тнє ℓαυяєℓ fℓσωєяѕ | rιѕe oғ тнe reвellιon |posting open

[*ajayred*]

“Alright, so everyone understands?” Serret said asked after thirty minutes of round-a-bout explaining.
Everyone must have been used to it because I was the only one left looking confused. Everyone nodded, and so did I, I wouldn’t ask any more about what I didn’t understand, just to save myself the embarrassment of not understanding his explanation.
♛
We had made it to the mines in only a day and we rapidly got used to the dim light the sun was providing as it fell from the sky, signaling its job was over with an array of reds and blues.
We had to wait a bit longer though, the night was to give us the chance to prepare and strike. Avery and I was to get into position early and then everyone was to follow; excluding Henry was to come in a little later. We (Avery and I) were supposed to be in view of the other guards for the most part but hidden from a lot of the archer towers. It made me ponder what the knights were thinking, letting such a blind spot be so unguarded.
After everyone left to get ready, I stepped behind a wide tree and changed as quickly as I could, pulling the ragged shirt rover my own and I bit my lower lip. It hung low and was far too big for me, they would know something was up if they saw my somewhat decent looking shirt underneath, so it wouldn’t do. I called over onyx and rummaged through my satchel, pulling out the extra bandages. Figuring it should be fine if I use a little extra. Then I would only look injured and it might add to the look, thus I switched out the smaller shirt for the extra bandages and walked out in view.

“What is it with you and those bandages?” Serret questioned from behind me.

“Nothing really, just helps soften the hits.” I explained as convincing as I could and hoping he would buy it. “So are we heading out now, and what happens if they end up really dragging me into the mines? any exit plan?” I peppered him with questions.

“I explained it to you time after time, and said you could ask me about it earlier.” Serret grumbled.

Heat rose to my face but I wouldn’t question another time, his round-about explaining wouldn’t give me any more then I already got so I would just leave it be. If they get me, they get me and I will just have to whack my way out, I concluded to myself.

“We have a few people inside already; getting you out would be easy as puking up aurora’s cooking.” Serret said, followed by a slapping thwack.

“Puking up what now?” Aurora grumbled. “My food is not that bad! One time! One time did I, accidently add to much spice and let it scorch a little.”

“I know I know, but I’m never gonna’ let ya live it down.” Serret laughed and patted Auroras head like a small child as she pouted, I turned and walked away, they were too weird.

They continued the conversion and so far I wasn’t being stopped for my appearance. Avery rushed past me and took my arm. “We have to go now.” He said briskly and pulled me along; we had to walk, of course and save energy.

It hadn’t taken long to get at the tree Henry, Avery and I were to meet at. Neither of us really spoke on the way; we just walked in comfortable silence until Avery gave me a strange look when we stopped.

“What?” I asked, not hiding the forming irritation on my tone.

“Can you walk like you’re hurt?” He asked staring me up and down, an act I was used to by now, as both a girl and boy.

I shrugged and gave it my best shot; I have never needed to act like I was hurt before, oddly enough. I heard a sigh escape Avery and I stood up right. “Don’t hate me.” He began. “It will heal.” He added before clocking the side of my face, sending me flying back onto the ground.
I gasped and touched the swelling red mark on my cheek.

“Why?! Why did you do that?” I screamed out, stood and took a defensive stance, only to be shocked with a quick hit in my gut.
I hunched over, holding my stomach with one hand and holding myself from the ground with the other.

A tug on my hair forced me to stand, where Avery pulled me closer. “Let me go!” I grumbled, catching a glimpse of a knight coming near.
“Show time.” Avery whispered.
My heart began to pound and I reached back, raking Avery’s face with what short nails I had before i stomped his toes, wrenched myself from his grasp and stumbled away. I gathered myself quickly and ran as fast as I could until a heavy knight pounded into me, shoving my face into the ground and pulling my hands behind my back with something sticky and stretchy.

“I got him...” He grumbled from above me as he pulled me to my feet.
I struggled until Avery landed a blow in my gut, it wasn’t as bad as the first, but it still hurt. I lifted my head with fire in my eyes, I would get him back. “Come on!” Henry barked out of nowhere and pulled me around; a few knights had looked at us, but paid little attention.

My leg began to twitch and I swallowed; I wasn’t sure if that was part of the plan, Henry could just wanted to get rid of me. Avery stayed closer and I trusted him more than Henry, maybe a little less after that though. I closed my eyes, trying to put Serret’s explanations into my own words so I could understand. I came to the conclusion to make a seen, meaning to fight back.

“Let me …go!!” I screamed and jumped, tossing my head back into Henry’s face, making him loosen his grip.

I darted off again, awkwardly running with my hands tied behind my back, reckoning they shouldn’t mind if I fight normally or as normally as I could with hands behind my back.

“Get him! “Men yelled, apparently noticing I wasn’t and easy grab.

I could only hope I was making the right kind of scene when a man grabbed my shoulder. Forcing myself to twist around and drop I fell to my back and kicked upward onto a knight’s stomach, forcing his armor to come up to smack his chin. I kicked my feet forward, the jerk pulling me to my feet; I stood back up and ran.

“I seen two more slaves, this way, come with me!” Henry yelled and ran off the opposite way of me.

The mines couldn’t let anyone escape; it would ruin their reputation, so it wasn’t hard to understand the amount of men that had already swarmed. I let out a strangled surprised yelp as a man threw his helmet at my head; I dodged to the side and pulled at my restraints, which only slammed my hands back to each other.

“Hey!” I bent down, swung under a fist and stepped back. I turned around and half the men were already on the ground and Avery was still taking them down.
I guess it doesn’t matter if I blow my cover now.
I heard the knight behind me shift and I could hear his feet pound the ground. As if my body acted on its own, I stepped to the side and as he flew by, I spun around and kicked him in the back, sending him face first into the dirt. I grinned in triumph before whipping around and sending my foot into the chest of an advancing man, he staggered back and I stepped forward, swinging my leg into his side.
When he fell down, I saw another man running up behind him.
My sapphire eyes stared into the holes of his mask and then I glanced back at one behind me. They both ran for me, I had it planned, I would move and they would ram each other. It didn’t happen; a third man gripped my arms and slammed me hard into the earthen floor. Fighting in a field with my hands behind my back really was harder then it looked. Curse words seeped from the man’s mouth like a waterfall as he flipped me over and aimed his fist for my face. Cringed and waiting for the blow that didn’t come, the man fell over and Avery ran past me, pulling me to my feet as if I was a mere stick and cutting my hands free from their sticky prison.

“They’re ready, we have to hurry!” he shouted at me.

“Wait what?! We have to go in?!” I exclaimed as I ran up to him, ignoring the burning in my lungs and blood seeping into my mouth, from my nose or lip, I wasn’t sure.

“Didn’t you listen at all!?” Avery’s voice was amazed and I’m sure sarcastic.

“Shut up, I couldn’t understand!” I retorted and came to a stop as Avery did, flattening ourselves to the wall. “Save me the embarrassment, tell me what to do.”

Avery gripped my arm and pulled me forward though the open gate. “Follow my lead; they should be in the north wing.” He whispered as he pulled me along.

Most of the guards were gone, in the other side of the mines or asleep or so I hoped seeing them propped against walls and lying on the ground, Bill did say not to kill unless it’s a must. We made our ways though the halls and empty cells, I looked down at one cell that wasn’t empty, but had a woman in a tattered dress curled up in the corner, I would make sure to come back for her, I reasoned.

“Uh... well…I don’t know where we are.” Avery suddenly admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.

I wrenched my arm free and glared. “Are you kidding me?” I snapped.

Avery shrugged. “We can still get out, we were told to meet up to check over the slaves, but they probably already got ‘em out. Henry is just over there.“ he pointed.

“So we are done here? We just have to get out?” To that, Avery nodded.

“Okay...then we need to get this girl out.” I told him, turning around and walking to the cell where the woman sat. “Hello…are you alright..?” I asked gently as soon as I reached it.


My heart dropped to my stomach. Her red hair, once so beautiful and long, short and choppy, some so short it was just fuzz. Her body was bruised and fresh scars laced her once flawless pale arms. She looked up at me, broken. Her face was smudged with dirt and tears lines, but anyone who looked at her knew she hadn’t cried for a long time. Her once fine dress was now torn, short sleeved and covered in all kinds of stains. She took her arms away from her knees and pushed herself forward, crawling to the bars and grabbing them, and looked up at me, expression turned to one of hope. Tears welled in my eyes and I pulled the cell door open and dropped to my knee and took my motionless friend in my arms, I didn’t care who saw my tears.

“It’s okay now, Falon…” I croaked.

“It’s your fault….” Falon whispered, pulling back, her face marred with sorrow and resentment. “If you had of stayed…turned yourself in…” her voice wavered, her body shook. “They whipped me, saying…saying I was the helper of the rebellion, I was born of the evil red country…if you hadn’t done what you did!”

“F-Falon?” I squeaked out, taking her shoulders. “I had to, you know I di-“

Falon’s cold, slender hand came flat against my face, leaving behind a sting, inside and out. “They put my brothers in armor and sent them on the front lines! They put my sisters in the deepest mines! They tied my parents to the post in the center of town and left them in the rain to starve! It is your entire fault!!” she screamed in my face before her face went blank and she fainted.

Avery knelt to my side and grabbed Falon as she fell over; he lifted her up and handed her over to Henry. I sat there on my heels, staring ahead at the stone walls of the cell. I was too stunned to stand until Avery grabbed my shoulder and hoisted me up.

“We have to go, now.” he urged and pushed me along, I shook myself out of my state and ran.

I followed indifferently as I fell behind, my body followed them, but my mind was on Falon and her family, it was hard to understand why that was all happening. What could I have possibly done to start this? What could my real family have done? These were the questions twisting around my brain as Avery took to jerking me down the halls, I must have fallen behind, because I was almost being dragged by him. I picked up the pace until I was next to him, now wasn’t the time to think about it.

It hadn’t took us very long to get out of the mines, Henry explained on the way Falon had refused help when they brushed through the cells and Avery and I stayed silent until we reached the camp. Everyone bustled around and covered tracks, tossing a dull green powder around the dirt, I could only guess it was in case the guards brought hounds to hunt for us. I caught a flash of red, and turned my head to see Henry places my friend on Serret’s horse, Serret scooting back in the saddle and taking her in his arms. I couldn’t help but think how uncomfortable that must be, for the horse, despite all I had just seen.
♛
The journey was just two days and most of the rescued people were led off in smaller groups by the twins and Ida. Anyone of those three would have been better staying with me rather than henry. It was obvious the man hated me, be it the fact I humiliated him being the size I am, or he thought I wasn’t worthy to hold the spot I had somehow gained so quickly. He constantly tried to insult me not-so-subtly.
I was also slowly beginning to doubt being recruited by Avery got me my spot. I knew I wasn’t the best fighter or the smartest person in the camp, and Avery had little to do with me aside from teasing and making jokes. I was beginning to think it was a cover-up to make things seem easier, like when my brother gave me a jewelry box in front of my mother, but when I opened it in my room; I was surprised to see a dagger with laurel flowers engraved into the hilt. A dagger I stupidly left at my home in my haste. While I thought off all this i was tending to the horses with a young man named Eddie, A welcome distraction that wasn’t working very well.

“Yes, I know…I know it’s okay…” Eddie cooed, stroking a horse’s neck with one hand while holding a rosemary and rekka soaked cloth to a wound on its shoulder. His voice seemed to calm the beast.
“How did he get hurt?” I asked suddenly, not giving awkward silence to fill the air again.

“I don’t know, I think on her ride here, her rider was gone, but she found her way home. All the mares do, not the stallions, nooo they just have to go off with some other mare.” He snorted and shook his head slow and low before lifting it and smiling as bright as he could for just a second before it fell slightly into his normal smirk. “But-bu-but I like stubborn stallions, I have one myself, still can’t get it trained.” He added, and opened his mouth to speak again but couldn’t finish his excited sentence.

“You can’t train him because you don’t have the backbone, Eddie.” He snapped in. “Don’t get me wrong, He could calm any horse that isn’t bloodthirsty, tame it and groom it, but when it comes to real discipline, his backbone becomes puddin’ “Serret directed toward me walking up with his grey dappled horse, directing most of his talk to me, I could just feel the glare on his head straight from Eddies once soft eyes.

I let out short chortle and finished off my last horse. Tapping her rump, I sent her flying into the fence off area. “Are you brothers?” I asked before they had the chance to squabble.

“Yes, Eddie is my little brother.” Serret answered me, now ignoring Eddie who was now glaring harder, and breathing heavy though his nose. Boy did he have a temper.

“Get out of my stables.” Eddie growled, making a snorting sound like a horse ready to charge.
I stepped back to the side just in case.

“My horse is here, therefor I have every right to be in here. “ The older brother replied calmly, amusement fresh on his features.
He leaned back on a stable post, crossing his arms, clearly trying to annoy his younger brother.

Just when I thought I was going to see Eddie ram Serret in the stomach, he turned and walked away, even I could tell this was new for him, from what I had noticed he liked getting the last word. Serret shrugged and walked a few paces, paused and glanced over his shoulder at me.

“The red-haired girl…she…uh, she is awake.” He informed me and waved me to follow.
I nodded and followed him out and walked the other way, sure Avery or Henry of my bawling, how else could he have known I was close to her?
Now I had a friend that hated me and now half the camp was going to make fun of a boy crying like a slapped child.

I paused at Falon’s small tent, set up next to Anya’s. Folding open the flap and walking slumped over I could see she was sitting up, facing away from the tent flap, wearing a simple dress held up but ties around her neck. My eyes traced all the visible scars on her shoulders, some thin from whips…some thick from knives, some still open and bandaged. Falon stared ahead at seemingly nothing and made no move when I sat next to her. I didn’t know what to expect at this point, maybe a slap, a scream, or tears. But I got nothing; she looked as hollow as I’m sure she felt. I reached out slowly, stopping only an inch from her shoulder. Anya had cut her hair more even, likely so she could doctor some sores on her head and hope it grew somewhat even.

“Falon…” I whispered softly, her eyes flickered toward me. “Falon...please…” I said, a bit louder, but still soft like a cleaned ball of cotton. This time she made no move of acknowledgment.
I let out a breath and looked around the tent, an extra blanket, tin cup and an iron teapot sitting on hot rocks in a bowl. I took the rag next to, taking hold of the wooden handle and using the rag to tilt the tea pot, letting the sweet and strong smelling liquid flow into the tin cup.

“I’m sure this helps the pain and healing…” I cooed, lifting the cup in her view. “Please, you need it, Falon.” I persisted with no results.

I let out a breath of pain and put the cup down next to her fragile pale hand and stood up and hunched in the exist, just before I stepped out, I turned back to look at her, she hadn’t moved. She wasn’t planning on it.

“I hate you.” I heard her whisper as the tent flap closed behind me. and you have the right…but I won’t let you. .

The cymatilian king had no idea what he set in motion. No idea whose family he torn apart. No idea who he messed with. I wasn’t the best fighter, I wasn’t the smartest person here, but I would be the one to hold a blade to his throat. I glanced around, thinking of my next move as I walked through the camp.

“Hey, boy!” Henry’s voice called, capturing my attention. “How’s that girl?”
I cringed and turned forcing a stoic face. “Mute and broken.” I answered him blandly.

“Oh, well that’s too bad.” Serret voiced as he was walking up, his tone not telling me if he was genuine or not.

“Why is everybody crowding?” Avery asked, walking up with knitted brows.

Great, all but the twins and Ida were here now, surly though they’d be told.

“Rence here just saw the girl he cried over. “ Henry answered.

“He cried?” Serret questioned, arching a brow my way.

Henry opened his big mouth to reply but the words didn’t come.

“Yeah?” Avery said in unison with Aurora who was walking my way.

“So what if I cried? What? Does it make me any less of a man?” I snapped out, narrowing my sapphire eyes to the point of slits.

I felt a slender hand on my shoulder, glancing back at Aurora, then to Serret as he placed his own hand on my shoulder.

“Why would crying over a girl you must have known and cared for, who was tortured and abused make you any less a man? I would do the same for Aurora, or my children. I might just get mad for Henry and Avery though. “Serret said as if it was an everyday saying.

“Ah, you softy. “ Henry drawled and crossed his arms. “Given, I would shed some tears for you to. Maybe, if you stop stealing my jerky.” He snorted and walked away.

Avery smirked. “Yeah, you have every right to cry over her, whoever she is. Here you can expect no one to mock you for it, we all cried over someone. Now, Anyone know where that fox ran off to? Stole my socks.” He trailed off.

I let out a laugh and looked at Serret and Aurora as they removed their hands. I guess my father was wrong when he said a man only was allowed to cry seven times in his life.

[*ajayred*]

“Avery!” I screamed as he swung me around in the air like a mere child.

I scanned the swirling mess of greens and browns for a hold to stop; I looked up, barley making out the twisted form of the open cave top.

“I told you, I am not sad anymore! Put me down I’m not your kid sibling!” He only laughed and continued; I gripped his shoulders and dug in my short chewed nails.

“Last…chance...” I grumbled and when he didn’t comply I gripped his hair and tugged, he came to halting stop, nearly tumbling over with me in his arms.
I kicked myself out of his arms and stumbled to the nearest hold, which happened to be none other than Ida, who glared at me, I quickly took my hands off her waist and shoulder and stumbled back and decided to simply sit and let the world stop spinning.

“I swear, Ida I wasn’t, it isn’t that I-“I stumbled over my words, had I been a girl it would have been easily explained, for all I knew she thought I was just some curious boy getting handsy.
I turned and shot a glare to Avery who was now lying on his back and rubbing the side of his head where a chunk of hair may or may not have been ripped out. I stood, now able to keep myself steady and glared him down hard, furious. I opened my mouth to speak but couldn’t find the words that didn’t sound like a furious woman who was just manhandled. I let out a deep sigh and squatted down next to him, and flicked him hard in the forehead.

“You miscreant. “ I gave a half annoyed smile, holding my pointer finger behind my thumb, holding it back.

“Miscreant? Isn’t that a fancy way of saying hoodlum?” Avery asked slapping my hand away before I could flick him again, and then poked my nose.

“yes, yes it is, don’t you do that again.” I growled through clenched teeth, glowering.

“Why, it was funny. You screamed like a girl.” Avery smirked and laughed with mirthful eyes. At that I rolled my eyes and stood. “We could probably throw a dress on you and sneak you into the castle as a maid.” he joked lightly and chuckled.

I let out an exasperated sigh and walked away, shying passed the grim Ida with an arched brow as she stared at me, she was about my height, but managed to make herself seem massive. She pushed her wavy black hair over one shoulder and crossed her arms; a scowl always seemed plastered on her face. It was starting to annoy me, what reason did she have to be this bitter? I stopped and walked back up to her and smiled.

“Hello,” I said smiling, to which she turned away.

“Hi “was her short curt answer. I clenched my teeth and held out my hand.

“well, no use in asking for your name, but I’m Laurence." I made my smile relax, oh she was irritating.

“hmm.” She answered, eyeing my hand as if it was covered in animal dung and was trying not to be disgusted.

“Well, it might be rude, but how old are you, you seem pretty mature.” I asked, clenching my teeth. She couldn’t get rid of me that easy. “Since I’m going to be here a while, I think we should at least be acquaintances…” I added.

“Think that you want.” She turned away from me again, staring at anything but me. Making me wonder if it was me or men in general she disliked, even though I’m girl, but it isn’t like she knew that. She took a side step away from me.

I exhaled deeply and looked to Avery as he was approaching. ‘Is it me, or my gender she dislikes, or is the like this with everyone?’ I mouthed with furrowed brows, not really caring if the person in question saw. He just shrugged, turned and walked away. I glanced at Ida, deciding I would befriend her one way or another. Without a word she walked away and I followed her.
“Hey, will you at least talk to me; I’m not that bad, really!” I explained and inwardly cringe. My word, it sounded like I was some desperate boy.

“I don’t want to.” Ida growled as she looked back at me.

“You just did.”

Her eyes lite with fire and she narrowed her eyes, clenched her jaw and held her lips in a tight line. The must have tried being intimidating, but to me it was just adorable. At that moment I got why my brothers tried to anger me.

“I will hurt you.” She snapped.

“Yeah, I know. “ I nodded and shrugged. “Not that it stops me from wanting to friend you.”

“Well, stop it.” Ida spat and walked fast, arms down at her sides and fist balled up.

I went from kid she doesn’t know, to brat who annoys her in less than a minute with the excuse of friending her. She was definitely a character.


