Stone Peak, Black Mountains, Battling Border
Life poured from him in torrents. Filling Okineâs precious bucket. Red running down Chaviasâ body to drip into the metal pail. He was nearing the end of what he could spare.
Heâs going to kill me this time. Bleed me to death. Impossibly weak he struggled to stay awake. Surrendering to the darkness now might mean he wouldnât return.
Never feel those soft hands again. That thought burned him to remaining life and forced him to press his eyes open again and again.
I no longer want to die. I want to stay. To find a way to her. And his hands were still warmed by that gentle touch. Despite that they dangled from metal hooks.
Okine gleefully cleaned the dull blade. âMaster say make you weak. You pitiful. No defy again.â He snickered through pointed teeth.
Night Manor, Mane Country
The next morning, Sabine awoke to another steaming tray and footsteps downstairs. Rushing down them she slowed as she neared the kitchen. The sounds of pots adjusting startled her. As she peered through the doorway, a maid rushed past her. Startling Sabine bad enough she nearly screeched.
The maid did.
âWhereâd you come from?â Sabineâs blonde brows shot up over sky blue eyes.
The maid stared, mouth gaping a moment before her words sunk in and the girl mustered enough composure to answer. âLord Derenoe. Gave us a shiny bit oâ coin for work too. Says we could move to the servantâs quarters today to tenâ ye.â
âTend me?â
âYea. Iâm to be your maid, Mum.â
âYou are? I donât need a maid!â She proclaimed.
âWell ye âave one just the same.â Dimples appeared in the girlâs cheeks. Huge brown eyes dominated her face and wisps of dark hair escaped her mop cap. âFor whenever you do need, Mum.â
Another girl, looking nearly the same age entered, carrying drab bedding. âWhatâs left to clean, Mum?â
âI-I think everything this level and above. Mostly the top level. I havenât made it there yet.â
âGood. Good. And the bedding? Tapestries?â
âIâ¦would you check?â
âIndeed.â The servant girl nodded and gave a curtsy as she passed by.
Only one chamber remained in need of dusting on the second level. Sabine entered it days ago but upon seeing the giant four-poster and the browns and golds of the room she knew it immediately to be the Lordâs chamber. Strangely she didnât want the maids cleaning it. So, she wandered in to see what needed doing.
A tray was perched on the square table in the corner. Silver gleaming beckoningly.
Looking over her shoulder she found no one there. When she pulled the cover it was a warm lunch awaiting her. Vegetable soup and a cucumber sandwich.
âAre you inviting me in here?â She murmured.
No answer came.
Looking around the room she found no trace of recent presence other than the food. Dipping the sandwich and spooning soup hungrily she found herself quickly full.