by Lily Thomas
She made her way over to the table, just as Lele departed.
“What did she want?” Elizabeth asked unable to hide her loathing tone.
Sarah shrugged. “Not much. She just wanted to let us know she wanted us gone. Well, she wants to have you gone more than anyone else. She says she has a claim to Stryme and you are in the way.”
Elizabeth stared at Sarah for a while in silence.
She felt a spark of anger, but pushed it down. It didn’t matter. She was about to leave anyways. She sat down at the table and forced herself to relax. Lele wanting her gone was nothing new. That woman would always want to get rid of her.
Sarah seemed less enthused about eating and more about discussing when they would make an attempt at leaving the castle.
“You know, I have been thinking. Maybe today isn't a good day to do it.”
Sarah's mouthed dropped. “And why would that be?”
“Well, think about it. How are we going to get me away, when he is still in the castle? We need him to leave, before we make a move. I am sure he will come looking for me, at some point.”
“He will leave. Don't worry about that.”
Now it was Elizabeth's turn to stare at Sarah. “And how do you know he will leave the castle?”
“I just do. Now eat some more. Who knows when you will be able to eat like this again.” That was not a question. It was a statement, and she was right.
This plan really hadn't been thought out well. Hopefully, she made it to Sardarn, before she starved to death. If they did make an escape today, who knew when she might eat.
For all they knew she could run into mountain cats. Then food wouldn’t matter, because she would become the food.
“I have asked around, and I have found out which horse is the swiftest.”
“Who did you ask?” Elizabeth said a little more high pitched than she had meant to. If Sarah spread this about, it might end up getting back to Stryme. Their plan would fail, before it had even begun.
“Lele. Who else? Like I said she is chopping at the bit to get you out of here. I highly doubt she will tell Stryme about our plan.” Sarah explained. “If helping us gets you out of her hair, she is happy to lie to Stryme.”
Lele was an ally of sorts then, as long as Elizabeth was trying to escape. Elizabeth shook her head. At least they had found a way for Lele to be useful instead of vengeful.
“While we wait for him to leave, what do we plan on doing?” Elizabeth asked.
Sarah seemed to have this all planned out. Too bad Sarah couldn’t be the one to go to Sardarn. She was the one who always had Elizabeth’s obligation on her mind. Sarah would have made a much better princess.
Sarah seemed to ponder the question, and then replied. “Act normal, I suppose. Try not to attract attention to ourselves until the time presents itself.”
Elizabeth grabbed a roll and bit into it. She ignored Sarah, as she continued to talk about how amazing it would be to get back to their home. Elizabeth wasn't sure she wanted to leave. There was so much she wanted to stay for.
And there was someone she wanted to remain with, to grow with, and if he was willing to, have a life with.
Stryme woke and rolled over to pull a pillow into his arms. His eyes cracked open to stare dumbly at the pillow before him.
Where was Elizabeth? Her spot on the bed was ice cold, so he knew she must have been gone for quite some time now. Perhaps she had grown hungry and hadn't been able to wait for him to wake.
He would have to apologize to her. In his attempt at showing he wasn't weak or old he had over taxed himself. Which had probably proved the opposite.
With great haste, he dressed. After strapping his swords to his clothing, he made his way down to the great hall.
He was pleased to see his people having a great time with eating and talking, but his eyes searched for one person in particular among the crowd.
There she was.
Elizabeth was sitting across from Sarah. He had to admit he had never been too interested in learning about this Sarah or any of the other girls. The only human to catch his attention was Elizabeth.
Stryme started to make his way over to where they were sitting, when Lele popped up right in front of him. He tried brushing past her, but she grabbed onto his arm. Her nails dug into his skin, preventing him from leaving her presence without leaving some of his skin behind.
“What do you need this morning, Lele?” He asked unable to mask his irritation. She was preventing him from getting to the one female he wanted to be beside.
Someday he would have to figure out a permanent way to let Lele know he wasn't interested and never would be. So far he had been unable to get through to her. There was no connection between them. Stryme could never imagine tying himself down with this female or having children with her.
He was only just able to contain a shudder, at the thought of bedding Lele.
“I have heard word of a farmer who is having trouble with mountain cats.” She batted her eyelashes at him.
He sighed and gave her his full attention. His little female would have to wait. Matters that dealt with his people had to come before her, even if they might be falsified.
“Explain.” He said shortly. Disappointment soared through him that he wouldn't be able to spend a relaxing morning next to Elizabeth.
“Well, you see I was at the market this morning.”
Already he could see his mistake. She was going to talk his ear off.
“And the farmer mentioned to one of the stall owners about how the mountain cats were starting to pick off his animals one by one. The farmer makes all of his money with these animals, you see. He has nothing else to help support his family. And as I know you are so invested in our people, I thought I might help out by informing you of his troubles.”
“And you are concerned about his welfare?” Stryme couldn't see her looking out for anyone else, unless it suited her as well.
Lele shrugged her shoulders. “I care about you and you care about the people.” She smiled up at him. “I want to prove I would be a great asset by your side.”
His eyes narrowed.
