by Kira Freitas
- What's that? What's that? - Aideen asked. - I don't get it!
- Aideen, I'm gonna kill her! - Annabel fired.
Aideen looked at Alistair, who stared at me. I shook my head in negative and he took a deep breath. Aideen made a face and reprimanded me with the look, but she nodded.
- Annabel, as I said earlier today, this is the safe place for you to be now.
I took a deep breath, thanking you with my eyes. I knew the storm would blow soon, but I was ready to calm her down or irritate her even more.
- I agree! That goes for both of us. - he said. - As captain of the guard, I don't advise leaving Dunhill now. If possible, stick to the village and nothing else.
Annabel grunted and did a countdown mentally waiting for the moment of the explosion.
- That's absurd! - it exploded. - If I were to become a prisoner, I would have stayed with my mother!
I took a deep breath.
- Annabel, I'm not trying to make you a prisoner.
- Nobody is! - sustained Alistair.
- You saw it on the road. - he said, approaching her. - You have been attacked countless times by soldiers dressed as English, who we know, have been sent by their father to help Ravenna and spread terror. I can't guarantee your safety away from those walls.
She grunted one more time, closing her fists. As if reading her thoughts, I held Annabel's wrist before her hand touched my face.
- I already asked you not to do that! - he said between his teeth.
- He's not my father! - she returned it in the same tone. - Why do you keep saying that?
- I understand your suffering, but whether you're your father or not, for your own safety, you'll stay in Dunhill with your sister. - Alistair fired a forceful shot.
Keeping my eye on hers, I completed the order given by Alistair.
- Let it be clear, that none of my men are allowed to escort you out of this castle beyond Dunhill's limits. If you insist, you will be condemning them to death, for I will do that if any of them disobey me to help you.
Annabel rolled her eyes out like a child caught in a trap.
- I know how persuasive you can be. - said smiling.
- I hate him with all the strength of my thought! - she fired and with a tug, released her wrist from my hands and stepped out hard. - I hate my life!
Annabel still screamed when she slammed the door to the salon. I closed my eyes trying to contain the pain I felt. Adelaide had crossed all the line even after I warned her.
- You have to do something about it! - Aideen fired. - Annabel is my sister and I will protect her from anyone, tooth and nail. I didn't ask anything about what I heard yesterday, but I'll want to know more about it later. Therefore, solve the mess you made, because if she suffers, I will kill her, Bruce.
Aideen left the room with hard, hurried steps. Probably going to meet Annabel.
- She's right! - said Alistair approaching. - Talk to Annabel before it's too late. You know how explosive MacBride is. I'm even scared for Ravenna when those girls find her.
I agreed, agreed with Alistair. I took a deep breath and walked to the fruit basket to get an apple.
- Can we change the subject now? - I asked in a serious voice. - There are more serious matters that I wish to deal with you and which require a lot of attention. It's a good thing Aideen left and didn't participate in them.
He frowned.
- That bad?
- Too much!
- All right! All right! Tell me, what are these matters?
I spent the whole afternoon talking to Alistair. We discuss matters of war. He decided to send a letter to Alec telling her that Annabel was safe in Dunhill and to be careful of Roy's men because they were disguising themselves as English, but he believed he already knew. Alec had nothing silly about him, and behind that seductive angel's face was a cold, cruel murderer. Only I knew this side of Alec, because I had experienced it before.
One night, while I was on patrol, I ended up following a hooded man. I knew he was a mercenary and I believed he was running, but no. The man took me straight to a camp, where several men slept. Among them were Morvan, Kaiser and a man named Oliver, who ran away when he realized that everyone was under attack. Yeah, it was a trap, but it wasn't promoted by me. I discovered a few minutes later that the man I had followed and who had deliberately led me to those mercenaries had been Alec. I was appalled when I saw him fight them and kill several men colder than me. When it was all over, and the few survivors escaped, Alec gave me Kaiser to bring to Dunhill for trial. Of course, I never accomplished that mission and I killed Kaiser before we arrived. That was our only secret and the lie about Alec being in a monastery to study politics had been kept.