I let her go and mindlessly walked around the dull tents and jumped over barrels to entertain myself. At least until my red cloak caught on a ragged crate which flew forward into my legs. I stumbled around as it got tangled in my cloak and legs. Only a strangled yelp escaped my lips before I fell into a nearby tent; the sound of ripping cloth and pain was the first welcome, a smack in the face was the second.

“Creep, Scoundrel!” a woman screeched as I crawled out of the tent, ripping a cloth away from my eyes hoping it was just a nightgown, just in time to trip over my own feet, falling face first into the center pond.
♛
I walked into Anya’s medical tent scowling, dripping wet. My feet made a Squish every step I took, my clothes clung to me, and so I had wrapped myself in my sopping cloak. I held up my cut hand to Anya and turned, flipped my wet cloak out of the way and pulled up my shirt to show a slash from the left side of my hip and to my armpit, tearing all but the stretchy bindings. I glanced back at her; she simply pointed to a cot and turned to a chest opposite of it.

“Alright, explain.” She said with a chuckle, rummaging through the chest she pulled out a jar of liquid and floating green chunks.

“Well, I tripped, fell through a tent, and fell into the pond. . . I think it was a crate in the tent that got my side and a rock in the pond that got my hand.” I guessed, glancing at the tent flaps and leaning over, tying them closed and turning my back to the exit.

“Well you say that, but it sounds like you did something stupid and didn’t pay attention.” She mercilessly replied and pulled out a rag and bandage. “Hand first.”

I held out my injured hand and watched her as she placed the rag to the jar and tipped twice then put the jar down. It remained silent in the tent as she wrapped my hand and lifted my shirt to look at my slash; all she did was smear something green and fresh smelling on it and wrapped a bandaged twice around my torso before turning back to her herb separating. A smile formed on my lips watching her, she was someone I could rely on, even just a little. It was something I was grateful for, I could speak to her about troubles, and she would smile and nod, adding advice even if I didn’t want it.

“You’re a good Friend, Anya.” I said and watched as a smile graced her thin lips. I turned and untied the tent flaps and stepped out.
♛
I avoided Falon’s tent for two days, like it was a plague filled mass of hate. Which sometimes I think it was. But I had to talk to her, soon, I reasoned as I strode over to her tent, pausing only once I reached it. My throat went dry and my pulse accelerated as I opened the tent to see Falon staring at herself in a bowl of water, one hand on the side of her head, touching a fuzzy spot. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, held it and let it out slow.

“Falon… can I come in?” I asked gently, holding open the tent flap.

“They really did quite a deal to my hair…” She said almost humorously, stroking her hair.

“It will grow back.” I said using that as an invitation.

Falon slowly looked at me and put the bowl down, her lips in a tight line. She must have expected me to be someone else, and not her friend who left her behind. I squatted down barely inside the tent and take in a deep, slow breath, trying to calm the heart pounding in my chest like a caged jack rabbit.

“I am sure it will. But the scars will forever be engraved into my scull.” She said as if talking about a stain on her dress as she traced a white bumpy scar on her head.

I was at a loss for words, I didn’t want to speak and be sent out, or stay silent and be sent out with no words to be spoken. just as I was about to let loose a sting of apologies, she turns her knees to face me and she leans forward, taking my hands ever-so-gently in her frail fingers.

“I have been thinking Lara…” She said in her well know don’t-hate-me-it-is-for-the-better tone and eyes to match. Her hands tighten around mine; it might not have hurt if her nails weren’t so long.

I couldn’t bring myself to pull my hands free as her nails dug in, just short of drawing blood, I was sure. Her eyes bore into sapphire ones with a flicker of contempt barley hidden in her hazel orbs. She smiled tightly, but she was holding in something, something I wasn’t able to make out.
“I want you to come home. Lara…before you tell me no …I want you to hear the reason why-“she took in a shaky breath and I could see she was near tears, her grip loosened on my hands a bit and she started. She told me of the Weather’s rage, His son Audrey even having the audacity to look for me. How my father went numb to the world and locked himself away in his room. How Arnold fell ill and Dezil was drafted into the navy, Dell was sent with him. The house of Dollard’s was thrown into a tizzy, as they were found to be penniless. She stopped to see if I understood. I did.
“Then the King outlawed the color red, every sanguis tree with in the kingdom of Cymatilus was burned. Every red flower tore from the ground, every red cloth was ether torn, burned or dyed.” Her voice cracked.

“And then?” I ventured gently.

“Then, The Kings brother came to our door, he asked and I told him where you might be, hoping it would bring you back safe . . . The king then sent Knights and soldiers out to look for a girl with blue eyes, and golden hair . . . For some reason they didn’t ask your family a single question…but they took me out of my home.” She paused and inhaled deeply rubbing her eyes and clenching her teeth.

“Oh…Falon...” I felt my throat go dry and my eyes begin to burn.

“They beat me and cut my hair and beat me again when I told them I didn’t know where else you would be…They threatened to tie my parents to the stake and I still had no honest answer to give, they threatened to throw my brother to the front lines are the upcoming war, Still no words could escape my lips. I watched them get dragged away as they took me the other way, toward the castle. I met the king, Lara; he looked grand, handsome even, but with cruel eyes. “A few tears slipped from the corner of her eyes.
I wasn’t sure if I should press on, given I did need this information, it felt wrong having her say all this at once.

“He slapped me once and said I was a disgrace to his kingdom, and it was your entire fault…why would he say that Lara?” she said turning a question look my eye, I was speechless and she continued.

“He left his guards to interrogating me. After the fourth flogging I started spouting lies of where you might be, who you might be with, why you left.” Her voice was growing heavy and hard.

“Falon…I’m sorry this happened.” I didn’t know what else to say, the words fell from my mouth like stones.

“Every now and then the king would come in and tell me what he knew about you and your family.” She furrowed her brows and frowned. “None of it made sense… You are born cymatilian, but with the hair of a rutilian…you are, are just a spy, just here to bring down the kingdom in which he rules tah-to stop his plans…but. How can that be?” she asked as if I knew or could confirm this.

“Spy? I was with you since I was able to walk, surly if I was you’d have known!” I exclaimed with furrowed brows. What reason does the king have to say that I was a spy, and what could he possibly know about me? The world around me was becoming more and more confusing.

“The last thing he told me was that it was your fault. He would always repeat it…and slowly I was beginning to believe him. If you had simply married his great nephew! My family would be safe, your family would be safe, I wouldn’t have been tortured trying to protect you!” tears started to mar her face, reddening her eyes and blurring her vision.


“I’m sorry.” I whispered looking in the eyes of my broken friend “I know it is because of me they all died, be it physically or mentally ...But not just I, the one who put you in bars and chains and beat you, was not me, but the king was it not?” I said surprisingly level. It hurt to see her this way, and rage was boiling my blood at her accusations when this should all fall on the king.

“He said, he said if you wasn’t born, or your father hadn’t disobeyed none of us would be in this situation! Because of you I am where I am now! It would be better if you just died!!” She sobbed.

It felt as if she stabbed me herself with her nails and tried to rip my heart from my ribcage. I clenched my teeth, I wanted to both slap her and hug her. And so I did, the slap stopped her sobs long enough for me to shake her.

“I can’t take back what happened to them! And if you want me to die then your going have to wait until I die avenging you and all we ever cared for, killing the frosted king!” I yelled out and pulled her to my chest, cradling her head.

She collapsed into my hold and nodded, sobbing and wiping her snot and tears on my shirt. Watching her own face screwed up tightly and I too, began to cry, but silently as I rocked my hysteric friend to calmness.

[*ajayred*]

I watched Dell and Arnold, smiling my big childish smile as my father stomped around, roaring out with his arms spread and fingers clawed. His slick reddish brown hair tickled my chin as I laughed. It was a dream, I knew because I had it before, most start out this that.
“Get them Daddy! Get the vile little wolf bandits!” I bellowed out as deep as my frail, sweet voice would let me as I pointed at my scattered brothers with a look of mock fieriness as I sat on my father’s shoulders.

Like the snap of my fingers, he turned around, ignoring Dezil and trotting to his younger sons. I tightened my legs under his arms, with one hand I gripped the collar of his shirt and his head with the other.

“Dear, why is our daughter on your shoulders in trousers?” Spoke the calm, overly sweetened voice of my mother, [i]someone was going to get it now.

My father reached up and grabbed me under my armpits, hosted me up and over his head then placed be on the ground in front of him. His eyes flickered down to my waist and my innocent eyes widened, I quickly untucked my dress and let it fall to my ankles, hiding the already seen trousers.

“Well, we couldn’t very well have her tuck her dress in her drawers, dear.” Father answered, trying to keep the grin off his face and failing terribly.
I giggled and hid behind his legs glancing up as my mother puffed herself up.

“And why, dear…” she began and I knew she was angry, she only said ‘dear’ like that when she disapproved. “Tuck in her lovely dress?”

“I felt terrible leaving my only daughter out of the fun, but she kept tripping over her dress.” His brow arched.

I buried my face into the crook of my father’s leg, fearing punishment though I never had one over such a thing. When I moved and looked out it wasn’t my fathered leg I was behind, but a curtain. I turned and looked out the window the boys taking their fencing lessons. My brows furrowed and I swatted the curtain out of the way to see my mother’s glaring eyes as she held up my attempt at embroidery. No, it wasn’t that I was bad, it was that I had put a pair of crossed swords with morning star flowers growing around it that annoyed her, but what angered her was it was on one of my dresses.
“Why do you do this to me?” she began, clearly exasperated. “All I ask is for you to be a lady in the company of others, wear the dresses and smile. Simple.” Her brows furrowed she sat- – unceremoniously flopped- onto my bed and crossed her legs, putting the dress to the side.

“Mother, I can smile and wear a dress, despite not wanting to.” I started slowly, trying to find the right words. “But what I cannot do is sit down with tight lips and a mute tongue. What I cannot do is keep my hands in my lap and giggle to every word a man says. I will not be an ornament or a doll.” I said clearly, crossing my arms over my chest.

“And why, dear will you not want to wear a dress?” She asked as if not hearing the rest.

“They are difficult to move in, they are also unsafe and heavy, you throw a fit when they are soiled and they represent femininity. When people hear feminine, they picture sweet, frail and pretty. I am none of those things and doubt I ever will.”

She slapped me.[/i]
I woke up shocked and shove a very rude hand off my face, a hand which belonged to my exhausted red-headed friend. I almost scowled, thinking we were back at her home, and everything was just a long dream. That thought was proved false as Ross materialized in the door way to see Falon on her stomach, using my arm as a pillow with one of her arms flopped over my throat. She was never was a graceful sleeper.

“Now, young man, friend or not we can’t allow this t’go on, using each other as blankets and pillows N’ such.” Ross drawled out arching a brow.

At this, Falon stirs and looks up, furrowing her brows “Ross?” she asked groggily. Apparently they met. “What? Why did he call you a- “
I quickly cut her off with. “I’m actually her brother, Ross; she gets sensitive over those titles.” I sputtered out, my face quickly turning a crimson shade, earning quite the confused look to come across Falon’s features.

“Brother? Yew said you ain’t got any sisters.” Ross said, seeming very amused.

“Well, she is really my cousin, raised as my sister, so this is not what it looks like, she was bawling all night, how could I just leave her?” I was sweating daggers but managed to bring back a calm look. I can add that to my list of lies that I shall later clear up.

“Yes… s-he would come to my house all the time, to practice with my brothers.” She said confused and doubtfully.

Then he chuckled replied “Didn’t yew just say she was sensitive over titles?” and he puts down a tray of food for Falon.
“She is that is why she calls me her brother, because I was raised like one.”
Seeming to take this as the truth he simply says “Red, you have t’get your own, so I can eat myself.” Before he left us alone; I could have sworn he laughed.

“Okay, Cousin-brother, explain…” Falon started, a bit doubtfully.

At that point I think there was an unspoken agreement to forget last night’s tears and so I explained I was dressed as a boy because they think I am a boy and that I have to be a boy to get what I want done with fewer problems. Also how the king won’t be looking for a boy.

After my little explanation, I lent her my cloak so she could cover her shorn head- which I knew, embarrassed her- and we both headed out, it took an effort not the stretch the wound on my side, but I manage and we moved on.

“That is the horse stables, yes pretty aren’t they? What? No Falon come back; let me show you around first so I don’t lose you. Now, that is where most go to show off their skills as well as tone them, and this is ...” I stop short and look up at bill as he comes this way, looking down at us grimly.

“And what are you doing?” said he with no attempt to hide suspicion.

My blood ran cold and I wasn’t sure what to say, so I put my head down and said nothing at all.

“I am joking, boy!” his face cracked a wide grin of humor. “Most the others are in the main med-tent or sent home, no harm in showing her around.” He smiled and walked off to attend his duties and leave me to continue what I was doing.

“Well that was scary… Oh! Is there anywhere I could bath? I smell terrible…” Falon mumbled very un-lady like.

“Oh yes, there is a public spring, if you want to go there.” I said turning direction to the bathing caves. “about this time there are a lot of people, I vise you to stay away from the second pool near the wall, there is a small hole, that you can barely see unless on the other side.” I warned, then suddenly began blushing as she stared at me intensely, millions of questions flashing in her eyes. “Woe, no. I only go in there after everyone leaves, most of the time the men and woman have different bathing times and the woman stay longer. There is no sightseeing.” I manage before clamping my mouth closed in embarrassment.

“I’m glad to know you can still blush like an innocent young girl.” she giggled and followed me closely.

It had not took us long to get to the bathing cave flap. It was also then Falon paused and turned looking at me with tears beading in her eyes, her face red and her bottom lip jutting out.

“They are going to see my scars and hair….” she said meekly and seemed much young then me.
She had a way of making me feel very immature, but had more moments like this -moments I normally take to tease her with, where rare, and I couldn’t tease her this time, so I nodded.

“Then we can come back in about an hour and it should be clear, until then I could let you meet some of my friends, some nice, some smart aleck or a mix of both.” I shrug and smile. “But they are all good people. At least the ones I met. “

“Oh, that’s good…they kind of looked like ruffians at first, I met Ross and Tate and Anya and they proved me wrong, thankfully. “ She glanced up seeing Henry walking up with a different look on his face.

He hooded his eyes, instead of narrowed (like normal when he approaches me) with an open mouthed lopsided grin.

“What’s with that face?” I asked narrowing one eye and cocking my head to the side.

He went into a normal smirk and said “I am making a cool face, doesn’t it look attractive” It almost sounded like he thought it was.

“No, it looks like you’re trying to smile after too much alcohol, right before passing out. “ I said arching a brow and crossing my arms.

A small giggle came from behind me and Henry brightened upon hearing it. I turned and stared at Falon who was covering her mouth in a failed attempt to stifle her chortle.

“Great, Henry she lived though that ordeal just to die laughing at your stupid drunk face!” Said I pointing an over accusing finger at Henry.

At this, Falon when into an even bigger fit of giggles and snorted; making her gasps, go wide eyed and burst out laughing again. I could see the tears beading in the corner of her eyes and her face was turning red. Henry started to laugh as well and soon I couldn’t help myself. Now isn’t this just an interesting scene? A woman dressed as a man, a scared up slave escapee and a burly man, all laughing un controllably just feet away from the public bath. Avery walked up and all fell silent. Henry made his so-called-cool-face look and we all cracked up laughing, Avery standing there like we all ate his shoes.

“What in the kingdoms are you laughing about?” He asked with a weary chuckle.

“Hen…Henry…here… mah-made a face like this” I gasped out and mimicked Henry’s expression.
Avery started to chuckle and cleared his throat. Everything once again fell silent between. We all looked at each other and after a few loose giggles. Avery said, with much confusion.

“It doesn’t seem that funny…Hello, you must be….feline?”

“Falon.” She corrected curtly, narrowing her eyes daring him to repeat the mistake. I take it she knew how well known her name is in this camp.
She was the only other escapee to stay here, so it would make sense for her to be fairly known. I stared at them, Avery wearing a smug look of victory and Falon looking as if she really was about to be a feline and tear him up with claws.

“Avery, stop it and take Henry with you, you don’t know it, but this little ball of Falon could tear you up like a wolf with a rat.” I said placing my hand on Falon’s shorn head. Of course, that was a bluff and she knew it was a bluff but she put on the fierce face too.

“Ah, fine I was just trying to make her feel welcome.” Avery said putting up a face of feigned innocence.

I narrowed my eyes and put on my protect-Falon face. But I knew he was trying to welcome her, treating her like us instead of a slave. (Which he would think she was, given we got her out of the slave mines.)

“Well, I don’t know about her ripping us up, but I cold defiantly see her clawing are faces off.” Avery said taking a step back.

I saw Falon’s chest rise with pride and Henry started laughing. Falon put on The Look; raising her chin, hooding her eyes and keeping her lips together and teeth apart. Henry stopped laughing, and Avery looked guilty.

“Sorry, missy, I didn’t mean to be rude.” Henry apologized, down casting his eyes and sounding genuinely sorry.

Falon smiled and modestly put her hands together. “It’s alright, I am sure you don’t. “ She said lightening her tone.

I arched my brow at Henry; he was barely 21 and was a tower with broad shoulders and muscle to match. A noble nose and strong brows, in short he looked like the man men would fear and turn some heads. And there he was, blushing like a school boy who was just given a compliment for the first time. A playful smirk tugged at my lips but I decided not to tease him, I needed him on my side. I looped my arm in Falons and threw my arm around Avery’s shoulders and drug them along.

“Well, let’s go meet the others!” I exclaimed happily.

We went into the mess tent and as Henry downed The Drink, Avery tried cactus juice for the first time, Falon sipped her grape juice and I my ginger ale. I glanced around the tent for more people I know and seeing none I glanced at Falon and the exit, she nodded and just before we could an arm draped around both our shoulders and Avery drooped between us.

“You two lovely ladies should try deh cactus juice!” He spluttered. “Wait….you ain’t no lady, your Laurence. Pft such a richy princy name….”

“Aha, very smart of you, did you use your own imagination for that?” I asked dryly prying his arm off Falon’s shoulder, vowing to never let him drink that juice again.

“Well do ya think I stole someone else’s?” He said sounding hurt, placing his now free hand over his heart, his eyes wide and pupils so large only a tiny ring of his iris shown.


“And how would you manage this?” I ask calmly with a smirk etching itself on my lips.

“Well ya mash their heads like melons, eat their brains and get dere shmarts.” He seemed almost serious saying this before a laugh erupted from his throat.

Avery looked a man and staggered over to him. “Who lit Phil on fire…” he said staring at the man, his head cocked to the side, mouth forming an ‘o’.

He ran out the mess tent and I took Falon’s by the arm and pulled her out to see how that would play out. Before leaving I heard someone say they should have diluted his first taste. Once outside, I burst out laughing as Avery lifted the cloak of a passerby and pulled it over his head.

“invisible-ness!” he yelled out, the passerby turning concerned with the head that was suddenly under their cloak, he tried pushing him away.

By now I was vividly concerned with what he had drunk, it had better been outdated. No cactus juiced-crazed rebellion would be any good to me. I walked over to him, took his arm and pulled him away from everyone, forced him to sit behind the mess tent and gave him a rock.

“Look, see this rock? It is a powerful rock with invisible eyes. Have a staring contest with it.” I said unsure if he would, given he was loopy.
He stared at the rock and blinked, yelled out how he lost and he would try until he won, so he tried again.

“Alright, Falon, peek in the tent and drag Henry out before he embarrasses himself.”

I had only known of Henry getting intoxicated once, and he had nearly pulled me into a can-can dance before tripping and falling into someone else.
Maybe I could earn a favor for saving his delicate male ego… I had thought. Or I could let him embarrass himself before I save him from further embarrassment. Came a voice somewhere far in the back of my head, a voice I had known to get me quite a bit of trouble before.
I shrugged and decided I would be a good girl- boy and walked back around to the entrance, upon entering I was greeted to such an interesting sight. Falon was hiding behind the crate-made bar only her eyes and forehead peeking out. A row of men, all gripping each other’s shoulders werein unison throwing their legs in the air and back down. Henry was the man in the middle, rosy faced and goofy eyed.

“Rence ma’ boy! C’mere!” He called out and I hesitantly obeyed walking over to him, but not in his reach.

“Now Henry, Remember what happened last time. . . “I started slowly.

The men released each other as the music grew faster and I was pulled into the group of dancing men, Henry linked his arm with mine and spun me around, stopping every other beat and kicking his leg as high as he could(which was surprisingly pretty high). I had saw Ross and Tate enter and they watched amused. I wrenched myself away and was suddenly light as air; hands held me by the waist and kept me in the air. I turned red, squeaked and started kicking.

