Sorry for the late update everyone D= As an apology for its tardiness, my friend's chapter will be extra long. For those of you wondering why I am post my friend's chapter, it's 'cuz she's a lazy bum .
"Amber, get up! It's almost noon," a voice chided, pulling the covers off.
Amber groaned and turned; keeping her eyes tightly shut and redrew her covers over her face.
The plump girl standing over the bed pursed her lips and crossed her arms.
"Amber…" she said warningly.
"Ten more minutes Amy," came the muffled reply.
"No! You have work to do," Amy said crossly. With one huge effort, she grabbed the covers and tugged, exposing the sleeping girl sprawled beneath. The girl was tall and lean, her mouth slightly ajar.
Amber sighed and finally sat up, her long curly brown hair as wild as a thorn bush, rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and finally opened them. Dark golden eyes peered blearily up at Amy and as always it was while before Amy could look away.
"What work is it now?" Amber grumbled, pulling on leather top and skirt decorated with small strands of eagle feathers and symbols of luck sewn into its edges.
"The mistress wants us to order food and send the last invites for the feast tonight," Amy replied watching Amber put on her boots. Finally done, Amber attempted to tame her hair, tying the sides back with a ribbon.
"She should do it herself," Amber muttered as she followed Amy out the door.
"Amber! She's the mistress and she is kind to us," Amy looked horrified.
Amber smiled crookedly and slapped Amy on the back making her wince.
"Cheer up Amy, I know…I know, it was a joke," Amber sighed. And she did know of the kindness the mistress had shown to them when she took them into her care after finding them half starved in the orphanage.
The girls started for the village, the sun beating hot upon their backs. They crossed a small creek; its water so clear that one can easily see the fish that swam lazily beneath and walked through a meadow where the grass reached their waist and rippled like the waves with the passing of the wind.
It was the afternoon before they finally reached the village with its lively stands and crowded roads.
"I'll order the food?" Amber asked. Amy nodded and disappeared down a narrow street.
"Excuse me," Amber mumbled as she pushed through the hoards of people and trying her best not to get run over by the carts that rumbled past. The people around her caught sight of her eyes and moved away, making gestures to ward off evil. She sighed. She was used to such responses; it was almost unheard of in their region to have eyes like hers. At least I have enough room to walk now she thought with dark humor.
She finally walked into a small building and blinked, adjusting to her dim surroundings.
"Hello there, what does Mistress Kalika wish from me today?" The man asked, smiling at her. His hair was beginning to gray and his stormy colored eyes twinkled.
"The Mistress's feast is today, Mr. Hensan " Amber reminded him with a returning smile. She liked him for he was the only one who would treat her normally.
"Ah yes! The feast, I will be there," He exclaimed, turning back to his work. He waved for Amber to come closer.
"What is it?" Amber asked curiously as she examined the small round globe resting on the table.
"A globe," Mr. Hensan answered proudly.
"I suppose it is," Amber returned, rolling her eyes, "But does it do anything?"
"Well yes," Mr. Hensan sounded generally surprised, "Look here."
He rubbed his hands eagerly like a small boy and his eyes practically sparkled as he bounced the globe in his hand and turned it over.
"You see the small hole here?" He asked. He carefully pulled at the globe and the bottom fell into his palm. Amber watched, fascinated, as he lit a match and poked it into the hole before pulling it out; the sphere now shone resplendently.
"Is it magic?" Amber gasped.
"No no, magic does not exist here." Mr. Hensan sounded amused. He placed the globe into her palm and closed her fingers around it. Amber looked up at him with surprise.
"Keep it, I can always make more," He said guiding her out, "It will go out after a while but you can always relight it. Just remember to wax the inside every month or so."
"Thank you,"
"I know it's a small thing but perhaps it will come in handy one day," Mr. Hensan said with a shrug.
Amber peeked at the globe every once in a while as she looked for Amy. Her heart felt warm for the first time in many days. It was also the first time that someone had given her a gift. Perhaps her parents did when she was young but she could no longer remember their faces. The memories of her childhood were like broken glass, only fragments remain, a shadow…fire.
"Amber, here!"
Amber looked around and grinned when she caught sight of Amy waiting for her by the side of the road.
"Did something happen?" Amy asked shrewdly noticing her improved mood as they started their way back.
