[Books of Bayern 1] The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale Page B

Ungolad?"
    "He was a tradesman escort for a time, but he has not ridden the Forest Road in ten years. Still, I imagined he would be a greater asset to this trek than he has been. He volunteered, you know. They all did." Ani raised her eyebrows, and Talone nodded. "The queen did not need to command anyone to join this guard."
    "But why?" said Ani. "I thought that the prospect of riding weeks through a forest would be daunting to anyone."
    "Oh, not to many of us, I think. We are stout warriors, after all." He thumped his chest and smiled.
    "Indeed. And I think it best that I forget how many stout warriors I saw gripping their swords and getting headaches from squinting at the trees on our first week here."
    Talone cast a glance of mock terror into the depth of trees to the side. His expression made her laugh, and she realized how much she wanted to trust him.
    "But what interest could a man like Ungolad have in being in this guard?"
    "I don't know. I tell you truly, Princess, I was hesitant to accept Ungolad's company when he volunteered. He has always been a little unpredictable, and traders' escorts often garner as little respect as mercenaries. But he is a member of the royal army now, and he has been to Bayern before. Look, here it is."
    On their right hand, a trunk of living fir was carved with the symbol of Bayern's sun and crown.
    "We are halfway," said Talone.

    "That symbol—does Bayern claim this road, then?"
    "Kildenree does not. Technically it is neutral territory. But if Kildenreans do not live here, what is to stop the Bayern if they so desire?" His voice grew softer. "If a country like Bayern decided they liked the looks of the Great City Valley, they could take it without much ado."
    Ingras trotted to them. "Captain, time for a midday halt."
    "All halt!"
    As she unsaddled Falada, Ani heard the soldiers conferring pleasantly. "Midway, we have passed midway."
    "Midway, not long now, lads." Ungolad's voice was encouraging, and he slapped a few on the back. He saw Ani watching and added, "Not long now, Princess."
    After eating, Ani wanted a different brush for Falada and went back to the supply wagon to retrieve it. Selia stood in the third wagon. She was holding up Ani's green gown against her front.
    "Selia," said Ani. Selia jumped, dropping the dress.
    "Oh, hello, Crown Princess," she said, quickly casual.
    Ani could not understand why Selia seemed so nervous, and she waited for Selia to speak.
    "Just looking at your pretty things." Selia shook off her expression of surprise and smiled, holding up the dress again. "I know I don't have your eyes, but do you not think I would look beautiful in this gown? You are almost my size."
    Ani did not respond.
    Selia tipped her head to one side. "You're angry, Crown Princess. You're jealous of your treasures and don't want them sullied by a servant."
    "Of course I don't mind, but Selia, you're acting so curiously. I can't believe that it's just my imagination."
    "I'm sorry," said Selia.
    "No, I am. Are you unhappy to be going to Bayern after all?"
    "Not a whit."
    "Then what? I hope I'm still your friend...."
    "Yes, your condescension is most entertaining, Crown Princess." Selia stepped down from the wagon. "You must congratulate yourself that you have treated me better than any servant deserves."
    Selia's tone made Ani's fingers feel cold. She swallowed nervously.
    "A servant," said Selia again. She looked down as her face flamed and her chin began to quiver. "All I have ever wanted is what you have. And you, you don't even care about what you are. And I have had to serve you and call you mistress and wait and wait and wait." Selia put a hand over her eyes, and her shoulders began to shake. "What a horrid title, lady-in-waiting. I have waited and waited until I thought my bones would crack and my muscles freeze and my mind shrivel like a raisin. And there you were, with horses and tutors and gowns and servants, and all you did was hide in your room."
    Ani felt her lips part