“Put me down!” And whoever it was complied.
I glanced at the giggling Falon and Realized it was Henry. Well he could use some embarrassment then. I reached over, plunking a flower from a vase placed in the center of a table.

“Henry! You wanna be a cancan dancer right? Gotta be pretty, boys work them skirts!” I yelled and placed the flower behind Henrys red ear, just as the other two men started flinging around their imaginary skirts.

They all lined up, once again Henry in the middle, in all his drunken glory. They spun around and looped arms again. Everyone was laughing. Ross, I noticed was making his way over to me, so I waited.

“Lara-ence!” Falon called out, nearly slipping.

I turned around ready to give her a correcting smile when I was shoved roughly into a woman, who shoved me away from her with a grunt.
“sor-“
I backed up, went behind the bar and turned away silencing myself; no good would come from apologizing in that ground anyway. I leaned back on my elbows and sniffed the air, catching a whiff of…smoke. Turning my head to the side, I looked down at my smoldering shirt and patted it quickly, eyes wide. Everyone had their attention on Henry, so thankfully no one saw the elbow of my shirt smoldering.

“Laurence!” Falon screeched again and I whipped around.

“What?!” I snapped.

“You’re on fire!” She barked back as she poured water on a candle that I suppose I knocked down.

I looked down at myself, seeing nothing, but smelling it and felling it. I backed out of the back exist of the tent and felt a stinging sensation on my shoulder and went to rip off my cloak-thankfully it wasn’t my red one- and threw it on the ground stomping it. Once the flames were out I looked at my shoulder and found that it was burned slightly. Worse, It was bare. I heard a sharp intake of breath and looked at the back exist and saw Falon and next to her, Ross. I quickly picked the burnt shirt I had tugged off with the cloak and pulled it over my head. Maybe he didn’t notice, maybe he just thought I was hurt or randomly wrapped my chest in Bindings. Ross was standing there shocked and Falon looked extremely worried.

“Laurence, I reckon you got a lot to explain here.” Ross drawled out, relaxing his stance and narrowing his bronze eyes. “You best come with me.”

[*ajayred*]

I stood still with down cast eyes. My cheeks burned, my eyes stung and my heart pounded. I hadn’t expected to get caught that fast and defiantly not the way it happened. I had refused to look up and kept my jaw clamped. It was only me and bill in the tent and I could feel his heated stare on my head.

“You are, indeed a woman?” He asked slowly and sternly to break the silence.

Giving a slight nod, I focused on keeping my leg from twitching again. There was a make-shift desk between us and even though I was sure he wasn’t going to hit me it sure felt like it. I did, after all, deceive him in more ways than one.

“I first want to know why you felt it right to continue as a man after we accept you, you have been in situations we would have never put a woman in.” He said flatly, there was a scuffling sound and clomp-I assumed from putting his feet on his desk-table.

“I have….I want to fight on the front lines with the men instead of sitting back with the woman.” I started, trying to choose my words carefully. “I have goals I must accomplish that I cannot do on the side lines. Aside from that, overall in this world being a man is much easier.” All was true; of course, a man would rather ask help from the dumbest most inexperienced boy then from the smartest girl.
Daringly I had lifted my head and looked him in the eyes; my head was held high and my tone even.

“I see. “He said curtly and put his feet on the ground. “You know, woman in the rebellion have much more freedom then outside of it, not only that but they are taught how to fight, isn’t this a step big enough for now?”

No. It isn’t. I had wanted to say, instead what came out was “yes, normally it would be…but for me it won’t get me where I need to go.” I put on a mask of confidence, one I wasn’t sure would work without my male status.

“Do you realize why we don’t let woman fight on the front lines?” His voice was strong and calm with such ease.
While I on the other hand fought with my own to keep it steady. He stood and looked down at me, his towering height and broad shoulders casting a shadow over me.

“Why?” I asked, wondering where he was getting out, yet afraid to even know.
“Women are not inferior to men, but they are indeed different.” He soundlessly walked over to me; given his size it was quite amazing. “A woman’s mindset is different than a man’s; you know this to be true. Women tend to be the more emotional of the genders. You can see how that that wouldn’t work out very well in a mess of swords, blood and cries. “

I was determined to bite my tongue and let him finish before I spoke. I stared ahead at a bug hanging on the tent, avoiding looking at him.

“Women are physically weaker than men; yes there are ways around that in a fight but sometimes strength matters. If I was to fall on the field, do you think you could carry or even drag me to safety?” He said poking my arm, it was muscular, sure, but next to his it was puny.

“I don’t know. “ I said, my voice almost wavering. “I would try; I would get help if I had to. I would roll you if I had to. Even so, there are men around my size that couldn’t do it ether.”

He sighed and shook his head, sitting down on his desk-table and looking at me with a calculating expression.

“Besides stronger tear glands and the ability to grow larger muscle, men tend to jump ahead, recklessly throwing caution to the wind without even realizing it sometimes. You know it to be true,” The words spilled out of my mouth like uncontrolled sludge before I could find a cork. “Not only is that, their ego and pride are more likely to step in the way of goals.”

“Yes, both genders have their pros and cons.” His bright eyes searched my sapphires ones. “Just what are you trying to get at now?”

“They even each other out. Just like not all men are reckless, not all men are sensitive. If they were to team up, things would go easier once they stopped fighting.” I strongly proclaimed, and as he went to open his mouth I couldn’t help but throw more in.
“And if you are planning on bumping me down a few ranks, I vise you to reconsider it, sir. As a man I may not have had to prove myself as I would to you now, but I am willing to do whatever it takes!” I exclaimed suddenly feeling brave, a new fierceness glazing my eyes.

He stared at me, pondering this as he pinched the bridge of his nose as if trying to warn off a headache. He closed his eyes and opened them slowly and pointed to the exit. I swallowed and turned, chewing my bottom lip, walking slowly.

“I will think about it. Until then, be on guard.” He said as I left the tent.
♛
I peeked up the huge hole in the top of the cave-the Skylight, I liked to call it- and saw the purples and coral coloring the sky like spilt water colors on a blue canvas. I found no use in brooding over it and instead I went looking for Falon and found her in her tent, once again sitting and sulking. I placed my hand on her shoulder; she flinched and looked up at me. Relief washed over her face.

“Oh I thought something terrible was going to happen to you!” She cried out twisting around completely.

“No, he’s a reasonable man, but I don’t want to talk about that now…anyways it’s a good time for that promised bath.” I smiled, anticipating the warm water to wash away my troubles.
♛
While I was undressing I took the chance to look at my shoulder. I had felt pain when I stretched the skin, the skin wasn’t broken or swelling, but it was an angry red. Since Falon had wasted no time in getting in the water I gathered the towels and put them near the second of the pools and got in myself, keeping an extra towel wrapped around myself. Even after parading around as a boy, I did have some modesty; I reasoned as I slide in, stopping before the water hit my shoulder.

“Oh, I thought it would look worse than that.” She said, wading over to me, her white shift flowing behind her.

“Yeah, I thought so to, I guess I pulled it off fast enough.” I shrugged and gave a small grin. “I can now say at one point I caught on fire and lived with barely a scare. “

“You mean like that time you fell off a thirty foot ladder and was unharmed when you was seven?” she arched her brow, grinning. “From the bottom rung.” She added.
“Yes, yes details.” I said rolling my eyes and exaggerating groan of irritation. “I always made a point to tell people the last bit.” I said giving a good natured smile.

She stared at me with a sudden intensity and then confusion before saying “just how did you manage to fool them into thinking you are a boy?” she said in a lower tone.

I shrugged and dunked my head under the water for a moment, took the lye soap off the edge and started scrubbing my scalp. “I would guess because people see what they expect to see. A woman wearing pants is supposed to be unheard of, unthought-of in some parts, woman also don’t normally speak so gruffly, know how to fight with swords and fist, or act so brazen. Since the people don’t expect to see a woman like that, they don’t see it at all. “I replied thoughtfully.

Leaning back, I dunked my head again and shook the suds from my hair, when I came back up I was sure I saw a flash in Falon’s eyes but ignored it. “Not only that, I don’t exactly have the traditional beauty standards,” I added and shrugged.

Falon did, though. She had fair skin and a narrow jawline, round wide set eyes, what people call a celestial nose and somewhat full lips. It was then I noticed her face wasn’t scared, her arms and shoulders were marred but her face was untouched.
“Do you think I could pass for a boy?” Falon asked, cocking her head to the side.
“Yeah…maybe if….you were hit in the face….a lot…and trained for ten years…” I drawled, as I lifted her thin arms.

“I don’t know how to take this. I would only pass for a boy if I was disfigured?” She laughed out somewhat puzzled.
“Yeah, you are far too feminine to pass for a boy easily. “ I mused, knowing how true it was.

“Well how come you can then, right now you look like a girl!” She exclaimed, eyes tracing me in and confused enjoyment.
“My face is square and my eyes brows are naturally thicker than yours.” I explained. “
And a little dirt and sweat helps, when I just get clean, people around mistake me for a girl more often.”
“Hah, i wonder how many go behind your back and swear to their friends you’re a girl.” Falon pondered.
“I have heard Henry joke about it, but he treats me like a boy.”
“How do you know?”
“Because he is less of a jerk to girls, and more out to be goofy rather than intimidating, I think girls are his soft spot, children too.” I nodded to myself.
“Oh, like how Arnold was?” My apples haired friend asked.
“Mhm, just like that. “ I agreed.
We mostly talked about the past, it was almost as if I had never ran, she had never been took, and we was back at home, minding our own business while annoying brothers.
♛
I left first, as I was turning into a prune and Falon hadn’t been in warm water for months and wanted to savor it as long as she could. I walked to my tent alone, a few well-placed torches lit up my path to my tent and steam radiated off my damp hair as the cooling cave air tickled my face.
It was beginning to cool down, given it was about time, me having left home and stayed on the streets for little over a month and stayed with the rebellion for about two month. Winter would start soon and those chest bindings would finally provide wanted warmth, in the summer they only caused heat rashes and extra sweat. I walked into my tent and stripped down, changed into my night shirt and flopped down onto my matt. Just as I was about to succumb to sleep I heard a tug at my tent.

“Hey! Laurence! Bill is calling for you again; did you get in trouble or something?” Avery’s familiar voice called as his hands threatened to open the safety of my tent.

I snapped up and pulled on my pants scowling. I didn’t bother to respond as I pulled off my night shirt and pulled on my gauzy shirt, raked my fingers though my hair and went to grab my father’s cloak, upon lifting it I saw real mothers metal whip, I picked it up instead and wrapped It around my hips and pulled my shirt over it and walked out of the tent.

“Trouble? Like what?” I asked to nothing but the air as Avery wasn’t there. I shrugged and walked to Bills tent.

“The Plan is being set in motion. “ Bills voice boomed as I entered the tent, heart sinking seeing everyone here, Avery, Ross, Tate, Ida, Serret and Aurora, who seemed to be looking down at her stomach, flushed.

“Uh… hellooo….” I said awkwardly as all eyes turned on me.

“Ah... everyone, please leave I have something I would like to discuss with Laurence.” Said bill.

I hoped that meant he hadn’t already told them I was a liar. Aurora shot me a worried smile, Avery a confused look and Henry a sort of glare. I walked up to His make-shift desk and stood rod stiff.

“Tell me, what kind of life you had before turning into a boy.”

“I was a normal street…..” I trailed off seeing the warning flash through Bills eyes, I suddenly felt like crying. I inhaled deeply said strongly and honestly this time. “I had a life of silk dresses, fine jewels and embroidery lessons. As well as a life of leather vest, sharp swords and swordsmanship. I was the daughter of a fallen noble.”

“What is your real name?” I could see a whirl wind of unknown emotions flash in his eyes, but his face remained stoic.

“My real name is Laurel, but I went by Lara.”

“You are that girl Avery and I met in the forest the day of the Cymatilus kings ball.” He stated and I only nodded, a smile crept to his lips and he put his feet to the ground with a loud thud. “You see, Ida doesn’t have the manners or etiquette needed for this very important mission and Aurora is carrying a child, thus cannot do such a dangerous thing.” He paused to see if I was still getting it, wearily I nodded and he continued. “Thus, Avery, Serret, Henry and Ross ‘n Tate are all large burly men, you how ever aren’t and will take Auroras role.”

It was odd for Bill to beat around the bush; normally he simply snapped it at the roots. This drew out my worry which I tried to hide with my best acting abilities.

“You will be placed in the upcoming ball, find the king’s nephew and lure him out the back.” Bill arched a brow and stared at me.

I knew the answer, but I asked anyway. “And just how to you expect me to do that unless you want...” I began but seeing him grin, my face melted into one you would expect to see on a whiny child who found out there mother didn’t buy the dress they wanted. “Noooooo…..what about Anya?”

“She is too old to do that,” He said with no attempt to hide his amusement. “Now call in the others so we can talk about the rest of the plan to get the little snot.”

I turned on a heel; I puffed up my cheeks and clenched my fist so tight my knuckles turned white. I wanted to protest, but it would get me nowhere. I would have to think of something else. I poked my head out of the tent entrance and saw everyone off to the side joking around.
“Ida, let go of my ear, please. It hurts.” Henry wined as he held Avery in a headlock.
“Let him go.” Ida purred dangerously, tugging on his ear.

“Hah, she is on my team this time.” Avery gloated as he slipped his foot between Henrys knees and went to take him off balance.
“Hey, people, over here.” I called out; nodding my head back and made the ‘come here’ motion with my finger.
Everyone had filled in and took their seat; I followed their lead and sat down as bill continued.

“This is a kidnap mission. The target Sir Audrey, the Kings nephew.” Bill said wasting no time. “Laurence will go in as a young noble-“At this Henry snorted-“the Daughter of a fallen noble trying to regain her status, you will be the one to lure the brat out back without causing much trouble. We will be able to get you in with a bribe or two”

My blood ran cold and I wanted to run now, but I sat back and yawned instead. Henry as hunched over shaking, holding his mouth to suppress his laughter. I glanced at Avery who was doing the same.
“Avery you will be a waiter, try to hang around Audrey, if you can’t, stay around Laurence. “ Bill continued ignoring the immature boys; Avery straightened up and listens once his name popped up.
“Ida you are going to be a stable hand, once the clock hits midnight take three horses to the servants’ entrance. Henry will hang around the back as a knight before Ida gets there with the horses and subdue the other knights and keep a look out, we can’t have anyone stumbling upon that scene. Aurora is sitting this one out. Laurence, once you get the target out the door if henry is still being a look out, knock him out throw Audrey out, put him on a horse and run off to the eastern side of the castle to the trees, there will be a merchant cart waiting and a change of clothes. Avery will sneak out after everything has cooled down and Henry, Ida, and Avery will take the last horses in behind Laurence. Ross and Tate will be on stand by for a plan B of their choice, as I trust their judgment. You have two days to prepare; you may have to switch out your clothing with another’s. You may all leave, except you Laurence.”

I was an inch away from pulling out my hair as everyone left the tent, Avery Patting my shoulder and giving a fake sympathetic smile and mischievous eyes before walking out.

“it is perfect, no one would suspect a woman of doing such a thing, with this you can prove to me you can stay in the front lines.”

“You are willing to bet so much so I could prove myself?!” I snapped.

“Yes. I am, and even if you fail I have ways I can salvage it. I may seem to be throwing caution to the wind, but I have thought a lot of this through. now go to Anya’s tent and get your dress fitted.” He said, and I did as told, as I left he added

“Keep in mind; this is also punishment for lying to us, for another reason all together it is a reward.”

I was, at that point a cyclone of feelings and thoughts. I would not let him think he won; I would not bend to this punishment. I was furious, I was humiliated; I was somewhat relieved he hadn’t told everyone and kicked me out. As if I couldn’t dig my hole any deeper, I was girl, playing as a guy, playing as a girl.

[*ajayred*]

“So, the girly boy gets to play the girl?” Ida asked, clearly happy she wasn’t the one doing it.

“That’s right; our own pretty boy gets to be the pretty girl. Hu..Hue…he is just. Growing up so fast…” Henry falsely cried.

“Well, at least we won’t have to worry about people suspecting him to be a boy.” Avery piped in, lifting my arms.

I glared flaming daggers at them all; trying to punch them with my anger as I physically restrained myself.

“C’mon, now Rencette, it just some fooling around.” Henry patted me hard on the back.
I looked up at him with my blackest glare and he backed away, seeming to get the point.

“Well….Laurence won’t have to worry about young men coming around.” Avery walked a circle around me as I eyed him. “I mean, no boy could possibly pass for a pretty girl, even if they have pretty boy faces.”
I didn’t know if I should have been insulted or proud, given the current situation. My mind set was leaning toward the center of it.

“Oh, oh let’s see if he can dance.” Henry chuckled, took my arms in his iron grasp and grinned at me.

“Don’t….you, dare.” I hissed, jerking away.

Once again I was light as a feather and in the air. Stupid Henry and his strength, he was tossing me in the air and spinning me around.

“Put me down, right now! Put me down, you pig headed, rotten brute!!” I bellowed, I roared and I screeched.
They persisted and my warning fell on deaf ears. I won’t lie, it was a bit fun, but I would not go unheard. Taking Henry’s hair, I used it as a hand hold to pull myself down, rather than pull his hair up. He let out a yelp and releases me and I swatted him away with clawed hands. Then, Avery took the chance to give it a try, in hopes of better results and tossed me over his shoulder and started to spin.

“Gah!! Why do you persist in these matters?!” I yelled as I pounded his back with one hand, and tried to pushed off his shoulders with my other. “I am not your little sister!”

Taking my hand, I reached bath and grabbed his throat and clawed his sides until he tripped over his feet and we both fell onto Ida. Now, Ida was a girl much like me in terms of build and i had heard she worked with large animals ever since she was five years old. She looked strong for a girl (I would too, only people thought I was a boy, therefore small) and tended to look like she could pound anyone she wanted into the dirt. I think it would have been safe to say Avery and I feared for our lives.

Ida took hold of our heads and forced them down as she slide out from under us and pushed herself up. Avery paused and I had gone limp, looking up at her as she glared down at us. I tucked my lips and Avery start to suppress a grin. Previously, Ida had been carrying some feathers she was taking to the armory to be made into arrow ends, those feathers now covered her and stuck out every which from her raven hair.
“What?” she growled.

“Pft…” I slapped a hand over my mouth.

“aha!” Avery guffawed, sucked in a feather and started to hack.

Henry was all out, bent over, holding his stomach laughing by that point and I was just behind him when Ida smacked the back of Avery’s head, making us go silent. Our laughter was like dumping oil on her already flaming temper. She grabbed my collar and pulled me up ward to look into my sapphire eyes, while I fear looked directly into her grey eyes that held a lot of contempt.
“Each and every one of you will pick up each of these feathers…before I get out my bull whip…” she growled low and harsh. Right then and there, I could have told anyone flames where radiating off her back.

The rest of that day was spent under Ida’s iron fist as we picked up feathers and took them to the armory, as well as get a good barking at from the people in charge of the armory. Meanwhile Avery and Henry had stopped their teasing once Anya got on to them, saying Avery once had to do something very similar and Henry does much more embarrassing things when intoxicated

♛



The corset, which I never wanted to see again, was shoved under my arms and cinched up tight. Skirts draped around my legs, caging them in a prison of cloth and taking away their free movement.
“I have come to a conclusion. Dresses are terrible.”
“Laurence, you have said that three times already, now lift your arms this correct is to stiff.” She said as she undid it and pulled the dreaded thing away from me.
“And it is very true. And I have been meaning to ask you…did you tell bill before he ‘found out’ about me?” I had indeed wanted to ask her, given Bill didn’t seem very surprised.
“I didn’t need to, one day he just asked me ‘you know Laurence if a girl, don’t you?’ and I couldn’t just lie to him, I never said I would lie for you.” She answered, pulling up my slipped and unbounding the thick wrapped around my waist.
My mouth found no more words to speak and so Anya took up the underskirts to fit at my waist line. After a moment she finished it and nodded to herself before getting on one knee to fix the long hem.
“Hey, I need something.” Ida called before walking.

I jerked around, earning a scowl and accidental prick from Anya as well as nearly tripped over the skirts. Marching up to the table, grabbing needle, spool of thread and leaving, Ida didn’t seem to notice anything. If she saw my slender waist, she said nothing.


“Alright, I’m done, take that off and put on your clothes, I have what I need to fix it up tonight. Now we can find something for your hair.” Anya told me and I obeyed.

I pulled on my shirt and pulled the skirts off, deciding I would put my bandages back on before I left.

