*** Jinstain, Bayan Province - Kerrigan Lokir ***
Saturday morning dawned clear and bright. Kerrigan woke to Evelynn rummaging through the closet. "What are you doing?"
"Hmm? Oh, sorry. I thought we might get you out in the park today and was looking for a good disguise. However, I discovered that it seems Conor still has quite a few suits in here. He does look rather sharp in these tan suits don't you think?"
"Hadn't noticed. Mind shutting the curtain, that sun is brutal."
"Hadn't noticed? Kerrigan. Fine. Be that way. Well if you don't want to go to the park today then fine, I will go with Parker and Conor by myself. I am sure Reilynn and Gabriella will not hold it against you to much for keeping them here on such a nice day."
"Park? As in not the loop around the pond?"
"That is right. Mr. Brantley and Mr. Townson have agreed to escort you to a park nearby. Colonel Eli agreed that it would be safe for you to visit and easy enough to disguise you. He has already stationed some of his men in the area for Mr. Brantley's sake. They really don't take his safety lightly."
"No, they don't. Now hurry up, they others are already waiting."
"Evelynn." Kerrigan said with a pleading tone in her voice as she gestured to her shoulder.
"Ah, right. How are things this morning?" she asked as she helped Kerrigan stand and passed her an outfit. Evelynn gingerly helped Kerrigan into a thigh length gray knit sweeter and leggings that would stretch over the gauze bandage on her leg.
"It feels stiff but the pain has subsided so long as I am not straining it. My leg still feels useless, but the bastard nearly cut my tendon in half. The shoulder is just stiff. I think that one is going to be fine."
"You are lucky Mr. Nuri had that surgeon. It took us too long as it was to get you here. If he had not be on standby when we arrived, you may not have walked again. As it is, I would say you are healing remarkably fast. The surgeon seemed optimistic about your chances of a full recovery when he was finished."
Kerrigan reached for a jacket, but Evelynn handed her a thin coat instead. "It's not near as cold as you might think today miss. Plus the sun is out and it is turning quite pleasant."
Kerrigan wasn't sure she knew what to do with warm weather this early in the year. She supposed for Bayan Province, it really wasn't that early any more, but northern Targu would have snow for a few more weeks at least.
An hour later, Kerrigan found herself being helped into the wheelchair by Parker as an entourage of guards started to fan out around a country park.
"Thank you. I am getting better, but the assistance is welcome." She said, as she felt his tone shoulder muscles as he her lower into the chair.
"Not a problem miss. If you need anything else, just ask. One of us will be nearby. Parker took up position a few paces away. Kerrigan noted that he and Reilynn seemed to mirror each other, and had both chosen to stand in the same area, which gave them an excellent vantage of the open park.
Evelynn handed her a light blanket, a thin face mask, and a wide brim hat that matched her sweeter. "several of the older people are wearing masks now because of the chill air. No one should question it. Ah, I believe Mr. Brantley said he would walk with you if you wish." Before Kerrigan could protest or given an opinion, Evelynn slipped away to join the other guards who fanned out enough to blend in with the other patrons of the park. Soon, Kerrigan could only make out Parker for sure, though she knew they had come with no less than eight.
"Shall I show you around?" Came a strong male voice from her left.
She pivoted in her chair to see those steely blue eyes looking down at her from under a tan fedora. Conor was in his customary tan suit with a dark blue shirt that really made his eyes pop today.
"I. Umm. Sure."
Conor gently grasped the handles of the chair and began pushing her through the park. Most of the area was gentle rolling paths with lush grass fields. There were several large trees with wide canopies that were just beginning to show their new budding leaves of spring.
"This is a beautiful park."
"It really is. Sadly, it is on the cities list of projects it is considering cutting funding for."
"Really? Why would they do that?"
"Money is a great reason for many people. Parks like this don't generate income for the city and it costs to maintain."
Kerrigan looked out across the green space the tried to picture it as anything else. "What would be built here if the city got rid of it?"
"Depends on who acquired it. If the Benedict family gets it, I would guess it could be anything from industry to housing."
Kerrigan was silent as Conor slowly pushed her along the path. After a while they came to a series of stone tables with elderly gentlemen playing games. An old gentleman with wispy white hair raised a frail hand to Conor.
"Mr. Brantley, care to join us today?"
"Oh, I might be convinced to pay a round with you, Mr. Takeo. Mind if my friend here watches?"
"Of course!" replied Mr. Takeo, as he made room for Conor on his bench and took up a seat across from him. Conor helped Kerrigan park her chair where she could see the game board and lock the wheels.
Mr. Takeo inclined his head to her, "Miss, Mr. Brantley is being rude, and not introducing us. My name is Takeo. Normally when Mr. Brantley joins us, he has Miss Cara and the Peter fellow or some of the little ones with him. It is a pleasure to have you join us."
Kerrigan nodded in reply, unsure how to respond.
Conor smiled at Mr. Takeo, "Hers is a unique situation. I would ask that you not inquire much about her, because doing so could cause trouble."
Mr. Takeo's face turned grave as he set up the board. He nodded in understanding. "My family came here many years ago. At that time, our kingdom was still at war with Serret, as we have been several times since. Serret was also at war with my parent's home nation of Jalros. My family had to escape a very dangerous situation and came here to Golan. The journey was dangerous to say the least. I understand well the perils of such things, and the risks taken by those who chose to aid us." He grinned at Conor and made his opening move. Then glanced at Kerrigan with sincere eyes, "know that we who have suffered similar fates will also guard your secrets." Mr. Takeo turned back to Conor, and continue his game in earnest.
Kerrigan watched as they chatted about various things happening in the community as they played. Mr. Takeo seemed to know how every person around had dealing with life and had heard rumors of almost every happening in town. He was a wealth of information.
"Now, Mr. Brantley. I hope you do not take this defeat too harshly. I do hope that you will return again soon, and continue to learn! Your skill has improved, but there is still much to teach you." Chuckled Mr. Takeo as he captured the last of Conor's pieces. Conor sat back in defeat.
"I must say, I thought I stood a chance this time." Conor smiled and stood, holding out his hand to Mr. Takeo. "Until next time."
"Until next time, Mr. Brantley. And please bring the children around again soon. We miss their enthusiastic questions."
Conor grinned. I will be sure to do that. I believe Cara and Peter will be able to help me make that happen later next week."