Alistair had no idea that his brother was so close to the front, mixed with the mercenaries, pretending to be one of them, burning villages and looting. When I saw him, I realized why no one had recognized him. Alec was different with long hair and beard. No one would say that he was the prince and I believe that those who recognized him died or were unable to tell anything.
After a morning of racing, I decided to do the rounds around Dunhill to make sure Aideen and her baby were safe. That would make me forget a little bit about Annabel for a while. It would be the first night since I arrived at the castle. After hours of riding, I hadn't found anything and everything seemed safe. I decided to go back to the castle and take a bath to rest. I wanted to talk to Annabel after dinner. As I was passing through the village, a slender remnant covered in a hooded cape caught my attention. Franzi's forehead, because he knew that figure from somewhere. She walked hurriedly towards the inn and I watched her from afar. The figure turned to see was followed and his face found the light. I recognized Annabel's blue eyes and almost white hair.
- What the hell was she doing here? - I whispered between my teeth.
Passing my hands over my face, I breathed frustrated when she entered the tavern. That creature didn't know the dangers that awaited her in that place. Taverns were places where inconvenient drunks and vile men attacked girls like Annabel. Besides, there was still the fact that there might be mercenaries inside. Setting the horse in motion, I headed towards the tavern.
- That will be a long night!
Chapter 15
Annabel
- So, a tavern is like that! - I whispered with excitement as I contemplated the place.
There were tables in the center and a bar. Everything was illuminated by several candlesticks. A fireplace burned in one corner, further warming the place, which was quite spacious. I had the opportunity to visit a tavern when I was stuck in that village during the blizzard, but for fear of what I would see, I gave up. Following my impulses, I went down the hood and marched to the counter. Everyone stopped to watch me as I walked, maybe because they'd never seen someone like me in a place like that. Although I was dressed in a simple way, my restrained gestures and my delicacy, denounced me. Everyone knew that I was family with possessions and that made me a target for looters or perverts. I didn't really care, because I was carrying the beast I stole from Bruce and I wasn't afraid to use it. That night I just wanted to feel alive. I wanted to feel free and forget about Bruce.
- Good night! - said smiling to the man behind the counter. - What can you offer me for a drink other than water?
He looked at me from top to bottom and leaned against the counter. His hair was reddish and his eyes were light. He didn't have the hostile eye, but he watched me with concern.
- Lost or running away? - he just asked. - Either way, this isn't an environment for someone like you, young lady.
Frustrated snorting. It was obvious that a tavern was no place for someone like me. I'm sorry I didn't wear the clothes of one of the cooks.
- I'm not a girl, but answering your question, I'm running away.
- Mother or husband?
I had a laugh.
- Actually, an unrequited love. - I sighed. - He's marrying someone else, and to make matters worse, I'll have to be
there.
He rolled his eyes smiling in a good mood.
- Oh, boy. In this case... - he turned to the other side of the bar and, taking a mug, turned to me, hitting it hard against the wood. - I recommend you drink this.
I looked inside the mug at the yellowish, foamy liquid he gave me and made a face.
- What's that? What's that? - I asked distrustfully why he didn't offer me wine.
- It's called beer!
- No wine?
- Well! I don't usually serve wine in my tavern and I don't believe I have a single barrel in my stock. - I looked at the drink making a face. - Believe me, if you don't like it, I won't charge you that cup.
I took a deep breath.
- All right! All right! - I said before I took the mug to my lips. - So be it!
At first, the drink had a sweet taste, but as soon as the sip had passed through my throat, it turned into something bitter and I frowned while wiping my mouth with my dress sleeve.
- Wow, what a horrible thing! - he said nodding, but then he smiles. - It's different and I liked it a lot!
The man let out a laugh and hit the counter.
