тнє ℓαυяєℓ fℓσωєяѕ | rιѕe oғ тнe reвellιon |posting open

[*ajayred*]

I worked hard on this, and I will not have it stolen, I will fight back. Read on Wattpad, vote and comment!

Picture by AricaRee

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♛ ♛ ♛

Her name is Laurel Silvrin. She is the noble girl who sneaked out of the house to reek havoc in town and see the world in the eyes of a commoner. Her mother wanted her to be a lady and so that is how she acted when she had to, but behind closed door she wore pants and had sword fights with her brothers, for a while it was fine like that, at least until The King of her kingdom made things go sour and she was forced to run from home and disguise herself as a boy to save herself. That was before she was kidnapped and forced to join a Rebellion, a Rebellion she was going to use to take The King down.

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♛ ♛ ♛

A ruthless king rules the kingdom of Cymatilus. Its a kingdom of wealth, known for their many silver, sapphire, and iron mines. If a person was not wealthy in any form, their life would surly be hard, as the king does not focus on his people. Only on what he can get out of them. Slavery is a common practice and most servants at one point are sent to the mines.

A unruly king rules the kingdom of Carpsainis, he isn't the wisest of kings, making him out to be a puppet between his queen and the Cymatilus king. Most citizens of this kingdom live with little or no interference from their king and his guards and knights and live off violence and loyalty. The kingdom is known for their fine furs and weapons.

A kind but strong king had ruled the kingdom of Rutilus, where he had died, his queen had stepped in. The people of Rutilus were cared for by the king and queen, but they were also hard workers, the kingdom had the best produce and cloths,provided from the citizens. It was a loved kingdom by all its people until the queen fell ill, and the king of Cymatilus took the weak moment to wage war. He subdued the kingdom and took over the land for his own.

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[*ajayred*]

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Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapters 29-30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32-33

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[*ajayred*]

previous polls!

Does the story have to be perfectly edited for you read?


Of course, why would I want to read all those mistakes?

I prefer it to be, but if the this story is good enough, I will read it.♛♛♛♛♛♛♛♛♛♛♛ 11


No, I don't mind. I might just read it again after you edit it.♛♛♛♛♛ 5


Total votes : 16

[*ajayred*]

I have never liked dresses, not once in my life. I had worn trousers underneath during the winter months, and had gone without the many under layers during the summer months.
So when my mother once again came into my room, with one pair of shoes with silver embroidery, three servants in tow each holding bundles of beautiful, silky, thick and long dresses, my stomach tightened. My hands clenched at the trouser and tunic borrowed from my thirteen year old brother. My mother’s face fell into a frown, but she was busy and obviously did not want to argue.
Walking over to me she pulled the tunic over my head before I had time to protest, un-tucking my under dress and waving one of the servants over.

"You are a young woman, of sixteen! You should love these dresses...” she huffed and pushed the ever so hated corset under my arms. The servants would normally do this, but mother was once a servant and when she is tired and irritated these old habits slip out. I inhaled sharply as she tugged at the strings.

"To tight, to tight! Pleeeaaase!" I whined as I tugged at the corset, she sighed and loosened her hold slightly before she tied the knot.

"Your father needs this, Laurel." Mother said harsher then she meant, but I knew she didn't mean it.

A small, barely hidden sigh escaped my lips and I looked out the window as my mother went looking for a dress in the many.

"I know mama...I know. The council is thinking about letting papa back in, and the kings gala is the best way to speed up that decision, and any mistake from his family can reflect on his judgment, head ship, and skills." I spoke, my mother joining in for emphasis.

"Lord Wether’s son will there." She spoke lightly.
I scoffed and rolled my bright blue eyes. I had no interest in courting anyone. I hated the idea, just the thought of being stuck with one of those lords, of being stuck with anyone. I would live my own life. My mother misunderstood my actions and rolled her own eyes with a fake scoff and held back giggle. I groaned, as if reading her thoughts but left it alone; I myself did not want to argue.

♛

After a while of back and forth negotiating, my mother had decided to let me wear one of the simpler dresses that hugged but was still easy to move in. The pale blue dress thankfully had a modest neckline and the hems where bordered with a royal blue. The long fluted sleeves as well as the lacing in the front were black. That dress was also loose and swept lightly over my legs, hiding my boots and pants.

"You there, child." A familiar nasally voice called.
It was the duchess of the Appleline isles -a very clean place, even their servants are dressed in finery because she cannot 'stand to look on such distaste and think of poor farmers tending to her.'- It disgusted me how she treated them.

When I get free from these chains of family bonds, I will free my servants. I will get my own land. No one would talk bad about a female having such thoughts when they see me. I had thought.

"Yes, Duchess Maria?" I offered a ladylike smile that all the years of training had instilled me.

She swaggered over to me; her attire was very flamboyant, consisting of fine clothes of purple, blue and green with an array of different floral patterns. Inwardly I frowned deeper, she always had something to say about my dress, or hair, or personality.
So I was surprised when she simply passed a piece of paper in my hands with the wax seal of the Swan family. A family that seems to thinks I’m sweet and reserved,-their middle child would think and know others wise- had invited me to stay with them for the summer, which wasn't very far off. A smiled graced my lips, but I almost wanted to frown thinking about staying there so long with all five children. Surly I would have trouble with all but one who happened to be my closest friend, Falon.

"Do my parents know?" I asked the duchess, seeing her frown from the corner of my eyes -likely from my hesitation; she could not wait to have me gone- .

"Of course, and they both agreed, they would also like to help you-" she paused to pull up her dress and pull her black fur shawl back over her shoulders that must have fallen when she made her hasty journey looking for me earlier.

"-with your studies and ...ahem, manners".

I knew she disliked me, after being here so long I didn't exactly act like the most ladylike. Who could blame me? There was nothing to here, so what if I climbed a tree every now in then while wearing a man’s set of clothing, or sneaked into the stables to help with the horses. I only smiled and nodded.

"Understandable, that is a very fine dress, is it for the gala?" My eyes glittered with challenge, I knew her family was not invited but she didn't know I knew. A hesitant smile tugged at her painted lips. I already knew then, a lie would slip off her tongue.

"I have much more important matters, child, but yes, it is a fine dress, all the way from the palace." She gave a haughty smile and looped her arm into mine and took my hand as well.

"Laurel, your sixteen now, it is time to fix your hair a bit more, wouldn't you say?” not really besides, you just want a doll. I smiled as an answer and let her lead me down the hall so she could order servants to fix my loosely held wavy tired back hair with only a strand of linen.

♛

A girl looked back at me, with a face, dabbed with powder, golden rings of hair framing her face, as the rest of her hair was pulled up at the top of her head in a braided bun; stubborn bangs split on the far left moved out and pressed back her silver pins. Her bright blue eyes lined with black, making them stand out. Lips painted a rosy pink, she was pretty, looked like a doll. Like a delicate flower. A sweet lady. It took me a moment to realize the girl I was staring at was my reflection, my heart tightened at the sight. This was not me.
I'm not pretty,I’m interesting.
I'm not a doll,I’m a sword.
I'm not a delicate flower.
I’m a Thorn bush.
It took a lot more strength then it should have to keep from punching the reflection in the mirror when all my brothers walked in and gasped. Dezil was the first to speak.

"You look like a girl!" He exclaimed with an over dramatic gasp, Arnold laughed with him.

"We will have to keep an eye on the boys." Arnold said with a second meaning that none of the ladies in the room would catch. So, as always Dell clarified without knowing.

"Yeah, the first one to ask for a dance is going to get a boot to the shin, and the others will be dumb enough to ask if he upset her!" he giggled, in the most manly way a thirteen year old with a changing voice could.
I rolled my blue eyes and they continued their teasing, all though I have to say I was pleased to hear them mocking any of the stupid boys rather than my doll-like appearance. I smiled and let out a laugh and shook my head, looping my arm in Dezil's and Dell's arms, while Arnold looped his in Dell’s, we headed out the door and into the carriage we should have been in ten minutes ago. I caught a glimpse at the falling sun and swirled color in the clouds. Something tightened inside me, things would change tonight.

♛

The Ballroom was grand, large marble pillars held up a balcony that went all around. Windows were framed with velvety red curtains, the floor smooth, creamy and shiny enough to see the reflection of everyone walking on it. Three large chandeliers placed in a triangle shape glittered with crystals dangling off and lit with flames. I couldn't help but wonder how they lit those. It was also better lit then I expected this large room to be. Mirrors were placed around the walls, cut into shapes and designs.

The mirrors reflect the light and brighten the room.... I smiled thinking of how cleaver that was. I will have to try that.
I looked up in time to see the queen and king step down from the large stair way, people cleared a path and bowed followed their lead until the king had sat and waved his hand, and everyone continued their chatter on the sides and began to dance. Having lost track of my parents and sibling long ago, I was on my own when a man walked up to me, bowing slightly and smiling as he held out his hand. I avoided his gaze and glanced at his hand. no. way.

"I'm sorry, but my dancing really isn't the best, I would not want to step on your toes." I smiled as my gaze found my red headed friend Falon as hers found mine.
She quickly but gracefully walked over to me somehow avoiding touching a single dress hem. Her red hair -red, not orange or auburn, her hair was as red at a shined apple- standing out against the cooler colors and dark hair. Does my hair stand out like that? my mind wandered.