"Nothing much,"
"Of course not," Amy replied drily, but she did not push the subject.
"Have you done everything you were asked?" Mistress Kalika asked when they returned, her voice musical.
"Yes mistress," They replied and bowed their heads.
"Good! Get ready for the feast then," She said approvingly, her delicate red lips curved upward in what seemed like a smile.
Always glad to please Mistress Kalika, Amy beamed. As Amy turned to leave, Amber saw Mistress Kalika look after Amy tenderly.
She saw Amber's gaze but quickly looked away. Amber's smile slipped. Despite all these years, it still hurt Amber that Mistress Kalika could not treat her as she did Amy.
The sky had darkened when the first guests began to arrive. The crickets had begun to sing and the trees were only shadows in the distance. Lanterns were hung around the house and they bathed the garden in a soft warm glow.
Amber squinted into the darkness, attempting to catch sight of Mr. Hensan's cart. The Mistress had sent her to fetch the food and bring it to the kitchen.
She saw a faint light bobbling closer and sprinted toward it.
"Mr. Hensan! Do you need any help?" She called as she approached. Silence answered her question. Amber stopped and peered closely at the approaching cart. It looked almost the same as Mr. Hensan's cart except for the strange symbol carved on its side and she realized that a black stallion pulled it.
The darkness seemed to shift and Amber realized that a driver was sitting in the front. He was shrouded in a black coat that had enabled him to blend in with the night. The light from the cart fell on him, his face seemed withered and the shadows that danced on his features only exaggerated it. Her eyes were drawn to his waist where a wickedly curved dagger hung. He caught her look and sneered, his eyes merciless.
"I'm sorry, I was-" Amber started but the look the driver gave her cut off her words. She felt the hairs on the back of her neck prickle uncomfortably.
"Are you one of Mistress Kalika's?" He asked her in a gravelly voice.
"Yes I am," She replied. His eyes ran over her and she felt uncomfortable under his gaze.
"Amber!" A voice yelled from behind. She turned; glad to see Mr. Hensan with his donkey carrying what seemed to be sacks loaded with food.
"Come and give me a hand with these, it's heavy you know," Mr. Hensan continued, not taking his eyes off the stranger she had talked to. The stranger hmphed and Amber saw dislike flicker across his face.
"Fancy meeting you here Hensan,"
"It's been a while hasn't it?" Mr. Hensan answered shortly.
The man merely snorted and urged his horse faster in response, leaving behind a flurry of dust.
"He wasn't bothering you was he?" Mr. Hensan asked, looking after the stranger expressionlessly.
"I suppose not," She said, unsure. For some reason she had a bad feeling about the man.
Mr. Hensan raised his eyebrows and opened his mouth to speak but shook his head instead.
"Since you have nothing to do you should help me with the food, Ulgran here is getting tired," He finally said, patting the donkey fondly.
"That was what I was going to do," Amber retorted and helped to unload as they approached the house. She noted the stranger's cart. Interesting, he's here for the feast as well, she thought to herself.
She picked up the first sack, almost dropping it, unprepared for the weight.
"What is in here? Rocks?" She grunted with effort.
Mr. Hensan grinned broadly as he tossed the rest of the bags to the ground with ease.
Amber half carried and half dragged the bags to the kitchen, dodging the bustling cooks.
She finally completed her task and resigned herself to spend the night in relaxation. Like other feasts, most people avoided her, but Amber was content to spend the night with Amy who welcomed her company. They chatted and watched the guests glide around the large ballroom. But Amber was always aware of the unwavering stare of the stranger from before. Whenever she looked at him, he would turn his face away but she knew that as soon as she turned her back, his eyes would be on her again.
"Who is that man that keeps on looking at you?" Amy asked, looking at the stranger from the corners of her eyes.
"I don't know," Amber sighed, if Amy had noticed, Amber knew it was a bad sign.
"Stay away from him, he looks awfully suspicious," She frowned. Amber smiled gratefully at her friend's concern.
"I will," Amber said.
"Hmm…I'll see if I can find anything out about him. Never seen him before," Amy muttered almost to herself. Before Amber could stop her, Amy slipped into the crowd. Amber shook her head ruefully; she knew that could not stand not knowing about something. She sat there for a while waiting for Amy's return. Amy, however, was nowhere in sight, and feeling increasingly lonely Amber began to search for someone to talk to.
