Escape the Woods

by Gabriella Catherine

  Things were no longer as simple and innocent as they used to be, and I wished I could go back to being seven, even just for a day.

  One by one, everyone departed for bed. When only Jack, Zachariah, and I were left, Zachariah asked, “So, where is Endor now?”

  I glanced at Jack. My brother seemed to be having a harder time recovering from my kidnapping than I was. He’d been treating me more delicately than ever the past couple weeks, insisting he go everywhere with me and offering to sleep in my room to protect me. When someone brought up the night Endor was killed, Jack usually teared up or left the room.

  “He deserves to know,” I said.

  Jack swallowed hard and nodded. “Go ahead, then.”

  I turned to Zachariah, who sat beside me on the couch. His face was half lit by the burning fire. His dark hair cast a shadow on the other side, making his eyes and expression look more intense.

  I recalled the entire story, from Endor swearing to kill me years ago, to him and his army taking me, and my brothers and their men coming to rescue me. I skipped over the gory details, not wanting to upset Jack any further. But by the end of my narrative, his eyes were moist.

  I tried to change the mood by saying, “So, you could say, Lord Jack Valesteine is the hero of this story, as he shot down Endor with a single arrow.” I raised my brows and grinned at Jack. But he was still fighting tears. After a moment of silence, he stood abruptly and left the room.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset him,” said Zachariah.

  “He’s all right, he’s just sensitive about that topic.” I bit my lip.

  “I’m glad you’re safe, and that your brothers killed Endor. I’m sorry something so terrible happened to you.” His brow came together, a pained look in his eyes.

  “Thank you, Zachariah. All is well now.”

  He looked into my eyes with concern.

  “Scarlett?”

  I jumped up from the couch and turned to the door. Father stood there, Kolton just behind him.

  Really, Scarlett? Last night with Kolton and now Zachariah?

  “Father,” I stammered. “We were just saying goodnight.”

  I realized that didn’t make the situation look any better.

  Zachariah rose to stand beside me. He spoke calmly, with confidence. “Your Grace. We were just discussing the unfortunate occurrence that took place a couple weeks ago involving Endor. Lord Jack left for bed just a moment ago.” He always knew the right things to say in tense situations.

  Kolton looked at the floor, his expression dejected. Did he think Zachariah and I were more than friends? By now he probably thought it was customary for me to be caught alone in a dark room with unmarried men.

  “If I cannot be of further service, I will also retire,” said Zachariah. “Goodnight, Lady Scarlett.” He bowed respectfully, then strode to the door. “Goodnight, Your Grace. Sir Kolton.”

  Father and Kolton muttered their acknowledgement. Then they looked at me.

  My cheeks burned, and I wished I could disappear. “I am going to bed. I’ll see you both tomorrow.” I hurried out of the room, brushing Kolton’s shoulder as I passed him.

  CHAPTER 31

  The next morning Father allowed me to take Caleb out for a ride … without Sir Malachi. I knew he was hesitant, but Cordel convinced him I would be safe.

  I headed out in the cool autumn breeze, just me and my horse, and for the first time in a long while, I was at peace.

  When I returned, I found Kolton waiting for me in the courtyard. I dismounted and gave my horse to a stable boy.

  “Good morning,” I said to Kolton.

  “Good morning, my lady.” His expression was softer than the night before, but he still looked a bit down.

  “The weather is lovely this morning, isn’t it?”

  “It is. I just finished praying at the church, and I was going to leave for a walk.”

  Before considering, I said, “I’ll join you.”

  He looked a bit surprised, but he offered me his arm. As we walked through the village and talked, he warmed up to me, and I learned more about the humble boy from Rhineland. He had a way of looking at the world that intrigued me.

  We stopped walking when we reached the fountain in the plaza. Little children played noisily around us. I smiled at their innocent, excited faces. Thank God they were not harmed by Endor.

  After a few moments, I said. “Maybe we should head back. My father and brothers will be looking for me.”

  “I’m sure Duke Zachariah will want to know where you are.” He wouldn’t look me in the eye.

  “What do you mean?” I had to clear this up. “You think Zachariah wants to marry me?”

  “I’m sure your father would approve of that match.” Finally, he looked at me. Sadness shone in his eyes.

  “And you think I want to marry him?”