- I knew you'd like it! - he said stretching out his hand. - I'm Alastor! What's your name?
- I'm Annabel! - but he made a point of kissing her gently.
- Nice to meet you, Annabel! - he said. - If you want some advice, stay here at the counter and drown your sorrows with as many mugs as you like. So I can keep an eye on such a beautiful girl.
- For free? - I asked by arcing my eyebrow.
- No, but of course that'll cost you a few coins. - he said smiling. - However, it's only for the drinks. I have a daughter just under your age and I wouldn't want to see her in a place like this. If you tell me where you live, I will ask my son to take you when he decides to leave, or if he prefers, I can let you sleep on one of the wooden benches until dawn. It'll be uncomfortable, but safe.
I took a deep breath looking at the seats. I had already slept on the floor many times, sleeping on benches wouldn't be bad at all and I really didn't want to go back to the castle that night.
- If you don't mind, I'll take the banks.
- Are you sure? My son's only 12, but he drives a wagon like no other.
- Yes, I do! Despite your kindness, I don't want to come home tonight. - I responded with a sad face. - I don't even know if I want to come back someday.
He shrugged his shoulders, going to see another customer.
- If you change your mind, let me know!
I just nodded with a smile before I put the mug in my mouth again. I turned to contemplate the place. It was all wood, very spacious and airy. There were, like, 15 people scattered around the tables. Others spread out in a corner of the hall as they danced animatedly in front of the fireplace. There was a man playing the typical songs of our land on a flute, while another sang. Over and over again, a woman would join them. Looking at them, they all seemed to have a very good and happy life. Suddenly my whole body shivered and, subtly, I looked around looking for the one, whom I knew, who was there in some corner. Bruce's gaze, somehow, was on me. My body could feel him watching me, but I could not find him. He wasn't at any of the tables and there was no man with a hood on his head. Those who wore cloaks were further apart and talked animatedly. They were supposed to be hunters, but for fear of being mercenaries, I looked away from them in order not to attract attention. I insisted on my nervous search, but I couldn't find him. If Bruce was in the tavern, he'd be very well hidden.
- Calm down, Annabel! - I whispered to myself. - You're impressed, that's all!
I tried to concentrate on the drink, which was really very bitter, but very tasty and I focused my attention on the dance. It didn't take long for me to walk away and go to the group that was dancing. I promised Alastor I'd be back as soon as I got tired or the music was over. The women who danced cheerfully invited me to join them. It was the second time I felt welcome and comfortable in one place. Everyone laughed and clapped until the dance evolved for couples. One of the men in the cape did a mesura inviting me to dance and I saw no harm in sharing a dance with him. When the song ended, I went to the counter to get some air. Alastor brought me another pint of beer and we kept talking. I don't know how long it took me to reveal myself between drinking and dancing, until I started to feel dizzy. I knew it was late, but the fun was far from over. Getting rid of the arms of the man who danced with me, I asked permission and tried to get to the counter. I needed a glass of water and fresh air. The tavern's exit door seemed closer than the counter, so I left. As soon as I got outside and the urge to vomit overpowered me. Bending over, I put my hands on my knees and let all the liquid out. As I was about to get up, I felt a hand on my back.
- Are you all right? - The voice of the man who danced with me echoed in my ears. - Can you walk?
I nodded and raised my body with my eyes closed. Raising my head and taking a deep breath, I opened my eyes. She was still dizzy, but lucid enough to see that there was more than one man with him.
- All right! All right! Miss MacBride! - he said in a deep, cold voice. - I'd hate to take her to her mother in a deplorable state, but if need be, I'll drag her from here by force.
I drew from his hand and with a speed that I did not know where I had come from, I pushed him hard. I took the chance to take the beast and shoot him. When I saw him lying on the ground, I tried to run, but I couldn't go very far, because a hand grabbed my arm.
- Let go of me! - I screamed when he tied my waist.