"Laurel!" she took my hand and smiled once she found her way to us in mere seconds.

"Where have you been? I need to talk to you." she said kindly, but I could see she was forcing herself -she was not a people person- as she turned to the stranger and gave an enforced smile.

"I’m sorry. Maybe later?" she cut his words off with a lady like glare and dragged me off under the stairwell. We both peered over at the now confused man, I moved back and made a disgusted face.

"I hate dresses, I hate dances, and-" I stopped and suddenly took in my friends attire.

A deep green dress that was a bit fluffier then mine at the bottom, lined with white.

“First time I have seen you in a dress with short sleeves.” I mused to her.
The short sleeves hung off her shoulders slightly, while white lace covered her collar bone and connected to her creamy choker necklace. Her long red hair in a fish tail braid hanging over her shoulder, and on the other side a lock of hair flared out with a curl at the end. Falon’s face was also powdered, lips painted and eyes lined, making her vivid hazel eyes brighten.

"Oh you look pretty, and rather ladylike.” I stated and she gave me a funny look that I knew said 'I just saved you and you say that?' we both giggled after a second.

"I heard about the Wether’s family proposition ..." Falon started with a hushed tone that was barely a whisper.

"What proposition?" I asked concerned with the expression on my friends face.

"You mean you haven't heard?" Her voice grew more uneasy.

"Explain it to me, and how you heard whatever it is you did." My voice grew in strength.

"That at the end of the summer, you’re going to have to make a decision to marry their eldest... and the odds of you being allowed to deny aren't in your favor." She said as carefully as she could, she then explained she heard her parents talking about it and the reason why I was staying with them over the summer. I heard nothing but my heart pounding, I was sure I was seeing red I was so angry, so betrayed . . . so scared. I felt a light touch and regained my senses and looked to see a familiar hand holding my shoulder reassuringly.

"Don't worry, it isn't a definite..." A weak smiled found her lips and she continued. "Besides, you can say no...The result couldn't be so bad." I myself gave a small smile and nodded.

"Right and we know my parents won’t force me." I took a calmed breath and suddenly saw my father talking to Duke Lucien Wether the Duke of Ashland. I grinned, surly it was the almost arrangement they was talking about now.
My father caught sight of me and his hazel eyes met my blue. My left leg began to shake, as it does when I'm scared angry or nervous. I knew the look on his to well. Defeat and regret. Taking a step back I bumped the wall, my hands found it, pressing against the cool smooth stone and welcoming the cool. My father nodded back to the Duke and my eyes widened.
No... He couldn't.... I inhaled sharply as Duke Lucien's eldest son passed a rolled silk into father’s palm, a flash of sliver held it. It was a permission ring, if father kept it, he would later give it to me and I would practically be forced into a marriage. I let out a dry laugh and shook my head. Daddy would never.... He slipped it into his coat pocket.

"No!" I yelled out, catching the attention of some of the closer people.
I nearly shoved Falon to the ground as I ran past her, weaving though the people as my face reddened and a tear fell from my eyes, which streaked the makeup. I soon found the kitchen and had to dodge dishes and prepared food held by the chefs. Bursting through the back door I headed for the royal gardens and I leaped over the hedges one after another until I was out and heading for the forest. I had figured it would take a day to get home, but I did not want to see my father any earlier than that.

♛

After two days, I walked into Appleline dukes home -our temporary home- , with the confidence of a queen, carrying myself with straight shoulders and a high head, despite my knotted hair, tattered, dirty torn dress, and mud smeared face. I had had my tears, now it was time to fight.
People adverted their eyes as I made my way up the dark stained stairs, not wanting to be witnesses to who knew what. It was early morning, the Duke and Duchess of Appleline, -the Dollard’s- were just now getting up, my brothers would be practicing their fencing and hand-to-hand combat, and my parents would likely be discussing the Wethers proposal.
I waltzed into my room, the servants knew I wasn't in there, but still set out a bowl of water and a rag. After cleaning up a bit and changing into my slim fitting trousers, undershirt and tunic, then brushing and braiding my golden hair. After I was done and made my way back down the through the kitchen to snag a treat, I walked outside with my brothers, who were already losing layers of clothing from the morning sun and heated sparing.

"Hey! Who wants to spar with me this go around?" I asked nonchalantly, as if I had never run out and stayed in the forest for two days.

"Are you an idiot!?" Dezil yelled the second he saw me. He would spar with me, as well as give me a tongue lashing before my parents had the chance.

"Well, maybe just a little, but look at my influences!" I said, waving my hand in a gesture at all my brothers as if it explained every stupid thing I did.
Then it was on, his sword met mine with a masculine strength I could never have and bending my wrist back painfully. I could ignore that pain though and he was big enough to take the anger I was about to throw at him. The rules didn't count in this game, we both knew it. I shoved forward with sudden strength and adrenaline, thrusting my sword up and out, distracting him long enough to get into my stance and pull my helmet on. I lifted my sword protectively as he advanced and began the attack on my blade, trying to break my right-of-way. I used the feint attack and twisted my blade as he tried to parried, he took the bait and when he stopped to defend I attacked from the other side, seconds from hitting my target he twisted to the side, spun around, dropped and knocked me over with his leg, knocking the wind out of my lungs.

"Low....blow" I wheezed and kicked him in the gut. "Like that." I grinned with triumph trying to regain the rest of my breath.

"You...." Dezil growled and straightened, throwing his sword to the ground.
I stood, leaving my own sword behind and lunged; he dodged and grabbed me by my waist and grabbed my clawed hands.

"They were worried sick! What were you thinking?!" He nearly yelled in my ear, but it came out as lower tone.

"That I wanted out of there." I growled, taking my free elbow and hitting him in his chest, making him loosen his grip so I could twist around and glare.

"Whyyyy?" He drawled with a mock stupid expression you would see on a little kid asking why the sky is blue and not green.

"Because daddy agreed to an arranged married to a man-boy I have never met!" I yelled out balling up my fist.

"So you run away?"

"Wha...Well...I didn't know what else to do. You don’t even understand you’re a man." I mumbled out not realizing how stupid it was.

"Right because men have every say in whom they marry.” He sarcastically barked.

"More say then women do! And you know it! Are you saying you're fine with this?" I asked with anger and hurt mixing in my voice. He softened, looked away and sighed.

"Of course not but there are better ways to handle things." He said picking up my helmet that I had just noticed fell off.

"Dezil...I don’t know…it’s just...I ..." I drawled, but he walked past and shoved the helmet onto my gut, which I grasped and he continued walking, Arnold and Dell, right behind him. Now I've done it.

[*ajayred*]

A day like this would be wasted, for sure.
It was sunny, with a cool breeze but warming sun and few clouds. Yet, everyone was busy talking, mother was probably looking for me while I hid in my favorite tree as high up as I could climb. It was in the perfect spot, I was camouflaged by the large red leaves of the sanguis tree and I had a view from the side of the mansion, so I could see the back yard and front to an extent. My eyes traced around the yard, following people bustling around as I heard my name being called. Turning my head away and closing my eyes, the cooling breeze on my face made my thoughts drift back to my two days in the forest when I had run out of the gala.

♛

The cold wind whistled though the forest, the white rays of moon light fought their ways though the night dulled leaves, giving the fog a bright, eerie glow. I was running, hard and fast, but i didn't know why anymore. My face was hot from a flush and cold from the salty streams on my face blending with night chilled air. The wind was whipping at my face and blowing at my hair as if trying to push me out of the blue and grey forest. I tripped over a root stubbornly growing out of the ground, dirt and leaves flying up.

Backing up the nearest tree and drawing my knees up to my chest I dropped my head in my hands and bawled like I hadn't in years, but then again, I hadn't. I tried to swallow my sobs and hold in my tears but they poured and I smeared mud on my face trying to wipe away the tears. I started pulling at my hair, ripping it free and sending pins flying. Groaning and crawled over, grabbing for the three silver ones from my mother and sniffled.

After fumbling around for the last pin my hand landed with a splash, sending water flying up, I blinked and looked down seeing the rippling of water at a ponds edge just as the moon came up and shinned down. I sure was a sight to behold. My face was streak with pale powder, black eye liner and then my pinkish pale skin underneath, hair in a mess eyes red and puffy, with mud smeared under them. My eyes however, was the brightest blue I had ever seen them, even in the pale dim lighting the moon and stars provided, I tossed my head back and laughed at my reflection.

"This is so over dramatic!" I said between my mirthless laughter.

After cleaning off my face and tucking the sliver pins in my corset -so I didn't lose them- I stood and dusted myself off, no matter how useless the action was. Now i was welcoming the cold air against my face, neck and collar bone, it was freshening, calming even. Running my fingers though my hair I continued my walk through the woods to find a place to sleep, like I have done so many times before. I walked far, pushing past my exhaustion for a safe place to lay my head.

"Avery! Stop that!" I heard a deep voice say and I fell to the ground behind a bush.

"He was trying to [i]rob us, bill." the one I figured was named Avery said as if it explained it all.