She caught sight of Mr. Hensan sitting by himself, staring dejectedly at the dance floor.
"Bored?" She asked as she approached, jotting Mr. Hensan out of his thoughts.
"Oh no," He answered, "But I am wishing company."
They sat in a companionable silence for while before Mr. Hensan stood and offered her his hand.
"A dance, my lady?" He replied to her questioning glance and gave her a little bow, a smile tugging at his lips.
They walked into the center with the others and began to waltz, twirling through the crowd, unaware that they were capturing the attention of those around them; she in a violet dress and him in sparkling white shirt and surcoat of midnight blue.
The crowd had dispersed from the center of the room and they watched the strange pairing dance, many amazed by their grace and skill. When the song ended, they burst into cheers, Amber's suddenly felt her face becoming hot and Mr. Hensan coughed, embarrassed.
"Thank you," Amber said, not looking at Mr. Hensan's face.
"No, it was my pleasure," Mr. Hensan corrected, "It have been a long time since I danced and even longer since I had fun."
Amber could not keep a grin from breaking out and turned her face away instead, pretending to look for someone.
Amy pushed her way through the hoards of people, ignoring their complaints, intent on finding her friend. Where is she? She thought, her stomach seemed to twist with dread. She needed the find Amber now before it was too late.
"Do you have eyes? Watch where you're going," Someone snapped.
Amy ignored him and pushed ahead, slipping her hands into her pocket every once in a while to finger a small sack. She felt nauseous whenever she did. She had never stolen, especially not from the mistress. But today she had. It was never the mistress's, she told herself for the hundredth time but it did not make her feel any better. She had betrayed the mistress's trust.
Amy finally spotted Amber, standing awkwardly next to Mr. Hensan and sighed with relief. Something must have happened, Amy thought distractedly, noticing the rosy glow on Amber's cheeks.
"Amber!" She called, half sprinting toward them, tripping in her dress. Amber hurled her back to her feet before she hit the ground.
"Are you alright?" Amber asked her, supporting her until she signaled that that she was all right, "What happened?"
"Not here," Amy hissed, "Come." She grabbed Amber's hand and tried to drag her away. She felt Amber resist and pulled harder. Amber seemed unwilling to leave but came with her anyway.
"What happened?" Amber asked again with a frown as she was pulled through the halls. Amy did not answer but continued to pull her until they reached their room.
"Change to your normal clothing," Amy ordered as she began to pull items from the shelves, and throwing them into a bag. Amber content feeling faded and she felt the murky cloud in her mind scatter, she felt suddenly wide-awake. She did as she was told and then realized that Amy's hands were shaking.
"Amy?"
"I followed that man," Amy began, trying to keep her voice steady, "He left the room and went to that of the mistress's. I wasn't going to listen but then they mentioned your name…"
Amber felt her heart begin to pound, "You eavesdropped?"
Amy turned to face her; her eyes brimmed with tears, "Ye-yes."
"And then?"
"You were never in the orphanage with me." Amy answered.
Amber stared at her dumbfounded, "That's impossible! I still remember the orphanage and you!"
"Do you?" She asked, her light blue eyes seem to pierce Amber's, "I have memories of it as well. I remember how Paul used to get in trouble and how Ms. Darison used to beat him."
"Paul?" Amber asked uncertainly, trying to remember them.
"Yes, he died a while before the Mistress came. Do you remember that Amber?"
Why can't I recall? Amber thought, a feeling of dread making the world whirl in front of her eyes.
"…Or when the kids in the orphanage tried to run away…"Amy continued. Her voiced seemed to come from far away. Amber moaned and her ears with her hands, shutting her eyes tightly.
But I remember Amy, Amber thought frantically, I remember-. She froze as she realized that she did not. Memories of Amy, yes, but could it have been after Mistress Kalika adopted them? And the orphanage…she could only recollect a wooden structure, its windows broken almost laying in shambles…no one there.
Amber stood frozen as she tried to grasp the reminiscences of the past. Every time she reached for them, they slipped just beyond her fingertips. Panic tightened its hold on her and she felt cold sweat dampening her back.
"Why would I think that I was from the orphanage?" She asked Amy lifelessly. But deep inside she knew the reason.
