anyone anymore.” Eli sighed and raised his head. “Will you let me pass without harm?”
“Maybe.” The cat stretched. “Where are you heading?”
Eli sighed again. “I’m supposed to be on my way to Saltonia to meet the Princess Zelda Mary.”
“Do you love her?”
Eli threw his hands up in frustration. “I’ve never even met her. It’s an arranged marriage. Although with my father dying and my brother taking over the throne, I don’t see why I should honor it.”
The cat seemed surprised. “You’ve never met her?”
Eli shrugged. “She always has an excuse why she can’t come here. And when I try to travel to Saltonia, something always happens. I get sick. I get lost. It’s so frustrating.”
“Hmm. How interesting. Tell you what, I’ll help you if you help me.”
“You’ll help me get to the border?”
“Not so fast. First you need to help me.”
“Fine. What do you need?”
“My friend is in trouble. Follow me.”
Carol Nicolas 