I peeked over the bush, seeing only three men, and two where older, in their thirties, the other was maybe a year or two old then I am. The younger man was holding onto the collar of the expected thief with a knife to his throat. Fear bit at my mind but i pushed it back with strength and curiosity.

"Well, a lesson is one thing, but this, Avery is a tad over the top." Bill said. "Besides, we have a guest."

I slunk even further into the ground and quickly tried to think of myself as part of it. Don’t see me! don’t mean me! I thought and closed my eyes hiding their brightness, I opened them for a peek and found a pair of boots in front of me, looking up to see legs, I looked all the way up and seen the boy called Avery. well cow patties.

At this point, I was glad it was dark, my hair was still slightly braided and mud covered my face. I did not know what these men would do or say. My thoughts were cut off and I was drawn back to reality when I was hoisted up to my feet with Avery holding tightly onto my arm.

"She looks like a drowned dog." Avery said with arched brows and an expression that didn't seem like he was insulting me. I wasn't sure if I should take offence or not. "What’s your name?" he asked, still looking at me.

I avoided his gaze and looked to the older man, then to the thief -now tied to a tree and cloth in his mouth- and back to Bill.

"Lara…Now let me go, I have places to be." I said ignoring the amused look on Avery's face.

"Places to be? You look more like you ran out of places you outta be." Bill said and stepped closer, raising his hand to Avery, the boy let go and stepped back, leaving me in front of this man who towered me more than my own father. I looked up at his face, or what i could see in the dim light. His face was tanned, he had a cleft chin and strong jaw line, and a salt and pepper mustache with a goatee, bright hazel eyes, and they lit up much like my own. Very tall he looked both kind and intimidating at the same time.


"Sorry, lass, he can be annoying some times, I'm Bill, that is Avery, and that man-" he pointed to the thief. "Is just a man thinking he can steal instead of making a living?" He smiled and put his hand on my shoulder. "Now, where are you going, maybe we can take you."

"No, it is fine I like walking and I know my way home." I said and offered a confident smile. Bill shook his head and sighed.

"Avery, get our pack and give this lady some bread." Bill said, giving me no time to protest Avery was already grabbing the pack and groping around for the bread and passing it out to me with a bored expression.

"You aren't very smart." Avery said, making me turn my attention to him with a questioning look.

"Going out here, alone, without a weapon, in a dress, and being a girl?" He let out a small laugh. "Not very smart, I mean really, i bet you couldn't even lift a sword-" I took a closer step to him, glaring up at him and snatching the bread from his hand.

"You don’t know a thing about me!" Venom dripped off my voice. "You can't even keep an eye on your weapons." I said backing away from him and holding up his knife with a victorious smile.

I heard Bill laugh. I tossed the knife to the ground; it stuck in the dirt with its handle up and turned walking away, with squared shoulders. I heard a growl from Avery, and then heard both of the men laughing. I ignored them and kept walking, eating bits and pieces off the bread. That was the most exciting thing I got to do for a while. The next day though was only gathering berries and hiking back home. A longer trip then i thought it would be.[/i]

A Cracking sound followed by a jerk brought me out of the memory.

"What was that?” I mused to myself and looked down in time for the tree limb I was on to snap.
Before I knew what was happening I was dangling thirty feet in the air, grasping a thin limb above me. Heart pounding in my rib cage, I laughed out as I looked for a foot hold, upon finding one, I reached over with my foot, once it touched I let go of the limp and hugged the black tree -The only tree here of its kind for miles with its black bark and wood with blood red leaves- and lowered myself onto the branch. Continuing my pace as I climbed down the tree I was still able to see my brothers and once I jumped to the ground I made my way over to them.
"You will never guess what just happened!" I exclaimed happily, ready to tell of my reflexes.
Arnold turned to me, face streaked with tears holding a black piece of paper with white words, a death note.

"What? Who is it for?" I asked concern drenching my voice.

"Mother." Dezil answered.

[*ajayred*]

Death notes are for people of upper class, also notes physician -or an undertaker- wright to the family or closest person or people to the dead one. They are to be written as soon as the dead person is confirmed dead. Death notes also provide the family -or close people- of the dead loved one with a time of mourning, or a pass do back out of things I like to say.
This note was for us, because father had left on business the day I had run away. It felt as if my heart and stomach were trying to trade places. My eyes began to burn with un-shed tears as I looked at my brother’s face, for any sign this was a cruel joke.
It wasn’t. We went inside and it was my turn to speak to the doctor, all the family members of the dead one have to hear it from the person confirming death. He explained she was poisoned by an extremely concentrated dose of laurel flowers and goldleaf. The man went on explaining everything the poison put her through, seizers, vomiting, extreme chest pain, etc. as a he should but I couldn’t listen anymore, my eye burned and my heart pounded to the point I could hear nothing else.

“Thank you, but that is enough, I know the symptoms of the poison.” My own voice was foreign; my body was numb and moved on its own, walking out of the room to my bedroom and picking up my mother sliver pins she gave to me to wear at the gala.

I lifted them up and placed them in my hair, pinning back my bangs. My mother and I hadn't really looked much alike as her hair was chocolate, mine gold, her eyes a soft honey color, with an oval face. My eyes where sapphire and I had a more square shaped face. When I put the silver pins in my hair though, I feel like I could be her mirror. Sliver streams started dripping down my face, the first to land make a light thump, making me look down at a note addressed to me with my mother’s pretty hand writing, lifting it softly and gently as if my touch could tear it. I read

“Laurel, my dear daughter we have not been the most honest with you over the most things, but first go to my closet and find what is out of place.”

My brows furrowed and I wiped my eyes as I walked to her room and went straight for her separate closet, opening it everything seemed in order, excluding the flash of black on the blue side of her organized closet. I reached out and grabbed it, taking it off the hanger and seeing an arrow pointing down pinned to it. Shifting back and looking down I heard a creak and seen a gap in the floor. Kneeling down and wiggling my pinky finger in I was able to lift the loose board. My heart beating like a humming bird wings flap, as I moved the piece away and another next to it to see a wooden box with metal on the corners and a key hole of sorts with three openings, the design on the top of the box was much like the sliver pins. Without even thinking about it I took the pins out of my hair and put all three in the holes and twisted them, without a doubt it did the trick, I was able to lift the lid. Then I lifted the note that was sitting on a bright red folded cloak. I swallowed and read the writing that got sloppy as it went.

“Laurel, I want you to know I love you like my own, you father also. . . but you are not our born child. Your real parents were in some trouble around the time you were born, and they also loved you very much. They did not give you away, before you start to think that and oh how they fought for you, laurel. Your mother was my mistress, your real father was my husband’s (the father you know) closest friend. Your father having been so highly approved off all, the cymatilus king asked for your father to join in his royal guards and council, only to be rejected handfuls of times. The king had gone into a rage, ordering his knights to fetch him and his family. Your mother had hid you away as she tried to get your siblings, in the process getting her own self caught. She had a knack for hiding things like no other, leaving little hints here and there. . . So it wasn’t that hard to find you, curled up in your fathers red cloak clutching his covered dagger for dear life at the tender age of four. Years had went by and you would run into our room screaming about nightmares that were really just memories, your way of coping with the shock. I had researched your parents; they and your siblings had escaped, started a rebellion to save the red king and stop the blue. The king’s royal guards have caught onto my meddling, and will do something about it soon. When they do, -and you will know-You must run, as far as you can. Laurel, you cannot let them find you. Keep yourself hidden as long as you can, in anyway. Leave without a trace, my laurel flower.”

My hands dropped into my lap, I read it over three times and my tar and sobbing had yet to reside. Imy eyes traced over the cloak, a note read “your fathers” and was a different material from what I normally see, it was soft, but obviously very strong. Under it, was a sharpened dagger, with a red hilt that was slightly larger than average, with finger grooves on it. I picked it up; it felt so right in my hands, not awkward like it should be. After twisting it in my hands a bit I placed it down and looked in the box again, seeing a long slivery whip. Lifting it up I could see that it too was of a strange material of metal nature, but it was shaped like a whip and moved like one with the handle wrapped in black and red cloth. With a tiny note on it, that simply said “Your mothers.” I smiled and tried to swallow but my mouth was a desert. After I wrapped the whip around my waist and flipped the cloak over my shoulders I walked down to the stables.
♛
I rode out in a flash of black and red. My horse onyx, a beautiful Friesian and my long flowing red cloak that belonged to the father I don’t remember. The chain wrapped around my hip like a belt while the dagger hung at my hip in the loop of my trousers. I didn’t have time to cry anymore.

♛

It was sunset by the time I made it to Falon’s home. The cooling air was refreshing, the colors churned in the sky and only the brightest of star began to show, but I ignored it, I couldn’t enjoy something like that at the moment. I snuck over to Falon’s window and tapped on it until she opened it, already in her night gown with her waist length red hair cascading down her back and over her shoulder in light waves; blue green eyes looked at me with concern.

“Falon, I need your help, I don’t have much time, and I need a bag of food, a change of clothes and some bandages.” I said strongly, trying to make sure she didn’t protest. It didn’t work.

“You better explain this to me when I get back or you aren’t getting it.” The red head groggily replied and closed her windows.
I slunk down to the ground, back to the wall and waited. It wasn’t too long before she had walked around the corner with two satchels. I reached out for them but they were pulled away by Falon before I could grasp them.

