Death Dealer series
- Thread starter Nikia
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Kitanna
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Chapter Four (cont.)
(Nikia e-mailed a little bit more. She promises to be on herself soon.)
~*~*~
The knocking on the door slowly drew Grace from her sleep. At first it just seemed like part of a horrible dream, one from which she couldn’t wake up. Finally her mind registered that the knocking was from the waking world and Grace fought hard against her sleep. Finally her eyes managed to open a crack and she groaned, looking toward the door.
Staggering from her bed, Grace moved like the undead toward the door. She fumbled with the lock and pulled it open. In her sleep deprived state she barely realized she was looking at her cousin.
Calvin swept into the room and pulled Grace into a bear hug. “Gracie, oh Gracie!” He said holding her tightly against his chest.
Grace still fought to wake up, but she still managed to feebly hug Calvin back. He let her go and held her by the shoulders, beaming down at her.
“Look at you. You look so much more mature these days. Almost like looking at a different person all together.” He playfully ruffled her hair.
Grace broke away and yawned. “Sit, tell me everything.” She demanded, fighting back another yawn. “First off, why is Tristan here?”
Calvin sat on Grace’s bed and she sat at her desk. If she went near the bed again she’s surely fall back to sleep.
“I beg your forgiveness about that. I recently came across some news that Frederick would have preferred I had not. Tristan is following me to make sure I am not up to anything that could be considered treason.”
Grace was intrigued, this was not why Calvin had risked coming to see her, but her curiosity was peaked. “What did you hear about Frederick?”
“I do not quite understand it myself, but he seems to be trying to start trouble for a few visiting diplomats. But you need not worry about that. I have come here to bring the gravest of news involving Countess Dedre.”
Grace sat straight up at the sound of her mother’s name. “What? What has happened to my mother?”
“No one can say for sure. Some days she is fine, but others she wonders around demanding her daughter and husband Daniel come to see her. It is as though she has completely forgotten Daniel is dead and you expelled. At night she will sometimes break a fever and cry out for you. I do not know how much times remains for Dedre, but you must try to get to Arganis before it is too late.”
Grace fell silent, thinking of her poor mother, sick and confused. There were things to put in order, but Grace would not return to sleep this day until she was positive she had everything ready. She had to leave in the next few days.
“When do you plan to return to Arganis?”
“I planned to leave with you, but now that Frederick suspects me of treason I think I should stay in Ursana for a while more. I do not want you traveling that distance alone though, but you cannot wait. Is there anyone here who would escort you?”
Grace would ask Jack, of course, but she also felt Ridley would enjoy the journey. “I know of two who would be more than willing. And now I should get everything in order. Come to the stable tonight, is Tristan was drugged properly he will not wake until well after midnight.” Grace stood as did Calvin.
Calvin took a few steps toward her and kissed her lightly on the forehead. “Do what you must and I will speak with you after dinner.”
~*~*~
Grace’s first stop was in a little carpenter’s shop. The carpenter’s youngest son, Jenner, was hard at work crafting a table. Grace walked up to him from behind and tapped his shoulder. When Jenner saw her he smiled and shook her hand.
“Grace Hilren, what brings you out here?”
“I realize Mayhew is a support old man and you will not return until he asks, but I beg you to take over for me for a month or so.”
Jenner put his tools down and cocked his head to one side. “That is quite a stretch of time, why do you need me for so long?”
Grace’s history was no secret in Glenbard. Jenner, like everyone else, knew Grace had been a noble from Arganis. “I need to go into the north. I must see my mother before she dies.”
Jenner suddenly understood and nodded. “If it were anyone else asking I’d have said no, but you’re a sweet kid, Grace. I’ll come in and talk to Mayhew tonight and see what can be worked out.”
Grace threw her arms around Jenner and said, “Thank you, I am truly in your debt.” She then dashed off toward the docks.
Donald would have to be informed next. He had to make a trip to Nareroc soon, but deep down Grace hoped he would be able to join her. Donald was exactly where Grace predicted. Loading the merchant ship that would set out in three days for the spice islands.
“Is Donald here?” Grace called up to the other sailors. She didn’t see him, but she knew he wouldn’t be far.
“Donald!” One of his shipmates called, “Gracie here for you!”
Donald emerged from below decks and rushed down the ramp to see Grace. “Is something wrong?”
“I just spoke to Calvin, it is my mother. I need to go to Arganis, is there anyway you could join me?”
“Ph dear, this is horrible and I want nothing more than to go, but there is no way. Not so soon before a voyage.” Donald groaned and Grace could tell he was upset. “I am so sorry, Grace, but I just cannot go.”
Grace felt her heart sink and she knew Donald’s was too. He wanted to see his home again, but they both knew his captain would never release him from duty. Even with all her charms Grace could never convince the captain that Donald needed to go.
Grace grasped Donald’s hand and squeezed. “Maybe something can be worked out.”
Donald shrugged. He clearly doubted he could go, so did Grace, but she still clung to a little bit of hope.
“I have to go,” Grace broke away from Donald. “Come to the stable tonight and we will talk with Calvin.”
~*~*~
(Nikia e-mailed a little bit more. She promises to be on herself soon.)
~*~*~
The knocking on the door slowly drew Grace from her sleep. At first it just seemed like part of a horrible dream, one from which she couldn’t wake up. Finally her mind registered that the knocking was from the waking world and Grace fought hard against her sleep. Finally her eyes managed to open a crack and she groaned, looking toward the door.
Staggering from her bed, Grace moved like the undead toward the door. She fumbled with the lock and pulled it open. In her sleep deprived state she barely realized she was looking at her cousin.
Calvin swept into the room and pulled Grace into a bear hug. “Gracie, oh Gracie!” He said holding her tightly against his chest.
Grace still fought to wake up, but she still managed to feebly hug Calvin back. He let her go and held her by the shoulders, beaming down at her.
“Look at you. You look so much more mature these days. Almost like looking at a different person all together.” He playfully ruffled her hair.
Grace broke away and yawned. “Sit, tell me everything.” She demanded, fighting back another yawn. “First off, why is Tristan here?”
Calvin sat on Grace’s bed and she sat at her desk. If she went near the bed again she’s surely fall back to sleep.
“I beg your forgiveness about that. I recently came across some news that Frederick would have preferred I had not. Tristan is following me to make sure I am not up to anything that could be considered treason.”
Grace was intrigued, this was not why Calvin had risked coming to see her, but her curiosity was peaked. “What did you hear about Frederick?”
“I do not quite understand it myself, but he seems to be trying to start trouble for a few visiting diplomats. But you need not worry about that. I have come here to bring the gravest of news involving Countess Dedre.”
Grace sat straight up at the sound of her mother’s name. “What? What has happened to my mother?”
“No one can say for sure. Some days she is fine, but others she wonders around demanding her daughter and husband Daniel come to see her. It is as though she has completely forgotten Daniel is dead and you expelled. At night she will sometimes break a fever and cry out for you. I do not know how much times remains for Dedre, but you must try to get to Arganis before it is too late.”
Grace fell silent, thinking of her poor mother, sick and confused. There were things to put in order, but Grace would not return to sleep this day until she was positive she had everything ready. She had to leave in the next few days.
“When do you plan to return to Arganis?”
“I planned to leave with you, but now that Frederick suspects me of treason I think I should stay in Ursana for a while more. I do not want you traveling that distance alone though, but you cannot wait. Is there anyone here who would escort you?”
