The Price for Peace (closed for WhisperedDesires)

[rockinzoe]

The corridor around her was filled with warriors, clanking metal, sweat and cries of pain. This was it, the last threshold, her countries last fight against the overpowering enemy.

Princess Anna should not have been there, it was foolish and yet she could not leave her men, her people to fight and die for her whilst she was protected in the keep, it was not their way. Women who wished to fight for their country were allowed, no encouraged to do so, she had followed her older brothers into military service as soon as she was able to, now she was the only one of the three left.

She lifted her sword, bringing it down on an enemy soldier a little shorter than her, at 5'9 she was about average height for her people, her northern enemies tended to be much taller. As she pulled it from his skull she felt a hand on the back of her armour, pulling her back by the neck, she was about to fight the assailant when he spoke, the voice familiar to her.
"Princess it's time, you need to get inside." The captain of the guard motioned to the large wooden doors behind them, behind them were her parents and the last few soldiers not already fighting.

"I cannot leave here." She replied, swiping her own sword towards an approaching enemy.

"Go!" He commanded, pushing her through the doors that quickly closed behind her.

Inside the chamber it was eerily silent, she stumbled towards her parents, both standing in front of their thrones. The noise outside the doors gradually got less, the sounds of men dying becoming the prevalent sound before being replaced with the thumps of a battering ram.

Those that held weapons raised them as the doors gave way.

 

[WhisperedDesires]

This war had been a war of occupation. He had led his people into this conflict with the promise of victory, of overwhelming might and the subjugation of the people here. They would serve the interests of Blackrock Castle, of the Kingdom of Krazvuul, or they would be put to the sword. Two others had fallen, and stubborn to the last they had fought to the bitter end, their kings cast down, the very names of their homes struck from all records of history. It had come as a surprise to no one that Aethina had come under the gaze of the Wolf King next. It alone safeguarded the passage into the southlands, it alone stood between Krazvuul and the greater conquests that lie beyond the mountains. They had prepared themselves as best they could to stand their ground, to act as the guardians their history elevated them to be.

They had been found wanting.

His armies had crashed into theirs, cutting men down like a wheat at harvest. Wizards clashed, and his proved the stronger, crushing their opponents with casual disdain. Twice members of the royal family had faced him on the field of battle, twice he had cut them down, their blood staining his blade as he'd stepped over their corpses. They had been little more than politicians playing at war, so long had it been that a proper war had been waged. All the better that the fat kings of the southlands had ignored whatever petitions for aid might have been sent, happy to sit upon the gilded thrones, believing themselves untouchable. Soon he would raze their cities to the ground around their ears, drag them into the mud and show them just how much their gold saved them from the headsman's axe.

But these thoughts were banished as the throne room's door gave way before the ram. Dust and broken wood settled to the floor as the crash echoed through the stone walls of the keep. With a gesture, one of his soldiers tossed in the broken body of the captain of the guard, a harsh warning to any who thought to continue fighting. He stepped inside then, towering over the smaller Aethinans, black armor contrasting sharply with the silvery grey steel of his opponents. The black helm, shaped into the visage of a snarling wolf, hid his features from view, the sinister gaze peering out at the world taking in the pathetic vestiges of resistance that remained. His own men stormed in around him, cutting down any who stood at the door, their pained cries ignored as his gaze settled upon the last remnants of Aethina's royal family. He stepped further into the room then, a hand signaling for his soldiers to take up places close by, to ensure that no one within would escape should they try to flee. Then his hands came up to his helm, removing it and tucked it under his arm. His features were weathered and worn, a warrior's face, set into a grim bearing of a warlord. He bore the hallmarks of the countless battles he'd fought in, scars crisscrossing his features. Piercing eyes of ice blue stared out at his opposites, considering them, wondering if they too would choose death over giving up their freedom, if they too would consign their people to death for their own pride.

"Greetings to you, King Tavard, Queen Allisa, Crown Princess Anna." His voice was deep, gravelly, practically growled more than spoke. But it cut through the air all the same, his words demanding rapt attention. "I am Raif, Wolf King of Krazvuul. I have come to here your surrender, or failing that, to watch as you are put to the sword. I offer you this one chance, your only chance. Bend knee, swear loyalty, relinquish your Princess to my stewardship, and your people may continue to live as tributaries. Refuse, and I shall raze this city to the ground, put every citizen to the sword, and let their destruction be as signal to the rest."