“Explain, or you won’t get them.” Falon repeated in a stern voice and pointed at me.

“Falon, I need it, this is more-“I couldn’t finish before she butted in.

“No explanation, no satchels.” Our eyes met with sparks of challenge flying between us. I sighed, nodded and answered her with the shorted of answers that she wouldn’t question.

“I’m running away. The marriage, my mother’s death, everything! It’s too much.” I had told her. It wasn’t a lie but it wasn’t the whole truth. “No one can know, Falon, alright?” I said as I took the satchels from her and put them over my shoulders.

“I understand…don’t you dare get hurt, laurel. Promise me. And you better be back before too long!” My friend nagged and I wrapped my arms around her. “And you better not come back with looking like some drowned rat!” she added, making me smile. I had supposed it was her way of saying ‘stay healthy and safe’

“I’ll be fine, you know I’m tough. “ I grinned and let her go. “I will be fine if not you can have my swords.”

“I’m keeping you to that.” She laughed slightly with a hint of sadness.
I turned and walked back to my horse, mounting her and riding off again. I didn’t know where I was going or what I would do, but it had something to do with the King who had my mother killed.

♛

A cold wind blew through a crack in the old cabin door, making it creak with a slow eerie sound. Words and voices boom in the air but none could be understood, as if spoken in another language. I was small, held in strong but thin arms looking though a crack in the wall, hiding in the shadows. Slender hands pulled me around to see a woman speaking muddled words with a scared worried face; she pushed me back and ran out the closet, attacking the men outside the closet with a long sliver whip. Everything went black and my little body ran out, looking every which way in the darkness until a rough hand grabbed my shoulders and shook me, throwing me to the ground that was suddenly covered in grass. He was covered in blue clothes with elaborate shapes and designs but he was faceless. Gentle hands pulled me up and wrapped me in red, pushing a dagger into my hands and closing a door that wasn’t there seconds before.

“Wake up….” A frail voice whispered. “Wake up..!” it continued, growing in loudness each time.

“Wake up!”

My eyes snapped open to see the inn keeper’s old wife inches from my face.

“What is it?” I growled out leaning forward and running my fingers though my now short hair.

It barely reached the nap of my neck after I cut it, and my once golden hair was dull and dirty, making it easier to hold back with a swipe of my hand. I looked like a young boy about fourteen with the help of thick bandages around my torso and men clothes to hide my shape. I thought of myself as masculine, I carried myself like a man and people thought I was one, or least a young man. Though, breaking ladylike habits wasn't an easy thing to do in a week. I gazed up at the inn keeper’s wide body and stood up, popping my neck and back. She had let me stay in the kitchen for helping out with some of the people in the bar.

“It’s your shift, boy.” She grunted, pushed a tray in my arms and began loading drinks and food on it, while telling me who and where it goes.
I nodded and walked out; passing out the food as i walked. I moved into this town not too long ago but ever since I had people gave me strange looks. I had a feeling it was the red cloak and the fact the blue king had outlawed the color in his kingdom just days after I fled. I just ignored them; a knight hadn’t been able to take me in yet.
“Ya hear about the recruitin’?” one fellow grunted. “The king sure wants to make sure that red country is under control.” He shook his head. “Can’t be hard, they aren’t very rowdy people, unlike those carpsainus brutes!” the clearly drunk man babbled.

“Hey, you, Goldie” I heard a familiar voice, but couldn’t place it.

“What did you just call me?” I said turning around and inwardly jumping ten feet in the air, outwardly I was staring at none other than Avery.

“That sure is an interesting cloak. Do you want to get beaten?” He asked his raised brows, that seemed to annoy me like my brothers.

I put the tray down, ignoring the rude remarks of the people not getting their order and walked up to Avery, Poking him hard in the chest while I gave him a sharp look.

“Sure is an interesting statement in a bar full of men ready to get into a fight.” I said in a mocking tone as I kept my voice low.

“Do I know you?” He suddenly asked taking me back.
My hair was shorter, (maybe not dirtier), my clothes were for a man, it was daylight and he still recognized me from that time? Impossible. “I think I seen you somewhere.” He added with narrowed amber eyes.

“You come here before?” I asked arching a brow.

“Once, and I hadn’t seen you here.” He curtly replied.

“Well, I haven’t seen you ether. Must have been here a different day.” I countered.

His brows furrowed as he looked at me intensely, opening his mouth to speak, but not getting the chance as a burly man walked up behind him.

“You Street rat!” a deep voice yelled before Avery was spun around and punched in the face sending him back into the bar.

“Oh hey jarred.” Avery breathed, moving his jaw around while holding it.

Jarred grabbed Avery and pulled him out side where I watched two more men follow them into an ally. He probably deserved it. He wouldn’t need my help. I shouldn’t get into it.

“Cow patties.” I grumbled and walked out of the inn and into the ally way in time to see Avery fall to the ground clutching his stomach.

“This isn’t fair, three against one? You are all ether weak, or just down right cheaters.” I blurted, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Oh the pretty boy came to save you?” Jarred mocked and though being a girl hiding out as a guy, that should make me happy, for whatever reason I was insulted.

“Hm…maybe it’s a girl...” a man with greasy black hair said and laughed.

“Focus on the task at hand!” Snapped a short round man.

“How about this, I beat you up and you leave us alone?” I gave a toothy smile. “No weapons. Trust me; you don’t want me to use mine.” I said placing a hand on my silver whip hanging off my waist.

Grease head was first, he threw a punch and I dodged, taking his arm, turning and flipping him over my back like my instructor had taught me with my brother’s. I turned just in time to get punched in the lip by Jarred. I staggered back and raised my fist, spitting out the blood, I grinned at him.

“That all?” I asked before he charged.

He aimed his next at my stomach and I twisted on my heel, grabbed his arm and pulled it up behind his shoulder blades, sending him flying into the dirt with me now on his back. I was about to mock him before I felt a cold metal on my throat.

“Cheater.” I spat.

[*ajayred*]

He slowly slide the oddly dull side of his dagger in a sawing motion on my throat, probably so he could intimidate people in this kind of situation, the turn of his wrist, and I could be dead. The short one must have been the leader.

“Alright, boy…I will let you go but you’ll have to make up for hurting my goons. Say…that chain whip of yours?” He asked as if he was being clever. “Or I can talk to the nearest knight about the red wearing rebel…” he said as he lowered he head and whispered his threat next to my ear.

“You know, you really stink… and no. I think I’m good.” I grimaced, slowly letting go of Jered’s hand. “So how is this going to work? I move off this idiot, or you just stand there like an idiot?” I asked.
I looked over my shoulder to see Shorty’s face redden, from embarrassment or anger, I did not know. My eyes widened when he twisted his wrist and I could feel him slowly push the blade closer to my throat; close to breaking the skin. I closed my eyes, thinking of a way out of this as fast as I could, I grabbed my whip and just before pulling it out the pressure let up, then there was a thud. Whipping around I found myself staring at the man on the ground shaking and holding his hand with blood seeping through his enclosed fist as well as Avery smirking down at while he cleaned his sword blade on Shorty’s side.

“You’re weird.” Avery simply affirmed. “Hey, I have something to ask you.” He held out his hand. “About the blue king and red king and stuff.” He added.

“No, I’m fine. “ I stood and began walking having to step over all three men on the ground in the ally to make my way back to the inn.
“Woe wait, what’s your name?” Avery asked running up behind me.

“Laurence.” I barked out with an irritated frown.

“I see you hate the blue king.” He stated just before he grabbed me by the arm and jerked me into yet another ally way.

“And how would you know that I hate the blue king? “ I asked resisting the urge to put my hand on my hip like a girl, something I must not have fully hidden away.
“Well, you’re wearing red where it is outlawed, and . . . yeah that about covers it.” He concluded sarcastically as he nodded to himself.

“Okay, so that was kind of stupid for me to say. “ I admitted, biting my lower lip as I inwardly frowned at my own stupidity.


“Anyway, you’re a pretty good fighter so far, would you like to come with me to meet some people. “ He looked as if trying to find the words that wouldn’t sound very strange, but he failed.

“You want to recruit me for some blue king hating rebellion?” I inquired curtly, arching a brow.

“It isn’t like that-” I cut him off.

“Sure sounds like it.”

“Will you listen to me?!” he snapped.

“Why should I?” I retorted quickly.

“Do you want to come or not?” He grumbled, crossing his arms.

“No. No, I do not!” I concluded with crossed arms and a searing glare.

I flinched as he stood taller and reach out suddenly, fear nicked at me for a second… then he was off, with my dagger in his hand.

“Hey!” I exclaimed and ran out of the ally staring at him “You! What! Agh!” I turned and ran to the back of the inn to the horse post, untied my horse onyx and mounted her; digging in my heels urged her forward into a gallop. Once I came up on him I was fuming, I was sure heat radiated off my back.

“Stop!” I yelled several times with no response from the thief.

I urged onyx faster and tugged her mane over, onyx and I stopped in front of Avery. I expected him to stop, seeing that I had made a barricade out of my horse, So when he simply slid under onyx, I ignored the logical thinking pounding at the back of my mind and leaped off the horse onto Avery’s back.

