Layla

by Lacie Perry Parker

  Chapter 7

  I sat in front of the blazing fire. Red, yellow and orange flames danced everywhere, and even threatened to jump onto my dress. I reached into my pocket, to keep my hands warm. I playfully stirred up the insides, and I felt something abnormal, out of place; soft, smooth, and long. I pulled it out, and instantly a white toothed smile flashed at everyone. Feathers! The Colies feathers had fallen into my pocket! I hadn't even given a thought to what I was to bring home to father, but maybe it was best that I hadn't. I would have worried myself to death. Although a step down from a glass eye, feathers would do the job perfectly.

  Finding the feathers prompted me to tell the knights my story, although the version for them was a bit altered. But not much, for it was a great adventure. Something worth putting into words, to tell children before bedtime. At least I thought so.

  When I showed them the feathers, some of them shuddered. Brye explained in my ear that previous experiences with Colies caused some of the men to heave a sigh. I nodded and returned the feathers to my pocket. After they were out of sight, a handful of them gave me a relieved and thankful look. Something made me smile, and I turned to Brye. His jaw was set, but his eyes were all glittery.

  "Have you enjoyed yourself?" He asked. "Fighting off Colies and losing dear friends can be very pleasurable." Sarcasm bit his tone.

  "Oh yes," I replied with equal sarcasm. My eyes glazed over as they zoned in on the stars. "I've thought about coming back next week." I tried not to let the sadness of my situation drown out in my words.

  Then a real question arose in my throat. "How long do you suppose it will take me to reach the castle? I have surprised myself at how eager I am to get home."

  I watched Brye as he thought a bit. His fingers were clasped firmly around his half-full chrome goblet, his eyes fixed on me. Then words emerged from his mouth.

  "Nine or ten days. Depends on how fast you push yourself. You could make it there in half the time if you came with us," a sly grin perforated itself into his lips.

  I shook my head. "I would rather arrive there alone, alone and triumphant. I imagine that would be the most impressive thing for me to do," I said wearily. Tiredness had won the battle. "That's what I had thought. Nine or ten days. Give or take."

  Brye grinned again as his eyes silently said, "Oh, sure." He stood up and stretched. He yawned, which made me yawn. "Why don't you get some rest? I expect you to push yourself hard enough to get there in two days!" He smiled playfully, but sleepily.

  I nodded and headed off for my bedroll. Despite how tired I was, sleep would not come easily. Not for someone who had just lost a dear, true friend.