CHAPTER 10
Kari turned around to see who had spoken to her, but even with the moon shining in it was impossible to see further than a few inches in front of her.
“Who’s there?” she asked, her voice shaking a little.
“Over here.”
Kari jumped violently as she realised where the voice was coming from. She whipped around to see a figure crouched by the corner. With the long shadows stretching across the floor, it was easy to miss.
“Who are you?” Kari demanded.
“It depends.”
“That’s not really an answer.”
“Who are you?”
“Kari. I used to work in the kitchens.”
“Used to?”
Not wanting to give too much away, Kari asked, “You still haven’t told me who you are.”
“Like I said, it depends. I could be a hero or a terrible villain. It depends on which way you look at it.”
Kari was beginning to lose her patience. “At least come closer so I can see you.”
“If you insist.” The voice drawled. There was a rustle as the person stood up and walked closer to her.
Through the gloom, Kari made out the dim outline of a tall figure. Judging by the broad shoulders, it was male.
“My name is Thildar.”
Kari stifled a gasp. Thildar? The Thildar? She had heard whispers about him, but had dismissed them as fairy stories.
“So, are the stories I’ve heard about you true?” she asked.
“It depends which version you’ve heard.” Kari could tell he was enjoying himself.
“From what I’ve heard, you were secretly created from ice by the White Witch to help her with her plans, but when you found out what she was up to, you refused and she threw you in her dungeons. You escaped as the Battle of Beruna was going on, but Aslan’s people caught you. Suspecting that you were one of her minions, they put you here.”
Thildar nodded. “I have been here ever since.”
“Why haven’t you escaped?” Kari asked. Despite the gloomy circumstances she was in, she was intrigued by this strange man. “And why weren’t you destroyed when the White Witch was?”
“Because I broke free of her spell with my own will. I no longer belonged to her, so I was not destroyed. Why are you here?”
Kari bit her lip. She wanted to tell him, but she was afraid she might dissolve into tears as soon as she opened her mouth.
Thildar broke the awkward silence.
“Never mind. Get some sleep, and tell me tomorrow if you wish.”
If I’m still here, Kari thought bitterly. After what they think I’ve done to the High King, I’ll probably be sentenced to death myself.
Suddenly exhausted, she sank to the hard floor and curled up. Soon, she drifted into an uneasy sleep filled with images of daggers, figures in cloaks, and the High King.
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I hope it's not too boring. I know there's no-one really called Thildar, but just imagine there is lol