“Run from me again!” I roared out angrily in a way that was a threat, not permission as I grabbed his hand and pulled it up between his shoulder blades.
While my knee rested on his wrist and shoulder blades, I reached over taking my dagger.

“Not in the mood.” Avery hissed before he pushed up with his free arm and legs, making me fly back onto the ground.

I went to sit up but Avery was already at my side while holding my hands down.

“You’re surprisingly pretty weak.” He joked, probably wanting a reaction, which I was willing to give Full force.

I twisted my hip and leg, kneeing him in the side with as much force I could muster and pulled my hands free while he was distracted. Taking my hand and grabbing the side of his face, I shoved his head over and knocked him off his already wavering balance. I stood and fell to the ground before I could take another step with Avery’s hand firmly wrapped around my ankle.

“What do you want!?” I bellowed at him, struggling to get out of his grasp.

“I need you to come with me! Bill can explain this later!” He exclaimed and grabbed the foot I was starting to kick at his head with.

“I was taught not to talk to strangers!” I retorted before he pulled me across the rough hard ground and grabbed me by the jaw. “Just leave me alone!” I tried to scream, but it was only a muffled yelp.

“You’re making this very difficult you know, and your making me do this.” he asserted nonchalantly with a hint of warning as he pulled out a tiny pouch and ripped it over my mouth, the seed like content falling in. “Chewing helps.” He added.

He covered my mouth with one hand and held my hands above my head with the other. Though I landed some blows on him with my legs and knees, before long the tiny seeds released something and I numbly chewed and swallowed. Everything was ether blurry or had triplets, every tiny movement felt like a single large one. I felt arms hoist me up higher off the ground and heard the distinct sound of onyx’s hooves across the ground. I was in and out but couldn’t remember enough to get back to town.

♛

“What did you do to him, Avery?” a feminine asked with annoyance.

“What I was told if useful people don’t listen.” Avery said and I could practically hear him shrug.

“You drugged him, stole his horse, and tied him up? Was that necessary?” The woman snapped.

Suddenly I could feel rope around my wrist and realized on was hanging over the back of a horse, my horse. I lifted my head slightly, feeling a twinge in my head. My eyes could make out the silhouette of a horse and cloaked lady, and I was hoping it was night and I wasn’t going blind in some way.

“He wouldn’t listen and fought back, he still has his horse, and he is small but his hits hurt and he would suddenly throw punches in his sleep, Aurora.” Avery tossed out there, likely to say I wasn’t the only one indeed of her pity. The ride came to a stop. “We should set up camp here.”

“He’s waking up…” Aurora noted as she dismounting the horse.

I felt Avery dismount and pull me off, I got only a glimpse of him before I was laid against a tree and he moved out of my sight. Now I put all my focus onto getting back to normal, I lifted my hand and stared at it until it was no longer two and looked up, seeing Avery digging through bags on a buckskin horse and the woman that must have been Aurora gathering a small pile of wood and starting a fire. I sat up farther and held my head with one hand.

“Someone had better give me a good, well said explanation before I snap.” I said calmer than I expected my voice to be.

It was aurora who walked over to me and sat down in front of me, gently tucking her cloak under her legs and taking the hood down. Her hair was long and brown, at the ends it was slightly lighter and her eyes were a dull gold color, her lips were full and seems like they would always offer a kind smile.

“Alright, for just a second here, let’s ignore the fact my brother so rudely kidnapped you and focus on the main point here. We need you, you are brave, you’re strong, hate the blue king and seem like the loyal kind, the kind of people we need. We are in a rebellion against the blue king, he is ruining these kingdoms and we know you must hate him also; we all have our own reasons. This is not just another small group of people fighting knights or joining because that wants to fight someone. This is a real group of loyal people, the more the better and we think you will be a perfect member. “Aurora persuaded calmly and added “Please, ask whatever you like.”



“Sometimes, but they end up understanding. Pretty big, but I don’t have the numbers. A gut feeling, you could say.” She answered with a smirk.

“Where are we going?” I asked the last question I would bother with for a while.

Auroras face brightened even more and she stood, holding her hand out for me to take, which I did lifting myself up.

“The caves, our base.” She grinned.

“Alright, when you put it the nice way I guess I can’t say no “I smiled weakly, still a bit dizzy.

“You just think she is pretty.” Avery pouted as he started the neglected wood pile on fire.

I arched a bow and narrowed one eye, If only he knew. I didn’t bother with an answer other than a shrug and walked over to onyx, patting her sleek neck.

“So, how did she ride while I was drugged?” I asked after a few silent moments.

“Like I had killed her foal and mounted it on her back.” Avery said as he uncovered some bread and smelled it, grimacing slightly he put a piece in his mouth anyways and ate it.

“Hmm. Don’t you just have a way with words?” I grumbled and sat down opposite of Avery, next to Aurora.

“So I’ve been told. “ He mumbled through a mouth full of bread.

“So, where are we?” I probed as it turned to Aurora.

“The sanguis forest.” She answered, passing me some bread and popping a piece in her mouth.

“How long was I out?!” I nearly yelled. The sanguis forest was at least two towns away from what I had heard.


“Nearly three days, met up with Aurora on the second “Avery answered for aurora, to which she gave him a glare.

I looked around, finally taking in my surroundings. I had seen the distinct black bark and blood red leaves of the sanguis tree, even though the leaves where deep purple under the moon light. I loved these trees the moment I seen them but couldn’t be sure why. I backed up to a tree and wrapped myself in the red cloak, hand on my dagger. My thoughts were already a torrent of thoughts, whirling around what I would see and do in the situation I gotten into.

[*ajayred*]

A cold soft tune whispered in my ears. The sweet melody danced over the wind that rustled the fallen red leaves I walked across as I passed by the black silhouettes of the trees, the faint chirping of birds melting with the sound. Yelling broke the peacefulness and I turned around, catching a flash of my red cloak before it fluttered into place behind me. My eyes traced the land until they found a man standing in silver armor and a sapphire cape, his back turned to me as he walked farther away, gripping the arm of a woman. The woman was struggling to get away from his cruel hands and he looked down at her before he threw her into cage on the back of a carriage with a chained man and three children. He turned to me, suddenly seeming to tower me.

My eyes snapped open, looking down at what woke me I noticed my two satchels Falon had given me on my stomach. -Obviously just thrown at me- Looking up I saw Avery, the only other person awake. I shot him a glare and stood, throwing the satchels over my shoulder. Placing my hands on my hip, leaning backward and stretching had popped the joints in my back, helping me wake up fully.

“Where is aurora?” I questioned noticing aurora wasn’t even here.

“She went looking for her horse; he got pretty far even though he was hobbled.”

I rubbed my neck hoping to get the crick out; I gave him a nod acknowledging I heard him and walked over to onyx, taking the rope off her legs.

“Don’t hobble my horse again without my knowledge.” I demanded calmly yet sternly.

“Why? If we didn’t she would be even farther then Auroras horse.” Avery said arching his brows.

“Because she is mine and she would never go too far from me.” I retorted. “She is my horse, not just some horse I stole.”

“Whatever you say, Pft...Never seen a man so attached to a horse that could be dead any moment.” Avery yawned and kicked dirt there the fire had been.
I ignored him this time and seen Aurora riding toward us on her buckskin, fear and worry plastered on her kind face.

Avery and I took notice and looked at each in shared confusion.

“Does she do that often?” I asked inching closer to onyx.

“No…” He said as he gathering a blanket and stuffed it in his own bag.

“The knights are coming!” Aurora yelled over the sound of hooves pounding the ground. She held out her hand, and she wasn’t stopping. “Avery!” she called out.

I turned back around facing my hose I pulled myself up on her and gripped her mane. From the corner of my eye I seen Avery swing up behind Aurora, the sound of hooves beating the ground boomed behind us. I dug my heels in Onyx’s flank, urging her forward. The blood roaring in my ears, my heart pounding in my rib cage, it took all my will to stop the nerve twitch begging to take over my left leg.

“What’s going on here?!” I called out, trying to get ahead of Aurora and Avery.

“The knights of Cymatilus have been looking for us, someone tipped them off and they came looking for us!” Aurora explained over the roaring in my ears.

I risked a glance back and seen a group of knights in their blue and grey armor, the knight in the front wore white and blue, showing he was the leader. My breath caught in my throat upon seeing his face in the distance.

“Laurence!” Avery called out, forcing me to turn my eyes ahead.


Just as I did, a branch I should have ducked under smacked me in the face, knocking me back off my horse. My vision blurred and the world spun, I desperately tried to refill my empty lugs as I rolled over onto my hands and knees. Sitting back on my heels, blood dripped down my face and blinded my right eye; I touched my head, felt a growing bump and winced as I grazed the gash. I closed my eye tightly and looked around, I could hear the thunderous sound of running horses, but couldn’t see where it was coming from. onyx… I looked around, spotting the silhouette of my black horse walking over to me with her head low. I stood slowly, using the tree next to me to keep myself steady as the world around me twirled.

“Get the boy!” I heard someone say and I mounted Onyx, ignoring the throbbing pain in my head. The only thing I knew to do was run the opposite way of the voice.

