Dreamscape: Saving Alex

by Kirstin Pulioff

  “Over here,” he said, pulling my attention away from the field. “This is your tent. I hope you don’t mind that I had them set it up for you. It’s not much, but it should have everything you need. And if anything is missing, just come find me. I’m right next to you.”

  “Thanks,” I said, hoping my face didn’t look as red as it felt.

  “It’s nothing. I just figured after everything…” His voice trailed off.

  When I looked up, he was staring behind me with an excited grin. I turned to look, and my stomach dropped. Three heavily armored men walked towards us. Their armored breastplates swung in sync with the weapons hanging from their sides.

  “I want you to meet the generals.” He waved the men over and pulled the package of papers we had stolen from Baron Marix out of his vest pocket.

  “Generals,” he said, warmly clasping hands with the tallest of the armored men. “It’s been too long.”

  “Well worth the wait,” the general said, nodding at me. “Is this who I think it is?”

  “Yes. Generals Amos, Tanner, and Gerding, please meet Alex, our Golden Hero.”

  “My lady,” General Amos said, kneeling and lowering his head. “It’s an honor.”

  The other men followed suit, their armor clanking as their knees hit the ground.

  I spared a quick glance at Arrow. A slight grin quivered on the edge of his lips.

  “Please don’t. It’s my pleasure.” I reached forward and grasped General Amos’ hand, blushing as each man took a turn kissing the back of my knuckles.

  “Now that that’s taken care of,” Arrow said, “General Tanner, has there been any news from the north?”

  “There have been rumblings from everywhere, not just the north. You’ve heard the rumors?”

  “They’re not rumors,” Arrow replied, his lips tight.

  “I’m so sorry. I was afraid of that,” General Tanner said. “We have another issue too. We’ve heard from more than one group that the money didn’t reach their targets.”

  I gasped at his words and covered my mouth. Could he be talking about the boxes I’d taken?

  “That problem’s been solved. It was all a misunderstanding. Everything’s in place now,” Arrow said.

  “Are you sure?” the larger man asked, rubbing his forehead. “We can’t have many more mishaps.”

  “Amos, don’t worry. Everything’s in place.”

  “But the word from the north says Berkos is on the move,” Amos said.

  “Then we have nothing to worry about. We’re ready. For the first time in five years, I feel we have an honest chance.”

  General Gerding smiled and patted him on the back. “We never doubted you, Prince Atiro. We knew you’d find her and bring her here.”

  “Prince?” I whispered, jerking my gaze to Arrow.

  Arrow shifted his weight to his left leg as he looked at me. “I can explain. I didn’t—”

  Prince...my mind rolled over that thought until my voice found something to say. “Didn’t what? Why would you keep that a secret?”

  “Does it matter?” he asked, searching my face.

  “Well, no,” I said, wanting to scream ‘yes!’ I couldn’t help but think of all the things I had said, all of my stubborn outbursts. Humiliation didn’t even begin to describe the feelings rushing through me. I wanted to hide.

  “I told you they’d had my brother. That was all that mattered,” he said.

  “You never said he was a prince,” I countered in disbelief. Was he really trying to downplay this?

  “The king, actually. He and Queen Elin ruled the kingdom together before Berkos imprisoned them.”

  “King?” I squeaked. “Didn’t you think I needed to know?” General Amos coughed.

  Arrow glanced over at the generals and rubbed the back of his neck before looking back at me. “Well, now you do. Alex, we’ll have to finish this later. Men, let’s go over the details in my tent.”

  The generals nodded and followed Arrow down the dusty path.

  “Now I know...” I mumbled, watching the dust settle behind them. I stumbled to my tent in a daze, securing the tent flap behind me and leaning against the pole, throwing my head back. “Now I know…”

  Who was I kidding? I knew nothing.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  A prince? The thought left me stunned and sick at the same time. I sat down on the cot at the far end of the tent, trying to articulate what bothered me most. Was it that he hadn’t told me? There were plenty of secrets I had kept from him. I could hardly hold something against him when I was just as guilty of it. So if it wasn’t that, what was the issue?