 

[rockinzoe]

The Wolf King himself stood before her, despite everything she couldn't help her first thought about him from being "Suppose he may once have been handsome."

Her grip tightened on her sword, ready to die by it, perhaps she could get close enough to take him out before she left the world. The room was still as his words hung in the air, only the slightest movement coming from others tightening their own grip.

Without thinking she lifted her sword, she would strike him if it was the last thing she did, she had only taken one step forward when she heard her Father speak,

"Stop!" He raised his hand, her arm immediately dropped, stunned that there was to be no fight, that she was to be handed over as a sacrifice so freely.

She understood, the people needed her sacrifice but the willingness hurt her. Anna stepped back, throwing her sword towards the feet of their conqueror and glaring at him.

"Do I have time to pack?" She asked sarcastically, hatred in her voice.

 

[WhisperedDesires]

"Kneel."

The command was given, the expectation clear. As the princess had dropped her blade, so too did those soldiers that remained, the clatter of steel ringing out across the room. Many seemed disgusted by the necessity of it, and the resignation of the King matched the sorrow and horror of the Queen. Still, Raif felt nothing more the satisfaction. It seemed at least some royals were capable of thinking of more than their own crowns, of their own selfish pride. Throughout the room, men and women knelt in deference, followed soon by the King and Queen themselves. All that remained then, was the Crown Princess, whose words bore the hate and defiance that still boiled in her heart.

Ice blue eyes met hers, the challenge once more issued as two wills battled. Sadly, one held all the advantages he needed to force subservience.

"Kneel and swear fealty, Your Highness."

 

[rockinzoe]

She frowned as she looked around, horrified that her own Father was allowing himself to be treated thus, without any word or fight.

Soon she found herself to be the only one of her people remaining standing, her brown eyes quickly saw his own, piercing her as he commanded again.

She did not kneel, waiting a few moments after the command before allowing her body to move down to the ground, taking a knee.

"Oh great and noble evil king I do kneel before you." She proclaimed loudly, her own Father glared at her.

"I swear fealty from here until my death." She droned the words required.

 

[WhisperedDesires]

A grim smile met her words, a modicum of respect given for her continued defiance, her mocking words and her brazen spirit. It would do her little good, but it was respectable all the same. With the ceremonial oaths spoken, all that remained was the assurances of continued obedience. He turned to one of his soldiers, gesturing him forward.

"The King and Queen shall require protection. See them to their personal rooms, and ensure nothing... unfortunate befalls them. Have General Ferik report to me as well, as soon as he has finished securing the capital. I'll await him here until he arrives."

"At once, Your Majesty."

Already, those remaining royal guards were being corralled and led away. They'd be confined within the dungeons, at least until something else could be done with them. But they had knelt as well, and they would be afforded the decency of captured prisoners, if nothing else. The weapons too were collected, to be stored away until the need for them was found, likely rearming his own troops in preparation for further conquest. Soon, all that remained were a handful of his own personal guard, taking up position around the room to keep their silent vigil, and the Crown Princess herself, who still knelt silently fuming.

He strode up to the throne, casually sitting in it as he awaited the arrival of his general, but it quickly seemed a waste to let the opportunity for conversation to pass without incident.

"Stand, Your Highness." His tone was less harsh, the victory already won, the intimidation having done its work. Though the threat against her people still hung in the air, he saw no reason he could not, at the least, be civil to a fellow royal. "I recall seeing your work on the battlefield. You are skilled with your blade. More skilled than many."

 

[rockinzoe]

She rose up with a sullen heaviness in her mannerism, her parents being led away concerned her she did not trust him to leave this place with her people living.

Anna could not decide whether she was proud of his praise or whether he was almost mocking her.

"My family have always served at the defence of their people and we do not discriminate between the genders. Women usually have their own unique set of skills which men cannot comprehend." She replied in a derisive tone, knowing the room was only filled with his people, there was no need to behave like the Princess her parents wanted.

The adrenaline had completely worn off from her body, battle bruises began to hurt, her body sore from kneeling. With as much subtlety as she could manage she rocked on her feet, stretching her neck from side to side and moving as many body parts as possible trying to give away very little to the enemy astride her fathers chair.