The deafening hoof beats died down, but I could still hear them in the distance. I slowed Onyx to a trot and glanced around for Avery and Aurora. In the distance I could see a town and figured they must have been around it. I glanced behind and then looked ahead, deciding if they were running from knights, and they would go where it was busy. I urged my black horse back into a full gallop until we reached the town line; I brought her into a walk as we moved through the crowd of bustling people. Soon I dismounted Onyx and took my cloak off and stuffed it in my satchel. I didn’t need to draw any more attention.

“Come.” I called and onyx followed me like a duckling to their mother.

“Watch it, boy!” The tallest man I had ever seen said as it put his hand on onyx’s hindquarters and pushed.

“Ah, sorry. Come.” I said again, continuing the walk through people, glancing back every now and then making sure onyx was there.

Voices rose in the crowd, I tipped toed to see the ruckus and nearly fell over seeing Avery fighting with a guard –more like skillfully avoiding every blow and mocking him, with his hands literally tied behind his back- and Aurora sneaking into a shop while two knights laughed at their friend.

“Stay.” I said sternly and onyx obeyed as I stalked closer to Avery and the knight.

I watched as Avery turned his back the knight who was making a fool of himself and lifted his head.

“Here, I will give you one chance to get me while I look away.” He grinned to the knight.

“You bag of cow dung!” The knight fumed and ran at Avery-who dodged seconds before being caught-and plowed into a carriage instead.

I stifled a laugh and looked to Aurora who raised a stew pan above her head before bringing it down on the poor unsuspecting knight, who fell to the ground with thud. His buddy turned around just in time to get a stew pan to the face, he spun around once and fell to the ground.

“Hey!” yelled a knight running up, with four more behind him.

I bit my lip and did the only thing that came to mind and ran out of the crowd, back handing Avery across the face, stunning him.

“What are you doing?!” Both Avery and the knight yelled in unison.

I grabbed Avery by the color of his shirt and pulled him down to my level with an expression that said play-along.

“This man is wanted for treason!” A knew knight walked up with squared shoulders, stepping over his subordinate on the ground.

“This man killed my mother!” I snapped looking at the lead knight, my resolve weakened when seeing his cold face and mismatched eyes, one slate grey, the other azure with a scare over it.

“I am sorry for your loss, a rebel to, killed someone close to me.” He said with a softer expression. It made me sick. Something about his face made me want to attack him.

I swallowed. “I just ask for a few minutes alone with him.” I pled through gritted teeth. “Surly you understand...” I looked back at Avery and glared.

I felt a hand placed on my shoulder and I tried not to tense up.

“I do, take as long as you’d like.” His voice was so sympathetic, I wanted to gag.

“Go!” I forced Avery around and pushed him forward into a shop Aurora had gone through, hoping it had a back door, as I pushed him out of view. “Run!” I whispered and darted for the back of the shop, Avery right behind me.

Avery and I leaped over tables, knocked over bolts of cloth and nearly tripped over goat, but managed to get out of the shop in time to see Aurora untying her horse. I stopped and turned

Aurora took off on her Horse and I urged my own horse forward after her, leaving behind the sounds of a town in confusion and knight yelling angrily.

“come!” I called a few times and Onyx ran around the corner up to me, I grabbed her mane and swung up on her. “You lead the way!” I called to Aurora who was a bit ahead and held my hand out to Avery; he took it and mounted Onyx.

[*ajayred*]

Avery‘s grip around my waist suddenly tightened as we moved down the steep hill, and it was only then I realized he was holding me around my waist. Heat rose to my cheeks at the discomfort of it. I was glad for the thick bandages and being dressed as a boy, otherwise I’d have already kicked him down.

“When we get down, you can ride with Aurora.” I informed him.

“Uh, okay?” He shrugged, not even understanding how terrible this would be had he known my gender.

“It won’t be long now, the town was actually a short cut, and once we get past these hills it will be a short thirty minute ride to the camp.” Aurora educated me on it. “It’s a good thing you’re a boy.”

“Hm. Yeah, why is that exactly?” I asked trying not to sound offended or overly concerned.

“Well, we need more people on the front lines, but bill won’t let the women fight in the front.” Avery again, replied before Aurora could.

“So wait, even in this rebellion the girls just cook and clean up after them?” I asked with a calmness I hadn’t expected from my voice, maybe it was the new identity kicking in.

“No, of course not…I mean, they do the majority of the cleaning and cooking, sure but it is in our nature” Aurora corrected with a shrug. “But we know how to fight and we use our skill in missions but mainly on smaller missions, protecting camp, “A sly grin tugged at her lips from the corner of my eyes. “And gathering resources, of course.” She seemed to hide a second more dangerous meaning behind those words.

“She means stealing from knights” Avery clarified.

“No...Really? “I said, sarcasm dripping in my voice. Yet they told a thief he was too lazy to make a living? Then again, he wasn’t in the rebellion against a bad king.

“Oh yeah, another good thing about being a boy...” Aurora bubbled out of the blue. “There aren’t many trees for cover, and boys can just go behind one to let out the water, girls can’t do that…easily and modestly, anyway.” She alleged with a thoughtful look.

It hit me like horse full gallop. I would have to stay a boy to fight where I want, and if I had to relieve myself, Avery wouldn’t care much for privacy being a man. I should have thought more about it and made a choice to avoid drinking much water the rest of the journey. There I was, a blue eyed cymatilian noble turned rutilian rebel man, what a day.


♛

We rode up and down the hills and once again came to a forest. This particular forest was forbidden entirely, in all the kingdoms due to rumors of mysterious disappearances and strange sounds, some even said the only fortian wolf alive lives in this forest, alongside with the iridis dragon, but those have been extinct, there was no way ether possible lived the great decades back.

As if reading my thoughts, Avery arched a brow and said “You never know until you find real proof.” At that, Aurora failed at holding back a knowing smile that made me look ahead as the shadows swallowed us up.

The trees were black like the sanguis, but the leaves were mostly such a deep indigo they was near black, some thin and light blue. The colors of the leaves made sure any sun light that got past trough, the canopy was a soft blue tone. I was glad it was still daylight or this would have been too creepy to follow to strangers into. it was beautiful in an eerie way in the daylight, thanfully.

“So the red king’s supporters take up in the shadow forest of blue light?” I asked, not even hiding the amusement at the irony.

“Exactly, who would think to look?” Avery smirkled.

“Avery, your breath stinks.” Aurora stated.
Avery rolled his eyes. “The wind is pushing my breath back, you can’t smell a thing.”

“So? I just know your breath stinks, like rotten fish and molded bread.”

“That’s because of how your cooking turns out.” Avery grinned.

“You little, who changed your nappy?!” Aurora snapped jokingly.

“Not you! You were too busy chasing that ferret boy around for his sugar cubes.”

“His name is Serret, and he is your brother-in-law” she said as she elbowed him.

“Well-“Avery started and I cut him off with a giggle that I quickly covered up with a deeper laugh and a cough.

“Here we are.” Aurora said, stopping her buckskin I now know is named Handsome.

I pulled back on Onyx’s mane and we to, stopped. I looked up at the cliff face, most covered in a thick curtain of vines.

“Are we supposed to climb?” I asked with disbelief. “Oh, or are we going to go…” Avery pulled back a large section of the vines, revealing a cave. “Go through…” I finished, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Avery and Aurora chuckled as they dismounted and I followed their lead. Aurora took Handsome’s reins and led him into the cave. I followed behind.

“Come, onyx.” I said and she followed me in the dark cave. “No torches?” I asked.

“Hold on, I’m trying to find –ah! Here it is.” Avery converted and the cave lit, along with a pathway ahead, showing the cave was much deeper then it looked.

Soon after we passed, the torches behind went out, I didn’t bother asking how. I could see a light at the end of the cave and curiosity pulling me forward. When we finally stepped into the light I gasped. The place we had just entered was a large cave, large then I had ever known existed until that moment. The sun light was leaking though a wide whole at the top with a waterfall on one side of it, falling directly into a round crystal clear pond below. Larges tents were set up here and there, barrels and crates stacked around them. I looked around, seeing the larges mirrors I had ever seen placed in places around the caves, held by bars and gears. A smile spread softly over my lips thinking of the gala, then frowned remembering how things went that night. Out of the corner of my eye I had seen Aurora elbow Avery before he walked over to me. She must have seen my frown.

“If you miss home-“He started but a large man I recognized as bill walked up.

“Hello, I am bill and you are…familiar.” Bills calm voice showed a hint of interest as he held out his hand, which I took and squeezed as tightly as I could.

“Nice to meet’cha bill, and no, my name is Laurence.” I grinned, second guessing a name so similar to mine, though if I hadn’t I wouldn’t have answered to it. “And I would know if I met you before.”

“Even the name sounds familiar.” Bill chuckled. “I am sure you get that a lot, you must be Avery’s recruit.”

I nodded and looked back at Avery, “More like his escaped prisoner that was talked into coming.” I revised as I looked to Aurora.

“Ah well that makes sense too, sorry about that lad, how old did you say you were?” Bills brows furrowed slightly.