“Sit there, I need to see if I can find a wig for you, then you can leave.” Anya called from behind me.
I waited and picked my nailed in the mean time until she suddenly flopped something down on my hair and I was seeing through gold strands.
“It’s great! The right color and everything, that was easy. You may go, I’m done.” Anya took the wig and shooed me out of her tent.

“Anya wait I need my-“

Bandages where tossed out of the tent and slapped me in the face. I glared at her tent and gathered up my bandages. “My cloak too!” I added and caught it as it flew out.
I was with Anya for the whole day, and so it was dark when I was outside. As long as no one started trying to touch me, they wouldn’t notice the sudden shrink of my waistline. I pulled my cloak back on and turned, sauntering back to my tent and saw Eddie making his way back.

“Come…on you stubborn horse!” He exclaimed, tugging on the rope that wrapped around a rusty stallions muscled neck.
“Try surprising him by giving the rope a shake.” I told him.
Eddie paused his pulling and gave the rope a quick jerk up and down, sending a way to the horse and making him lift his large head. Eddie then gave another pull the horse took a step forward.

“Ah, see?” I smiled. “You should praise him for each good thing he does.” I added as I walked up to the horse slowly and left him smell my hand.

Eddie let out a small humph and nodded. “what’s on your face?”

I reached up, touching my face and rubbing off some of the powder left behind from Anya’s play.

“Is that make up for the mission?” He asked when I said nothing.

“Ah…yeah, it is.” I drawled slowly, cringing.

“I don’t get why girl where that stuff, just to take it off hours later.” He scoffed.

“Eh, to feel pretty I guess.”

“Isn’t that what a face is for?” he cocked his head.

I let out a chuckle and nodded. “You would think so, huh?” I said and walked back to my tent to end the day.

♛
Anya was behind me, pinning in the hair extension-wig-thing on and pulling the sides of my hair back. She put soft curls in my hair and in the center above the sliver barrette, a blue lycoris flower. She clapped her hands together, signaling she was done and I stood up. Slowly I turned to face her, lips glossy, eyes lined black and eye lids dusted with dark grey and highlighted with shimmering white.

“It is hard to see how well you pass for a boy when I see you like…” she breathed and smiled. “You truly are very pretty,”

“No, the paint on my face is pretty.” I smiled humorously.

“Well, you best get out there before they come runnin’ in.” Anya chirped.

At that I nodded, walked out and picked up the many layers of cloth around my legs. To make up for the feminine appearance I put more swag into my strides and put on a scowl. We set up a small tent outside the caves so I could hop straight into the probably stolen carriage to avoid dirtying my dress. So I was trying to get to it as fast as I could when a hand gripped my shoulder and spun me around. I went even paler then the powder on my face.

“Are you sure you’re a boy?” Avery asked staring at me seemingly stunned.

“I am ’bout as much of a man as you, Avery.” I glared.

“I am not sure which of you should be more insulted…” Henry chuckled walking up behind me. “They really put you in a dr-dress…..” he trailed off upon seeing my face and he busted out laughing. “You make a better woman then a man!”

I balled up my fist and clocked him square in the jaw, turned, picked up my skirts and walked to the carriage. I didn’t look back to see the damage, but I did hear Avery’s laugh and running feet. I grinned, satisfied with myself as I shook the pain from my hand.
Serret, who took the job of chauffeur clucked his tongue and shook the reigns, the horses moved taking the carriage with them. I was supposed to help kidnap the boy who was supposed to be my arranged fiancé, so while he was supposed to capture my heart-gag- I now have to capture him. I wasn’t sure how I should have felt about that. All well. A voice said. you can yet make the best out of this, can’t you? Rang the voice that had a habit of getting me in trouble. On the way to the castle –the whole idea having yet sunk in- I took to reading a story book filled with collections of folklore and princesses, most filed with happy endings, some gruesome. One story made me laugh, it was about a girl whose step mother ruined her life and one day she snuck out after making herself a fine dress with the help of an elderly woman and her grandchildren and she ran to the ball to find the prince. I found it funny because in my eyes, Bill was the elderly woman, Anya, the grandchildren and the prince was Audrey, only it isn’t a love story and the girl isn’t as violent as me.

I must have read more than I thought because the carriage stopped and the door opened moments later. I placed my mask over my eyes, and secured it by pressing the silvery wire tighter around my head to keep my mask from falling, normally the wire would be ribbons but ribbons would have to go over my hair. Anya wouldn't have that. The mask was black at the top, faded to white at the bottom, lined with silvery cloth and only covered my eye brows and bit of my cheek bones, a blue vine-looking pattern was its only other decoration.

“You look lovely, madam.” Serret said offering a hand like a proper gentlemen.

I put on an aristocrat smile and took his hand as I stepped down from the carriage, offering no thanks I walked up to the door like I had every right to be there. Two finely dressed knights stood on both sides of the large open door and a shorter, rounder man off to the side holding a rolled up paper looked at me and it looked like he would let me pass.

“May I have your name, madam?” The short man asked, crushing my hopes of a simple entrance.

“My name is Laura Dollard, of the Apple Isle.” I lied jutting out my chin.

“The...Dollard’s...” He said slowly then nodded. “Yes, the Dollard’s, but I do not believe they have children.”

Serret at this stepped up and leaned over, whispering something and placing a bag in his hands. For a rebellion organization, they sure had a lot of money to toss around. He quickly nodded and grinned greedily as he let me pass. I was sure I heard the worlds 'illegitimate' and 'child'.

Apparently not all the research was done on that party, it was a masquerade, yes, but while the men all wore royal blue and black, the woman wore icy azure and white. Many eyes turned to me and I felt like melting into the earth to avoid the eyes.
I wore a dress that was tight around my torso, just high enough cut to hide that I am indeed female, with one wide strap to cover my burned shoulder. The lower half fluffed out around my hips and looked like an upside rose that hadn’t fully boomed. The shape wasn’t the problem; it was sapphire material at the top that darkened to a smoky black at the bottom.

“How bold of her.” Someone said. “She must really want to capture every man eyes.”

Or maybe he did do his research. I stepped further into the ballroom, an air of indifference my only shield. I saw the king seated firmly on his throne, eyeing the crowd like ants. I turned away. There I was in the ballroom I ran from, near the king I wanted to kill, to kidnap the man I was supposed to wed.
Best raise the curtain to this show. I thought as I politely declined an offer to dance from a man old enough to be my father.
My eyes gently scanned the crowd until catching sight of the boy I had only even seen, maybe five times in my life before, I knew it was him; his mask only covered half his face. I couldn’t very well waltz up to him, as a woman I was supposed to make him come to me, as my mother would say women must let the men think they thought of it first. To the side, Avery was already near him dressed in the sleek white man servant attire, holding a tray with bottles of wine. I didn’t bother to hide my saucy grin before it faded into one of politeness.

“Wine, Mistress?” Avery asked, slowly turning to me with a grace I’d have never expected from him, what surprised me more was the gentle, polite smile, what didn’t surprise me was the mischievous glint in his eyes. His mask was a simple strip of soft black leather.

“Yes, the burgundy.” I purred with a touch of feminine charm, I could see the shock in Avery’s eyes, but his face stayed polite as he took an upside down glass from the bottom of the tray and placed it in my hands.

While he poured I glanced at the target just trying to think of different ways to do this. Feeling the weight in my hand grow, I nodded once for Avery to stop before it got to full before I walked away, eyeing someone to talk to near Audrey.

“You are quite the brazen young woman.” A voice came from behind me and I turned to look up at cold grey eyes.

“I have heard many people say that about me, I can’t say I am bothered in the least. “ I gave a small smile and curtsied while introducing myself.

“I see, young women are getting older and bolder, I suppose it is a good thing.” He smiled, but there was no warmth in it. “I am pleased to meet such a lovely young girl; my name is Lykon, Lord Lykon stenzi. I am rather new to this position as you might see.”

I could indeed see he acted more like an army general then a highborn. I could see a flicker of warmth spread over his features as I continued idle talk with him, over the ball, weather and other mindless things. The echo of music changed to a fast pace waltz and I gave a small curtsy. “You must want to dance with many of these fine women; I won’t keep you any longer.” I hadn’t given him time to respond as I moved closer to Audrey, and now I wasn’t so sure how I would manage this. I had no idea what type of person he was and I had a bad habit of being rude to younger boys. That an-

“Would you like to dance?” I turned and smiled gracefully, while blanching under my powder and mask.
Audrey stood in front of me, hand out with a somewhat cocky grin on his lips.

Well, too late to talk yourself into another idea. I inwardly chided as I took his hand. Seeing the look on his face and the way he pulled me closer to him, I guessed he expected the girl to act as bold and saucy as her dress. Well I could do that, makes things easier on me.
“That is quite the attire, did you forget what was on the invitation, or simply decide to standout?” He asked me, placing his hand just below my shoulder.

“Neither, I was simply told I would wear this and come to the ball in place of my older sister, who was bedridden,” I answered amusedly.

“Ah, so you are obedient to your parents?”

“No, my aunt and uncle.” I corrected “My parents are going through hard times; it’s up to me to bring them up. I vowed to do it with my own hands.”

“I see…so you came here to find a prize?” He arched a brow.

I narrowed my eyes; he was accusing me of man hunting. I masked my thoughts with a giggle and slowly shook my head.

“No, I am here to have a fun night, to dance and talk with people I have never met. And you?” I chirped.

“My father, he likes to look for possible marriage matches for me anywhere he can, though I can’t see why I’m telling a girl such as yourself this” he chuckled as if it was absurd and I saw my opening.

“I see, you do everything your father asks of you?” I inwardly grinned as I saw a needle prick his male pride. He narrowed his eyes at and a heated glare.

“Just what are you trying to say?” He asked almost growling, every trace of young happy arrogance gone-well it was still a bit arrogant-.

“Simply that you are a piece of clay your father is molding to raise his status I presume. Agreeing to such things, to please him? Or maybe because you don’t have the-” I paused as he spun be around and pulled me back in roughly while glaring through his mask. “-have the fortitude to tell him know even when you don’t like it?” I purred, I was getting the reaction I wanted, drawing out his annoyance. It didn’t take much with someone like him.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” He said low and threatening. “I do it because I am needed to, for my family.”

“I see, so no matter what, you plan on doing as you’re told?” I had to hold back the wicked smile trying to form on my lips.

“Yes, no. in some forms” He seemed angry that he was getting confused.

“Then if that is the case, why not rebel once, tonight. “ I said excitedly, gripping his hand. “Like, just a ride into town and back, just to feel the wind and leave this behind for just a minute!” I exclaimed.

He stared at me skeptically, but my excitement seemed to rub off on him. “And where are these horses?” he grinned.

I took his hand and smirked taking him through the crowd and weaving in and out of the groups of people, passed the gaudy mask and spinning blues, whites, and blacks. I simply needed to get him to the kitchen and out the back, only the world just wouldn’t have it that way.

“Oh, well how rude!” said a woman, whom was defiantly Mrs. Dollard. Big hair, bright face paint, and my suspicion only confirmed as she lowered her hand held mask. My eyes widened slightly as she narrowed her eyes. “Why, is that you Laurel?!” she exclaimed.

“Laurel?” Audrey echoed.

I tilted my head and smiled. “No, sorry madam, I am not this person you mistake me for.” I giggled extremely high-pitched, my hand tightening around Audrey’s.
Before she could even continue I took off with Audrey in tow and was suddenly aware Avery was supposed to stay near us, I could only hope he hadn’t heard. We burst through the kitchen staff door, eyes turned to us but I simply ignored them and ducked and dodged, even avoided a puff of four. Audrey however, didn’t and was coughing it up as I laughed and opened the back door to the kitchen, once out I saw that indeed Henry had taken care of any guard or knight unfortunate enough to walk his way. I felt Audrey tense in my hand and I whipped around, he had wide eyes and looked as if he dart any second, so, like anyone would do in this situation, I was about to clock him. Only before i could do that he pulled me behind him and drew his rapier.

“Don’t worry, I’ll protect you.” He told me, one arm extended protectively, the other holding his rapier.

I started laughing and covered it with a kind of sobbing sound as Henry turned around and groaned, he had apparently expected me to knock him unconscious. I was wondering just how to handle this when Ida walked up with the horses, assessed the situation and bent over, picked up a rock and chucked it at Audrey’s head. When he had only stumbled back clutching his head and mumbling about foul play, she picked up an old frying pan covered in dirt, after that I was too busy laughing to hear the bang of the pan and the thud as Audrey hit the ground.

“Now get ‘em on the horse.” She almost smirked as she tossed the frying pan to the side.

“Wait…how am I supposed to ride a horse in this circus tent?” I muttered taking Onyx by the reins and leading her closer to the unconscious Audrey. “HenHen, you wanna help me out here?”

I had to fight with my dress to find my legs, and once I did I put one in the stirrups and flung myself up, once again fighting to get my leg on the other side. I scooted back just before Henry picked up and put Audrey in front of me.

“Don’t call me that, Rence.” Henry glared and glanced around for anyone who might be coming.

I left him unanswered and gripped Audrey by his shirt tightly, I wasn’t strong enough to keep him particularly balanced, but he wouldn’t fall off. I was sure Bill knew that and was trying to make his point. I dug in my heels and tightened my legs around Onyx. We took off in a smooth gallop. Even with my posture (which was correct) Keeping Audrey balanced wasn’t a particularly easy job, I had to strain a couple of muscles to get the job done, but it got the job done. I was glad the ride was short and as soon as Serret walked up and pulled the deadweight that was Audrey from Onyx, I leaped off and gave her good rub down, I was sure carrying me and that lug wasn’t exactly comfortable.

“Alright, now, since that’s over, does anyone know why Bill wanted this brat?” I asked anyone who’d answer.

“A little bit of interrogation, or maybe he wants to find someone with a face close enough, dis figure it slightly and send him in as a spy.” Avery said, making his eyes wide in mock worry as he came up behind me riding a horse.

“You are such an idiot. “ Ida said tying the bonds on Audrey’s hands –I still don’t know how she snuck up so silently- letting him snore in the dirt.

“Hey, Bill is a mysterious man. One day he shows up in town, builds up a sudden rebellion before anyone realized what the king was doing? How weird is that?” Avery pointed out.

“So, are you complementing him or insulting him?” Henry asked from next to Avery on a horse of his own.

“Weren’t you all supposed to wait?!” I exclaimed.

“Got bored.” Said Avery.

“I thought it would be better to just go on after you.” Ida shrugged.

“I couldn’t let this smart-aleck get into trouble” Henry said as he jutted a chin out to Avery.

“What? Me? Nah. I’m a good boy on missions.” He grinned. “Mostly, sometimes I have to make my own calls.”

Henry had nothing to say to that and we hooked up the horses to the merchant cart, Ida had rolled Audrey up in a few blankets and Avery tossed him in the back covered up even more blankets. At least the bumpy ride would have gone softer for him with all the padding.

[*ajayred*]

“AAAHH!!!” the sound echoed in my ears.
At that exact moment, I slapped my hand over Audrey’s mouth and shoved his head back down into the pile of blankets, tying a gag around his mouth.

“Just be quite you little brat!” I snapped, forgetting the fact he was about a year older than me.

I was already sitting on his stomach, struggling to keep him from squirming as Serret re-tied his feet. He had nearly escaped his bonds and was hopping away when we saw him. For a stuck up brat, he sure put up a fight.

“Telling ya, should have just given him…uh! The drugs.” I grunted out, trying my hardest to keep from socking the boy.

“Ya know what? Shut up. We are running low and shouldn’t waste it on this boy” Serret replied.

“Alright, that’s it!” I bellowed as I took Audrey by his collar, jerked his head up and stared him straight in the eye. “Now you listen here…” I growled. “This will go easier and safer for you if you simply comply.”

He stomped for a moment, stared at me intensely and closed his eyes. Right before he head-butted me.

“Mother of me!” I said grabbing my head, peeking through my disheveled bangs to see him smirk victoriously through his gag.

I wrapped my hands around his neck but before I could let my temper get the best of me strong hands pulled me off Audrey and held me away as I kicked at him fuming.

“Calm down! Good grief!” Avery exclaimed in a way that suggested he was amused and trying to be serious.

Audrey stretched his chin up and to the side, wriggling his mouth out of the gag he glared venomously, as is we were the ones he captured. I only wanted to punch him more, though I was mostly retraining myself, Avery knew better to let go of my shoulders at that moment and he was right to do so.

“I can’t tell if you’re a fiery stupid woman or a fiery stupid boy.” He said.

“Ggraah!!” I growled and closed my eyes, wrenched myself from Avery and smiled so sweetly it was scary. “You know what? Little boy’s shouldn’t talk back.” I said in a voice equally as sweet as my face and gaged him again, only with a sock with a sock Avery was holding out to me. “Good boy.” I said and stood.

It had been a day long travel; we were planning on meeting Bill at new location to avoid bothering anyone at the man camp, so for a while the rest of us had been waiting around for him to show, as we had got there first. I was having a much harder hiding my gender with everyone getting closer and closer and was beginning to wonder if I should just spill the milk.
Maybe after I prove myself a little bit more… I had thought. I hoped I could settle it soon; it was like a saw cutting away at my guilt. I began walking while Serret and Henry tossed Adurey back in the carriage rather ungracefully.

“So, we just wait here?” Avery asked, furrowing his brows leaning against a large rock.

“Yup.” Serret answered pulling his shirt off and hanging it up on a branch.

It was one of those impossibly hot days that sprig up out of nowhere and oh how I felt it. I was sweating a river and waiting for heat exhaustion to set in. I was dreaming about the day I could leave behind these bindings and wear fewer layers in the heat when Avery got up, took off his boots, shirt and walked over to me with a grin that I knew to take as a hint of future trouble.

“Let’s go swimmin’!” He exclaimed before taking advantage of my small size and start pulling me over by the river.

Sure, he was probably just bored, but water will not help any matters of my deception, bindings would come loose, cloth will cling and not only would it be bad to be caught as a girl at that point but awkward too. So I struggled against Avery’s grip, while digging my toes in the dirt and leaning back, Serret seemed to find this an amusing time to take my other hand and pull with his own amount of force to prove his point of wanting my help.

“Hey?” Avery said looking at Serret.

“I need his help; he can tie some pretty good knots.” Serret shrugged. Which was a lie; my knots where terrible, just better than the lot of loafers around me. (Not including Ida who was already busy)

“I need a play mate, you have Henry.” Avery retorted and he pulled.

“Henry has terrible knotting skills, you play with Henry.” his eyes narrowed.

“Henry is boring!” Avery whined and tugged my arm. Sometimes he had the mentality of a thrity year old, though at this point it was that of a ten year old.

“Cold, guys. Just cold...” Henry said dryly with a bit of a pout from what I saw and Ida simply snorted out a laugh as she continued her weapon sharpening.

Meanwhile, I was being pulled apart by to obviously strong young men and could hear the seams tearing on my sleeves. Now it was a simple shirt, not made for work and I might have been surprised it held up as long as it did if I was wasn’t trying to figure out how to keep my arms in their joints.

“Guys….” I started out low and calm.

“Yeah well I need him more, for my boredom.” Avery pulled harder on my arm.

“It hurts…” I said furrowing my brows, being ignored like a child, glaring up through my messy bangs.

“I need his skills for my fish net. Let go!” Serret growled.

“Let me go!” I bellowed and pulled my self away, tripped over a rock and fell on my rear.

When I looked up both off them held a sleeve in their hand. I was sure a vein was showing on my forehead as I glowered at them, trying to force my anger on to them like fog without showing too much on my face. A trick I learned from the rebellion girls, though it didn’t seem to work with me.

“That was my favorite shirt.” Avery said, as it was his shirt I was borrowing at the time.

“My mother always said girls would fight over me. This was not at all what I expected.” I said with a calmer voice, standing and walking away from them to let it sink in. even though she said boys, I think she would understand the replacement word. I mentally laughed.

“Did that feminine boy just call us girls?” Serret asked behind my back in a not-so-low undertone.

“Yes, I believe he did.” Avery whispered like a noble.

I felt coldness slide over me as I heard footsteps nearing me. In hindsight, that probably wasn’t the best thing to say. I had both the urge to run and to turn around. Deciding running wouldn’t work as Avery was much father then I, I turned and right as I turned around I saw both of them arms extended toward me with evil grins marring their faces.

“Wait guys….! Wait! ... No! “I protested vigorously as they towered over me and lunged.

Serret gripped me under my arms and Avery took my feet despite my struggle. I grabbed Serret’s hands and dug my nails in to distract him. I knew my whining and protest would get me nowhere, but I simply struggled anyway until they started swinging me back and forth after nearing the river.