 

[WhisperedDesires]

"We shall see. Whatever skills your people have, they shall be put to use, man or woman. To do anything else would be a waste."

The arrival of the Ferik, a towering man that stood taller than even the others Northmen in the room, signaled the end to that conversation. He saluted as he came to a stop before his king, bowing his head slightly in deference before straightening once more.

"Your Majesty. Our forces are securing the capital as we speak, and I've stationed men at critical junctions throughout the city. There has been some attempts at resistance by the populous, but it will die quickly when they know we have their royals by the throat. I expect we will see this continue for months more, but the men have it well in hand. We've had some disciplinary issues, some of the men letting their greed and lust get the better of them. They've been made examples of for losing their heads and disobeying orders."

"Good. Liara's forces should be taking the Southpass fort within the next few days. I expect your own men to be ready to provide support should she require it. I will have this nation brought to heel quickly and our position fortified against reprisal. The southern nations may be fat and lazy, but not all are stupid. They will notice the fall of their so called allies, and the vulnerability they now face. We will spend the night here, and then set out for Frosthome with the dawn."

"It shall be as you command."

The general left then, off to accomplish the tasks set forth and see to the preparations that would need to be readied. Raif continued to sit, content to spend a moment in relaxation. He had chosen to remain here a single night for one purpose only, for there was the matter of the Princess, and her defiance, that needed to be addressed before they could parade her before her people, show them the symbol of their obedience. He was under no illusions that he could break her of her rebellious attitude so easily, or so quickly, but even making her position clear would provide the air of finality he needed to ensure the people would know their place, at least until he could take her far from her homeland, far from any support she might take from her people's presence. The first steps needed to be taken then...

"Tell me, Your Highness, how do you feel about testing your skills?"

 

[rockinzoe]

Anna had stood in silence, eyes on the floor carefully listening to every glimmer of information spoken in her presence, she expected no less of her people but to fight to the last but she did not want them to suffer and continue to fight when her own father had given up.

One night, she could kill him in one night, she could make plans to return after this one night, could she send messages to their southern neighbours? All this and more went through her head as she listened, almost quite in her own world until she was addressed.

Her head shot up quickly, looking at the supposed King on her Fathers throne,
"I'm not fighting for you." She replied scowling at him, "Besides how could I show my skills when you have taken my weapons?" She asked, dropping to a sarcastic curtsey "Your Majesty"

She would not be afraid, torture her as they were inevitably to do, she would not be broken like a mule.

 

[WhisperedDesires]

"I was not thinking of having you serve in the military. It would be a poor display if we placed our... ward... under such dangerous conditions. No, I merely feel that it is a shame I never crossed blades with you myself. It would be a wasted opportunity if I did not take the chance now for a friendly spar."

He did not believe she would treat any such opportunity as anything less than the chance to kill him. Perhaps he should be worried that she'd overcome him, that she'd manage to take his life. But even after hearing of her skill, seeing the results of the small attacks she'd led against his scouting parties, he had taken the full measure of her ability. He was confident she could not win, and that fact alone would help him break her spirit, show her the futility of railing against her position. He gestured then, one of his guards tossing a blade to the ground at the princess' feet. Raif stood from his position as the blade was given, drawing his own and testing its weight, more out of habit than actual need.

"I'll even offer a reward if you manage to beat me. What to offer... let's say I shall grant a request of yours, should you manage to disarm me."

 

[rockinzoe]

She frowned taking in his offer before smiling, the first time she had smiled in so long, her face lit up with the slightest of laughs. She could kill him. For the briefest of moments she allowed herself to live in that fantasy before a soldier shuffling brought her back to her reality.

"Its an intriguing offer I must say, how incredibly brave you are to risk losing at such a late stage." She laughed again, her stomach was full of nerves but they were also giving her a false sense of bravery.

"If I were to do this," She looked at the supposed King, her back straight as a royal princess should be, "If, I would need some assurances that one of your followers wouldn't gut me as soon as I was winning." She tucked her toe under the hilt of the blade, kicking it up and missing the catch, her reflexes were quick enough that she managed to catch it before it landed.

"I will also need my own weapon, this thing will not do," Her hand raised, as she examined it, "The weight is all wrong, its clumsy, feels cheap too. It must be from your own army. No my blade is made for me, shining silver forged by the finest men in the land, to expect me to work with this metal is insulting."