  I took off the green hat and twirled it around a finger. Deep down, I knew what the problem was, and I hated to admit it. Here I was again, attracted to a guy completely out of my league. After Brian, I swore I wouldn’t do it again, but I couldn’t deny that I was falling for Arrow.

  It was bad enough that he was so good-looking, but a prince too? If he were a warrior, like I’d thought, I could deal with that. There were plenty of cute football players at home. Even if he were a builder or a tradesman, I could wrap my mind around it. But a prince? That was beyond me. I wasn’t some princess or damsel in distress for him to rescue. Not even close.

  I threw my hat behind me and ran my fingers through my hair, jerking through each tangle faster and faster, until the luster of my hair shone. A quick glance in the mirror told me not to stop. I didn’t recognize the girl staring back at me.

  Deep lines circled my eyes, and my freckles hid under a layer of dirt. My clothes, frayed from the journey, looked exactly like I felt. Faded and broken. I was tired of feeling inadequate. It was time to change. First, I needed out of the costume.

  I unhooked the dagger from my belt and shook myself out of the tunic. It dropped with a thud by my feet. I kicked it under a table with my foot and took a closer look at my leggings. Ripped at the knees and dotted with holes along the shins, they weren’t worth trying to save. The dagger sliced easily through the thin fabric. I cringed as I peeled the pants off, wincing as they clung to old wounds.

  As I stood there in nothing but my torn white shirt, I still didn’t recognize myself. I wondered if I ever would again. The girl from home and the girl who entered the dark forest were mere shadows of who I was now. Tears slid down my cheek, but it took too much energy to stop them.

  My vision blurred, and my gaze strayed around the room. Arrow had been right. Everything I could’ve ever needed was here. The table beside me held a full basin of water and lavender oil soap, and next to it sat a stack of green and gold fabric.

  When I reached for it, the fabric slid across my hands, luxuriously soft in a way the first set was not. Golden thread work detailed the deep collar on the tunic and the hem of the leggings. My mom always said that clothes made a person. It turned out that she was half-right. My first outfit was nothing more than a costume, perfect for dress-up. But this one was different. It felt right, and I was ready to wear it…when I was clean. I rubbed out a smudge from below the delicate trim and put it back on the table where I’d found it, grabbing a cloth from the edge of the basin.

  A strange satisfaction rolled over me as the water darkened. I scrubbed, watching the suds clear a path across my face. My freckles peeked out, and I smiled. I scrubbed until my face and arms were raw.

  The clothes felt as luxurious on me as they had between my fingers. The smooth silk slid over my body, and the golden threads glittered in the mirror’s reflection. I still didn’t know who looked back at me: Alex or the Golden Hero, or some magical blend of the two. It didn’t matter.

  I grabbed two oranges and a couple of rolls off a silver tray and peeked out the tent door. Did Arrow remember that was the first thing he’d offered to me, or was it a coincidence? It had to be coincidental. I peeled and bit into one of the oranges before my doubts could sour the sweetness.

  The Grove continued along its frenzied pace. People walked by with loads of armor, and kids giggled
as they chased each other on the field. Everyone had a place to be or a job to do. The ebb and flow of their movements and the soft rustling of the branches above me lulled me into a hypnotic state.

  The moment of peace surprised me. I hadn’t felt such calm since arriving in Lockhorn, and I refused to squander it. For the first time, nothing—not my parents, not the game—dictated what I needed to do. I could sleep, I could explore, I could do anything. The possibilities rattled in my head. What to do first?

  I peeled the second orange and looked up at the trees. As rickety as the bridge was, I wanted to cross it again. I finished the orange and let the tent flap close behind me. It felt good to have a plan of my own making.

  I jumped into the crowd, weaving a way through the rowdy kids and around the busy shopkeepers, barely missing a larger man as he stopped in front of me with a wooden barrel.