Grace would ask Jack, of course, but she also felt Ridley would enjoy the journey. “I know of two who would be more than willing. And now I should get everything in order. Come to the stable tonight, is Tristan was drugged properly he will not wake until well after midnight.” Grace stood as did Calvin.
Calvin took a few steps toward her and kissed her lightly on the forehead. “Do what you must and I will speak with you after dinner.”
~*~*~
Grace’s first stop was in a little carpenter’s shop. The carpenter’s youngest son, Jenner, was hard at work crafting a table. Grace walked up to him from behind and tapped his shoulder. When Jenner saw her he smiled and shook her hand.
“Grace Hilren, what brings you out here?”
“I realize Mayhew is a support old man and you will not return until he asks, but I beg you to take over for me for a month or so.”
Jenner put his tools down and cocked his head to one side. “That is quite a stretch of time, why do you need me for so long?”
Grace’s history was no secret in Glenbard. Jenner, like everyone else, knew Grace had been a noble from Arganis. “I need to go into the north. I must see my mother before she dies.”
Jenner suddenly understood and nodded. “If it were anyone else asking I’d have said no, but you’re a sweet kid, Grace. I’ll come in and talk to Mayhew tonight and see what can be worked out.”
Grace threw her arms around Jenner and said, “Thank you, I am truly in your debt.” She then dashed off toward the docks.
Donald would have to be informed next. He had to make a trip to Nareroc soon, but deep down Grace hoped he would be able to join her. Donald was exactly where Grace predicted. Loading the merchant ship that would set out in three days for the spice islands.
“Is Donald here?” Grace called up to the other sailors. She didn’t see him, but she knew he wouldn’t be far.
“Donald!” One of his shipmates called, “Gracie here for you!”
Donald emerged from below decks and rushed down the ramp to see Grace. “Is something wrong?”
“I just spoke to Calvin, it is my mother. I need to go to Arganis, is there anyway you could join me?”
“Ph dear, this is horrible and I want nothing more than to go, but there is no way. Not so soon before a voyage.” Donald groaned and Grace could tell he was upset. “I am so sorry, Grace, but I just cannot go.”
Grace felt her heart sink and she knew Donald’s was too. He wanted to see his home again, but they both knew his captain would never release him from duty. Even with all her charms Grace could never convince the captain that Donald needed to go.
Grace grasped Donald’s hand and squeezed. “Maybe something can be worked out.”
Donald shrugged. He clearly doubted he could go, so did Grace, but she still clung to a little bit of hope.
“I have to go,” Grace broke away from Donald. “Come to the stable tonight and we will talk with Calvin.”
~*~*~
Lost Dreamer
New member
Mmm. what he ^ said ^
Nikia
New member
Chapter Four (cont.)
Calvin and Donald had come to the stables as Grace asked. Donald had tried explaining to his captain that a family member was dying back at his home, but the captain did not seem to care. He had refused to grant Donald the time off to see Countess Dedre and his own family.
Still it was decided that Grace would ask Jack and Ridley to join her for the long journey back to Arganis. And to her delight Jenner had spoken to Mayhew and even though the old stable master hated the carpenter’s son he allowed him to work in Grace’s stead.
Now Grace worked doubly hard on her chores. She wiped a bit of sweat from her brow and continued moving the various crates in the stable around. When her dinner break came she would speak with Jack and Ridley.
“Grace!” Kay’s voice broke through Grace’s routine and she dropped a crate to the ground, breaking it open and having the contents spill out everywhere.
“Kay! I thought you were off for the Nareroc Islands. What happened?”
“The Fearless Dawn made it a few days off shore and we found ourselves a blockade. Only friendly ships were passing through and I wasn’t goin’ risk the Dawn on it. We anchored and waited for a few days, but the blockade still stands. Frederick isn’t goin’ take any chances while so many important folk are hangin’ around. I had no choice, but to bring us back here.”
Grace nodded. She realized if Kay was going to lose the Dawn she wanted to do it in a glorious battle, not because a blockade outnumbered her.
“Haven’t been into the Angel yet, any rumors I should know about?”
“Not many, except in the next day or so I will be heading out to Arganis.”
“Really? Finally out to see the family? By land or sea?”
“Land, heading into the port in Arganis could prove dangerous. Not many ships go in or out except fishing ships. I cannot risk be recognized at the docks. Land is longer, but I feel safer taking that road.”
Kay scratched her head. Grace could see something forming behind those eyes. A plan or a question or something was brewing in Kay’s mind and Grace was almost afraid to find out what.
“Think maybe you can do a favor for me?”
“It depends on the favor, really.”
“Actis is just south of your precious little Arganis. Also Actis has the biggest orphanage in Cesarnan, one of my boys on the Dawn put his baby there when his wife died. Care to check up on the kid for me? She’s got to be at least ten by now.”
“I suppose I could stop by. The few times I left Arganis I would pass the orphanage. The child’s name?”
“Sawyer, I’m sure she’s still there. I’ll be granted and so will Laurence.”
Grace nodded. Laurence already had a few kids and he was on his third wife, so there was no telling how many more he had scattered around.
Kay clapped Grace on the shoulder in thanks and headed into the inn.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Okay, this is a really short addition because chapter four is proving to be more annoying to write than I thought. But hopefully I'll get it finished and move on in the next few days.
Also I was wondering how many people would be interested in reading the sort of prequel to Death Dealer. When I say sort of prequel I mean it doesn't tie into Grace at all, but it's the story behind Queen Peony.
Calvin and Donald had come to the stables as Grace asked. Donald had tried explaining to his captain that a family member was dying back at his home, but the captain did not seem to care. He had refused to grant Donald the time off to see Countess Dedre and his own family.
Still it was decided that Grace would ask Jack and Ridley to join her for the long journey back to Arganis. And to her delight Jenner had spoken to Mayhew and even though the old stable master hated the carpenter’s son he allowed him to work in Grace’s stead.
Now Grace worked doubly hard on her chores. She wiped a bit of sweat from her brow and continued moving the various crates in the stable around. When her dinner break came she would speak with Jack and Ridley.
“Grace!” Kay’s voice broke through Grace’s routine and she dropped a crate to the ground, breaking it open and having the contents spill out everywhere.
“Kay! I thought you were off for the Nareroc Islands. What happened?”
“The Fearless Dawn made it a few days off shore and we found ourselves a blockade. Only friendly ships were passing through and I wasn’t goin’ risk the Dawn on it. We anchored and waited for a few days, but the blockade still stands. Frederick isn’t goin’ take any chances while so many important folk are hangin’ around. I had no choice, but to bring us back here.”
Grace nodded. She realized if Kay was going to lose the Dawn she wanted to do it in a glorious battle, not because a blockade outnumbered her.
“Haven’t been into the Angel yet, any rumors I should know about?”
“Not many, except in the next day or so I will be heading out to Arganis.”
“Really? Finally out to see the family? By land or sea?”
“Land, heading into the port in Arganis could prove dangerous. Not many ships go in or out except fishing ships. I cannot risk be recognized at the docks. Land is longer, but I feel safer taking that road.”
Kay scratched her head. Grace could see something forming behind those eyes. A plan or a question or something was brewing in Kay’s mind and Grace was almost afraid to find out what.
“Think maybe you can do a favor for me?”
“It depends on the favor, really.”
“Actis is just south of your precious little Arganis. Also Actis has the biggest orphanage in Cesarnan, one of my boys on the Dawn put his baby there when his wife died. Care to check up on the kid for me? She’s got to be at least ten by now.”