- Please don't make me have to hurt you! - he said between his teeth as I was rising from the ground. - Because I'd be happy to do that. I'm well aware of the work you gave the other men at Inverness.
- If you don't put me down now, you'll join them! - I threatened.
The men who were following him towards a wagon began to laugh and I could see exactly how many there were. There were four or five men, apart from what was already lying on the ground. The beast would only shoot one shot at a time and I'd have to reload it. The idiot's arm passed over the belt where the arrows were stuck and I couldn't catch one. Raising my free hand, I reached one of his ears and pulled hard. The man stopped screaming as I pulled. One of the men came over and I threw the beast in his direction. The gun hit your head.
- What the fuck? - he screamed. - Did you give a reward to bring a girl or the devil?
- Let go of my ear, you little brat! - the other screamed.
I took advantage that he bent over, so I gave him a foot. With that, he just bellowed in pain and let me go. Grabbing his shoulders, I kicked his lower parts and pushed him to the ground. Another came to me and, pulling an arrow, I stuck it in his chest as he approached. I ran to the tavern, but another man came too fast grabbing my wrist. I turned around biting his hand and ended up getting a slap in the face.
- Bitch! - he yelled when he fell to the ground. - Bring the bag and the rope!
I panicked with my hand on my face. Because of the dizziness, I could barely reason, so it was being so difficult to escape. On another occasion, they'd already be dead on the cold ground. The rain began to fall hard, leaving me soaked. All I could do was cry in anger at being vulnerable. I tried to get up, but a strong hand squeezed my shoulder so tightly that I grunted with pain.
- Stay where you are or I'll take you in pieces. - he threatened and then bent over in front of me. - Do you know that I doubted when I was told that a silver-haired demon decimated almost half the men who were sent after you at Inverness?
- Untie me and maybe I'll show you how I did it. - laughs in a debauched way pulling the hands that the other one tied. - Coward!
He laughed.
- Not all the money in the world is worth my men's lives and I've lost enough. - he replied ironically and looked at his partner, who was standing behind me. - I think I'd rather be with two men than risk taking her alone.
Everyone started laughing and I grunted. Another man came towards me, but did not reach me, because a
buzzing sound cut off the air. Next thing I know, he's lying on the floor with an arrow in his chest. The man who had just tied me up also fell to the ground with an arrow in his chest.
- It's nice to know you feel like being buried with your men.
Bruce's cold voice cut off the air and I looked in the direction of the sound. Standing at the door of the tavern, he was standing with a two-shot beast, lowered to the side of his body. He stared at the man with fury in his eyes. Pulling the sword, Bruce began to walk slowly towards us. He looked like a feline with his slow steps and his gaze fixed on his prey. The black clothes he wore made him scarier.
- Don't come near her or I'll slit her throat! - said the leader of the men grabbing me and lifting me up.
He put a dagger against my neck and it stopped Bruce.
- Annabel?
- Oh, yeah?
- Don't move! Don't move!
I gave my consent by taking a deep breath. The freezing rain made my body tremble, with the fear I felt for the first time while defending my life. Bruce lowered his sword and with a quick gesture pulled a dagger from his waist, shooting at my executioner. I heard the man's grunt of pain and in seconds he was on the floor, washing me with it. Bruce approached by guarding the sword.
- What's up? - He asked.
- No! - I said by banging my chin. - I'll never drink beer again in my life.
Bruce shook his head and to my surprise, smiled. Except for the cape that covered his back, he rolled me up in his arms.
- Come on! I think you need a good night's sleep. - he said, going on to the tavern.
- Is she all right?" asked Alastor worried.
- Yes, my friend! - he answered. - Just a little scared, which is very unusual for this naughty girl. Is it okay if we spend the night in the cabin?
- No problem! - Alastor answered. - Although I don't use it much, the cabin is clean and organized. I think you're gonna need some water and something to eat. I'll have Eric take it to you.