“One! Two! …”

Just when they were about to let me fly I wrapped my legs around Avery’s arm and grabbed Serret’s wrist. I had hoped it would simply make us drop to the ground; my hands really just reacted on reflex. Instead the momentum forced them to stumble and fall forward, landing us all in the deep river. I sunk in the cool embrace of the water, all thoughts of annoyance washed away. I pop my head out, disheveled hair covering my face, but not hiding the scowl underneath.
“You ruffians!” I exclaimed lunging for Serret, who was becoming more and more like a brother as the days went on.

Yes, he was rude, arrogant, and selfish and could say pretty cold things. Deep down he was just a softy; he could be rather nice under his tough exterior and had shown warmth unmatched by many. He might threaten to put a dog down for chewing his boots for the tenth time but can’t put down a chick that was an attacked by a cat.

I took a hand full of hair and dunked his head underwater, he took my shoulders and shoved me back into the water and dragged me back up. Water washed up my nose and I sneezed in his face laughing.

“Serves you right!” I laughed and felt a splash on my back and I whirled on the attacker with waves of water.

“Aha I win! Got you in the water.” Avery said and Serret and I sent a big splash of water his way.

“Unfair, unfair!” Avery yelled trying to get us back with as much force as he could.

“Bunch of children.” Ida had muttered during our water war.

“What is that?” Henry said from the edge pointing a finger at a thin white strip behind me.

Fear nipped at my gut, that wasn’t just a white strip, it was my binding.


Oh no…
“White adder!!” I screeched, the boys froze for a second and then the boys jumped out of the water so fast you’d think they left water drops behind in their shape.

I grabbed the end of my binding and leaped out the other side of river. I was hoping the fear of a white adder would keep their minds of any other explanation. That was solved, finding a place to fix my bindings wasn’t. I went fairly far into the forest until I found a large bush and hid behind it. I wasn’t planning on taking the chance of taking my shirt off, but when it proved too difficult to fix my bindings with it on I looked around carefully. Seeing no one I decided one arm out shouldn’t hurt, so I did just that and wrapped my bindings back up. Putting my shirt down, I let out a deep sigh of relief. I would be a liar if I said I didn’t fell annoyed, or scared. It was getting harder to be on guard around the people who were becoming like a surrogate family. Felling a presence behind me and being the paranoid person I was, my first thought was someone had followed.

Maybe if I yell, shock them, I can knock them out and convince them it was a dream.

I turned around and raised my hands, filling my lungs with air to scream. Only to find myself looking at a deer looking equally stunned as I. It stared for a moment and darted off. Eyes glued to the deer for a moment I let out the breath I forgot I was holding and turned back around and jumped catching movement in the corner of my eyes. I took a step back into the bush and squeaked as I fell back.

Oh wow, that was just so manly Lara. I allowed myself to think sarcastically while I tried to pry myself from the thicket.

“So, that’s your secret?” Ida asked, staring down at me with her hands on her hips.

“Ah!-That, I don’t know what you mean. And please don’t sneak up on people!” I snapped, trying to stand as quickly as I could.
She reached her hand out to me and as if on reflex I took it and stood up, eyeing her with suspicion of what she saw, if anything.

“You’re woman huh?” she asked in her calm tone. “I have to say, I am only partially surprised.”
And there it was, no tact, no sugar, just plain as hot tea spilt on someone’s lap. Ida was that kind of person when she spoke, I have grown accustom to it, yes. Not for it to happen to me, however.

“You can’t tell anyone! “ I immediately said, taking her hand, pleading with my eyes. “Please!” I begged, the words pouring from my mouth before I could find my pride filter.

“Too bad, you liar. “Her eyes narrowed and she shook my hands off.

“Please! Ida this is a secret I need to keep just a while longer. “I said a bit deeper and sterner.

She took a deep breath and looked me in the eye, her dark orbs giving no indication of her real thoughts. In silence she stood, studying me as I studied her with plea filled eyes and a stony serious expression.

“Fine.” She finally answered me and started walking. She was angry, at least I believed so.

I couldn’t believe how fast that had gone, it was clear, yet confusing. On the brighter side of things, getting closer to Ida as a female would be easier, or so I hoped. She was introverted and quite the sarcastic person and at the same time could be friendly. She was ever the particular woman. Unlike Aurora, she was strong in a different way, she didn’t seem confident in some of her ability, but you’d never known had you not paid attention to her-which, might I add, she hated.

“But, don’t think I won’t make use of this piece of blackmail. “ Ida purred, sneaking only a glance back at me.

At the moment I felt doomed, demolished and frustrated at myself. Only it passed quickly as I came up with a plan. A good plan I might just add. We let the fragile silence hang in the air between us heavy as rocks.
We returned to the camp shortly after. Everyone already back to their jobs, Even Avery. None seemed to notice Ida and I walk up, they didn’t feel the heavy air ether. I was left wondering if I made an enemy of her, while she was left wondering how to use the information. Serret waved Ida over while he messed with some rope, I believed what was supposed to be a net. She obeyed going to his side and naturally working with the rope with ease and. Graceful yet strong hands. Henry was asleep against a tree with his legs crossed at the calves and a hat covering his eyes. Avery starting to cook some sort of stew while sitting on a crate. It all seemed natural and strange at the same time. The air was light, but it felt heavy around me. I forced myself to smile and try to shake off the melancholic mood.

“Need any help?” I asked Avery who shook his head while he stirred the stew.

“Oh... Well okay then.” Said I and turned to Serret and Ida. “What about you guys?”

“No, you would just get in the way now that Ida can help.” Serret answered for the both of them.

“Well okay…” Something didn’t seem right. “I will just go and watch the prisoner then…” I said. From the corner of my eye I saw Henry fidget and Avery shoot an almost worried look at Serret who ignored him.

I furrowed my brows and headed that way, passed Serret and Ida who were on the ground working on the netting. Serret’s hand shot out and snapped around my ankle and I looked down at him, barely missing the flash across his eyes.

“Maybe we could use your help.” He said. At this Ida raised her head and paused, looking confusedly at Serret.

“What…why now?” I asked, creasing my forehead and pulling my foot away.

“Well, it would go faster with you staying to help out.” Serret said almost too fast.

“What is it you don’t want me to see?” I asked and furrowed my brows. Ida seemed just as confused we me.

I dodged his hand and marched closer to the Carriage Audrey was in. I was expecting many things, he escaped, they killed him or he leaked some kind of information he remembered about me. I did not expect to see what was before me as I pulled the carriage door open to see a sleeping, tired up Audrey. I furrowed my brows and looked back. All the boys where snickering.

“I told you he would fall for it!” Avery managed through his laughing.

“That was almost too easy.” Serret replied.

I glared at them and slammed the door closed. “You guys are just so wrong! I thought you killed him or something!” I snapped, but I couldn’t hold the glare and let out a snort and a small laugh with them.

“Can we eat now?” I asked after my stomach had growled and the smell of the meaty stew tickled my nose.

“Yep. Rabbit stew goodness.” Avery said filling some wooden bowls and passing them out. Everyone hurried over, wasting no time.

I let out a small exasperated sigh and opened the carriage door just a crack to see if I woke Audrey up, when he seemed sound asleep I sighed again out of relief. Just as I went to close it, much softer then the last time, so as to not really wake him up. I heard a whisper, a whisper in which made my heart leap for my throat.

“Laurel…”

[*ajayred*]

My blood seemed to freeze in my veins as my heart thundered in my chest. Slowly I turned, dreading what might happen.

Did he just call my name? Does he know it’s me? What if he does?

I questioned fearfully to myself. I waited for something terrible to happen and thinking about what a terrible way it to be found out after getting so far. In the shadows of the carriage I saw Audrey had not moved, had not looked my way. He looked sound asleep; even his breathing was that of a sleeping person. A bit of the fear faded but lingered around me like the stench of a skunk. I had figured I might have heard things, the heat and stress getting to me, perhaps. That thought didn’t last long as Audrey started to mumble.

“No…I doughnut…wants to marry her…mhg….” Audrey mumbled out. “No, no, no, no.” He repeated.

“Are…you kidding me?” I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to be relieved or even more worried.

“I wan’ta marry...A peacock….” He muttered.

I let out snicker and saw a few scattered herbs on the ground; I had just assumed they put him to sleep while I was gone. That was only one of my close calls-false alarms. I let myself laugh the worry off as I walked over to the others and seated myself next to Henry. The day had gone by surprisingly fast and bill was still yet to be seen, at the time I didn’t see the problem. The sun was going down and the lightening bugs began to glow as the stars began to show as well as the moon. The air had cooled a considerable amount and sleep was getting harder to avoid as a bowl of warm rabbit stew was handed to me.

“Thank ya’ “I smiled as I took the delicious smelling stew from Serret.

The first spoon was good, the second was even better. Avery was a surprisingly good cook, on some things that is; most of the time Avery took the cooking over on the missions and with good reason, being the best cook in our small group. I savored the stew as I watched the rest of the purples, pinks and oranges from the sky darken into the dark night blue. As a girl I would have said it was beautiful randomly, as a boy though, I admired it silently while eating. My brothers would sit with me outside and mock me about how girly I was saying the sky of all things was pretty. They would have never agreed to me doing such a thing as joining a rebellion as a man, matter of fact, they would probably hog tied me and strung me up into a tree until I vowed to stop the nonsense.

But…they aren’t my real brothers. Part of me reasoned coldly.

But they were my real brothers, and all ways would be blood or not…They would be the only brothers I knew. Times like this made me wish I had never even looked up at the sky.

“Hey, Rence are you alright?” Henry said leaning forward looking at me with brotherly concern.

“I’m fine. Just some old memory came up somehow.” I gave the best reassuring smile I could manage and put an empty spoon in my mouth.

Realizing my bowl was empty I passed the bowl to Avery who put it in the wash ben.

“Alright, I’m going to welcome dreamland. “ I spoke through a yawn as I stood and sauntered to a small tent I had set up earlier in the day. I hadn’t gotten a dream, but a nightmare instead.

I stood in front of Audrey, sword in hand and scowl in place.

“You are so stupid to think you could pull this off!” He laughed.

“You’re so stupid to hide this from us!” Serret said as he walked from behind Audrey. Then Ida, Ross, Tate, and everyone I was deceiving walked out from fog.

“Liar, faker, hurt her, throw him out!” They yelled and all the voices merged, wrapping around my my head and taking up my air.
I tripped and hit the ground and it suddenly turned into water. I sunk down and down, reaching out struggle for oxygen just inches out of reach. Chains stretched from the darkness bellow and wrapped around my legs, pulling me farther down as more took hold of my arms and waist. I screamed silently, as I was dragged down into the obscurity. My knees hit bottom and the water was gone, the chains still enveloping me, holding me down into a kneeling position with my arms at my sides. Wet mossy stone and rancid stench was my welcome.

“You tried so hard…to fail so painfully.” A voce echoed.

A man stepped out, downing a lead knight garb. His mismatched eyes bored into mine as he took slow, ominous steps closer to me. Blackness slowly began to consume me while I began to struggle against the restraints.


“You are such a pathetic child…” He spat to the side as if to prove his point. “Mixed blood and status….disgusting!” he knelt and took hold of my chin. “I should sell you to the mines…or maybe some Carpsainis noble…pretty penny for those sapphire eyes and blonde hair. Such a rarity now.”

“Take your hands off that child!” Snapped a woman’s voice.

“And who dares say that to me?!” The man with the mismatched eyes snapped.

I couldn’t turn to see who, as my body had frozen. The voice was familiar…

“Ah...” worry filled his raspy voice. “Lord Slivrin…”

My eyes widened, that voice, it was my fathers. I forced my head to turn and stared at my father and mother, standing over the younger me.

“I am adopting this child.” He simply said and before the knight could protest he tossed him a piece of paper, up the young me up and walked away with my mother.

The knight crumpled the paper and glared at their backs while the younger I simply stared at him, dazed.

“I don’t want your money!” He yelled and turned to me, his hand swinging my way.

My own scream woke me up and I sat upright in snap. I was panting and clutching my chest. That was the third time I dreamt about that man. Each time I woke up my head felt like a hammer was took to it and I felt like crying like a child. That was, however the first time I screamed myself awake. Each time, I could only remember his strange mismatched grey and royal blue eyes and that spiteful glare. I stood up then walked out of the tent, having gone to bed in normal clothes.

“Did you find a scorpion for something?” Ida prodded.

“No…It was a nightmare.” I admitted while yawning and stretching my arms in the air.

“You scream like a girl.” She commented, an inside joke of hers.

“How old did you say you are again?” Henry asked.

“Ah… I’m …” I paused as a lump formed in my throat. I had actually forgotten the age I said I was. So I figured I could just get one lie off my chest just in case. “I’m sixteen, to be honest….” I somewhat mumbled.

“Whaaaat? I thought you are fourteen” Avery arched his brows.

“Well, I was embarrassed, I mean what sixteen year old boys do you know look like me? It was easier to say I was younger…” It was hardly even a lie.

“Ah…well bill is here, and Ross N Tate got back from scouting, we are going to move Audrey.” Serret said.

“Oh, okay where is bill I would like to talk to…” I trailed off as Serret and Henry both pointed to second carriage.

I nodded once and made my way over to the carriage and upon turning the corning; I spun on my heel and tucked my lips between my teeth. “Oops…” I said.

“Nah, He was already done.” Bill said as he tired Audrey’s hands back behind his back. “I strictly said limit water during the trip; I hope you didn’t have to hold it long.” Bill said giving the scowling Audrey a hard smack on the back.

“I wanted to ask you something, about that.” I pointed Audrey.

Audrey seemed annoyed and ready to bite me through the cloth in his mouth but of course, if my dance partner turned out to be totally different person, including gender I’d be furious too.
“Ah yes what‘s it about?” He asked holding said brat by his elbow.

“I would like to talk about it without him…” I pulled a just-do-it look.

He gave me a similar look and placed his hands on Audrey’s shoulders, shoved him down next to a tree and tied him to it. He waved his hand at me and started to walk, knowingly I followed. We walked until out of ear shot of the others and he looked at me with a just-spill-it look.

“What are you planning with him, if you don’t mind my asking?”

“I figure a ransom would be useless. So I want to turn him on our side and place him in as a spy for the Cymatilus king’s weak links and what not. It is much more complex than that, but that is the just of it.” Bill said nonchalantly.

“Ah…well I guess that would work, but there is something you need to know…He was my ex-fiancé back when I was Lara. I don’t care about him more than anyone else. I barley even know him actually, but I figured you should know. “I added quickly.

He stared at me for a moment, let out snort and nodded. “Girl, the trouble you put yourself in.”

“I know…” I groaned.

We had not spoken very much on the way back to everyone else. Every now and then I would catch him glancing at me. I dealt with it until it bugged me too much and I let a question leak. “Why do you keep looking at me?”

“Ah…you look like someone I once knew. Or what she would look like, she is gone now.” He answered serenely and I wasn’t sure why.

“Oh...” I answered simply as we approached the others.

“Load everything up; we are moving the cargo again, this time to a more solid place!” Bill said clapping his hands to get the needed attention.

Everyone one got up and started folding down tents and loading things in the carriage. The fire was snuffed, watered and scattered across the ground and strong herbs placed around to mess with any dog noses that were sniffing us out. For once I would be happy to leave behind the black and red of the sanguis forest. It being the largest foresting in the center of the three kingdoms, and most citizens in the blue country were banned from entering; it was a relatively safe place to be for us. We finished packing quickly and piled in the carriages. Ross and Tate had gone back to the main base to watch over it for Bill and so it was really just me, Bill, Avery, Ida, Henry and a hostage. It was always something strange when I was involved, it was almost laughable. Actually, it was laughable, so I started to laugh at almost anything. I believe it had to do with the burning drink in the canteen Henry passed around.

“What are you laughing at now?” Avery said like a curious mother to a child.

“This group, so mismatched it’s funny.” I stated seriously before I snorted and sniggered again just thinking about it.

“This is going to be a long ride, no more for him, Henry.” Bill said rolling his bright eyes.

The ride was just that. Long. It was without problem and that almost annoyed me. Everyone behaved perfectly fine, Avery included. No one complained or fussed or started a fight of any kind and it felt somewhat strange. The only reason could be Bill’s presence. He seemed to carry this air that said listen-or-die at the same time he wasn’t cruel, rude or without reason. He explained what was needed clearly; he joked and had a fair tempter. Actually, he was a lot like my father. I was comforted by that fact. At this point we were in the center of a town and I had seen quite a few shreds of red hanging in the windows and doors of houses.

“What’s going on here?” I asked turning to Bill.

“This is a rebel town; we are in the old territory of the red king. The blue kingdom had taken it over, but some rebel towns still stand. This one is relatively new…this could cause problems. I want to keep going, but the horses are tiring and the sun is falling, so we will rest here for a night or two. Serret, go ahead and find us an inn.”

Serret nodded and galloped ahead on his nameless horse, dust flew up behind him even more then before from the ruckus in the town. It was a somewhat dingy town, somewhat poor but afloat. Few homes and shops looked ran down, but most seemed in fair shape. As the sun began to fall, people began locking up windows and taking the red cloth from view. Women took their children indoors while the men locked up their homes. We waited on the side lines moving at a slow pace until Serret rode back and waved us to follow. We did and found ourselves at a small inn. Henry and Serret were sent back with the horses in the barn to watch over them and the carriages; namely the bratty cargo.

“Laurence, why don’t you go and sleep back there too, I didn’t have enough money for another room. And Serret won’t pay much attention to the cargo. ” Bill told me right as I began unloading my things.

“Ah, but I thought….fine.” I stopped while I was ahead as I watched Bill’s expression shift.

I took Onyx’ reins and led her to the barn where she could be cared for and moseyed up to Audrey’s own little inn carriage and hopped in the back. I leaned over and looked at the supposedly sleeping boy. Then he turned and threw his head up into my chin, which knocked me back. I clutched my chin and gave the blackest expression I could to him for a moment before he lunged at me, hands no longer bound and gag pulled from his mouth. I don’t know how he managed it, but he did and so I was left struggling with him. Thankfully he didn’t seem to know where we were and didn’t bother screaming.

“Stop it! Last time I warn you!” I cautioned harshly as took a hand full of his hair and pulled.

He was atop of me, smashing my face while he leaned over struggling to reach the dagger I suspect fell out of someone’s pocket, or maybe he stole it, I didn’t know. I almost couldn’t believe his survival instincts. He wore a black cold expression that could rival the ice king’s. I let go of his hair and took the back of his head and jerked down hard and fast, which brought his head down on a chest to the side of me. He fell to the side clutching his head and rolling back and forth. I was sure the carriage was just short of rolling away with the ruckus going on, I was also sure Serret, Henry and Ida were getting a good laugh out of it.
I pounced on him, taking his hands behind his back and bounding them with several pieces of rope and cloth lying around the carriage. I bound his feet despite the struggle and got a kick to the chest, which earned him a kick to where ever I kicked him. It was dark, so I wasn’t sure. I do know however it must have hurt because he was singing soprano. I pushed him back to his spot and tied him to a latch on the Carriage walls.

“Now if you had been a nice little boy, I would have let you run on a longer leash. But you just had to go and do that. I outta hold your food back.” I said with a dangerously sweet expression, black feelings swirling in my eyes.

I think I saw him shudder at the coldness I was trying to push onto him. I also realized he wasn’t wearing the gag and yet said not a word.

“Didn’t want to draw any attention?” I asked sitting cross legged in front of him. “I mean they are probably already out their laughing their mouths off.” I leaned back on one arm.

“I…that’s right. I didn’t want to get anymore out here to fight with.” Audrey admitted turning his head away from me, shame written on his face.

“Oh don’t tell me you’re ashamed you lost.” I grinned.

“What? No way could I be ashamed of losing to a boy younger and smaller than me, none the less one that looks like a female. “He scoffed.
Still keeping his eyes off me, he seemed to be more accepting of his defeat.

“Well, too bad. Think of it this way I work in a rebellion you stay at home, go to parties and flirt with girls. Of course out of us I’d win.” I shrugged, suddenly wanting to get back at him for all the trouble he caused me. Was that so bad? Maybe.

“I do not, and it does not excuse my losing to a person like you! “ He snapped and turned red, seeing his error.

“I don’t get it, are you trying to make it worse on yourself? Just admit I sound stronger and thus put no shame on you losing.” I gave a lopsided grin, finding his struggle amusing.

“You are not!” He retorted.

“So, if I was weaker and won, doesn’t that put even more shame on your head?” I asked rubbing my chin, already knowing it would bruise.
“What? No! I was captured and without food and water, weakened from the stress.” He answered, more so trying to convince himself.

“Yeah, sure alright, if that helps you sleep at night. We tried to offer you food and water by the way. And do you really want to marry a peacock?” I stared.