“I suppose I could stop by. The few times I left Arganis I would pass the orphanage. The child’s name?”
“Sawyer, I’m sure she’s still there. I’ll be granted and so will Laurence.”
Grace nodded. Laurence already had a few kids and he was on his third wife, so there was no telling how many more he had scattered around.
Kay clapped Grace on the shoulder in thanks and headed into the inn.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Okay, this is a really short addition because chapter four is proving to be more annoying to write than I thought. But hopefully I'll get it finished and move on in the next few days.
Also I was wondering how many people would be interested in reading the sort of prequel to Death Dealer. When I say sort of prequel I mean it doesn't tie into Grace at all, but it's the story behind Queen Peony.
Lady Callandra
New member
It's still a good addition. ^_^ And I'd love to read a prequel to it. 
I wonder what Sawyer's reaction will be to seeing Grace.
I wonder what Sawyer's reaction will be to seeing Grace.
Nikia
New member
As Grace was getting ready to out head in for dinner Jenner came out. “Mayhew says you can quit now because he wants you leaving in the morning. He also says he doesn’t want to see you for a few weeks. He just went to bed so it’s safe to get your dinner.”
Grace laughed, “Thank you so much, Jenner.”
As usual the inn was bustling with people. Nights in Glenbard were always alive and full of activity. Brawls, gambling, duels between “gentlemen”, there had not been a dull moment in Grace’s life since coming to the city. Some days she was thankful, other days she was not. In any case she felt more at home than she ever had during her life in Arganis.
Arganis. Grace sighed at the thought of returning only to look upon her dying mother one last time. She would feel like an orphan though she was much older than real orphaned children.
Grace spotted Jack in his usual spot and to her surprise Marcus, Donald, Ridley, Kay, and Calvin sat with him. She smiled and sauntered over.
Calvin rose as she approached and offered his chair to her. She declined respectively as if this was court and not a tavern. She pulled a chair over from another table and sat beside Jack.
“I was just enlightening your friends to the situation in Arganis.” Calvin said.
“It is a terrible event for a child to lose a parent, regardless of age.” Marcus said. He had assumed the role of father for Ridley and when Grace had come to Glenbard he had done the same for her. He reached across the table and patted Grace’s hand. The gesture gave her a little bit of comfort.
“Then you all understand why I need to leave for a while?”
“Of course,” Marcus spoke for everyone at the table.
“And can I trust in Jack and Ridley to escort me to Arganis?”
Jack nodded, but kept his straight face. Ridley’s eyes brightened. She had never been so far out of Glenbard before. Grace knew this was her idea of a true adventure.
“You’d have to tie me to a chair to keep me back from this.” Ridley excitedly said.
“I realize this is short notice, but I need to leave early tomorrow morning. But only if…”
“We can be ready.” Jack answered. “And you should probably head off to bed.” It was barely nine o’clock, but Grace knew he was right. The night shift in the stables, though it had not lasted long, had been taxing on Grace’s body, especially since she had stayed awake during most of the day.
“I deeply regret not be able to join you.” Donald’s face was filled with sadness and it nearly broke Grace’s heart. It was her fault he’d been cast out and banished from his home. And now he couldn’t even take this rare opportunity to return.
“Donald,” Calvin said, “Come and visit us when you return from the islands. I will be in Arganis and with proper notice I can see to it that you are able to visit. I know how badly you miss it.”
Donald smiled and nodded.
“Then all is settled,” Marcus said, “Ridley and Jack will leave with Grace at dawn tomorrow. Now off to bed with you Miss Hilren.”
Grace obeyed and rose from her seat. She thanked everyone at the table and headed for her room.
* * * *
Sleep did not come to Grace. She tossed and turned for an hour and did not feel the touch of sleep anywhere near. She sat up in her bed and sighed. Alert eyes fell onto the trunk at the foot of her bed. It had been a few weeks and the act always exhausted her.
Grace kicked off her blankets and opened the trunk. She needed no candle as she dug toward the bottom for the Death Dealer garb. Thieves and rapist had begun to regain control of the night now that the guards had almost completely been moved to the castle. And the Death Dealer had not appeared in some time so many took the chance to return to evil deeds.
Wearing the executioner hood again made Grace feel alive once more. She hung her sword at her side and silently opened her window. She had mastered sneaking out since coming to Glenbard and the thought actually made her smile. The once future countess of Arganis climbing from windows and becoming an honorary member of the Thieves’ Guild, it had seemed impossible nearly two years ago.
Grace dropped to the ground and kept to the back alleys. There would be no foul play on the main streets. Like a shadow she crept through the winding back streets of Glenbard. Normally she would have headed to the woods not far from the city, but there was no time if she wanted to sleep at all this night. Though bloodshed was not something Grace was interested in, she was disappointed there was no one out to scare from wicked ways. Her disappointment was short lived though.
Voices could be heard from behind the butcher’s shop.
“We gave you fair warning, old man.”
“Yeah, where’s our money?”
“Please, please, I don’t have it yet. I need more time.” Grace recognized the voice of the old butcher. He was a sweet old man and she wondered who would dare to hurt him.
“You’ve had plenty of time!” The first man snapped. “We didn’t lay a finger on your daughter and now you owe us our gold.”
“But I have less than half. But when the nobles start returning I can get the rest.”
Grace knew the butcher’s daughter. A loose girl who had gotten into some trouble and some debt. The little harlot had now involved her poor old father.
“Too late,” The second man said, “We’re going to have to take your hands as payment.”
“No, I beg of you!”
Grace saw her opportunity and she leapt from the shadows. She drew her sword and growled under her hood.
“The Death Dealer?” The second man whimpered, backing up. “You said he had moved on from Glenbard!”
“I was wrong!” The first one snapped, “So let’s get out of here!” The two ran off like dogs with their tails between their legs.
The butcher fell before Grace’s feet and hugged her knees. “Thank you! Oh thank you!”
Grace pulled him up by the shoulders and turned him toward his shop. “Go home, you are safe now.”
He didn’t need to be told twice. The butcher ran into his shop and Grace heard him lock the door behind himself. She smiled and snuck back to the inn.
She changed and crawled back into bed. Her body was beginning to feel tired. She yawned and rolled over, thinking of the journey she was about to make. With those thoughts in mind she slowly drifted to sleep.
Grace laughed, “Thank you so much, Jenner.”
As usual the inn was bustling with people. Nights in Glenbard were always alive and full of activity. Brawls, gambling, duels between “gentlemen”, there had not been a dull moment in Grace’s life since coming to the city. Some days she was thankful, other days she was not. In any case she felt more at home than she ever had during her life in Arganis.
Arganis. Grace sighed at the thought of returning only to look upon her dying mother one last time. She would feel like an orphan though she was much older than real orphaned children.
Grace spotted Jack in his usual spot and to her surprise Marcus, Donald, Ridley, Kay, and Calvin sat with him. She smiled and sauntered over.
Calvin rose as she approached and offered his chair to her. She declined respectively as if this was court and not a tavern. She pulled a chair over from another table and sat beside Jack.
“I was just enlightening your friends to the situation in Arganis.” Calvin said.
“It is a terrible event for a child to lose a parent, regardless of age.” Marcus said. He had assumed the role of father for Ridley and when Grace had come to Glenbard he had done the same for her. He reached across the table and patted Grace’s hand. The gesture gave her a little bit of comfort.
“Then you all understand why I need to leave for a while?”
“Of course,” Marcus spoke for everyone at the table.
“And can I trust in Jack and Ridley to escort me to Arganis?”
