Chapter 23: A Princess Snared

"Could you tell me what color these berries were?" Saffron asked as she followed the man. They had been walking for a few minutes and still, she did not see any strange fruit. The bells that had lately begun to ring in her mind when she was in danger began to chime lightly now, slowly growing louder the longer she followed the man. She stopped suddenly, ready to bolt when he turned to her.

"Here they are. Those dreadful things!" he declared and pointed to the bush ahead of him. She felt relieved; perhaps her own anxiety had caused the bells. She gave him a small smile and bent to inspect the berries. They were gooseberries.

"Ah yes, these will definitely cause an ill-feeling. You should recover fine; I would just recommend some broth and water. I have some herbs that will help with the stomach pains," she said and dug around in her bag. When she found what she was looking for, she looked up and the man was gone.

Perhaps he had to be sick and wanted some privacy. She would wait a