She had to be up to something. Problem was he didn't know what her motive was. Stryme was certain that at some point it would come to light, and he probably wouldn't like it. Nothing that had to do with Lele pleased him.
Stryme tried to pass by Lele again.
“Stryme!” She took a firmer grip on his arm. “Surely, you intend to go today? Think of that poor farmer.”
“Why isn't he here to ask me himself?”
“He has a family to take care of and livestock to defend. He hadn't the time to wait for a meeting with you. He entrusted me to pass it along, since I said I would see you. I promised him I would tell you. You have to believe me.”
He had an obligation to at least check it out and see if it was true. There was a small chance she might be telling the truth.
With a sigh and a quick glance in Elizabeth’s direction, he made his way through the great hall to the courtyard. Better to get it over with quickly.
Keylz was on his way up the stairs, when Stryme came out.
“Come with me. We have somewhere to visit today. Actually, gather some more warriors and tell them to pack for a trip to a farmer's house.”
“A farmer's house?” Keylz asked in puzzlement.
“Yes, it seems there is a farmer that’s need of our assistance. He’s been having trouble with mountain cats killing his livestock off.”
“Did he come to request your help?”
Stryme shook his head. “Lele told me of his need.”
“You trust her all of a sudden?” Keylz asked raising an eyebrow. Clearly, he wasn’t inclined to believe Lele either.
“Never, but if it is true, I have a duty to check.”
“I can go with the warriors and you can stay here.” Keylz offered.
“No.” Stryme shook his head. “I couldn't do that. I over see as many of these issues as I can. I
don't want the farmer to think a human holds more of my attention than a fellow giant.”
With a nod of understanding, Keylz went to round up some warriors.
While he did that, Stryme went to the stables to get his horse ready for the journey. This was going to be a long trip, and he wanted to get it over with as soon as possible.
Elizabeth looked around the great hall. Stryme had yet to show up, and she was wondering how long he could possibly sleep in. Surely, he had some duty or another he would have to attend today.
“I think I will go check on Stryme. He has yet to appear this morning.” She started to rise from her seat.
Sarah frowned. “Why would you feel compelled to check on him? He probably wouldn't return the favor.”
“Don't we want him to leave the castle, so we can make this attempt at an escape?”
“Keep your voice down.” Sarah glanced at the fire giants around them to make sure none of them had heard Elizabeth. “Besides I just saw him leave the hall.” Sarah said as if she hadn't wanted to admit it.
“He left?” Elizabeth couldn't believe he hadn't even said anything to her. A little piece of her heart felt sore. She felt wounded that he hadn't even said good morning to her. She knew she shouldn't feel this way. She was the one about to break their trust, but she was still upset.
“Once he has gone far enough away, Lele will let us know. Then we can make your escape.” Sarah whispered to Elizabeth across the wooden table.
Elizabeth only nodded. She needed to concentrate on their escape. This was going to be tricky, even with an inside person.
“Maybe I should pack a small bag.”
Sarah shook her head. “That would make them suspicious. If anyone saw you, it would be hard to explain it away. When he can't find you, it would be best for people not to have seen you with a bag. Then he will just think you are somewhere in the castle. It will give you more time, if no one knows any information other than seeing you here in the great hall.”
“How about a bag that could fit under my clothing? It just needs to hold a little dried meat. The journey is going to be long, and I will have nothing to eat, until I arrive in Sardarn. Assuming I don't get myself lost on this foolish journey.”
With pursed lips, Sarah thought about it. “I suppose that would work. You will just need to make sure no one sees you though. It would be horrible, if we couldn't even get you away from the castle before being caught.”
Elizabeth smiled at Sarah and nodded. “Do you think you can talk to Lele and ask her to get us a small bag of dried meats? If someone sees her packing food, they won’t care. I would ask, but I highly doubt she will even give what I say a second thought. You two seem to be on talking terms though.”
“She would like you more, if you weren't sleeping in Stryme's room every night.” Sarah seemed to be hinting she would enjoy it as well, but Elizabeth ignored her. “Though, she won't have to worry about that after today, if all goes well.”
“It’s a badly thought up plan. Lele might not want to get her hopes up quite yet.”
“I’m hoping you make it into a good plan by reaching the kingdom.” A dreamy look entered Sarah's eyes. She was dreaming of being among their people once again.
Elizabeth had seen that light enter many of the young women’s eyes. They all just wanted to be returned home so they could forget this. Yet Elizabeth wanted the opposite. She wanted to forget her life as a princess and stay here with Stryme.
Elizabeth walked around the table and hugged her dear friend. Though they didn't really understand each other at this moment in time, Sarah was still her friend. When she finally released Sarah from the hug, she saw Kiyla approaching them.
“Good morning, Elizabeth.” Kiyla nodded to the both of them. “Good morning, Sarah.”
“Hello, Kiyla.” Elizabeth said with a genuine smile. Kiyla had become a sort of friend, while she had been here.
“I’m glad I caught the both of you. I was thinking that if you had nothing else you wanted to do today I would take you to see the market with me.”
“I’m sorry. Sarah and I were thinking of staying in today, but I thank you for the offer.”