Jack nodded, but kept his straight face. Ridley’s eyes brightened. She had never been so far out of Glenbard before. Grace knew this was her idea of a true adventure.
“You’d have to tie me to a chair to keep me back from this.” Ridley excitedly said.
“I realize this is short notice, but I need to leave early tomorrow morning. But only if…”
“We can be ready.” Jack answered. “And you should probably head off to bed.” It was barely nine o’clock, but Grace knew he was right. The night shift in the stables, though it had not lasted long, had been taxing on Grace’s body, especially since she had stayed awake during most of the day.
“I deeply regret not be able to join you.” Donald’s face was filled with sadness and it nearly broke Grace’s heart. It was her fault he’d been cast out and banished from his home. And now he couldn’t even take this rare opportunity to return.
“Donald,” Calvin said, “Come and visit us when you return from the islands. I will be in Arganis and with proper notice I can see to it that you are able to visit. I know how badly you miss it.”
Donald smiled and nodded.
“Then all is settled,” Marcus said, “Ridley and Jack will leave with Grace at dawn tomorrow. Now off to bed with you Miss Hilren.”
Grace obeyed and rose from her seat. She thanked everyone at the table and headed for her room.
* * * *
Sleep did not come to Grace. She tossed and turned for an hour and did not feel the touch of sleep anywhere near. She sat up in her bed and sighed. Alert eyes fell onto the trunk at the foot of her bed. It had been a few weeks and the act always exhausted her.
Grace kicked off her blankets and opened the trunk. She needed no candle as she dug toward the bottom for the Death Dealer garb. Thieves and rapist had begun to regain control of the night now that the guards had almost completely been moved to the castle. And the Death Dealer had not appeared in some time so many took the chance to return to evil deeds.
Wearing the executioner hood again made Grace feel alive once more. She hung her sword at her side and silently opened her window. She had mastered sneaking out since coming to Glenbard and the thought actually made her smile. The once future countess of Arganis climbing from windows and becoming an honorary member of the Thieves’ Guild, it had seemed impossible nearly two years ago.
Grace dropped to the ground and kept to the back alleys. There would be no foul play on the main streets. Like a shadow she crept through the winding back streets of Glenbard. Normally she would have headed to the woods not far from the city, but there was no time if she wanted to sleep at all this night. Though bloodshed was not something Grace was interested in, she was disappointed there was no one out to scare from wicked ways. Her disappointment was short lived though.
Voices could be heard from behind the butcher’s shop.
“We gave you fair warning, old man.”
“Yeah, where’s our money?”
“Please, please, I don’t have it yet. I need more time.” Grace recognized the voice of the old butcher. He was a sweet old man and she wondered who would dare to hurt him.
“You’ve had plenty of time!” The first man snapped. “We didn’t lay a finger on your daughter and now you owe us our gold.”
“But I have less than half. But when the nobles start returning I can get the rest.”
Grace knew the butcher’s daughter. A loose girl who had gotten into some trouble and some debt. The little harlot had now involved her poor old father.
“Too late,” The second man said, “We’re going to have to take your hands as payment.”
“No, I beg of you!”
Grace saw her opportunity and she leapt from the shadows. She drew her sword and growled under her hood.
“The Death Dealer?” The second man whimpered, backing up. “You said he had moved on from Glenbard!”
“I was wrong!” The first one snapped, “So let’s get out of here!” The two ran off like dogs with their tails between their legs.
The butcher fell before Grace’s feet and hugged her knees. “Thank you! Oh thank you!”
Grace pulled him up by the shoulders and turned him toward his shop. “Go home, you are safe now.”
He didn’t need to be told twice. The butcher ran into his shop and Grace heard him lock the door behind himself. She smiled and snuck back to the inn.
She changed and crawled back into bed. Her body was beginning to feel tired. She yawned and rolled over, thinking of the journey she was about to make. With those thoughts in mind she slowly drifted to sleep.
Lady Callandra
New member
w00ts. Go Grace. I'm glad that you were able to get your computer up and running. I've been missing this story.
Nikia
New member
Chapter Five: The Conntection
Calvin headed back to the castle with Tristan as soon as he learned Grace had set out and was safely on her way. He wanted to get back to the castle and from there back to Arganis as quick as possible. But he knew the reality of his plan. Tristan would report to the king that Grace had been in Glenbard and though he had not seen an exchange between them, he suspected one to have taken place. Calvin would have to trend lightly for a week or so before being able to leave.
Upon arriving at the castle Tristan and Calvin left their horses with the stablehands and headed through the queen’s favorite garden toward the dining hall where dinner would be served before long. Prince Drake met them on their way and greeted them happily.
The three knights talked as they headed in. But the sight of Corine Huntley sitting on a stone bench stopped them. One of King Christian’s guards was standing by her side. Her eyes were closed and she seemed in deep thought.
“A strange place think,” Tristan said, walking forward.
“Leave it alone, Tristan.” Drake warned, “She is just sitting there, thinking, not harming anyone.”
“She has a room for that.” Tristan stopped five feet from Corine and her guard eyed him suspiciously.
“The lady is busy, young sir, perhaps you should leave and give her a few minutes.”
Tristan ignored the guard, “Hey! What are you doing?” Corine didn’t move a muscle. “Madam, you are a guest in a foreign land, you would do well to answer a noble’s questions.”
Under her eyelids her eyes flinched and suddenly snapped open. Tristan jumped back in horror. Calvin and Drake could see why. Her eyes were red, a deep blood red. No whites, no pupils, just a solid red.
“Show some respect.” Her mouth moved, but the voice that came from Corine Huntley was not her own. It was a gruff man’s voice, deep, rumbling, almost other worldly to Calvin’s ears.
“Demon! Witch!” Tristan pointed. He made a move to run, but Drake caught him by the arm, holding him fast.
“What is going on?” The prince demanded.
The guard bowed his head and turned to Corine. She closed her eyes and held them shut for a moment. When they reopened her usual brown eyes with the glint of violet in the left one had returned.
“Witch,” Tristan whispered again.
“What happened to you?” Drake seemed far more confused than anything else.
“As the king’s son I am sure you are no stranger to rumors surrounding my name.” Drake nodded. Rumors about Corine’s dragon army were widespread and seldom believed among the nobles in Cesarnan.
“All rumors hold a bit of truth though. I once saved a dragon from death and so we are now bound in body and mind. I was channeling him to see how everything fares in my homeland. I hope I have not frightened you, young knights.”
“You are a witch!” Tristan snapped again and broke away from Drake, heading toward the castle. No doubt off to tell the king about what he had just witnessed.
Corine sighed and rose from the stone bench. “And what do you two think?”
Calvin bowed to Corine, but said nothing. He was in awe of her rare gift. Drake took her hand, bowed, and kissed it lightly. “A special gift you carry with you, my lady, and I only wish others could understand it.”
Corine smiled to Drake and patted his shoulder, “Few appreciate what they cannot understand. I only hope you prove to be wiser in such things than your father is.” She curtsied to Calvin and Drake and left with her guard.
Calvin looked at the prince and waited for him to say something. He was speechless himself. Communicating with a dragon was strange to him and he felt a shudder run through him at the thought. But he looked at Corine Huntley and felt a good deal of respect swell in his breast. She did something that was only heard of in legends and children’s stories. But what did Drake feel about it all?
“We should stop Tristan.” He finally said.
“You should stop Tristan. Your father is finding it hard to look on me with favor these days.”