He apparently remembered whatever dream he had that time and dropped his head.

I couldn’t help it, I busted out laughing.

“It is not funny and aren’t you supposed to not talk to me like a good guard?!” He barked at me.

“What? Why would I do that? This is so much more fun. But ya know I think I would like to sleep anyway.” I said and pushed myself up to the wall. “If you even try anything, I will pound you into a coma. I’m gettin’ tired of your tricks.” I said seriously as I leaned back and closed my eyes.

“Yeah, defiantly not a girl…” Audrey whispered, not expecting me to hear I suspect. I kicked him on the shin anyway.

“No duh.” I grumbled and drifted into a light sleep. I was vaguely aware on the scuffling of Audrey, yet not enough to open my eyes and check.


We stayed at the inn for two more days following that night; the days consisted of getting storable foods and trading out carriages to avoid getting tracked, as well as recruiting in secret. On the second day I had gotten lost and led back to the inn by a young girl with the pretties and strangest eyes I have ever seen. They looked like white opal, with the specks of color fading and mixing, the oddest part was she had no pupils. She also had long silky brown hair which got curlier at the tips; the side had been pulled back and braided in the center. She carried a quiver full of arrows at her hip, bow over her back and a short leather leash for her large white dog. He was about thigh high, sleek white fur and a fluffy tail that curled over its back, long square muzzle and medium green eyes. A truly handsome dog and from what the girl said, protective over her, but he seemed fine with me. She was obviously willing to be a rebel; her red bandana screamed that, though when I offered she refused me kindly and left me at the inn.

After a while of boredom I walked into Audrey’s carriage (that’s what I called it since he stayed there) and sat down right in front of him, he would act like a brat every now and then, but he seemed to be coming around.

“You want something to eat?” I asked pulling some fresh blackberry bread, still warm and wrapped neatly in paper.

“I don’t want your nasty poor food.” He snorted.

Slowly I uncovered it, brought it close to my nose and sniffed. “Mhm, so good…blackberry bread, fresh and still warm…” I mumbled and took a small bite. I tossed my head back and sighed.

He glanced my way and started to glare, but his face soon softened as he stared at the bread.

“If you want some, just say you want some of my filthy pheasant food.” I said and leaned forward and waving the baked pastry in front of his nose, giving him a tantalizing look, and sniff.


I could practically see him drool as he let out his nod of defeat and spoke. “I want the stupid…bread…” he grumbled.

Deciding not to keep torturing the poor highborn, I stuffed it in his mouth and untied his hands. Without even noticing he moved his hands up and started to eat the bread or rather scarf it until he remembered I was there and started to eat much calmer. It reminded me of a stray dog who at first ate fast and felt the need to slow down and growl at the person handing it the food.

“Hmm, the highborn eats like a vagabond when hungry. You only went five hours without food.” I arched a brow. “Is that long for a highborn? “ I asked. “What tiny weak stomachs you have.”


“This is the first food not consisting of meat and heavy gravy and grease. And no, it is not at all long for a noble.” He rolled his eyes.

“Yeah, okay. “I said not at all sounding convinced. “Don’t get used to it; soon you will be stuck with jerky and gravy for a while again.”

I moved up to my knees, pulled a red clothe from my pocket and pulled his wrist over to me. At first he protested, but my glare sparked a memory of what happened last time he tried to fight me stopped him in his tracks as I tied the strip around his wrist.

“You’re going to get a bath at the bathhouse with Serret, and then we are going to get you some new clothing. You reek.” I stated and stood holding out my hand to him. “Don’t bother running, or telling people you are, this is a rebel town without organization, they will hurt you and if they know you aren’t with them, well it won’t be pretty. “

He slowly took my hand and I helped him stand. He hasn’t moved very much sense he was captured but that was his fault. He kept trying to escape.

“I advise you to stick close to me and Serret. These people don’t like many new comers and they can pick a Cymatilian out like a bloodhound. “I continued and threw him a tan cloak, which he pulled on.

I pulled my cloak over my eyes and ruffled my bangs a bit. I had gotten strange looks and it didn’t take long to realize it was because of my eyes. It was also the reason Bill had me sleep out in the carriage with Audrey until he settled the matter with the inn keeper. It kind of hurt to be coupled in with the Cymatilian people and truth be told it wasn’t even the people of the kingdom, it was the king who ruled it who earned my hate. Yet, I seemed to earn the hate of those I don’t even know, simply because my eyes are different from their warm golden and brown eyes. I knew I had both Rutilian and Cymatilian coursing through my veins, but I didn’t blame anyone for their blood line, why should they blame me?
I didn’t fight it though. I would only prove them wrong. We got to the Bathhouse with no problems and no speaking between ether of us. I supposed it was a good thing and I handed him off to Serret while I went off to get him a second change of clothing that didn’t stand out so much. I browsed as little as I could for the cheapest clothing and soon had what was needed; I figured he had feet about as big as Serret, so if the boots don’t fit at least Serret will get some new boots. I stuffed the clothing in one of my satchels and tied the strings of the boots together and hung them on the other.

“Buying for a lovely lady?” A woman said at the stall I was standing at.

Unconsciously I had been standing in front of a stall of scarfs and Jewry. I was about to shake my head no but an interesting piece perked my interest. I smiled and picked up two bracelets that there tied together with a single piece of cotton cloth. They were simple brass cuffs with crisscrossing engravings on the edges. What I liked about them most was the smooth red oval shaped jasper stones in the center of each. I guess it was a girl thing to think they were pretty and the boy thing to think it would sure hurt someone if someone swings their hand their way while wearing them.

“How much?” I asked eyeing them carefully, they were well crafted.

“Hm…for a good boy like you, I would say twenty illos?” The older woman purred.

I sighed and placed them down, after buying Audrey’s things I was doing good to have half that. The woman, seeing my disappointment tapped the cuffs.

“Maybe if you could run errand for me, I could bring the price down to maybe…fifteen?” She asked.

“Bring it down to ten, call it one errand and I advertise your shop?” I bartered.

“I suppose I can agree to that.” She shrugged her hunched shoulders and eyed my hands as I counted out the amount of illos and laid it in her hands.

I rolled up my sleeves, placed the cuffs on and pulled my puffy sleeves back over them. No need broadcasting them to the world. I walked around the town to kill time, waiting for the boys to finish. It was a peaceful place most of the time, every now and then a blue knight would show their face on the outer ring of town, but never came any closer to the town for fear of being mobbed. It was understandable, it seemed a moderately safe town to be in for the time being, but according to the towns people the knights began to show up more and more, and some thought it was because of us.
There was a possibility it was true and we all knew it. We could cover our tracks, not make them disappear. We weren’t sure what would happen if we were found by any of the Cymatilian knights, the people could ether try and hand us over or harbor us stubbornly. I begged for the later when I saw one knight walk into the town downing blue and silver and ignoring ever dirty look thrown at him. Every scrap of red had been hidden, all except my red cloak. I had quickly ran from his view, after turning a corner I pulled the cloak over my shoulder and stuffed it in one of my two satchels. I ran to the bathhouse using as many corners and alley ways I could find to avoid the knights eyes.

My heart dropped when I reached the bathhouse. Audrey and Serret stood in front of the very knight I wanted to avoid. “Oh no…don’t do it...don’t be stupid…” I whispered.

I clenched my jaw and watched as Serret acted nonchalant and Audrey jittery. The man seemed indifferent and, with whatever Serret said, left them behind. Once he was far enough away, I ran up to them and pulled the boots hanging on my satchel and took out the clothes and slammed them to Audrey’s chest.

“Change.” I said simply and looked to Serret. “What did he say?”

Audrey blinked and walked back into the bathhouse while Serret looked down at me.

“He was just asking if the bathhouse was worth a visit and asked why the brat was wearing such nice clothing that was so worn out.” Serret crossed his arms. “I told him it was a good place to bath and he got a rough bachelor party.”

“Ah…okay well that went better than I thought it would.” I furrowed my brows.

“Now you go and get Audrey before he runs for it. “ He pointed.



I turned and started walking, paused and arched a brow at him. “Why me?” I said looking back at him. It was the men’s side of the bathhouse and I did not fancy a visit.

“Because it was you who made him go in while you talked to me!” he snapped.

“You could have gone in and made me wait!” I retorted. “You would be just as responsible!”

“What? That isn’t fair!” Serret growled.

“Yeah, well you aren’t ether.”

“How do I even put up with your stupid arguments?” Audrey said walking out in his new clothing, still holding his old.

“Toss those somewhere you don’t need them now.” I said completely forgetting the argument. I was then only left to ponder if he was smart for coming back without us watching or stupid.

Audrey furrowed his brows and looked at his messy wrinkled dirty dress clothes. “Can’t I just have one of the washer women clean them? That’s their job isn’t it?”

My brow twitched and I crossed my arms looking at him. “If you want to keep any of your clothing clean, you can wash it yourself.”

“That’s stupid. Women need something to do, what a better thing then chores?” Audrey retorted, I could almost swear I saw his eyes glitter with amusement.

“How did it even come to this?!” I snapped. “Just toss your stupid clothes. And if you want to stay clean you can wash your own in the river.” While you’re at it, drown.

“You are so bratty.” Audrey responded and tossed his clothing to a man on the ground, the clothes obviously too small for him.

The man picked them up and ran off, bare foot and dressed in rags.

I didn’t let Audrey continue and I started walking in the way of the inn. “We better get going. “

Both boys followed along with grunts of annoyance, but I didn’t care. Half way back to the end we came to a large crowd, yelling and screaming. Dust has been stirred in the air and the voices blended together, so we had no idea what was going on.

“Hey pick me up!” I said to Serret. “Just cup your hands.” I added.

Slowly he did so, lacing his fingers together, turning his palms up and lowing just enough I could put my foot in his hands. I held onto his shoulders and he rose me up so I could see above the crowd.

Passed the waving crimson flags, the raised pitched forks, swords, and screaming, marched a sea of blue and grey. They banged their chest plates with their fist, sounding off their war song as they approached. Some of the blue and grey soldiers came in from other sides of the town, surrounding it. The air was becoming heavy and suddenly the sea of men split and a man riding on a black and white horse came forward.

“We are commandeering this town!” Bellowed the man with the man with a dark and a light eye.

[*ajayred*]

I could hear the clank of dropping hearts in half the crowd and for a moment, all was silent. Their roars of fury didn’t lessen though, no they raised in volume and anger. The shouts of protest from both ends stunned me, chilled my body like I was doused in ice water and for just a moment I was in a slave market staring at my father. My body started to shake and the image was gone, Serret’s face filling the gap left behind.

“Wake up Laurence! Audrey ran into the crowd! Help me find him, now!” Serret bellowed in my face.

I shook myself to awareness and turned to the crowd, eyeing the mob as I assessed the situation. The knights where outnumbered, but the knights had more armor, weapons, and skills. Audrey was likely heading to the leader of the knight to expose him, then us, gluing us into this mess even more. Well that was not going to do at all. I shoved my way into the crowd; I pushed people out of my way and elbowed some until I saw Audrey nearing the knight.

“Get….out of my way!” I yelled and many people seemed to move. Sure I was also jerking people back by their collars and avoiding knights, but I was moving ahead with more ease regardless.

“Kyran!” Audrey somehow yelled over the crowd.

Just as he was about to step in view, my hand flew out, catching the hem of his shirt. It slipped from my grasp and he left the crowd. I stayed just behind a line of people watching, panting and fearing the worst. I couldn’t simply go out and take him back then!

“Un-uncle Kyran!” Audrey said urgently, walking up to the lead knight. “I am here! “He hollered.

I saw this so called uncle Kyran look at Audrey with contempt in his eyes. I couldn’t see Audrey’s expression but I did see his body tense, his fist clench and his resolve weaken.

“Young lord Audrey! What are you doing here?!” Kyran called not out of concern or worry, but out of distain and the want to endanger him.

These people hear about the royal family all the time, they knew their names, they knew the titles, he knew it would get him killed. It was then things took the turn for the worst and the mob leaped at the chance presented. It didn’t matter their town was being taken; they had a chance to get revenge on a member of the royal, a royal with the bloodline that ruined lives. People pounded past my shoulders. When I finally started to move my feet, I nearly had them slip out under me due to the flood of people. I couldn’t understand the words of please that slipped from my own lips because of their ranting and the blood roaring in my ears.

“While they are busy!” hollered the leader, Kyran.

Suddenly the crowd thinned, their blood lust lessened with the need to protect what was theirs, yet already taken. Still people remained; ready to take out their hatred on a boy who did nothing to them.

“Please stop!” I begged one last time.

They were deaf to my please, as well as Audrey’s as they began to strike him down. He began to fight; he didn’t cower like they wanted him to, he fought like he did when he wanted to escape us. Holding them off didn’t last, he stumbled back from a punch, and hands gripped his elbows to hold him in place while one man pulled out a knife.

“Stop, don’t do it!” I bellowed out.

The fear and adrenaline drove me forward faster, but not fast enough.

I watched the knife tear over his torso, the red stained his shirt and lastly I watched them let him go and fall to the ground. I reached out; taking the assaulter by the collar of his shirt and jerking him harshly back so that he fell to the ground. I reached into the crowd and took hold of a young man and swung him in front of me; thrust him into the crowd and knocking some back.

“Why?!” I raged at them.

When a woman ran at me holding a dagger I took hold of her wrist, pulled the knife from her hands and swung her back into the crowd. My eyes burned with fury, I clenched tighter to the dagger and pointed it at the crowd, backing up to Audrey.
“What has this man done to deserve your fist and swords?!” I yelled out atop my voice. “Back off! Go before I become a cut-throat like the rest of you foolish people!” I growled out as deep as I could make my voice.
I pulled out my sword and held up the dagger, showing I could fight close up or keep them at arm’s length. They stepped back and I placed my sword back in the scabbard and dagger in my belt. I rolled him onto his back, hooked my hands under his armpits and started to drag his dead weight quickly across the street.
My shoulder and back screeched in agony, but I didn’t care. The pain must have put him out, but I feared he already lost too much blood. I went into the nearest inn and tried to drag him upstairs, I was so glad he wasn’t as big as Serret. I wondered in my crazed mind how strange this must have looked; a woman in men’s clothing carrying man upstairs into a room.
stories he would tell his children… I went into the nearest open door and laid him on top the bed as gently as I could –given he weighed more than me, my shoulders where in pain and he was out like a wet candle- and ripped his shirt open, cringing at the jagged wound. I ran to the door and bellowed.

“I want a needle and thread, alcohol too now!!” to anyone who would listen, hoping the owner of the inn would hear and ran back to Audrey.

I looked around the room for anything else I could to help, all while telling myself I was saving him because he was innocent, he doesn’t deserve this treatment and it wasn’t like he was as bad as the king due to his blood. I tore the off his the rest of his already ruined shirt, crumpled it and pressed it to the rough slash below his ribs.

“Hurry!” I demanded and a woman stumbled into the room with a basket.

“Hold him down.” Her voice was commanding, her eyes firm. She nearly shoved me out of the way when she came through the door and passed me to the side of the bed.

I pulled out half the contents of the basket, silk thread, a bottle of corn whiskey a few sewing needles, one of them bent into curve. I threaded the curved needle, grabbed a bowl from the basket, poured in some whiskey and placed the needle and thread in it for a second and handed it to her.

“Do you know who this is?” I asked her suspiciously.

“No, I was too busy watching my young’un when people started ta scream.” She answered somewhat uncertainly and began cleaning the wound.

I looked out the window for a second and turned my attention back to Audrey and the woman. I got to the other side of the creaking bed and leaned over, pressed my hands to Audrey’s shoulders and pushed him down on the cotton bed.

“He may wake up, “she warned me and lifted the bottle of shine to her mouth, took a swig and sprayed it on his wound. That was one disgusting way to preserve alcohol I supposed.

Sure enough, he leaped up howling. I shoved him down and let the woman continue patching him up under my watchful eye. Once I was sure she wouldn’t do anything to Audrey aside from patching him up, I tried to talk him into a calmer state. His mind was delirious with pain, and so the conversation switched fast.
His eyes would be clear for a moment, glaring at me while he tried not to faint from the pain. I gotten stitches before, and I know they certainly don’t tickle. I didn’t pay much attention to the act of sowing him up, I just kept my eyes on Audrey, glaring him down like a disapproving father, or mother in my case. I not-so-gently helped (forced him and held) him to sit up while the woman wrapped his torso.

“Alright…It is done, you can apply some healing salve to the minor wounds, and I will bring it up in a bit.” Said the woman as she stood, dusting off her dress as she had been on her knees next to the bed to stitch him up.

“Thanks, Ma’am…” I said my thanks opened the door for her and she had left.
Looking back at Audrey, I had found he was asleep again. I side and pulled up a small stool, put my elbow on my knee and my chin in my hand staring at him. My eyes traveled from his freshly wrapped torso up to his face, which was twisted in pain.

“Can’t believe this…” I outwardly thought.

My eyes went down, and up again, this time catching sight of a scar under Audrey’s chin.
How do you get a scar there?

I leaned in, looking at it and furrowing my brows. Come to think of it, I gave all my brothers scars from sparing. I chuckled remembering what they called those scars. I caught flash in my memory, and leaned back. I had known I met Audrey before, but this made me question my memory.

“Children, children…why don’t you stop trying to resolve with your words and use some sparing?” Dezil sighed, shaking his head.

I watched him stare at disbelief toward Dezil and then I. no way would I let him out of it.

“Then give this prissy boy a sword!” I yelled.

It was on. The moment the sword was in his hand he came at me in a skillful stance and wonderful grace. Shortly into the fight I could see he would win if I didn’t catch him off guard so, I did what any young girl would do in my situation. I let him cut me.

The thin crimson line spread over my hand and caught the boys attention, he paused and I seemed ready to apologize when I trust my sword under his chin. However, he was quick to react and had his under mime as well.
We stared each other down in the most venomous way as we sized each other up, paused in place and not daring to make a move.

“So, I’m Laurel. “

“Audrey.” He curtly introduced.

A sly grinned tugged at my lips and I snapped my sword forward, catching his slightly under his chin.

He shouted and leaped back, holding his cut chin with his free hand. “You cut me!?” He exclaimed.

“Well, you come here and accept a duel; you should expect a few cuts and bruises!” I retorted, however fear nicked my inside thinking of what his parents would do. “And you cut me!” I lifted my cut hand.

Dezil slapped a hand on Audrey’s shoulder and laughed. “It’s okay, she cut us all before. We just call them laurel brands.” Dezil pointed his ‘laurel brand’ on his left eye brow.

Audrey glowered and Arnold lifted his shirt to show a small dash above his naval and Dell spun around pulled up his shirt to show one on his back. I frowned as they did so, I wanted to show my scars that they gave me, but mama would have gotten angry.



I turned to Audrey as my memory broke when he let out a groan. I was torn between scolding him for his mistake and simply leaving it alone. I leaned toward scolding, because facing the facts I was angry, I was still jittery with the left over adrenaline.

“What were you thinking?” I asked calmly, turning to look at him.

He sat up on the bed and put his feet on the ground and a hand over his wrapped torso as he furrowed his brows. His already disheveled dark brown hair sticking to his forehead, almost long enough to shadow his eyes. He turned his face away from me and scowled at the window.

“I was captured and saw an escape.”

“But you didn’t see the mob of rebels?”

“That wasn’t on my mind at the time!” he yelled, but I knew it was a lie. What he was expected what protection.

“Well it should have been! This isn’t just about losing you because you are valuable, you could have lost your life! Ya you know that thing beating in your chest, it could have stopped today.” I narrowed my sapphire eyes.

“Yeah?” he said tilting his head narrowing his violet eyes. “Well maybe it would have helped, one less royal to take down right?”

“Don’t take death so lightly. Keep in mind, I had saved your highborn rear-end and I could have let them beat you to death!” I clenched my fist at my side.

“What does it matter? It is already ruined, I was captured by the enemy, I was betrayed by my uncle and I was saved by a stupid boy.” He shook his head and I was shaking with anger. “Why didn’t you just let me die?” he didn’t sound depressed, he sounded confused and irritated.

He couldn’t be grateful, he couldn’t thank me, and instead he pouted and took death as light as bee sting. I don’t know what happened but I couldn’t stop.

“Saved by the likes of me? And what is wrong with that?” I asked stepping closer to him.

“Look at yourself!” He said as if it explained it all. “You are just a guttersnipe playing the hero, a boy no older or wiser than me.” He crossed his arms. “I bet your parents gave you the name Laurence just to make you sound more appealing.”

“It’s Lara.” I replied taking one more step closer.