“I never told you, I am fourteen, sometimes I have been told I look younger and act older.” I responded “I take after my mother in looks, and father in skill.” I furthered and tried pushing my thick bangs from my face and flat against my head. I was hoping saying that would account for my soft featured face.

“I see… well we can add some muscle to you, I only have one thing to say for now. If you betray us, I will not hesitate to hang you upside down by your knees until the blood rushing to your brain gives you such a head ache you won’t know when the animals start to eat you.” He smirked and walked away, leaving me inwardly terrified and amused all at once.

“Why don’t we introduce you to my husband?” Aurora bubbled, removing her cloak and tugging at the belt around her waist. “I need a bigger belt…” She grumbled.

“You need to slow down on the biscuits.” Avery scoffed, earning a grunt and light whack on the back of his head from Aurora.

“You need to watch your mouth! That is no way to speak to a lady.” She glared, making me titter, in the manliest way I could, they both ignored.

“Lady? You may have the skirt and face, but you’re about as ladylike as a pirate.” Avery laughed. “I mean Laurence here is more of a lady then you-“I punched him hard in the gut, crossed my arms and glowered.


“Point taken...” He gasped out.

“Husband, yes, follow me Laurence” Aurora reminded and walked away wagging her finger, and I obeyed.



♛
I stayed in front of two young twin children about three, a girl with wavy hair so dark brown it was near black with grey eyes speckled with green, light freckles dusted across her cheeks and a boy, he had golden eyes, chestnut hair that spiked in an impossible ways and a cocky little grin. Aurora was searching for her husband in a tent and I was stooped down on one knee and smiled at the twins.

“I’m Laurence, who are you?” I cooed.

“I- I am Ari!” The boy scampered out.

“scawlet….” The girl shyly replied.

While his sister looked at the ground, the boy hit her on the head and frowned. “smile!” he told her and she grabbed his hair.
“Children…” said a deep, weary voice from a man I assume was the father and Aurora’s husband –Serret- groaned. He scooping the twins up in his arms and eyed them. “Scarlet, Ari, what did I say about hitting?” He looked to Ari.

“To not do it…” The boy mumbled, keeping his eyes downcast. A little titter came from his sister and the man turned to her.

“And what about hair pulling?” He asked and the little girl gasped, frowned and lowered her eyes.

“Also to not do it…” She echoed in a mumbled.

“Where have you been hiding? Serret, I have been looking for you!” Aurora clucked, stepping up.

“Watching the twins.” Serret answered. “Not at all an easy task when training recruits.” He sighed and gave a weary smile before turning to me. “And you must be the rumored Avery recruit.”

“I keep hearing that, but I don’t know what it means. “ I shrugged.

“It means Avery picked you, and Avery rarely picks people to recruit, meaning your special.” He explained.

oh, I’m special alright, in a cross dressing kind of way. “Oh well, that sounds nice.” I told him and began to chew on my lower lip. “So what now?”

Serret put a heavy hand on my shoulder and grinned, somehow balancing the twins in his arms. “We see what you’re made out of.”
This man was lean, but he was muscular and he was quite obviously skilled. He may have looked tired and worn down, with sweat beading down his forehead and his shirt unbuttoned at the top, as well as covered in dirt, but he looked like he could keep going. I lready feared for my muscles when he started leading me.

[*ajayred*]

I hit the earthen floor with a gasp, desperately trying to catch my breath. My hair clung to my neck from sweat, the thick bandages around my torso to hide my feminine body adding to the heat. I rolled over and sat back on my heels, straightening my back and inhaling deeply.

“Pretty good, but could be better.” Serret intoned in a matter-of-fact voice.

I didn’t even want to know how long this went on, people were cheering and laughing saying Serret never had to deal with such a fiery young man, but he humiliated me, he taunted me, he angered me to such a point I wanted to make him feel my fist ten times over.

“An enemy will not wait for you to catch your breath, are you done?” he jabbed with his words as he was lifting his wooden sword in front of me with an impressive stance, giving the bruise I was sure I put on his thigh must have hurt.

My rear hurt from falling back, my back hurt from Serret’s wooden sword smacking it, my wrist were throbbing from the force that was Serret pushing them back and my temper was getting the better of me.
I dug my toes into the packed ground and pushed myself forward at his stomach, wrapping my arms around his waist and still using my feet to push forward, the force knocked both of us back, the shock made him drop his weapon. I could hear the crowds voice rise with mirth and cheers. After untangling my arms from Serret I sat on his stomach and grabbed his hands –all the while struggling to keep them down while he struggled to replace the wind knocked out of him.

“An enemy will not wait while you rebuke them.” I growled out breathlessly while giving an expression meant to be a smirk, but looked more like a cringe as he twisted his left hand and painfully grabbed my wrist. He was much stronger then I was.

He wrenched his hands free and he pushed me over while painfully gripping my shoulders. I pushed my hand on his face and-

“I think he is made of just the right material. “ Bill’s booming voice said, silencing the crowd as he made his way over to us. “Serret, show the boy to the baths, I won’t have you both stinking like skunks when I hold the meeting tonight.” He smiled down at me, turned and walked away. Even before he was out of earshot, people began to whisper of the newcomer being invited to a meeting, making me see this was not a common occurrence.

Serret and I untangled ourselves from each other and stood. I glanced up; the falling sun no longer shined though the open cave top, telling me we had must fought hours.
“Well, come on.” Serret grunted, slapping my back, once again making me thankful for the thick wrapping, but it only dulled the pain so much.

“Uh…” was all I could manage before he was pushing me across the cave and past the tents to a large cave tunnel, I could hear running water and my mind was screaming trying to find a solution, excuse, anything.

We entered the cave tunnel, it was short and lead to a large cave with bits of light shining though wholes at the top. There was a tall wooden privacy screen splitting the cave and three large clothes acting as doors to two different sides, I was happy at least to see that. Sounds of waterfalls echoed calmly in the cave, meanwhile my heart was a parade of fear. Serret was leading me toward the left side with a sign that said “men” and just as I was about to spout off something off about liking dirt and sweat, a woman interrupted.

“Serret?” a woman holding a few towels and a change of clothes said, with one hand on her hip. “Why are you taking that young lady in the men’s bath?”

Part of me was inwardly singing with joy, while the other half was having a panic attack.

“This is a man, mama.” Serret said with a slight smirk of amusement playing at his lips.

“Mhm…” she muttered and made her way over to us eyeing me. “Are you the new recruit?” she surveyed as she used her free hand to pull her dirty blonde hair back off her shoulders, smiling.

I nodded with a half-smile. “That would be me, Laurence.” I introduced, holding out my hand, which she took before looking at it carefully. “I am fourteen, I didn't have a lot of food growing up, and so I am pretty small for my age.” I said.

Serret rolled his eyes. “You both can keep talking, I’m washing up. “ He said, pushing his way past the curtain, the sound of tripping and a word my mother would slap me for repeating followed.

“My name is Anya.” She smiled, than grabbed my shoulder twisting me around in a complete circle that I complied with awkwardly “I have seen many body types, being a physician. “She informed and reached up, given I realized I was taller than she was, and took hold of my face. She whispered “So I know that what Serret had did put a lot of strain on you, not to say you were weak before, but his type of training is not for someone so, small…”

“Okay…well…I can handle it…” I was relieved, yet unsure what I should say.

“Alright, no one is in here right now, there is a time schedule to keep some of the more obnoxious people apart, follow me.” She whispered and smiled, taking my arm and pulling me to the other side. “Serret, I’m going to show this boy where to get extra clothes first.” She yelled out and pulled me toward the other side of the smaller cave, labeled ‘women’

“Wait what? I think I’m misunderstanding something here.” I pulled back and she whipped around.

“I need to examine you; I do with all the new recruits. Well most. I can find you some clothe that fit, and we will go into the baths and I can see what lies beneath all that grime.” The look on her face told me very well she knew and wasn’t going to let me lie.
♛
About thirty minutes went by before we found some small male clothing I could probably wear, and Anya had gone to the women’s bath, leaving me to bath alone after I demanded I didn’t like bathing in front of others. I sunk down into the water until it reached just below my nose; I was in the second of the three hot pools of water, behind the water fall, in case someone came in, Serret having already gone.

“You will have to come out soon. “ Anya voice rang, making my heart sink. “I have some towels right here, let me know when you put it on, by the way, why do you have so much wrappings? Trying to make your seem stronger?” She asked, as I had found, tactfulness rarely mixes with Anya.


“Ah…yes, but keep it a secret? Anya, please” I pled, listening for the sounds of her walking out, I heard none, but I hadn’t heard her walk in ether. “Anya, shy about my body, please, leave…” I said, feeling strangely like a kid trying to hide the mud she spilt on her mother’s dress because she barrowed it.


“You will need to hurry, a man can’t be any later then a woman to a meeting unless he was drunk the night before. I will turn around, the towel is right there, I won’t turn until you say, promise. ” Anya tried to convince, making me arch my brow.

She was too persistent. I could also think of many ways to reasonably disagree with her statement, but I left it alone and tried to keep my mind on the more important matters. I peeked over the waterfall, Anya was at the end, back facing me and a towel laid at the edge of the pool, staying low I waded over, leaped out grabbed the towel and ran for the privacy screen.