Drake did not deny what Calvin said. It was clear the prince had heard of the mistrust on his back now. But at least Calvin still had Drake as an ally these days.
“Go to dinner or to your room. I must speak with my father.”
* * * *
“She was speaking with a dragon, sire. And her body was possessed by it.”
Frederick stroked his beard and listened intently to Tristan as he spoke of his encounter with Corine. “And this is the kind of black magic Christian allows in his court. And with that black magic he hopes to gain complete control of the spice islands. Well, I cannot let that happen.”
A knock came from the door. Frederick said nothing, but it opened still. Drake came in.
“Father,” he looked to Tristan and suppressed a growl. “I see Tristan has probably already alerted you to what we saw in the garden.”
“Yes and the problem is being dealt with.”
“That is why I am here. There is no problem. The Duchesses power is no threat to us. If she wished us to be attacked by her dragon she would have done so already. She is no witch and has no contempt for Cesarnan.”
“Drake, you were always a smart lad, but witchcraft has always fooled you. First you were bewitched by that tart from Arganis and now Huntley has you under her spell. But do not fret son, I will take care of her.”
Drake sighed, “Leave those from the Sun Kingdom alone, I beg you father. Both our nations have seen enough wars in the past. Do not drag us into another one. Let King Christian leave in peace.”
Frederick’s eyes turned into slits. Drake knew at that moment he had over stepped his bounds. He bowed without another word and left his father’s study. Tristan slammed the door behind him.
Drake looked back at the door and felt a hatred for Tristan and his father boil. He shook it off and went toward the guest wing.
* * * *
Calvin headed back to the castle with Tristan as soon as he learned Grace had set out and was safely on her way. He wanted to get back to the castle and from there back to Arganis as quick as possible. But he knew the reality of his plan. Tristan would report to the king that Grace had been in Glenbard and though he had not seen an exchange between them, he suspected one to have taken place. Calvin would have to trend lightly for a week or so before being able to leave.
Upon arriving at the castle Tristan and Calvin left their horses with the stablehands and headed through the queen’s favorite garden toward the dining hall where dinner would be served before long. Prince Drake met them on their way and greeted them happily.
The three knights talked as they headed in. But the sight of Corine Huntley sitting on a stone bench stopped them. One of King Christian’s guards was standing by her side. Her eyes were closed and she seemed in deep thought.
“A strange place think,” Tristan said, walking forward.
“Leave it alone, Tristan.” Drake warned, “She is just sitting there, thinking, not harming anyone.”
“She has a room for that.” Tristan stopped five feet from Corine and her guard eyed him suspiciously.
“The lady is busy, young sir, perhaps you should leave and give her a few minutes.”
Tristan ignored the guard, “Hey! What are you doing?” Corine didn’t move a muscle. “Madam, you are a guest in a foreign land, you would do well to answer a noble’s questions.”
Under her eyelids her eyes flinched and suddenly snapped open. Tristan jumped back in horror. Calvin and Drake could see why. Her eyes were red, a deep blood red. No whites, no pupils, just a solid red.
“Show some respect.” Her mouth moved, but the voice that came from Corine Huntley was not her own. It was a gruff man’s voice, deep, rumbling, almost other worldly to Calvin’s ears.
“Demon! Witch!” Tristan pointed. He made a move to run, but Drake caught him by the arm, holding him fast.
“What is going on?” The prince demanded.
The guard bowed his head and turned to Corine. She closed her eyes and held them shut for a moment. When they reopened her usual brown eyes with the glint of violet in the left one had returned.
“Witch,” Tristan whispered again.
“What happened to you?” Drake seemed far more confused than anything else.
“As the king’s son I am sure you are no stranger to rumors surrounding my name.” Drake nodded. Rumors about Corine’s dragon army were widespread and seldom believed among the nobles in Cesarnan.
“All rumors hold a bit of truth though. I once saved a dragon from death and so we are now bound in body and mind. I was channeling him to see how everything fares in my homeland. I hope I have not frightened you, young knights.”
“You are a witch!” Tristan snapped again and broke away from Drake, heading toward the castle. No doubt off to tell the king about what he had just witnessed.
Corine sighed and rose from the stone bench. “And what do you two think?”
Calvin bowed to Corine, but said nothing. He was in awe of her rare gift. Drake took her hand, bowed, and kissed it lightly. “A special gift you carry with you, my lady, and I only wish others could understand it.”
Corine smiled to Drake and patted his shoulder, “Few appreciate what they cannot understand. I only hope you prove to be wiser in such things than your father is.” She curtsied to Calvin and Drake and left with her guard.
Calvin looked at the prince and waited for him to say something. He was speechless himself. Communicating with a dragon was strange to him and he felt a shudder run through him at the thought. But he looked at Corine Huntley and felt a good deal of respect swell in his breast. She did something that was only heard of in legends and children’s stories. But what did Drake feel about it all?
“We should stop Tristan.” He finally said.
“You should stop Tristan. Your father is finding it hard to look on me with favor these days.”
Drake did not deny what Calvin said. It was clear the prince had heard of the mistrust on his back now. But at least Calvin still had Drake as an ally these days.
“Go to dinner or to your room. I must speak with my father.”
* * * *
“She was speaking with a dragon, sire. And her body was possessed by it.”
Frederick stroked his beard and listened intently to Tristan as he spoke of his encounter with Corine. “And this is the kind of black magic Christian allows in his court. And with that black magic he hopes to gain complete control of the spice islands. Well, I cannot let that happen.”
A knock came from the door. Frederick said nothing, but it opened still. Drake came in.
“Father,” he looked to Tristan and suppressed a growl. “I see Tristan has probably already alerted you to what we saw in the garden.”
“Yes and the problem is being dealt with.”
“That is why I am here. There is no problem. The Duchesses power is no threat to us. If she wished us to be attacked by her dragon she would have done so already. She is no witch and has no contempt for Cesarnan.”
“Drake, you were always a smart lad, but witchcraft has always fooled you. First you were bewitched by that tart from Arganis and now Huntley has you under her spell. But do not fret son, I will take care of her.”
Drake sighed, “Leave those from the Sun Kingdom alone, I beg you father. Both our nations have seen enough wars in the past. Do not drag us into another one. Let King Christian leave in peace.”
Frederick’s eyes turned into slits. Drake knew at that moment he had over stepped his bounds. He bowed without another word and left his father’s study. Tristan slammed the door behind him.
Drake looked back at the door and felt a hatred for Tristan and his father boil. He shook it off and went toward the guest wing.
* * * *
Nikia
New member
“To avoid conflict your highness I ask you to leave Cesarnan.” Drake looked Christian in the eyes and saw understanding in the king’s eyes.
King Christian had listened without speaking. Queen Peony had also joined because what concerned her closest allies concerned her. If Christian and his friends were in danger she would be too.
“You have been quite trustworthy, Prince Drake,” Christian finally said. “And I am far from surprised your father would react when he learned of Corine’s connection to the dragon. I would like to stay here longer and continue to attempt winning your father over, but perhaps that time has passed.” He looked at Peony, waiting to see what she had to say.
“It feels like we are retreating, but war has taught me retreat can be the best for everyone. Pride is deep in your father’s veins and though pride has its positives I fear it could consume Frederick. His pride is dangerous for everyone here. And I believe you are correct in telling us to leave.”
Drake was relieved to hear Peony say that. If Christian and Peony had disagreed on the matter neither would leave and the results could have been horrendous. But they were not fools; they knew when their stay was finished.
“We shall announce our departure at dinner this evening and leave before this day is done.” Christian said and Peony nodded in agreement.