  “I’m so sorry,” I said as I passed him. His back tensed as he released the barrel and stood up.

  His demeanor changed the moment he saw me. His anger melted into an apologetic gesture. “No, my lady, it’s my fault,” he said, waving me along. “I’ll keep better watch next time.”

  I stared at him, puzzled at the sudden change.

  He bit his lip and covered his heart with his hat, timidly approaching me. “If it’s not too much, my lady, may I ask a favor?”

  “Of course,” I said.

  “When it’s time to go, can I ride alongside you?”

  “When it’s time?” I asked, confused.

  “When it’s time to ride, I’d be honored to be by your side.”

  I nodded. “Yeah, of course. If it’s up to me, I’d be honored to have someone of your strength with me.” His smile stretched his face, and he beamed with childlike enthusiasm.

  “Thank you, thank you, my lady,” he said, bowing as he walked away.

  This hero thing amused me. It still didn’t make much sense, but I supposed if my life had been devastated like theirs, retribution would be my main focus too, and I’d embrace anyone I thought could help. Luckily for me, it wasn’t, and my focus still remained on that bridge, dangling at the far end of the path.

  I bounded past the edge of the training field, noticing how one end had been commandeered for wagon repair. It was hard to miss Boris’s loud laugh as he swiped the wagons with dark green paint. Trilling around his loud bursts of laughter, softer giggles drifted towards me. I covered my mouth when I saw their source.

  Three girls ran around the wagon, dragging braided vines behind them. They wore smiles and new dresses, and I almost didn’t recognize them. Almost. The bruises and scars on their arms told a story their smiles couldn’t hide.

  “That’s not what I meant, and you know it,” a voice boomed behind me.

  I spun around. “Arrow?”

  “Prince Atiro, wait!” General Amos yelled, running onto the path behind him. “There’s still much to discuss.” He stopped and crossed his arms.

  “There’s nothing more to discuss. I’ve given my orders.” Arrow’s words rang clear on the quieted path.

  General Amos scowled and threw his arms up in frustration before turning back towards his tent.

  Arrow’s eyes hid beneath his dark hair, but I could see the scowl in his tightened jawline. I looked up at the bridge and sighed. That could wait.

  “Arrow, wait up,” I yelled, racing back across the street towards him and the training field.

  The path cleared before him as he jumped over the hay bales surrounding the field. Men and women scattered to the outer edges, and the group painting wagons at the other end stopped to watch, leaning against the hay and propping themselves atop wooden barrels.

  Arrow’s anger transformed into focus. He grabbed the closest bow and pointed down the field. Even without a posted target, his arrow flew straight. One after the other, blinding shafts of color flew through the air, toppling the highest bale with the arrow’s force. He seamlessly turned and focused on the second target, knocking it over with the same accuracy and speed. And then the next, until all the targets were turned over.

  The crowd grew until the entire outer edge overflowed with spectators watching him annihilate his targets. Everyone wanted to see their leader in action. I leaned against the closest hay bale and bit my cheek. Stray strands of hay poked into me. Without thinking, I pulled them out and braided the edges, holding my breath and watching as General Tanner stepped out onto the field.

  I half-expected him to instigate an argument like General Amos had, but he surprised me by embracing Arrow and taking hold of the bow. The sun glinted off his armor as the targets were restacked.

  “Tell me, which arrow is the right one?” he asked, smiling at Arrow.

  Arrow stepped back and leaned against the hay stacks. An amused grin lit up his face.

  “Do we want the strong and silent type?” he asked, holding up a black-shafted arrow. “Or perhaps something a bit more whimsical and fun?” He picked up a red one. “Hmm, I’m still not sure. Maybe this one?” he asked, offering up a green one.

  The crowd yelled out all three colors. General Tanner waffled between his choices until Arrow shook his head in laughter. “Choose the green,” he said.

  “There’s only one arrow I trust,” a woman’s voice purred.

  The crowd hushed for a moment, and then burst into louder yells.