Her face then turned to the man who provided the blade, "Go find Princess Annas' sword, its silver with a large deep blue Sapphire on the pommel." Her tone that of a royal who is accustomed to giving out orders before she turned back to the conqueror.

"My term of winning cannot come as much of a surprise, you will leave our lands and we shall be courteous, you may travel through our lands with no challenges when you wish to, as long as you leave my people alone." She appraised him, nerves suddenly hitting her hard,

"Of course if you actually are using this as a way to kill me, but that you gave me a fair chance, I would rather you just beheaded me now." She stared at him, curious to see his response.

 

[WhisperedDesires]

The man laughed then, the sound bouncing off the audience chambers walls, filling the room with his mirth. Moments passed before it fade fully, dying out into a low chuckle. Audacity seemed to be her watchword, and whether bravery or foolishness, he'd give her the respect she was due. A hand sent the guard away to retrieve her weapon, a matter that would take a few minutes. While they waited, he addressed her again, his amusement clear upon his face.

"A great request you make, Your Highness. A great request indeed. But I think, if I'm to allow you such a great boon, and the use of your own weapon no less, that you should wager something in return. If you lose, Your Highness, you'll obey one request of mine without complain or your usual cutting words. A fair bet wouldn't you say?

"And none of mine will touch a hair upon your head during a duel. I promise you this, sworn upon the steel of my blade. Any who try to interfere shall face my wrath. So long as you respect the duel as well. What say you? First blood?"

 

[rockinzoe]

He looked possibly more unnerving as he had laughed and the bemused expression he had given her had frightened her more than when he had been threatening lives.

"First blood." She replied looking down and already planning where she could draw the most blood from, with a slight shake of her head she looked up considering him a moment, "Why should I agree to that part, I never asked for a duel you offered it."

She stepped back a little dropping the blade out of her hand,
"In order to say if the deal is truly fair, I need to know what I am gambling? What is the request?"

 

[WhisperedDesires]

"Hm. Fair point, Your Highness. I could hardly expect you to agree to something without knowing it first. It will be a simple thing, truly. A message to your people. That is, when we leave the city tomorrow, you'll be riding on my horse, without bonds to restrict you, and you will stay there, no matter what, until we dismount for the day. I trust this is agreeable for a chance at your nations freedom?"

The guard returned then, presenting her personal blade with the indifference of someone who had no respect for her or her position. When she took it, the man retreated to his position, taking up his post at the edges of the room once more. Raif's stance was still calm, unconcerned, almost dismissive of the danger an armed princess, given permission to strike at him, presented to his well being. But his eyes betrayed his alertness, a warrior born and bred, watching her for signs of an attack, waiting for some sign of her foolishness.

 

[rockinzoe]

She twirled the weapon moving it from hand to hand, giving it the slightest check over whilst she considered the deal.

"No restraints, no complaints, fully clothed?" Anna asked, readying herself she offered him her left hand with a grin,

"Do you want to shake on it?"

 

[WhisperedDesires]

"I think, Your Highness, that our royal word will do just fine."

Raif readied himself as well, blade coming up into a proper stance, gripped within both hands. He'd not fall for something that drew him so close to her weapon for a surprise attack. He'd lived long enough such attempts were transparent, though admittedly she perhaps had not even considered it. Her peaceful life probably hadn't been littered with honor duels to the death and battles that determined the fate of your life. He hadn't earned his place upon the throne without bloodshed.

Even with his ready stance, he chose to wait for her to make the first move. Breaking her spirit would be pointless if he simply overwhelmed her instantly. He had to show her that even given the advantage of the first move, she'd little hope of breaking through his guard, of earning her victory over him. The first step to showing her, and her people, that they had well and truly lost.

 

[rockinzoe]

She nodded to hide the frown, it would have been nice to get a sneaky early attack in but it was not to be.

With slow steady steps she circled slightly, then deciding to use the element of surprise she ran at him, jumping out of the way at the last minute to end up briefly behind him.

"I just wanted to make sure I wouldn't win too easily." She smiled.

Her tactic was somewhat fast and furious, she moved round in circles, spinning herself round as she went occasionally, she may not get many attacks in early but she just had to avoid getting hit for now.

On the rare occasion she got a slight opening the flat of her blade came down against his armour, clanging loudly.

The more they moved Anna realised there were very few gaps in the armour, except for his neck, if she was going to truly win that is where she would need to hit. If she ever got the chance to get close enough that is!