Peony smiled at Drake, “I hope this experience has not completely soured your thoughts on our nations.”
“If anything it has soured my experience on my father,” Drake bowed to them, “I will leave you to gather what you need and alert the rest of your party.”
When Drake was gone Christian called in his wife, Derica, Corine Huntley, his sister Gwendolyn, and his cousin, Duke Scott. Two of Peony’s knights joined them and they set guards at the doors.
“It is no longer safe for us to stay here,” Peony said.
Corine bowed her hand and spoke softly, “A mistake on my part I am afraid. I was contacting Colin in the garden to see that all was well.”
“No need to blame yourself,” Christian said, “Frederick was looking for any reason to come after us. There is no telling how he will react with this new information, but it is best if we leave as soon as dinner has ended.”
“Will this not insult him?” Derica asked, looking hard at her husband. “To leave so unexpectedly? King Frederick is not always a reasonable man; his rashness has often been a cause of concern on my father’s behalf.” Derica spoke of the king of Archon, south of Otanna, who was always trying to keep up the shaky peace between his country and Frederick’s.
“We have little choice. If Frederick’s young lackey reported all he saw, accusations of witchcraft will fly before this night closes. We must be prepared to flee if absolutely necessary.” Christian continued. “Though there is a small chance Frederick will do nothing and wait a day or two. In any event we must leave very soon. Have the servants pack while we eat, we must be prepared. There is no telling what Frederick is going to do.”
“War,” Peony broke in, “He wants war.” All eyes turned to her.
“War? Come now, you cannot believe that.” Scott said.
“This is all over the Nareroc Islands. The invitation to the wedding was not a show of good faith. He was trying to discover a weakness in the Sun Kingdom. He now believes he has one. Frederick is going to try and exploit Corine’s bond with her dragon. Many natives on the Nareroc Islands are superstitious. You have kept Corine from them and with good reason. If Frederick alerts those who work under him to her gift, there may be a revolt among your native workers in Nareroc. It could get very violent, very quickly. We must leave tonight and sail to Nareroc before he can get a message there. Explain to your subjects there that Corine is no threat and neither is Colin.”
“You are speculating,” Scott said. “Frederick would not dare.”
“But he could. What Peony has said is perfectly within reason.” Gwendolyn had been silent the entire time and Peony was glad she at least agreed. “He knows our army in the Sun Kingdom is great, but in losing the trust of the natives we lose the spice islands. I know we would never resort to violence to keep them in line.”
“Of course not,” Christian said, “But I have no intention of losing the support of the islands without a fight.”
“Instruct your servants to pack; we must leave as soon as we can. It may come to flight before dinner has ended. Have them bring everything to the stables.” Peony said and left the room to begin packing for herself.
* * * *
Calvin sat by Drake during dinner so the prince could fill him in. He was angered at hearing how Frederick had reacted, though he was not surprised. As dinner began no one really spoke. No one really knew what had happened, but they could sense the thicker than usual tension between Frederick and Christian. Finally Frederick spoke as a game hen was placed in front of him.
“Game hen, a traditional meal in Cesarnan for this time of the year.” He looked at Christian, looking as though he was going to challenge him. “As I understand from folklore of Cesarnan dragon was once a traditional meal at the feast of Ciro. How does that make you feel?” His eyes shot to Corine.
It was clear he would try to break her before even attempting Christian. However, Frederick had underestimated her. Despite Corine’s soft exterior and sweet face, she was once a great warrior and deep inside her heart beat as such.
“Perhaps, good king, that was true in the heathen days of all countries. But in the Sun Kingdom it is common knowledge we pass to our children that harsh kings who care only for personal gain and not their subjects, suffer terrible fates. Often times ending up with their heads on pikes for all prospective tyrants to see.” Corine kept eye contact with Frederick and made sure he knew she wasn’t backing down.
“What a time that must have been,” Tristan spoke up from his seat. “As I understand that was a time when women knew there place in the home.”
Corine shifted her attention to him, “No surprise to hear such a thing coming from one such as yourself. Someday you shall disgrace a fine young woman by bedding whoever comes your way and beating her when she objects. Like father like son I suppose.”
The truth of Corine’s words cut deep into the pride of Tristan and his father. She showed little remorse for the harshness of the statement. She knew her allies would back her up. Calvin watched intently, he would take her side if need be.
“You have no right to…” Frederick began.
“It is you who have no right,” Corine abruptly cut him off. “You have bullied us too long on our trip here. But you cross the line in daring to attack something you cannot even begin to understand.”
Frederick jumped from his seat and a dozen guards swarmed around Corine, but she showed no sign of fear. Frederick growled that she would not be intimidated by her.
“Teach that woman to hold her tongue, Christian! Or I shall have it cut out.”
Christian rose slowly and looked around. “You have insulted someone you invited here, your highness. And you have insulted a close friend of mine. That is not a way in which a king should act. Your offense has been great and Corine has merely added fuel to the fires of hate. But I am asking you to leave her be. We will leave now and hold no hard feelings if you permit us to go. And no more will we grace the shores of your land.”
For a moment it looked as though Frederick would say no, but Bethany touched his arm and he growled. “Leave now and do not return to my court.”
Calvin was relieved to see Christian and his party leave. But what was said could not be undone and it was only a matter of time before the full force of those words caused either side to act.
King Christian had listened without speaking. Queen Peony had also joined because what concerned her closest allies concerned her. If Christian and his friends were in danger she would be too.
“You have been quite trustworthy, Prince Drake,” Christian finally said. “And I am far from surprised your father would react when he learned of Corine’s connection to the dragon. I would like to stay here longer and continue to attempt winning your father over, but perhaps that time has passed.” He looked at Peony, waiting to see what she had to say.
“It feels like we are retreating, but war has taught me retreat can be the best for everyone. Pride is deep in your father’s veins and though pride has its positives I fear it could consume Frederick. His pride is dangerous for everyone here. And I believe you are correct in telling us to leave.”
Drake was relieved to hear Peony say that. If Christian and Peony had disagreed on the matter neither would leave and the results could have been horrendous. But they were not fools; they knew when their stay was finished.
“We shall announce our departure at dinner this evening and leave before this day is done.” Christian said and Peony nodded in agreement.
Peony smiled at Drake, “I hope this experience has not completely soured your thoughts on our nations.”
“If anything it has soured my experience on my father,” Drake bowed to them, “I will leave you to gather what you need and alert the rest of your party.”
When Drake was gone Christian called in his wife, Derica, Corine Huntley, his sister Gwendolyn, and his cousin, Duke Scott. Two of Peony’s knights joined them and they set guards at the doors.
“It is no longer safe for us to stay here,” Peony said.
Corine bowed her hand and spoke softly, “A mistake on my part I am afraid. I was contacting Colin in the garden to see that all was well.”
“No need to blame yourself,” Christian said, “Frederick was looking for any reason to come after us. There is no telling how he will react with this new information, but it is best if we leave as soon as dinner has ended.”
“Will this not insult him?” Derica asked, looking hard at her husband. “To leave so unexpectedly? King Frederick is not always a reasonable man; his rashness has often been a cause of concern on my father’s behalf.” Derica spoke of the king of Archon, south of Otanna, who was always trying to keep up the shaky peace between his country and Frederick’s.
“We have little choice. If Frederick’s young lackey reported all he saw, accusations of witchcraft will fly before this night closes. We must be prepared to flee if absolutely necessary.” Christian continued. “Though there is a small chance Frederick will do nothing and wait a day or two. In any event we must leave very soon. Have the servants pack while we eat, we must be prepared. There is no telling what Frederick is going to do.”