  “I wouldn’t be so bold, my lady.”

  I couldn’t help but smile. “Oh, Kolton. It isn’t like that. Zachariah, his brothers, and I have been friends for many years. They’re like brothers to me. Nothing more.”

  His lips parted. “So you’re not … in love with Duke Zachariah?”

  “No. My feelings for him are like that of a friend, and it will always be that way. I’m sorry you were confused.”

  A slight smile formed, and his expression relaxed. “Don’t be sorry. I shouldn’t have assumed anything.”

  We stood still, watching the water in the fountain.

  “Will you go back to Rhineland before you begin working for my father?” I asked.

  “I believe so. I’m going to escort my family home and gather some of my belongings.”

  “You’ll return soon, won’t you?”

  He smiled.

  I realized how eager I must have sounded. “I mean, I want to see your sisters again. They’re so sweet. They should come visit.” I tried not to smile, but it was nearly impossible.

  “Is there anyone else you’d like to see?” Kolton asked.

  “Hmm. Let me think …” I glanced up at him, and his expression became serious. “There is this one man. I believe he’s the son of the baron of Rhineland. And I would very much like to see him again.”

  Kolton reached for my hand and held it gently. “I want to see you again, too, my lady. And I look forward to sharing many adventures with you in the coming year.”

  The End

  About The Author

  Gabriella Catherine began writing her first book, Escape the Woods, when she was twelve years old. She created her fashion/lifestyle blog, called GabriellaCatherine, when she was fifteen, and strives to inspire others with her writing and her stories.

  She is currently in high school and lives in New England with her parents and five siblings. She works as a nanny and loves the babies she takes care of.

  Acknowledgements

  I’d like to start off by saying that this book would not have happened without God. I spent so many hours praying that my dream of becoming a published author would come true, and today I can finally say that it has. It wasn’t easy; there were days when I wanted to give up, and times when my entire book was deleted from my computer. If I had not looked to my faith in God, I don’t believe I would have had the strength to rewrite and keep on going.

  God answers prayers, and He certainly came through and provided the resources I needed to create and publish this book. For that I am so grateful.

  I want to thank my friends and family that prayed alongside me. So many of you read my first few drafts and offered the most encouraging words that motivated me to keep going and to chase after my passion, and you have also supported my blog from the very beginning. I’d specifically like to mention and thank Patrick and Brittany Teune for supporting and encouraging me throughout the years of writing the book. I love you guys and your family!

  Several of my characters were written based off of my closest friends, who have inspired me to write interesting characters. You know who you are – or maybe you don’
t! Either way, thank you.

  I’d like to thank my mom for being my teacher my whole life and teaching me basically everything I know about writing. You’ve supported me and my writing for years, have read so many scenes and drafts, and have offered valuable advice. You have also sat and listened to me brain storm plot ideas for hours, which I greatly appreciate.

  I want to thank my dad for being my tech person the past several years. You helped me build my website and have been my go-to when I needed help with anything on my computer or my blog.

  To my five siblings, Christian, Jake, Ellianna, Sadie, and Silas, who have each inspired characters in my book – you guys are all very inspirational. I don’t think I could have captured Scarlett’s relationship with her brothers without being inspired by my own relationships with my older brothers. So thank you to Christian, for being strong like Cordel, and to Jake, for being my friend and my Jack.

  I want to thank my amazing editors, Staci Troilo, Kit Duncan, and Abigail Wolfer. They were all very helpful and encouraged this young writer that my age didn’t matter and that I could, in fact, publish a book as a teenager.

  A huge thank you to my beta readers! They voluntarily read my book “before it was good” and offered amazing input and advice. Your help was and is very appreciated.

  Thank you to my amazing photographer and friend, Hannah Schutzius. This girl has put so many hours into shooting and editing my photos and videos for my blog and my social media, and I couldn’t do what I do without her.

  Next, I want to thank Ashley Emma for publishing my book, and encouraging me and answering many questions along the way. You told me not to let my age discourage me from publishing this book, and you made all of this possible. Thank you so much!

  And finally, thank you to everyone reading this book! Your support means everything to me. I am so incredibly grateful to be able to share my passion, and this story, with the world. I believe the best is yet to come, and cannot wait to see what else God has in store!

  Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise.

  -Hebrews 10:23