 

[WhisperedDesires]

If she was a tornado of movements, the wind tearing at him from every direction, then Raif was the mountain, solid like the earth. While she moved, striking at him, testing his guard, he pivoted in place, keeping his attention on her always, blade parrying hers at every opportunity. On occasion his sword lashed out, testing her in the same way she was testing him, seeking limits, taking the measure of her skill. Her instructor had chosen her style well, she was a slight woman, fighting as he did would have only left her tired. But even with the excellence of her training, she was quickly proving to be his inferior in terms of skill and experience.

"Come now, Your Highness. Surely you do not mean to simply prance around me like some highborn noble lady at a party? Where is the bite of a warrior you so displayed upon the battlefield?"

 

[rockinzoe]

She frowned at him, how insulting. Don't attack in anger, that is what she was taught, keep a cool head so as not to make mistakes.

Except he had angered her, she wanted to finish quickly, it had been an already tiring day.

Lifting her sword high she came at him, swinging up towards his head, only to be met with his own blade. Quick as she could she tried again, the result being the same.

Moving back slightly they had both paused, she had been panting slightly, with a frustrated scream she came at him again, aiming and swinging over and over again.

 

[WhisperedDesires]

He saw the mistake the moment it came to be, when the wind became a raging fire, when anger took control and caution was thrown to the wind. She came then, blade descending in an arc that was easily read and easily parried aside. The song of steel meeting steel rang out in a continuous rhythm as her blade came again and again, driving towards his face without mercy. Again and again his blade turned her's aside, his face a calm mask. She was wearing herself out with her hammering blows, not to mention most likely damaging the edge of her steel.

That wouldn't do, now would it?

As she came again, all technique forgotten, he struck, blade slamming into her's with the weight of his strength, smashing it aside. His hand snapped out, catching her wrist and wrenching the blade even further off center, keeping hold and forcing her blade only where he wished it to go. Using that leverage he dragged her forward, offering a smile that contained only his sincere mirth at her display of anger, at her loss of control.

"You won't win like that, Your Highness. But, I think, our fun must end." At his words, his blade came up and traced a line along her arm, cutting just deep enough to draw the barest trace of blade. It would be his win this day. "Our wager goes to me, Your Highness. I will see you tomorrow, and do dress in something nice. Twould be a pity if your people were to see you at less than your best."

He left then, with a pair of guards staying behind to watch over the princess and "ensure her safety and wellbeing". They had a long ride ahead of them tomorrow, and he'd just won a long campaign. There was work to see to this day before he'd find his rest, and it was almost certain he'd get far less than his advisors might wish. But he did what he must, to ensure the strength of the northern realms.

 

[rockinzoe]

She watched him leave, her sword just held in her grip at her side, waiting till she was "alone" before doubling over slightly and screaming. A scream of rage, frustration and sadness. Dejectedly she stood up again, turning on her heel she walked towards her parents thrones, the blade scraping against the floor before falling out of her grip. Silently she walked past the chairs to the door behind, retreating to her own quarters through it.

It had not been a pleasant night, she had found a maid and filled 2 packs with some clothes and possessions. Tears had come, but she would only allow them for a few moments before forcing herself to stop, the princess would not appear tear stained before anyone in the morning. Sleep eluded her, perhaps she dozed but it had not been restful in the slightest.

Though she had hoped it would not come, morning did and with it she had dressed in a Sapphire blue dress, paired with matching hooded cloak with a white fur lining, she knew it was cold in the north. The same maid had helped her down the stairs, Anna refused to see her parents, it would be too much, though she did hug the maid goodbye asking for her prayers.

So it was she found herself standing in the courtyard, soldiers and horses busy around her, it was such a depressing feeling to feel so foreign in your own home.

 

[WhisperedDesires]

The soldiers that were present were moving quickly, organizing themselves, their mounts and the various wagons that were to carry the spoils of war with an efficiency that spoke of long practice. Many offered the princess nods of deference, even if it felt more like a it was an ingrained response than out of any true respect. Otherwise, she was ignored, the many men and women having tasks of more immediate concern than a defeated royal.