“What?” he asked growling with confusion.

“Lara, that’s my name. What? You didn’t think a normal guy has the guts to do everything I did, do you?” I leaned over and stared at him with a mildly amused, yet dark expression. “A man couldn’t manage half the things I did. I am a woman.” I was no longer forcing my voice to be deep, but I made sure it was laced with venom.

He stared at me for a moment, stoically and stubbornly. “No, you are a boy at the least. Woman are not taught how to fight, they are not supposed to be strong. Nice try though.”

I stared at him, stunned by his denial, I wasn’t sure if it was my acting skills or apparently boyish face, but he really seemed to believe I was a boy, even after saying so many times I was like a girl. I started to laugh, wondering how anyone could really be so stupid, or so stubborn to deny the fact a woman could save their life and subdue them several times.

“Fine then, think what you want.” I shrugged. “Not like it matter’s, ether way crushes your pitiful pride.” I added.

When I thought about it that was all I wanted; to knock his pride down a notch or two. I couldn’t stand to hear him whine about what girls can do and can’t do. But even so, letting that slip was a stupid thing that could still get me in trouble.

“What now….?” Audrey asked, standing to his feet and walking to the window, peering down at the thinning crowd.

“We’re going to wait it out here, and regroup with the others.” I said then added ”I need to know one thing. You called that man uncle Kyran…what’s your relationship with him?”

“He is just that, my uncle on my mother’s side, why do you only ask about my relatives now?” His voice rang with suspicion.

“Because he sure looked like he wanted you dead.” I answered putting my satchels on the bed and looking myself over for wounds. “If that is true, then we can’t let him know you lived.”

I glanced over at Audrey and like most people would do, he did not deny such a thing. He turned to me with an expression that said he had known deep down, but didn’t want to see it. My mother would show me that face all the time.

“I knew he would do a lot to earn a higher position in the family. He rarely showed the open resentment. “Audrey sat on the window seal, leaning his head to the glass and staring out.

“So, no denying he wants you out of the picture, but now I ask out of my own curiosity…why? Shouldn’t he hold a higher spot then you?” I probed.

“In my family, the first son of the eldest child, male or female gets much more privileges and often takes over duties of other members, one of those being my Uncle. And just to clear something up, the king is my mother’s Uncle.” He seemed dull, blankly staring out the window.

I hadn’t learned much about the royal family tree, but I was sure the others in the rebellion had, so I left that information behind and probed further.

“I see, so Kyran is your mother’s brother, or the king’s brother?” I asked trying not to let myself get confused.
“Kings brother.” He answered curtly.

I sat down on the bed and flopped back. “Okay, so whose side of the family has the eldest son tradition?”

“My fathers, he is also quite a bit older then my mother.” He replied solemnly. “I don’t have many duties, matter of fact I don’t even know what they are. I was only given one.”


“So what was your first duty after getting in your family position?” I asked, placing my hands under my head.

Audrey scoffed. “Marrying a girl my family picked because of their interesting circumstances.” This seemed to ignite him, and I had gotten weary. He looked back to me and added “Found out later the king just thought it was a good idea and mother talked father into it. The girl was so immature she ran into the forest the same night the proposition was made.”

I felt my heart speed; I regretted asking that question and didn’t know how to stop him.

“Also I found out she also ran away when her mother died, they haven’t found her, for a while people thought they seen her, but it turned out to be a boy….”

I was mentally screaming at my own idiocy. Had I never said I was a girl, gave him my nickname, he’d have never come near the answer. For a moment I was still, silent only listening and glancing at him.

“Her name…It started with the letter L. Lacy? Lorene?” He scratched rubbed the back of his head and wrinkled his forehead in deep thought. “Maybe Lauren…” He furrowed his brows and looked right into my eyes and my heart leaped.

Oh my words please don’t get any closer! Don’t use a sudden burst of brain power! I had thought.

He shrugged and looked out the window, letting it go. I released the breath I hadn’t realized I held. I knew I was an idiot, but I also knew I really had to start thinking certain things through better.

A deep, liquid throaty laughter filled the room and echoed in my ear drums. I looked to Audrey, he was hunched over, shoulders trembling, eyes tearing with mirth.

“Laurel. That was her name.” He stood and looked at me. “Or should I say your name?” He said standing and stepping closer to me. “Did you really think I would be that stupid? My word nothing could have been funnier than watching you squirm. ” He mused.

“My name is Laurence, if you are referring to when I called myself Lara; it was to crush some of your pride. It didn’t work, and I don’t know anything about this run away girl. “

“You can’t play that now. I knew you were a woman. It was easy to see, with your smaller frame, nagging, and overall ignition at everything I said about woman. I know men who would be annoyed, but I could just see the threats dancing behind your eyes.” He smirked, clearly amused by the show he apparently wrote the script to.

[*ajayred*]

I was beyond confused, I always had my doubts about a person’s true intellectual abilities, but I had truly believed Audrey to be what I thought he was an, Average noble, somewhat slow and harmless. He now seemed anything but that with the coldly amused look in his eyes and the grin tugging at his lips.

“I have to say, you can force your voice pretty well.” He purred once again and turned to the window. “And that as an excellent show and to be honest I didn’t know it was you for a while. But you just drove the nail in your coffin when you pulled that little stunt. “

I narrowed my eyes and put on my most challenging face. No way would I back down because of a stupid mistake I made. I stood up, forcing him to step back. I made my way to the door. I was feigning bravery, but I was not feigning my will.

“You can think whatever you like. Besides, even if you also have more strength then you let on, like you did your intellect that mob will still be able to tear you to shreds” I said indifferently.

I hadn’t seen the look that crossed over his face; I hadn’t known what he had planned. But I did know I had to get Serret and for some reason I had a feeling he wouldn’t even try to escape anymore. I walked down the hall of the roughly decorated inn, wondering how I missed it. All this time he knew, he toyed with me knowing I thought him to be a fool. I clenched my jaw and took a deep breath knowing I needed to stay calm and think it all through evenly.

I don’t even know where I have to look for Serret… I inwardly scowled.

I had to move slowly as people were still in an uproar. Cups, plates and even boots where thrown from the windows at the knights outside. Most of the people outside though had given up the fight and wandered to their own corner to throw their contemptible rocks.

Good, makes it easier for me to find Serret.

“Hey, Move it kid!” Someone yelled.

I was already side stepping out of the way when a boot came flying my way, which I believed was aimed at the knight walking through the door. The boot flew passed me and I stared as it smacked the Knight in the face.

I turned just in time to see a second, smaller boot fly toward my face yet again. “Your aim is terrible!” I yelled side stepping again, but before it was inches from passing me, it was suddenly stuck to the wall with an arrow through it.

Turning and staring at bustling people I saw the girl who had helped me back to my inn walk my way. The tips of her hair bounced as she marched up to me with a determined expression. She reached out her hand and took hold of my sleeve, pulling me out of the inn.

“Ah, hey what are you doing?!” I protested verbally despite following her compliantly.

“I know where your friend is so follow me!” She said still dragging me along and weaving through the crowd like weasel.

Just outside the inn her dog walked out and barked. She took hold of his leather leash and then the dog led the way as soon as she gave him a command in some language I didn’t know. We followed the alley ways and avoided most people until coming up on Serret who were waiting just outside the town leaning on a tree.

“Where in the world did you go?” I exclaimed when I saw him.

“Where did you go? I told you get Audrey not run away with him!” he retorted.

“I know you guys would just love to chat right now, but I didn’t bring you both here to have an argument.” The girl said.

“How did you even know he was my friend? How did you even find him?” I asked randomly furrowing my brows. I know Serret wasn’t in view when I got back to the inn, so I was at a loss how she would know.

“I recognized his voice, and Roka-“she waved to her dog”-Must have thought you smelt the same, my name is Kesari, and I need your help!” She barked.

“What do you mean our help?” I said uncertainly.

“I want to join the rebellion.” She stated.

“Then why did you refuse us?” Serret said, hint of suspicious annoyance hinted at his tone.

“Because, you didn’t let me think about it, and I am a thinker.” She retorted placing her hand on her hip and shifting her weight to one foot.

“Well, great, welcome. I assume you can get me back to the inn to get my captive?” I said taking her arm.

“Ah see she welcomes me.” Kesari pouted, looking back at where Serret was, four seconds ago.

“You mean him?” Serret asked arching his brow.

“What? Him? “She turned to look at me wrinkling her forehead. “You’re not a girl?”

“Well no.” I growled.

“Oh…you...sounded like one...” She whispered.
Serret himself had a squeaky voice most of the time -when he wasn’t furious- and mine had been deeper at times, so it had alarmed me how she picked me out for sounding like a girl. The girl seemed blind as they came, but could get around places easy.

“How much can you see?” I asked her as we walked.

Her hand tensed in mine and she down cast her eyes, thick, yet not very long lashes hooding her eyes. We turned a few corners before she answered me.

“I don’t know, exactly. It is very tricky to answer.” She told me nonchalant. “It doesn’t impair me in anyway so it doesn’t matter.” She added a bit more defensively.

“Hey, I don’t judge. You could shoot an arrow across a full room and not hit anyone but the targeted boot, why should I care how much yours eyes see?” I arched my brows.

Already my admiration for her grown considerably, she was young and blind, but she could use that bow and arrow like another part of her body. She was also a girl, whom normally wouldn’t be allowed to leave her parents land without an escort, roaming around that rough town.

“Do you have parents?” I asked as we came closer to the inn.

“I do.” She answered and I saw no lie in her words. “But they don’t know I’m here. They left on a trip, my brother was watching me while they were gone, but of course, he had to disappear on me too.” She said, but carried no resentment or angry, not even sadness. “This is the inn, right?”

“Ah, yes it is, thank you, stay right here please!” I said running in the back entrance of the inn.

The crowd was down, the town was subdued and knights had begun ransacking the place for whatever they wanted, whatever they felt they needed. Never mind they threw the more bold protesters from their home while eating their food and stealing their wealth, as long as they got what they wanted. The idea of it would have sickened me to the point of exhaustion had my mind not been focused on getting Audrey. I got to the door to the room I left him in, dreading the second I opened it, dreading what I would see, or not see.

“What took you so long? I was beginning to think you were planning on leaving me and coming up with some story about how I was killed.” Audrey stood from the bed, donning a new shirt and leather vest.

When he saw me stare, he motioned to his torso and smirked. “It was easy to talk someone into handing it over.” He walked over to me, he tried to hide it but I could see he was in pain.

Still I was dreading Audrey’s actions, so I hadn’t took in much more than that. I had decided not to ask him how or where he got it and instead pointed behind me with my thumb.

“Well, you waited are you coming with me or what?” I let out huff.


Audrey rolled his violet orbs, as he was already walking toward me when I had said that. I turned and walked and he followed behind a bit too slow for my taste, but he was injured.

“So do you plan on exposing me?” I asked as I lead him down the hall. “Getting me thrown out or accused?”

“Not yet, like I said I already knew you were girl, what would it matter if I tell them now? Besides even if I told them about your nobility, that your stupid mistake confirmed, it wouldn’t better my situation.” Audrey corrected.

Audrey sped to my side and threw his arm over my shoulder in time to keep from falling to the floor. He grimaced and stood upright, pulling his arm off me like I was something nasty his hand touched. I gave him a blackened glare and kept walking, only a bit closer than before. I wanted to question so many things, how I could be so stupid to let that slip, how I could let myself get manipulated, how I couldn’t I have seen it. I heard a deep bark and looked to the back door of the inn, Kesari leaning on the door post with crossed arms.
“What took you so long? The inn isn’t that big.” the girl with unseeing eyes said as she moved her head around as if looking at it.

I supposed it was her form of humor and she smiled brightly. Her opal-like eyes unseeing, yet her face was turned to me.

“Who is this?” Audrey asked eying her somewhat wearily.

“This is your executioner.” Kesari answered darkly and let out a small chuckle. “I was expecting him to be more…” She started and walked toward us, and reached out her hands taking Audrey’s face, then shoulders. “Hm, never mind... “

Her brows furrowed, she let go and placed her hand on her hip with a gentle smile in place. I could easily tell what was going on behind her sightless eyes.

I thought he’d be weaker if he came so willingly. I finished for her in my head.

I was sure that’s what she thought, and even I would think so. Audrey was maybe eight inches taller than me, and he had the figure of a swordsman, as well as a noble. No doubt he looked like he could deal some damage once you looked past his arrogant personality. Looking at Audrey I could see he saw the same thoughts and gave me an amused smirk. I let out an exasperated sigh and started walking again.

“We can continue this later. “ I said to them, walking past Kesari and heading toward the door.

I heard their steps fall behind mine, so I kept walking, leaving the inn behind and trying to drop my worry with it. Sadly though, it had not. It barely even lessened. At the very least I could suck it up and think up something to fix it, the results I knew would serve as my punishment for my slip up. I gave up on doting on it and decided I could think about it later. I knew he wanted to stress me over it and I was not going to let him get what he wanted anymore, at least now while I realize it.

♛

We reached Serret back where we left him, he was packing up his horse and then it hit me like falling branch.

“Where is my horse?!” I exclaimed, a bit franticly.

“Relax, Avery, Ida, and Henry had already loaded them up while we were gone and moved them outside the town on our path. “ Serret declared, mounting his horse. “And, before you ask I know this because I meet them when I went to get my own horse.”

“Why did you not get my horse?” I questioned narrowing my eyes.

“Oh you were asking about your horse!” Serret laughed somewhat sheepishly “Yeah she is over there” He pointed toward the trees, and sure enough Onyx was tied to one of the dogwoods.

Serret had a habit of answering the wrong questions when he wasn’t paying attention. For example, if you asked him where he left the bandages, he might answer he put the bread in the satchels. It was only when he was busy or had something on his mind, so most of us brushed it off and repeated our question.

“Yeah, okay so what do we do about these two?” I jutted my thumb over my shoulder to point at Kesari and Audrey.

“Well, a little walking won’t hurt anyone, lets pull him along, and she can ride with you, or not. It isn’t very far.” Serret shrugged uncaringly, staring down at us from his dun horse.

“I would prefer to walk, I get a little nauseated when I can’t feel the ground. “ Kesari reasoned, her fingers working into Roka’s thick neck fur.

I nodded, then when realized she couldn’t see, I replied with a grunt of agreement.

“The thing with Audrey walking though… his wound is pretty bad and was just stitched.” I intoned dully.

I knew it was true; walking with that wound for too long would cause problems.

“Well what about mounting a horse, wouldn’t that be hard?” Serret questioned.

“True, but at least when I’m up there we can move faster despite my pain.” Audrey put in, placing his untied hands behind his back and trying to look innocent.

Serret and I shot him a look and he raised his hands, palms facing us.

“Hey, I can ether go along with it or get beaten, and I’m getting tired of licking my wounds.” He admitted with a bit of a grin

Serret seemed to be debating this, and as he looked from our horses I knew he was trying to decide who would carry his weight. I for one wanted to avoid it, him now knowing I was a girl made an already awkward thing worse.

“I can’t have him with me, he is hurt and will need something more stable, and if you haven’t noticed, I’m rather small compared to you.” I chimed in calmly.

Serret sighed and it was settled, I knew. Audrey was painfully mounted onto Serret’s steed, Kesari commanded her dog to-what I guessed was follow, as she used a word I didn’t understand- and I was riding peacefully on my dear Friesian. A bit of victory plastered my smile seeing Audrey’s face contort into frustration while riding with Serret, who always had to move his arm around if it wasn’t already busy.

The thing about our short journey was traveling often brought unwanted attention, as most wanderers had passes to make it easier. These so called passes where given to merchants and entertainers, performers and sometimes certain nobles and families. After the Cymatilian king took over the kingdom of Rutilus, Many of its citizens began to rebel, and even some of the Cymatilian people started to rebel, and traveling made it all the more easy for getting supplies and training spies. With everything going on between the kingdoms, we had no way to get these passes.
While a few rare Cymatilian people were against their king, they were even scarcer trusted by The Rebellion, as they are often thought of as spies. This had explained why so many people opposed my position the rebellion so early on as well.
“I would like to see your passes if you have them.” A man said riding up on a rather skinny horse, lanky arms reaching out.

“We don’t have them.” Serret replied. “It isn’t mandatory either; our parents went ahead of us.”

The man placed his leather gloved hands back to the horn of his saddle and narrowed his eyes. “Were have your parents gone?”

“To a relatives land, back in Cymatilus, just over the border actually.” I answered before Serret had the chance.

“I didn’t see any one else pass through here.” The man sneered.

“Well, bird nose, what if they went the other way, or around?” Audrey argued, fixed on starting a fight.

The man widened his hooded eyes and pulled a whistle from his vest and blew. The sound of a howling wolf echoed in the air and before we knew it, dangerous looking men appeared from behind the trees, as if made of shadows.

“I want you all to come with me, quietly.” The man on the horse scowled.
“Wait, wait!” Kesari cried out, running out from behind me her hands reached out waving insanely, her face twisted in that of fear. “I’m not one of them! They kidnaped me, they just want to sell me to the mines!” she sobbed and fell forward in front of one of the men.

The man who she fell in front of turned to look at bird noes his brows knitting. Kesari continued sobbing, hands searching the ground until she found the man’s leg and she clung to him.

“I would die in the mines, don’t let them take me, I can’t see!” The blind girl dragged on, tears beginning to string down her cheeks.

I was stock still and let not a peep slip from my lips. I was stunned and wanted to blurt out many things, but not knowing what she was doing, I kept my rant in. I looked down and noticed Kesari’s bow and quiver full of arrows hanging on my saddle bag.

The man knelt down, the scars marring his skin contrasting the warmth in his eyes. The kneeling man patted her head, which no longer held a red bandana-that to left on my saddle-. The other three men sent deathly glares toward the rest of us and Serret opened his mouth to speak, but instead of his voice breaking the fragile silence, it was Kesari’s unknown command. There was a snarl and a following scream, when I turned, I saw a man on the ground using his forearm to hold off the large white dog that was roka.

“Goodnight.” Kesari said, pulling out a cloth from her pocket and shoving it onto the man’s face.

Since the man was already kneeling it was easy for her to force him to fall back, and when he did she was sitting on his chest holding the cloth down. His eyes spun and his arms reached out waving every which way but hers as she dodged side to side. That was already two men down and Serret pulled out his sword, staring down the first fast approaching man. The man showed hesitance, but drove himself forward, his sword drawn and ready to swing as any of our heads. I knew he would be down in no time so I turned my attention to the frozen man on the horse.

“Now, now, Bird nose. I don’t think you want to run…” I began calmly. “Why don’t you step off the horse and we can settle this nicely?” I smiled brightly, eyes glinting with dangerous intent.

Bird nose’s already wide eyes went even bigger and he jerked his poor mares head over to the left and kicked her flank harshly. They darted off and I groaned tossing my head back I reached under my shirt and took hold of the metallic like whip I kept at my hips with one hand, waiting for the right moment. I hadn’t practiced with the whip very much, but at least I could use it. As I chased after him the trees became blurs, my eyes locked onto Bird nose’s blue clad back. I could hear the thunderous beats of hooves pounding into the dirt; I could feel them beneath me it seemed. It might be wrong, but I had to admit it was a thrill to chase him down.
My grip tightened on the whip handle and I pulled it away from my self, swung it over my head so it would reach its full length and I jerked my hand forward. The end of the whip wrapped around the skinny man’s arm and I jerked as hard as I could back and to the side. The man slipped from the saddle and hit the ground with a crunch even I heard as I came to a stop. The man lifted his hand which was bent at an odd angle, screamed and fainted to the side. I blinked and looked around, uncertain of what to do knowing that he was sort of subdued.
I know we avoid killing people, but tying up in the forest could very well get him killed, even if it was the animals that did it, his blood would be on my hands. I bit my lip and dismounted from Onyx, marched up to the man and took hold of his unharmed hand and drug him over to a tree, propped him against it and pried his left eye open. The other snapped open and the man brought both his fist against my ears yelling.
I yelped and cringed, next thing I knew he was throwing his thin arms madly at me like a wild cat. I tossed out my balled fist with half closed eyes and the man was asleep yet again. My hand sore and a red welt on his cheek, I figured I would just leave it at that. Glancing at the malnourished mare grazing in the grass, I slowly walked up to her, took the saddle, pad, and bridle off and tossed it to the side.

“There, now you can eat all the grass you want…” I said stroking her mud caked mane.

