тнє ℓαυяєℓ fℓσωєяѕ NEW THREAD delete this please.

[katomorakwarrior]

Take your time.
But hurry.
Slightly.
Not to much. Haste makes waste after all.

[*ajayred*]

My sister in law just had her baby, so even more of my time will be shrunkin. But i will try hard to make eahc chapter worth it!

[*ajayred*]

Chapter 16

I was beyond confused, I always had my doubt 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 mused once again and turned to the window. “And that as an excellent show and to be honest I didn’t know it was you laurel 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 courage, 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 need to stay calm and think it all through calmly.

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 pitiful 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.

I turned and stared at the bustling people and found 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, 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 -when he wasn’t furious- and mine had been deeper at times, so it had alarmed me she picked me out for sounding like a girl. I figured her eye sight was foggy, but as she walked and I studied her I could see she was blind, in one form or another.

“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 possibly very 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, downing 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 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 Roku’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.

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 riding peacefully on my dear Friesian Onyx. 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 passes where given to merchants and entertainers, performers and sometimes certain nobles and families. After the Cymatilain king took over the kingdom of Rulitus, Many of its citizens began to rebel, and even some of the Cymatilain people started to rebel, and traveling made it all the more easy for getting supplies and training spies. While a few rare Cymatilain people were against their king, they were even scarcer trusted by The Rebellion, as they are often thought of spies. This had explained why so many people opposed my position the rebellion so early on. We did not have these passes for the check points.

“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 them.

“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. 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 ruko.

“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 noses 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 wildly 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 ruko 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 to earlier 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.

“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…”

[TheSongOfTheStars]

I love it! The only thing I noticed was that you forgot to use punctuation a couple times. Just go back over it and correct them. But that's it

[katomorakwarrior]

Thank you.

[Moonblaze-Angel]

Love it. Still. If you could put all of the chapters together, it migh be easier to read, though.

[*ajayred*]

Love it. Still. If you could put all of the chapters together, it migh be easier to read, though.

May i ask what you mean by that? Like chapters or paragraghs?

[*ajayred*]

Chapter 17

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 were 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 Rulitian and blue eyes of a Cymatilain, which could not stand out more thanks to the mud thrown upon her face from the struggle 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 children 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 guy. 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 said, 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 his feed of 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.

“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, that time in the dress… the river... it adds up.” Serret stared at him, a look of how-did-i-miss-it apparent on his face. “Don’t bother denying it. I had seen enough proof.”

Audrey grinned and reached out going to grab me again, I smacked his arm away and kicked him behind the knee. When he was forced into a kneeling position he brought out a hidden dagger and pointing it at me.

“So, are you going to get her or what?” Audrey asked. “Tricking you all and getting where she is with lies.”

Serret’s face twisted into seriousness and maybe even anger as he approached us.

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 nose.

“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 was 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 blurring I raised my hands and closed my eyes.

“I’m… done...”

“Alright…” Serret panted, releasing me. “If your 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 nose needed to be reset by Henry, and thus questions arose and were quickly crushed by Serret and me. He 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. 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 Henrys feelings?” Kesari asked tilting her head and letting go with one hand to pat his sandy comb 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 said, 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 Henrys 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 said with a huge grin.

“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 had read a smaller note in the box I found the cloak, informing me of my real last name. I was shocked to find myself staring at it 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 son 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 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 so sure no one would break the treaty, he hadn’t felt the need to look into all the nobles afterward.” Bills thundered 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 get Audrey and bring him to the cellar.”

[.:A r i c a R e e:.]

Love it. Still. If you could put all of the chapters together, it migh be easier to read, though.

May i ask what you mean by that? Like chapters or paragraghs?

Maybe they mean for the chapters to be in all one post? So you can just scroll through them... it would make it a lot easier...

[.:A r i c a R e e:.]

Yay! new chap :3