It wasn't long before he appeared in the courtyard, speaking with one of the many who'd be staying behind to oversee the garrison assigned to the city. His attire had changed, no longer covered in the black plate armor of before, but rather the more comfortable clothing meant for riding for long periods of time. A thick cloak of furs was thrown across his his shoulders, a sign that her decision to prepare for the cold was a good one. They'd not truly reach the north for weeks, but already autumn was setting in, the brisk air sapping at warmth.

Raif spotted Anna as he dismissed the man he'd been talking with and his eyes took in her attire as he approached. She'd done as instructed, and outside of her armor she was much more appealing to the eye. Perhaps his time with her would be more enjoyable that he'd first thought.

"Good morning, Your Highness. I trust you are prepared for our journey home?"

 

[rockinzoe]

The longer she had waited in the courtyard the less present she had become. Something would catch her eye, a soldier packing a wagon, a horse stirring in the mud and she would stare at the spot, her eyes glazing over until the next movement brought her attention back to the present moment.

It was strange seeing him, she had forgotten there had been a person inside the suit of armour the day before, the furs had made him look much broader than she knew him to be.

“Your majesty.” She had addressed him giving the slightest bow of the head, “What a lovely morning it is.” Her response dry, she pulled her cloak closed at the front already dreading the colder weather to come.

“Where can I put my things?” Her eyes had already drifted down to the side, staring off in her own little world, considering everything that had happened.

 

[WhisperedDesires]

"The camp followers will handle that for you, and ensure your things safely transported to our destination. Indeed, if even a single thing is proved missing, I will ensure the offender is found and punished."

The words were spoken, loud enough that the men already taking hold of her luggage clearly heard them, offering deferential bows to Anna as her things were hauled away and placed within a wagon already loaded with dozens of others goods. Dozens of such individuals moved about, collecting up whatever crates, boxes and bags were to be taken back to the camp, and from there onwards to the capital of the Northlands.

For his part, Raif had only to wait a minute as a black draft horse, selected more for his size than true use upon the battlefield, was led up to him. A moment was taken to brush a hand across the equine's coat, a brief moment where the hard man wasn't quite so intimidating, and then it passed. The King mounted in one smooth motion, settling himself easily and taking up the reins with the easy familiarity of someone long used to riding. From there, little more time was wasted, the man guiding his horse to where Anna stood before he leaned down and dragged the woman up before him, settling her practically in speaking so that she really only had the choice to lean against him to support herself.

"There we are, Your Highness. You remember your promise?"

Already, others were mounting up as well, taking up positions to begin what was essentailly a procession through the city. It was an announcement, both of their absolute victory and who truly ruled over them, whoever sat upon their nation's throne.

 

[rockinzoe]

Anna was surprised that was the truth, the fact she had not been dragged across the ground by her hair, her luggage was being taken with her instead of left in the mud, even soldiers giving her a curt nod out of habit had all contributed to her shock. She had been treated with somewhat respect.

It had brought her back to her senses, standing tall she noticed him greet the horse, men in power had always wanted the greatest ferocious looking beast in her experience but he had seemed particularly fond of his. It wasn’t exactly lady like the way she was hauled onto the horse and she was disappointed she had been planked at the front like some prized kill. Having been taught to ride from a young age she was adept, but that was when she had full control in the saddle, instead she had gripped onto the beast with her thighs, noting with some annoyance his own thighs pressed against the back of hers. Getting a few moments to right herself she held onto the front of the saddle, doing her best to grip on without having to lean back. It was only after they moved off she realised she would need to lean back eventually.

The pace of the procession was slow, it was as though they wished to stretch out her humiliation for as long as possible. The streets were silent, her people were out watching her leave of course but not a sound, not even the slightest movement was detected. True to her word she kept her face straight, not crying but not looking delighted either. To any children she gave the slightest of waves and a small tight lipped smile.

Their eyes stared at her, a mix of horror and shock, she must have looked like the kings prized whore. It had been a great relief when they finally left the capital onto the more sparsely populated roads of her country. Occasionally they would pass through a hamlet or house but the number of people staring at her were much less.

They had been travelling for a few hours by her reckoning when the restless night had crept up on her. She had managed to mostly stay on with her own thighs and balance, only briefly leaning back against him for a moment or two to rest her back. The movement swaying back and forth had made her eyes heavy, her head would slowly nod as she struggled to stay awake. She did try to sleep though, but every time she got close to it the fall would fall out from under her, jerking her awake to stop her falling off the horse.