  “And what Melody wants, Melody gets,” General Tanner announced to the crowd’s delight.

  I looked around for the mystery woman who called for Arrow’s attention, disappointed when she remained hidden. I tried to ignore the pit that opened up inside me as another layer of insecurity hit. I hadn’t thought about anyone else being interested in him.

  “I think we can all agree, we want an arrow strong and true.” General Tanner fit the green-shafted arrow into the bow. Methodical and precise, he let go, and the arrow sliced through the air, hitting its target. “Right on target. What do I get?” he asked and pulled a woman from the edge of the crowd, planting a kiss on her cheek.

  “Oh, General Tanner,” she said, covering her chest theatrically. As she stood, she brushed dark waves of hair out of her eyes. The deep blue of her vest accentuated her eyes and the mischievous twinkle that grew in them when she laughed. The tone of her voice entranced me. No wonder they called her Melody—she sounded like liquid music.

  I narrowed my gaze, trying to find an imperfection, but could see none.

  “Right,” he said with a laugh, setting her down. “Maybe my charm will work on another woman. Anyone else willing to bolster this general’s ego?”

  Melody laughed. “When you put it that way, how could anyone resist? How about I give you a challenge instead?”

  General Tanner raised an eyebrow. “I like challenges. What’d you have in mind, sweet lady?”

  “Just a simple challenge of skill.”

  “No one can best you with the bow.” He bowed.

  “No one can best me at anything,” she retorted. “But a brave man tries…if the reward is worth it.”

  “And what are you offering, sweet lady?” He leaned towards her.

  “Something of value, of course, good sir. How about the winner gets a date?” She licked her lips.

  His eyes lit up. “You have a deal, my lady. After you.” He bowed as she strutted forward.

  If anyone had missed the earlier exchanges, they were here now. Even General Amos stood at the edge, towering over the crowd.

  Melody paraded forward, using the crowd to her advantage. They whistled at her indecision as she stroked three different shafts before choosing a red one. “One can never be too hasty,” she purred.

  The crowd murmured their agreement.

  She pricked the tip of the arrow as she walked to the middle of the ground and licked the tip of her finger. General Tanner leaned against Arrow, practically drooling over her performance. Her outfit looked like Arrow’s, except for the sharply angled cut on the vest and the way her leather pants clung to her curves. The bright blue vest
caught the fading sunlight, sending a shadow of feathers and a flutter of light in all directions. I gasped at the selection of knives sheathed around her vest. She wasn’t one to mess with.

  I found myself splitting my gaze between Melody and Arrow. He seemed amused at her performance; a slight smile played on the edge of his lips. I couldn’t blame him. She had a way of commanding attention. The lump in my throat grew. If I didn’t think I stood a chance with him as a prince, I knew I didn’t stand a chance against her.

  “General Tanner, are you sure you don’t want to shoot with me?” she asked with a sideways glance as she placed the arrow in her bow. “It gets lonely out here by myself.”

  “It’s a difficult choice, my lady. It’s a joy to watch you prepare…but, alas, I am compelled to answer your every request.”

  “Thatta boy,” she said as he jumped into position beside her.

  The crowd grew silent.

  “On my count,” she said, turning her attention to the stacked hay at the end of the field. “Three, two, one,” she said, releasing the bowstring. Both arrows whooshed across the field, striking the targets. Only one penetrated the inner circle.

  General Tanner bowed in defeat, wrapping one arm around his stomach and outstretching the other towards her. “As usual, I defer to your talents.”

  “One of these days you’ll get the best of me, good sir. I have faith in you.” She patted him on the back before turning her gaze to the crowd. “Now, for my prize.”

  “A date, I believe, is what you requested,” Tanner said, adjusting his armor.

  “Yes, a date. But not with you, dear boy,” she said, patting him on the chest.

  He stumbled back, his lower lip pouting, hand draped over his chest like he had been hit, until he ran into the stacked hay bales. A deflated expression filled his face.