“War,” Peony broke in, “He wants war.” All eyes turned to her.
“War? Come now, you cannot believe that.” Scott said.
“This is all over the Nareroc Islands. The invitation to the wedding was not a show of good faith. He was trying to discover a weakness in the Sun Kingdom. He now believes he has one. Frederick is going to try and exploit Corine’s bond with her dragon. Many natives on the Nareroc Islands are superstitious. You have kept Corine from them and with good reason. If Frederick alerts those who work under him to her gift, there may be a revolt among your native workers in Nareroc. It could get very violent, very quickly. We must leave tonight and sail to Nareroc before he can get a message there. Explain to your subjects there that Corine is no threat and neither is Colin.”
“You are speculating,” Scott said. “Frederick would not dare.”
“But he could. What Peony has said is perfectly within reason.” Gwendolyn had been silent the entire time and Peony was glad she at least agreed. “He knows our army in the Sun Kingdom is great, but in losing the trust of the natives we lose the spice islands. I know we would never resort to violence to keep them in line.”
“Of course not,” Christian said, “But I have no intention of losing the support of the islands without a fight.”
“Instruct your servants to pack; we must leave as soon as we can. It may come to flight before dinner has ended. Have them bring everything to the stables.” Peony said and left the room to begin packing for herself.
* * * *
Calvin sat by Drake during dinner so the prince could fill him in. He was angered at hearing how Frederick had reacted, though he was not surprised. As dinner began no one really spoke. No one really knew what had happened, but they could sense the thicker than usual tension between Frederick and Christian. Finally Frederick spoke as a game hen was placed in front of him.
“Game hen, a traditional meal in Cesarnan for this time of the year.” He looked at Christian, looking as though he was going to challenge him. “As I understand from folklore of Cesarnan dragon was once a traditional meal at the feast of Ciro. How does that make you feel?” His eyes shot to Corine.
It was clear he would try to break her before even attempting Christian. However, Frederick had underestimated her. Despite Corine’s soft exterior and sweet face, she was once a great warrior and deep inside her heart beat as such.
“Perhaps, good king, that was true in the heathen days of all countries. But in the Sun Kingdom it is common knowledge we pass to our children that harsh kings who care only for personal gain and not their subjects, suffer terrible fates. Often times ending up with their heads on pikes for all prospective tyrants to see.” Corine kept eye contact with Frederick and made sure he knew she wasn’t backing down.
“What a time that must have been,” Tristan spoke up from his seat. “As I understand that was a time when women knew there place in the home.”
Corine shifted her attention to him, “No surprise to hear such a thing coming from one such as yourself. Someday you shall disgrace a fine young woman by bedding whoever comes your way and beating her when she objects. Like father like son I suppose.”
The truth of Corine’s words cut deep into the pride of Tristan and his father. She showed little remorse for the harshness of the statement. She knew her allies would back her up. Calvin watched intently, he would take her side if need be.
“You have no right to…” Frederick began.
“It is you who have no right,” Corine abruptly cut him off. “You have bullied us too long on our trip here. But you cross the line in daring to attack something you cannot even begin to understand.”
Frederick jumped from his seat and a dozen guards swarmed around Corine, but she showed no sign of fear. Frederick growled that she would not be intimidated by her.
“Teach that woman to hold her tongue, Christian! Or I shall have it cut out.”
Christian rose slowly and looked around. “You have insulted someone you invited here, your highness. And you have insulted a close friend of mine. That is not a way in which a king should act. Your offense has been great and Corine has merely added fuel to the fires of hate. But I am asking you to leave her be. We will leave now and hold no hard feelings if you permit us to go. And no more will we grace the shores of your land.”
For a moment it looked as though Frederick would say no, but Bethany touched his arm and he growled. “Leave now and do not return to my court.”
Calvin was relieved to see Christian and his party leave. But what was said could not be undone and it was only a matter of time before the full force of those words caused either side to act.
Nikia
New member
To compensate for my severe lack of writing lately I've been working extra hard today (and the rest of this week) on getting caught up.
I also realize quite a bit of this has little (or nothing) to do with Grace. Part Two is really just setting the stage for what will happen come Part Three, so there's little in the way of a solid plot.
I'm also hoping to begin transfering the Peony story from my notebook to my computer. Hopefully that will have some success akin to what the Death Dealer has had.
I also realize quite a bit of this has little (or nothing) to do with Grace. Part Two is really just setting the stage for what will happen come Part Three, so there's little in the way of a solid plot.
I'm also hoping to begin transfering the Peony story from my notebook to my computer. Hopefully that will have some success akin to what the Death Dealer has had.
Lady Callandra
New member
Ohh, interesting developement. I like the ability you gave Corine. It added to this story.
oxford girl
New member
I just finished reading your story, I love it
Lost Dreamer
New member
Gah! I'm so far behind! How did that happen? I'll post after i read...sorry for abandoning you like that, Nikia.
Lost Dreamer
New member
So i finished reading it all; and i love it Nikia. Your coming along awesomly. Keep writing!
Nikia
New member
Chapter Six: Sawyer
The trip to Actis was far more uneventful than Grace thought. Clearly travel had slowed due to the festivities in Ursana, but it should have picked up by now. Though things had been dull the first two weeks of travel, the last leg of the journey was going to be far more interesting than the three friends had ever thought.
The orphanage had started out as an old stone cottage, but as more children were left there a wooden boarding house had been build onto the original cottage. It looked strange to have to completely contrasting buildings, but no one cared as long as the children had a place to live.
“This should only take a few minutes, right?” Ridley asked as she brought her horse, Jewel, beside Pilgrim and Olwen.
“That is the hope,” Grace said.
She was anxious to get to her old home and see her mother. But she had promised Kay she would look for Laurence’s daughter. Grace gave Olwen a little nudge and the mare moved up the road toward the orphanage.
The sounds of children playing drifted through the air. Grace could see some playing in outside around the backside of the cottage. She dismounted Olwen and passed the reigns to Jack.
“Only a moment, I promise.” She trotted up the path, “Hello!” She called, hoping a caretaker had heard her. “Excuse me?”
A skinny woman poked her head out of a bottom window on the cottage. “What do you want?”
“I was sent her by a friend to check on a child.” Grace stood before the window and put her hands on her hips. “See if the child has been adopted or if she is still here.”
The woman sighed, “No adopting one of these ankle-biters for you?” Grace shook her head. “Well, what’s the brat’s name?”
“Sawyer.”
The woman’s face paled and she slammed the shudder on the window. Grace was taken a back for a moment. She moved closer to the window and listened in. The woman was yelling for Sawyer and it seemed a struggle had ensued.
“What happened?” Jack called from the road. Grace turned and shrugged.
A few minutes passed and Grace gave up hope that the woman was coming back. She turned to head back to the road when the woman threw open the front door, dragging a girl behind her. She threw a bag full of clothes at Grace’s feet and threw the girl, who Grace assumed was Sawyer, into her arms.
“This hell raiser is your problem now!” She screamed at Grace and pointed an angry finger at her. “And you tell that scalawag, Kay, next time she decides to have a child, give birth in the woods and let the wolves have it!”
“But…what…” Grace attempted to get several thoughts out at once, but she was completely tongue tied.
Jack rode up to her rescue, having heard every word that transpired. “Good Madam, I feel there has been a mistake. We are not here to take this child off your hands.”