“Hold on Anya” I almost screamed as I heard her footsteps nearing, they stopped and I messily pulled on my undergarments and pants before messily wrapping my torso, back turned to the open, just as I reached for my shirt I heard a sound someone would give after confirming something. I froze.

“I knew it. “ Anya said simply, tossing me set of bandages that were shorter and stretchier than mine. “That will work better for the top part, so you can use less to hide your small waist.” She sighed. “I don’t agree with it, but I won’t stop you from acting as a man.” She told me as she was already walking away.

I got dressed quickly and inwardly begged she would keep her word.
♛
I wandered around for about five minutes before I found a large tent and saw Avery, Aurora and Serret walk into it.Rrisking it I followed them inside and was relieved to see Avery, Serret, Bill, Aurora, and a few other people I didn’t know sitting down. I sat in the nearest chair, put my hood up and head down while they talked about common things, the best swords, how they cook their meat, who had the worst infections and so on. I simply let my mind wonder to a plan of keeping my gender, and then some, secret. There was a loud slap, shooting pain between my shoulder blades and a laugh.

“Owe!!” I nearly squeaked, making the laughs grow. Scowling I looked around to see a man I didn’t know look at me and flush. He stood up straight, took his hat off his head and ran his hand though his light brown hair that was already slicked back.

“Sorry, miss I thought you were a boy. “ He looked down and sent a sideways glare over to Avery who was bent over laughing. “Avery told me you were a young man…”

I stood and glared up at him with a blackened expression. “I am, a young man. “ I growled.

A look of disbelief flew across his face, making him look at the others who all nodded. “Surly a woman couldn’t almost win against Serret…” At this both Aurora and I began to fume, though she was held back by Serret himself.

“First of all, sir, I am a man. Second, even if I was a woman would you have to right to say so to me?” I asked with a deeper voice then I thought I could have.

“Well, if you were a woman, which I am still not sure you aren't, Then we would not be having this discussion to begin with-“he couldn't continue. I jumped up with a tight fist and clocked him on his square jaw, making him stumble back into a chair, leaving my knuckles throbbing with pain.

“You, sir, are an idiot and I vise you not to speak another word about this conversion.” I said looking down my nose at him, icing my voice as much as I could.

“Better listen to him, Henry, you didn’t last nearly as long as he in the first time battle with Serret.” Bill noted.

“Yes sir…” henry grumbled and sat down rubbing his jaw. Glancing at the door way as Anya walked in.
“Now, that my lovely wife has graced us with her presence,” Bill said with a bit of irritation in his voice. “We can start the meeting!”
Anya rolled her pale blue eyes and sat down behind a desk to the side and propped her feet up on the desk and smiled. “This is why I wear trousers, can’t very well lift swollen feet in a skirt.”

Bill sat down in a seat next to his wife and leaned back, after giving everyone a look with one arched brow they all sat. Slowly I lowered myself to onto a seat, arms crossed, and an angry grudge-holding expression marring my face for a moment before forcing it to relax so I could look calmly to Bill. I now looked calm, with slight lingering anger, but it was only hiding my fear and worry someone else would see though my disguise, see that I am not a young man but a young woman with thoughts that would interfere with war, or so everyone thought.

I could only be happy no one saw through my bluff.

Anya raised her hand, stopping bill from speaking. “First, why don’t we let the new guy know everyone’s names? Laurence, I assume you now know Henry, Serret, Bill, Aurora and I, as for the other three in the room, this is Tate and Ross-“ she gestured to two men, standing side by side, both with auburn hair, narrow faces and strong noses, with tanned skin and brown eyes. “And the woman next to them, is Ida” she then pointed to a woman with long black hair and grey eyes. I noted the scowl plastered on her pale face.

Bill began “For everyone here, it was a long time since I gave out a mission, for everyone but Laurence that is, there is a new set of slaves in the mines, most of which are just children, we are going to get them out, only the most skilled and useful are here, as you can all see. “

I could Henry’s eyes light in protest as he glanced from me to bill, but he said nothing. I know I wouldn’t have.

“Remember, no deaths if you can help it, this is to be silent, sneaky, cunning, no alarms can be raised. I have some business to attend to in the eastern camps and won’t be there to help, but I wrote out a plan and every ones roles please follow them through, some might seem a little strange, but it goes well with that the scouts have told us.” Bill leaned over to the side, picked up a sack and tossed it to Serret. “You can explain the rest; you’re in charge of this.” He stood, pushing back the chair behind him has he did so and walked out of the tent.

Serret opened the sack and set it down, examining the contents. He pulled out a tattered grey shirt and pants and passed it to me, the garments of a blue knight to henry, not including armor, a dull blue dress to Ida and Aurora, then the normal white and grey clothing of slave trader to Ross and Tate, and a another set of garments of a knight to Avery.

“Ida, Aurora you both will be new slaves being brought in, Ross, Tate you get to bring them in. Laurence you will be a run-a-way slave Henry and Avery the knights’ capture and bring back. I will be another knight, Ida, Aurora, you explain to the prisoners where to go, Laurence, make a small scene to get enough guards away, Avery, you keep him safe and subdue the knights when the time seems right, Henry you keep the guards at bay and try to send them on a look for another run-a-way. ” Serret spoke with authority that dared defiance, however confusing he made that sound.

My heart was already pounding; I wasn’t expecting that so soon, everything was happening so fast I began to miss the slow pace of my own home. I could hear Serret explain the time they head out and soon everyone left the tent to prepare, I numbly followed thinking of all the things that could go wrong. Flipping my hood off I ran my fingers through my hair and took in a calming breath, my job was simple enough, but it seemed like a big risk.
but what do I have to risk anyway? I was already running and I don’t even know why…how I could say that it’s a risk when I don’t even know what I’m risking.

I looked down at my disguise and grasped it tightly. I could do this is, I could be a boy, if I could avoid being captured, I told myself. I just wished I could be a girl with the power of a boy. My eyes wandered around; finally aware of where my numb feet had took me and I could feel heat rise to my face seeing I have walked into Auroras tent.

“Do you...need something?” She asked me with the ‘are -you-alright’ expression.

I shook my head and turned to walk out, she muttered something about understanding, but I shook it off with my embarrassment and walked around the camp awkwardly. Not knowing where to go or what to do to waste my time I just went looking for Avery, why? I wasn’t sure; maybe I thought if I talked to him, he’d say something funny about the mission and make it not seem so bad.

As I wandered around I could see the camp better, not having to keep up with others. Around the center was the pond where many herbs grew with vibrant colors and not so far from the pond was a small farm and a couple of chickens with a hut for them, that place was almost entirely independent, save a few things. It made me wonder how long this rebellion was going on, how much I had missed about the Cymatilus king and his rule.
I had only done what my now dead mother had told me to in a note, hide. Even in other villages, I had not spent my time wondering about the king, what I would do to avenge my mother or where I would go afterwards. No, not even ponder why he wanted me; surly a grudge against my father, whom I do not know, could send the king into such a rage as to come after me. I should have thought it out, much, much, more.

“Are you feeling alright?” A voice I knew as Avery’s asked.


“Yes…I am fine just, thinking about, you know, life.” I answered, inwardly cringing at my own vague answer.

“Well, we’re heading out. If you have anything you want to grab, better do it now.” Avery stated with an expression I wasn’t aware he could wear, stern and serious, with a tone to match.
He wouldn’t make fun of this mission, he was serious about it. “Ah… yeah, no I am good I don’t have anything to grab-“I stopped short. “Sword!” I exclaimed.


“I already got it.” Avery smirked, lifting a sword in his hand and throwing it at me, obviously he expected me to catch it, which I did not; I dodged, let it hit the ground and picked it up with a blank expression, to twitch he gave the familiar how-could-you-not-catch-it expression. “Okay, if that’s all, come on.”

I never thought a person like Avery could make me feel like a clumsy nine year old, until that instant. I followed him without another word keeping the blank expression with downcast eyes. I didn’t think a lot about the things I should have, I mentally noted. We walked over to cave entrance and exit, my beautiful Frisian onyx stood next to it, eyes locked onto me as I approached with a warm smile gracing my lips.

“Hey, how is my girl?” I enquired placing both my hands on her cheeks and scratching, her head lowering and pressing gently to my chest, welcoming the overdue scratching.

Handsome began nibbling Onyx’s pitch black withers, her attention staying on me for a few more seconds before turning to return the favor, nibbling Handsome’s withers.
Everyone else gathered just minutes later and without a word, Serret had lead his horse though the tunnel with everyone following, their horses in tow. I waited and went in last, a feeling I wasn’t familiar washing over me like in a torrent. The shock I had felt for weeks, what I wanted to do and what I resolved to do, everything, all fading and turning into a strange mix of dread and exhilaration.
I bit my lower lip until I drew blood, telling myself the sliver drops sliding down my cheek were from the pain, not from fear of the mixed feelings and the weight I was putting on my own shoulders. I couldn’t feel like that right the! What would be the point of coming this far, accident or not? Still, I was thankful for the light that dimmed before I passed by it, hiding the slowing tears I was beginning to push back. I had to catch myself from taking Auroras hand for comfort, men didn’t seek such comfort, they hide their weakness, and so would I.