“Actually, that sounds like a great idea.” Sarah interjected, before Elizabeth could say anymore.
“It does?” Elizabeth looked at Sarah in confusion.
She was shocked Sarah would want to go into the giant town. Weren't they trying to escape? How would they do that if they went into town with Kiyla? Elizabeth was sure Kiyla would keep an eye on them at all times.
“Do you not wish to go, Elizabeth?” Kiyla asked seeming just as surprised that Sarah would want to and Elizabeth wouldn't.
“No. I’d love to see more of the town. I just didn't think Sarah wanted to do anything. I had thought we were planning on staying in the castle and exploring around here.” Elizabeth faced Sarah, so Kiyla wouldn't see her as she raised an eyebrow in question.
“I’m more than delighted to change my plans. Besides some fresh air will do us good. I know you would hate me for making you miss this opportunity.” Sarah smiled at Kiyla causing Elizabeth to frown in puzzlement.
“Then we are decided?” Kiyla looked between the both of them.
Elizabeth shrugged. “I suppose we are ready to go and to my great surprise Sarah would like to go as well.”
What was Sarah planning now?
“Then let us get going so we have the whole day to visit the market.” Kiyla said excitement lacing her voice. “The market we have has so many stalls, it can take a full day to look around.”
Kiyla led the way out to the courtyard where horses had already been readied.
“You knew we would come with you?”
“I assumed you would have nothing else to do, since you’re a captive of our king.” Kiyla tossed over her shoulder.
Elizabeth and Sarah stood next to their horses wondering how they would ever be able to mount up. The stirrup was about level with their faces. There was no way either of them would be able to get their foot into the stirrup, without some help.
“I think I might need assistance getting on the horse.”
Kiyla laughed. With a quick command, two guards came to give them a boost onto the saddle.
Elizabeth sucked in a breath, when she got up on the back of her horse. “Definitely larger than a human horse.” She muttered to herself, as a jitter fluttered through her stomach. If she fell off this horse, she was sure to break something.
And now she didn’t have Stryme sitting behind her to prevent her from falling right off.
“You will get used to it, as you ride them more often.” Kiyla smiled kindly at Elizabeth.
There would be no more riding giant horses, if things went well today, Elizabeth thought to herself.
Once mounted up, they made their way to town. Elizabeth found some comfort in the sound of the horse's hooves beating out a rhythm against the ground. It calmed her from her racing thoughts. She had so many doubts about their plan and it seemed as though Sarah had just thrown in a pretty big obstacle.
Elizabeth gaped at all the shops and everything the traders had laid out for sale. The village that surrounded her castle also had little markets like this. It was amazing to see even more similarities between their people.
Kiyla stopped and waited for them to pull up beside her. She tossed each of them a bag, which made a clinking noise as it landed in each of their hands.
Elizabeth opened the tie to take a peak into the leather bag. It was filled with gold coins.
“What is this for?” Sarah asked of Kiyla, when she was finally able to pull her eyes off the gold coins.
“Stryme wanted you to have them so he would know you could enjoy yourselves, since I told him of my plan to take you to the market today. He thought it was a splendid plan, but found himself unable to accompany us.”
“How generous of him.” Elizabeth stared down at all the gold coins in the bag. He wasn't a nasty man, no matter what other people thought about f
ire giants. He just didn't understand why she had to leave so badly.
She would have told him, but she knew he wouldn't want to let her go to another man. A man she would marry. She was able to see he was a man who wouldn’t be willing to share what was he thought was his.
She looked over at Sarah, pain showing clear on her face.
Sarah whispered to her. “You have to go through with this.”
Elizabeth grimace, but nodded her head in understanding. Her obligation would never stop calling.
They followed Kiyla further into the market, while Elizabeth's decision weighed heavily on her shoulders.
At one point during their trip, Kiyla dismounted to go look at a stall. Which allowed Elizabeth and Sarah a moment to talk without their conversation accidentally being over heard.
“I thought you wanted me to escape. Why did you have us agree to come to the market?” Elizabeth asked bewildered.
Sarah smiled. “What are we on?”
“Horses.” After a moment, realization dawned in Elizabeth's sapphire eyes. “Now we don't have to figure out how to get a horse. How will I get away with Kiyla watching us though?”
Sarah was surprising Elizabeth with how tricky she was becoming.
“We will shop with her for a while longer, and then you will say you are tired. You will pretend to want to go back to the castle. It will work, if we play it correctly.” Confidence shone in Sarah’s eyes. “I’m sure, we can do this.”
Elizabeth just shook her head in amazement at Sarah. She could be right. If they played this well, then it might just work. Her heart pinched a little, as she thought about leaving Stryme.
They had spent well over a few hours shopping in the different stalls, when Sarah elbowed Elizabeth in the ribs. She nodded her head in the direction of Kiyla.
It was time for her to pretend to be exhausted and want to go back to the castle.
Hopefully, Sarah's plan would work or they would have to think of something else to get Elizabeth a horse.
“Kiyla!” Elizabeth called out.
Elizabeth had never seen such an enthusiastic shopper in her life. Kiyla seemed like she could go all day. She hadn’t even stopped for a break yet.