“You are going to take this child! I don’t care if you want to or not. You are friends of Kay, bring Sawyer back to her!”
“No!” Sawyer screamed and tried to wriggle out of Grace’s arms. “I don’t want to go with them!”
“You are going to take Kay’s child.”
“Perhaps you did not hear me, ma’am,” Jack said.
Grace could see he was getting angry. However, the woman was equally as angry. She let out a piercing whistling. At first it appeared nothing had happened, but then Grace saw three huge dogs round the corner of the cottage.
Jack pulled Sawyer onto Pilgrim and Grace ran with Sawyer’s things back to Ridley and Olwen. The three, with child in tow, urged their horses back up the road and away from the orphanage. The dogs kept close on their heels, snapping, and barking angrily. After nearly three miles they gave up their pursuit and turned back.
The group slowed their horses and Grace led them for a few miles to the Mertul River that fed from the sea, through Arganis all the way to the lake by the castle in Ursana. They dismounted and let their horses have a rest. At this point Grace finally was able to look over Sawyer.
Kay’s mother was a full blood native of Nareroc and her father had been a merchant from Glenbard. So, Kay had the darker skin than most, but not nearly as dark as most natives on Nareroc. Looking at Sawyer Grace confirmed this was in fact Kay’s child. She had the tan complexion of her mother, the thick black hair, and the deep brown eyes. Her face had Kay’s sunken cheeks and slightly pointed nose.
“Kay never mentioned she had a kid,” Ridley was the first to speak after all the turmoil from the orphanage. “Not even a hint to it.”
“Let me go,” Sawyer growled, “I can make it on my own.”
Jack knelt in front of her and took her by the shoulders, “Why did that woman at the orphanage hate you so much?”
“She always called me hell’s fire because I would pick fights with the other kids. And I’ve tried to run away before. I made it to the market of Actis once.”
“The market in Actis is twenty miles from the orphanage!” Grace said. Hearing the girl’s exploits removed all doubt she was Kay’s child. “Well, I guess you are coming with us now, Sawyer.”
“No! I don’t want too.”
“That’s too bad,” Jack said. “We’re friends of your mother’s and we’re taking you to her.”
“I am Grace Hilren, he is Jack Anders, and this is Ridley Hunewn.”
Sawyer attempted to run, but Jack caught her and pulled her back, “This will be more pleasant for all of us if you cooperate with us.”
The girl grumbled as Jack lifted her over his shoulder and placed her on Pilgrim. He climbed up behind her. Grace and Ridley did the same. As the started down the path Garce fell behind everyone else and groaned loudly. Bringing a child along was not part of her plan.
* * * *
The trip to Actis was far more uneventful than Grace thought. Clearly travel had slowed due to the festivities in Ursana, but it should have picked up by now. Though things had been dull the first two weeks of travel, the last leg of the journey was going to be far more interesting than the three friends had ever thought.
The orphanage had started out as an old stone cottage, but as more children were left there a wooden boarding house had been build onto the original cottage. It looked strange to have to completely contrasting buildings, but no one cared as long as the children had a place to live.
“This should only take a few minutes, right?” Ridley asked as she brought her horse, Jewel, beside Pilgrim and Olwen.
“That is the hope,” Grace said.
She was anxious to get to her old home and see her mother. But she had promised Kay she would look for Laurence’s daughter. Grace gave Olwen a little nudge and the mare moved up the road toward the orphanage.
The sounds of children playing drifted through the air. Grace could see some playing in outside around the backside of the cottage. She dismounted Olwen and passed the reigns to Jack.
“Only a moment, I promise.” She trotted up the path, “Hello!” She called, hoping a caretaker had heard her. “Excuse me?”
A skinny woman poked her head out of a bottom window on the cottage. “What do you want?”
“I was sent her by a friend to check on a child.” Grace stood before the window and put her hands on her hips. “See if the child has been adopted or if she is still here.”
The woman sighed, “No adopting one of these ankle-biters for you?” Grace shook her head. “Well, what’s the brat’s name?”
“Sawyer.”
The woman’s face paled and she slammed the shudder on the window. Grace was taken a back for a moment. She moved closer to the window and listened in. The woman was yelling for Sawyer and it seemed a struggle had ensued.
“What happened?” Jack called from the road. Grace turned and shrugged.
A few minutes passed and Grace gave up hope that the woman was coming back. She turned to head back to the road when the woman threw open the front door, dragging a girl behind her. She threw a bag full of clothes at Grace’s feet and threw the girl, who Grace assumed was Sawyer, into her arms.
“This hell raiser is your problem now!” She screamed at Grace and pointed an angry finger at her. “And you tell that scalawag, Kay, next time she decides to have a child, give birth in the woods and let the wolves have it!”
“But…what…” Grace attempted to get several thoughts out at once, but she was completely tongue tied.
Jack rode up to her rescue, having heard every word that transpired. “Good Madam, I feel there has been a mistake. We are not here to take this child off your hands.”
“You are going to take this child! I don’t care if you want to or not. You are friends of Kay, bring Sawyer back to her!”
“No!” Sawyer screamed and tried to wriggle out of Grace’s arms. “I don’t want to go with them!”
“You are going to take Kay’s child.”
“Perhaps you did not hear me, ma’am,” Jack said.
Grace could see he was getting angry. However, the woman was equally as angry. She let out a piercing whistling. At first it appeared nothing had happened, but then Grace saw three huge dogs round the corner of the cottage.
Jack pulled Sawyer onto Pilgrim and Grace ran with Sawyer’s things back to Ridley and Olwen. The three, with child in tow, urged their horses back up the road and away from the orphanage. The dogs kept close on their heels, snapping, and barking angrily. After nearly three miles they gave up their pursuit and turned back.
The group slowed their horses and Grace led them for a few miles to the Mertul River that fed from the sea, through Arganis all the way to the lake by the castle in Ursana. They dismounted and let their horses have a rest. At this point Grace finally was able to look over Sawyer.
Kay’s mother was a full blood native of Nareroc and her father had been a merchant from Glenbard. So, Kay had the darker skin than most, but not nearly as dark as most natives on Nareroc. Looking at Sawyer Grace confirmed this was in fact Kay’s child. She had the tan complexion of her mother, the thick black hair, and the deep brown eyes. Her face had Kay’s sunken cheeks and slightly pointed nose.
“Kay never mentioned she had a kid,” Ridley was the first to speak after all the turmoil from the orphanage. “Not even a hint to it.”
“Let me go,” Sawyer growled, “I can make it on my own.”
Jack knelt in front of her and took her by the shoulders, “Why did that woman at the orphanage hate you so much?”
“She always called me hell’s fire because I would pick fights with the other kids. And I’ve tried to run away before. I made it to the market of Actis once.”
“The market in Actis is twenty miles from the orphanage!” Grace said. Hearing the girl’s exploits removed all doubt she was Kay’s child. “Well, I guess you are coming with us now, Sawyer.”
“No! I don’t want too.”
“That’s too bad,” Jack said. “We’re friends of your mother’s and we’re taking you to her.”
“I am Grace Hilren, he is Jack Anders, and this is Ridley Hunewn.”
Sawyer attempted to run, but Jack caught her and pulled her back, “This will be more pleasant for all of us if you cooperate with us.”
The girl grumbled as Jack lifted her over his shoulder and placed her on Pilgrim. He climbed up behind her. Grace and Ridley did the same. As the started down the path Garce fell behind everyone else and groaned loudly. Bringing a child along was not part of her plan.
* * * *