I couldn’t take the horse with me, I knew Serret wouldn’t allow it and I couldn’t take her back to the town, so my only hope was she would fatten herself up now that she was able to walk around freely. Maybe she would find a herd. Those where my best thoughts and I left it at that while I mounted Onyx and rode her toward the others. The thrill of chasing down that man had faded, leaving only the lingering thud in my slowing heart, I was beginning to enjoy the feeling I got when I did dangerous things, sword fighting, falling from trees, chasing the bad guys at the cost of getting in trouble. I had to be careful not to get addicted to that feeling. I didn’t need another flaw to stitch together with my good intentions. I rode up to the others as they came closer; thankfully I had left the way we needed to go.

“I just left him up against a tree… was that alright?”

“Yeah, that’s fine, that’s where we left the others.” Serret shrugged.

“And Kesari, next time how about a warning-“ I began, but stopped when Serret interrupted.

“Trust me; I already gave her the rant and scolding.” Serret said, at this both Audrey and Kesari nodded.

“Oh fine.” I pouted dramatically.

Kesari followed, her dog at her side, and after staring at him for a moment I realized it might not be just a dog.

“Is roka part wolf?” I asked.

“Uh, well I don’t know. Maybe, he was a gift from my brother and he can’t exactly tell me right now.” She answered and after seeing the look on her face, I touched the subject no more.

…..

We found Bills camp on a farm, still in the land of Rutilus. There was a small cottage, at least that’s what I thought it was under the mindless vines crawling up the outer walls, white flowers dancing in the breeze, the entire cottage their stage on which they swayed. That was the only other thing what stood out from the cottage. Avery and I stayed out to keep watch, and Audrey had taken to hanging around me. Everyone assumed I earned his trust, I figured he wanted to torture me.

“So, now that you’re not struggling I figure you understand everything a little better?” Avery asked Audrey.

All three of us just sat in the carriage, leaning back and mostly just being silent, every now and then a question would arise and get a surprisingly truthful answer and so it became like a game.

“Yeah, I guess. Struggling got me nowhere anyway, and my position wouldn’t do me any good for long away way.” Audrey shrugged next to me.

I had somehow got stuck in the middle of them both, and we were shoulder to shoulder, legs hanging out the back like a bunch of kids in a hay wagon.

“So, what would you do if Rence was a girl?” Audrey said, picking up Henrys nickname for me.

I knew he wanted to stab at me, so I tried to keep my heart under control. It was too early for him to uncover me. I had expected a goofy remark about how he’d laugh and say he knew it all along, or how he would have to rethink a lot of things when looking at people.

“I would be angry.” He answered bluntly, plainly and offered nothing else to explain.

“I would be the strongest girl ever.” I joked to lighten to suddenly thick air.

“Pft, you wouldn’t be here if you were a girl. “Avery scoffed.

“You would be a stupid girl.” Audrey added.

“You guys stink. No respect, all ya do is underestimate me. Even as a girl I’d kick both of you into submission.” I rolled my eyes, despite the dark and them not able to see me. “So, if ether of you could become different people, who would you be?” I asked to change the subject.

“I would want to be a man who owns land with plenty of money, but no other social status with nobles, a business man.” Audrey mused and in the shadows I saw him scratched his chin. “Just peaceful and calm.”

“I would want to be a traveler, to other kingdoms and doing odd jobs to earn money. No worries and enough knowledge of each place visit to avoid trouble.” Avery commented. I could hear the tired seeping into his voice.

Both elbows jutted into my ribs on both sides and I knew they wanted my answer as well.

“I would want to be…a diplomat. Solving problems before they start and help keeping the peace…” I said, almost whispering, because I wasn’t even sure. Sure I had a goal revolving around taking down the blue king, but after that I wasn’t sure where my life would go.

“Alright, if you could get one thing from your life back, what would it be? I would want my peaceful life before all this.” Audrey yawned out.

I paused for a moment, thinking of many, many things I would like to have back. My eyes burned when I opened my mouth to answer.

“My family, even the dog I never could stand.” Avery answered, turning his back to me.

That was something we had in common and I couldn’t bring myself to say the same thing.

“Same here…” I whispered anyway and closed my eyes.

[*ajayred*]

Faceless people bustled through the packed market. Snow coated the murky puddles and mud, as if nature was trying to pretty the place up. There was a large cage off to the side, held up off the ground so noble snobs could get a better look at the children, downing the clothing they were stolen in. There was hay bales stacked up the corners of the cage, maybe for some form of wind block.
A small girl with the gold hair of a Rutilian and blue eyes of a Cymatilian, which could not stand out more thanks to the mud thrown upon her face from the struggle that it took to get her in there. She was wrapped in a red cloak, sitting in the corner. She had tears beading in her eyes, but she wasn’t crying. When people poked and prodded at her, she would hiss, growl, and snap at them.
Under the oversized cloak she kept her father’s dagger in her boot, clutching the handle as if it was her only link to reality. She knew to keep it hidden, her mother told her so. When hands reached out for her, she swiped at them with clawed fingers and bared teeth. They’d only laugh and move to a more quite child to pester. A large hand reached through the bars and grabbed her small face, pulling it closer to the frigid bars.

“The nobles will pay quite a pretty penny for a decoration like you.” He growled with amusement, eyes mismatched and staring straight through her. “Just to sit at their feet like the dog you are.” He would finish with.

The girl, who I knew was myself at the age of four, would only growl in his face and say “You’re just a stupid head!”

I fluttered my eyes, debating opening them and waking up fully, as a string of light beaming through a rip on the carriage canvas forced light over my orbs. I turned my head and made a sour face smelling sweat. I turned my head again and smelt more sweat. I opened my eyes and looked down at a head of dark hair.
I thought my arm felt heavy. I turned my head the other way and saw that I was using Avery’s arm as a pillow, while Audrey used mine. I’m pretty sure that would be even more awkward if I was a girl, and more degrading as a boy. I sat up, sliding Audrey off my arm. Not quite sure how to feel about my secret enemy using my arm as a pillow. When I was awake fully and could think straight, I would figure it out, I decided. I was getting used to these weird situations. Actually, I was getting used to things normal girls wouldn’t, for example normal girls wouldn’t wind up stuck sleeping between two boys or allow themselves to be seen in the morning with short, messy hair and sleep crust all over their eyes.

“Blah.” I grunted to myself hopping out of the carriage and leaning back, then twisting. Pops came from my spine, relief with each one.

I turned back to look at the boys before leaving for some food, and covered my mouth. Audrey had moved closer to Avery, searching for his lost pillow that was me. I walked away laughing while I straightened my clothes and combed knots from my hair with my fingers.
Now I made my way to Onyx, my beautiful, wonderfully trained Friesian mare. Out of everything I had pride in; it was her and my strength. Glancing around, knowing the morning sun had barely peered over this side of the earth, I mounted her in hopes I could sneak a short ride. After all, I hadn’t been able to joy ride for the longest time, and Bill rarely had us leave so early.
I took her for a slow gallop amongst the clear forest, the heavy carpet of fallen needle like leaves of the surrounding trees kept a majority of the forest free of thicket, and when it got even clearer I urged onyx even faster. The joy spread through my body like water through a river, invigorating me and bringing my mood up; all previous worries evaporating into thin air. I was sure nothing could ruin it until I came back to camp, seeing Audrey waiting, arms crossed and a smirk in place.

“So, off alone? You know that’s dangerous.” He questioned as I rode up closer to him.

I dismounted, not allowing my face to betray the emotions he sought after. Though what he said was true, being alone was dangerous with everything that just happened, but he didn’t mean it like Serret and Avery would mean it, he meant it like girls shouldn’t be alone, as many people would have it.

“I can handle myself.” I smiled cheerily. “You should know that right? Serret knows it too.”

“Does Serret also know you’re a tricky female?” Audrey asked, half way with a grunt as he dodged my attack for his face.

“Shut up!” I hissed.

Everyone may have been asleep and we may have been a few feet out of earshot, but it was still too close for comfort.

“Oh come on? Don’t you think he knows you are, in fact, a girl?” Audrey chuckled.

I reached out to slap him with my left hand, and when he grabbed it I punched him in the gut with my right. After his grunt he took my wrist and pulled them up to the side. I struggled to wrench them from his grasp while I scowled in his face.

“You are getting on my nerves.” I replied a bit calmer than before, trying not to let him feed off my anger. “What do you gain from pestering me like this; you said your self-getting me exposed would only-”

“I get amusement.” Audrey purred cutting me off and tilting his head. “It is also a bit of pay back.”

“If you tell anyone, I will pound you so hard!” I snapped throwing my head forward to hit him in the nose.

He tossed his head back and laughed. “Tell them what? That you’re a girl?”

“A girl?” Serret’s voice echoed behind me.

I felt like Ice water filled my insides and my heart sunk to the bottom. I rolled my eyes, turning to look at Serret; I stepped on Audrey’s toes using my heel and wrenched my wrist free of his bruising hold.

“Just ignore him, he is being stupid.” I said past the lump in my throat.

“A girl…?” Serret furrowed his brows, a humorous grin tugging at his lips as if he couldn’t believe it.

Audrey snaked his arm around my color bone and held onto my shoulder, with his hand he took hold of my chin and forced me to look up and to the side.

“Yes. A female, girl, woman, you know not a man. Can’t you tell by looking?” Audrey said as soon as he restrained me.

I took my elbow and drove it into his ribs and stomach, while I moved my hand down and bit Audrey’s hand hard. I pulled away and crossed my arms glaring.

“Of course I’m not a girl, he is just blowing smoke. “ I growled to Serret while glaring at Audrey.


“It makes sense now, the bathing time, never shedding clothing, and that time in the dress… the river... it adds up.” Serret stared at us, a look of how-did-i-miss-it apparent on his face. “Don’t bother denying it. I had seen enough proof.”

Audrey arched his brow and reached out, taking hold of my arm, tugging me upward. “I would have hid it longer, but after being over heard, I didn’t see the need in deny.” He told me.
Serret’s face twisted into seriousness and maybe even anger as he approached us, taking hold of my arm and pulling me away from Audrey.

Is this is? Is this where it all shatters?

My thoughts were cut short as his foot flew out, and Audrey flew back, clutching his stomach.

“She is still my friend.” Serret spat. “Get back to the camp before I cause alarm.”

Audrey stood and made his way back to camp without a sound. I felt relief wash over me, only for grief to follow upon his next words.

“As for you, I won’t tell anyone else about this if you leave. “

“I won’t do that.” I retorted, trying to find more strength for my voice.

“You lied to everyone. If it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t have cared because you wouldn’t have been in the situations you got into.” He said with anger, but not hate.

“You are fine with Aurora and Ida but not me?!” I almost screeched.

“They don’t get in big brawls; they don’t fight like men do, they stay on the sides and clear it up. They can’t get the brunt of the attack.” Serret explained. “That ball gown suited you. Maybe you should go and put it back on.”

I gritted my teeth; I lost control of my limbs. I went forward in a blind rage and tackled him, wrapping my arms around his waist as we went down.

“You are such a jerk!” I growled.

Normally I did better when I wasn’t in a blind rage. I may have got kicked out; I may have got it handed to me. Regardless I was going to tell him my thoughts through my hits.
His hands found my hair and I found his. I twisted and wriggled from his grasp as well as kneed and punched him where I could. He got in as many painful hits as I did. While he had strength I had Flexibility. If he pulled me into a head lock I would risk choking myself further by pulling down, bending my hips up and kicking at his head until lack of concentration made his grip loosen enough for my freedom. If he pinned me down, I would move my knees to his chest and push up into his ribs, or twist my hips and knee him in the side. By the time he got me in his last head lock and things began to get blurry I raised my hands and closed my eyes.

“I’m… done...”

“Alright…” Serret panted, releasing me. “If you’re gonna fight like a man…You’ll be treated like one.” Serret said flopping back and rubbing his eyes.

I looked over my shoulders to see a bit of acceptance in his expression. I could almost cry of joy, until I realized he didn’t say whether or not he would tell the others.

“Do… you plan on telling anyone else?” I asked.

“Bill, of course.” Serret answered.

“He already knows.”

“What?! He knows?!” Serret shot up, looking at me like I had just stabbed him.

“Yeah, he found out a while ago… that’s why he made me do the Audrey mission.” I nodded nonchalantly.


“Well, if he knows and didn’t say anything, I guess i shouldn’t ether. My own father hid it from me.” He pouted.

“Anya, Ida, Falon and Ross, possibly Tate by now.” I named off.

“Well!” Serret exclaimed. “At least I’m not the last to know.” He added sarcastically.

“Yeah… so I guess we should get back and maybe explain this tantrum?” I joked.

“Yeah, we should. “Serret said standing and holding his hand out to me.

I stood without taking it and started making my way back to the others. We had been on the other side of the cottage, and though we were far, I wasn’t sure how well sound traveled. Little did I know a little birdy heard it all.

♛
We were on the trail as soon as Serret and I got back to the others and finished packing. Audrey’s slash needed to have a few fixed stitches by Henry, and thus questions arose and were quickly crushed by Serret and me. Audrey seemed a bit annoyed his plan hadn’t worked like he hoped. But Serret did treat me differently despite what he said. I was fine with that for now, it was just small things like touching me less and flashing me looks no one else noticed when I did something a lady never would. Henry and Avery seemed a bit different too but I couldn’t describe why.

“Hey, “Avery started as he flashed his gold eyes my way.

I arched my brow in question. “What?”

“You know that time Bill made you wear a dress?”

“Yes….”

“You don’t think he would do that to me, right, if you aren’t here?” Avery asked.

I grinned and shrugged. “If you’re heard his reasoning behind the reason I was, you would be shaking.” I answered and finished in my head with anger.

Avery narrowed one eye and looked at me funny and I started to laugh shaking my head, leaving him to question my answer.

“You guys get along better than I thought a bunch of brutes would.” Kesari chirped.

“We aren’t a bunch of brutes.” Henry said raising his head high.

“You feel like a brute.” Kesari said from behind him on the horse, her arms around his waist for safety reason.

“Aren’t you a sweet little girl?” Henry asked with pure sarcasm before muttering something about outspoken country side girls being annoying.

“Aww…Did I hurt Henry’s feelings?” Kesari asked tilting her head and letting go with one hand to pat his sandy brown combed back hair. “It was only a joke.”

“I think we found the beast tamer!” Tate joked as he rode up closer to us.

“I never thought a little girl would be the reason Henry got his feelings hurt.” Ross followed up grinning.

“A girl yes, but not one young enough to be his baby sister”

The twins rode up on either side of Henry and while Kesari leaned back, both of them leaned over to pat his back.

“You guys just want to get kicked over those horses don’t you?” Henry barked, taking his foot from the stirrup and kicking Tate from his horse.
“What’d I do!?” Tate exclaimed as he stood and grabbed for his horse.

“Yeah, my brother was just saying what a wonderful brother you are!” Ross laughed, sure to veer away from Henry’s other foot.

Kesari lowered her eyes and her grip lessened on Henry. I had expected her to be embarrassed but sadness was the look marring her face.

“Please…don’t joke about that stuff…” Kesari asked weakly, but it was enough to calm the rowdy group down.

A look of guilt and confusion flashed over their faces and something in me couldn’t leave it alone.

“Lost a brother in the battle of kingdoms…drafting maybe?” I prodded softly.

“Ah. Yeah, he was drafted about a year ago… I haven’t got any messages from him.” Kesari answered.

“I lost mine too. Still there is hope they are ready to get back to me, so I’m sure he is trying to get back to you.” I smiled reassuringly.

The men didn’t know what to say to cheer her up, and so they said nothing, except Avery.

“Your wolf dog is so loyal to you, did you train him yourself?” He asked her.

“No. My brother did.”

“Oh…”

And with that I took over the subject change.

“So, once we get to new location, anyone know the next moves?” I asked, looking over them all.

“Yeah, Audrey gets some alone time with some of our better spoken people, Kesari will get assigned to something, and Bill will probably tell us the rest from there.” Henry said raising his head.

“Oh… Do they speak with their fist?” I smiled wide.

“Sometimes.” Tate answered.

“Whoop, whoop!” I grinned widely.

“Just what did he do to you?” Ross asked, narrowing his eyes looking back to Audrey who was sitting in the back of a small wagon half asleep.

At this, Serret’s mood seemed to get heavier as he shot a glance to Audrey as well.

“He was just getting on my nerves.” I shrugged.

He might have also used me as a pillow, got in several fights with me, toyed with me and nearly got me in some serious trouble. I inwardly added.

“Ah well, alright, then.” Ross smiled and both he and Serret relaxed.

“So Kesari, I asked you how blind you where, what is your answer now that we aren’t in a hurry?” I prodded.

“Ah, well the doctors don’t understand it. When I was a toddler, something happened, blah, blah, and I lost my sight, no one even knew until I was three and didn’t take things and couldn’t find people unless they spoke. They said it had something to do with my eyes giving information where it needs to go, but not letting me visually see it. Something like that, but anyway, I am blind but I can move around certain objects within my vision, I guess? I’m not very sure on it ether.” Kesari explained with a wide range of expressions, from boredom, confusion and nonchalance.

“Oh. Well I guess I can understand that.” I mused.

“I still don’t know whether or not Bill might put me in a dress.” Avery put in.

We all burst out laughing, including Avery and I was sure that was his plan all along.

♛

We arrived at the new location within a few hours. I can’t say I was shocked to find the location was on the backyard of some rich guy. Whoever owned the land practically had a neighborhood on it with a few humble homes and tents. I had to admit, Bill had his resources. Though when I came to the front door of the rather large house that was for the owner I temporally lost function in my brain. There, carved into the front door were the words.

Silvrin estate

My head was swimming in thoughts to the point it could have drowned.

“Oh… my word…” I mouthed staring at it.

“Now you know where so much money comes from, eh?” Ross said walking up and slapping me on the back.

“I… yes, I see now…” I mumbled past my shock.

I was shocked to find myself staring at it my last name on the door to a mansion. I was speechless.

“Is this the first time you’ve seen a house this big up close? You know we can go in, right?” Avery said arching his brow, walking up to the door and pushing it open.

“What…no I was raised in one…” I said hollowly as I walked in staring around in amazement.

So this is where my parents lived? I wondered.

“You what?!” Avery leaned forward raising his brows.

“Yeah, I was raised in a house, not much smaller than this.” I answered furrowing my brows.

“Right, as a kitchen boy?” Henry asked walking passed me and ruffling my hair up.

“No, as the child of nobles.” I admitted gauging by their reaction they didn’t believe me.

“Yeah, right, you just keep saying that.” Henry scoffed looking me up a down.

I just shrugged it off, I didn’t have to prove it to them and it was one less secret. I had better things to think about, like where my parents where if this house was here. Oddly enough I had shown very little interest in finding my parents or their identities when I was busy thinking about getting to a spot to help get the dreaded king. My hatred for his wrong doings outweighed the family I never knew, in my heart. I didn’t know them, I wouldn’t love them when I met them, and I wouldn’t even know who they were if I met them on a street. For all I knew they could even be dead, and I wasn’t going to waste any time on searching for them, not that I used my time very wisely to begin with. But as I stood in the home that I was supposed to be raised in, the home I could have played in as a child, my interest was piqued.

“Does the owner live here?” I asked studying the thick curtains which seemed to have become dust collectors.

“We don’t know. Rumor has it he’s friends with Bill and lets him use the home as he wants while he travels to other lands. Another rumor suggest he’s somewhere in the camps acting out most of his life as a common fellow.” Henry put in plopping down on a chair, despite its sturdy appearance it creaked as he did so.

Guh! Why!? I inwardly screamed and outwardly nodded understandingly. “It makes sense, why he wouldn’t want people to know exactly. I’m surprised the blue king hasn’t caught on to it.”

“The blue king made every noble sign a treaty saying they would not interfere with his plans. To insure this he took members of their family’s and held them against their will until the treaties were signed correctly in fortian blood ink.” Bills voice boomed from deeper inside the mansion. “Lord Silvrin was no exception, and because breaking a deal struck with fortian blood ink is so unthinkable and punishable, as well as disgraceful the blue king had no thoughts in his mind anyone would go against it.”

“So, despite getting his family back he funded the rebellion without problems?” I asked with disbelief. The story did seem to fit in pretty well though.

“Ah, of course the man had to work out some kinks. But with the king was so sure no one would break the treaty, he hadn’t felt the need to look into all the nobles afterward.” Bills said as he walked from a hallway.

“So you know this because?” I probed, getting funny looks from the others.

“Well I would know, as Lord Silvrin is my closest friend.” Bill smiled.

I narrowed my eyes at him and looked around at the others who gave me looks suggesting they already knew it all.

“Well, makes sense. Now that we are here, when does Audrey get his talking to?” I chirped trying to bring the mood back up.

“Right now, everyone else can settle things in. Avery go get Audrey and bring him to the cellar.”