" I used to wonder why I didn't remember you," Amy said quietly, "But the mistress used to tell me what we did on the day she came to take us here. I thought I must've have forgotten and was guilty of it…I convinced myself that you were there."
Amber nodded mutely, staring dully at the ground; her hands limp by her side. Amy felt a lump in her throat and squeezed Amber's shoulders.
"It'll be all right," Amy murmured, her voice catching. She hated to see her friend this way and she knew that her next words would cause Amber great pain.
"She lied to us? What if my life has been a lie?" Amber asked, her eyes desperately searching Amy's. She did not feel like she could trust her thoughts any longer, were they her own thoughts or some conjured tales whispered to her by another?
"Amber no! Don't think like that," Amy pleaded, "They are real, trust me, trust yourself." They heard the sound of approaching footsteps and quieted, looking at each other with wide eyes.
"Amy…Amber?"
It was the voice of the mistress. They heard a cough and a second voice speaking softly, the mistress had company. Amy closed her hand on Amber's mouth and motioned for her to stay silent. Amy grabbed the bag, half full with the items she had begun to pack and shoved it with themselves into the closet just in time.
The door clicked and opened, both girls holding their breaths and hearing the loud pounding of their hearts. There was a moment of silence and both girls peeked out of the keyhole expectantly.
They watched as the mistress entered, her long flowing dress sparkling with rare gems, picking her way delicately among the various items scattered among the floor. She wrinkled her nose and turned back to speak to someone outside.
"They must not have yet returned," She said, her dark eyes looking around. Her eyes lingered on the closet door and both girls shrank back and she approached, her pearl white hands reaching for the handle.
"Don't worry my dear, she's probably still there," A gravelly voice said. Amber could have sworn that her heart almost leapt out of her throat. It was the stranger.
The Mistress's hands stopped and she moved away. Amber heard a breath of relief from Amy. But Amber could only feel numbness and betrayal.
"Still there? I did not think she knew anyone," Mistress Kalika sounded surprised.
"She knew of Hensan," The stranger growled out his name.
"Hensan…that meddler? I invited him out of pity," Mistress Kalika scoffed.
"He looks over the child like her father. I wonder what his reaction will be when he find her gone," The stranger chuckled.
"The money first," Mistress Kalika reminded him.
"Yes, yes, of course. I'll have it in gold for you tomorrow," he breathed drawing Mistress Kalika towards him. Mistress Kalika battered her eyelashes at him and seemed to press herself onto him. Amber gagged finding the sight sickening.
The Misress shut the door and they heard them retreating until it was quiet again. Amy pushed open the closet door and they practically fell from the cramped space onto the floor.
"How could she?" Amber gasped, her mind in a whirl, "She's selling me to him like a- like a—" She couldn't finish the sentence; like a slave.
"I heard him asking about you. She told him that she had picked you up in the woods next to here, holding this," Amy dug her hand into her pocket and pulled out a small leather bag, giving it to Amber.
Amber examined the bag mutely and pulled it open. A stone dropped out onto her palm, the size of a small sparrow egg. It is many crystalline faces glittered under the dim candlelight. She squinted at it for unlike anything she had ever seen. The stone felt smooth and cold under her fingers, its seemingly transparent surface glowed with a red hue. She blinked; something seemed to flicker in the core of the stone, something like flames. She cupped it in her hands, away from the light, but it did not shine in the dark. Yet it reminded her of the globe Mr. Hensan had given her and something stirred within her, something familiar, but it was gone before she noticed.
"…You have to go,"
"What?" Amber asked, looking up at Amy blankly.
Amy sighed and started again, "They're going to try and get you again and already have a plan in case you run; you have to get out of here."
"But where do I go?" Amber asked, bewildered and lost. Everything was happening too fast.
"Ask Mr. Hensan for help, but get away from here, far away. That man is dangerous, the guests say he is a blade master. The best from here," Amy said, throwing the last of the items into the bag, tightened and handed it to Amber.
"What about you?"
"I'll be fine, Amber. A few more years and I'll leave here and find a place of my own. Don't worry about me."
Amber opened her mouth to speak but felt her breath catch. She wiped at her eyes, feeling the teardrops on the back of her hand.
Amy saw Amber's shoulder shaking and hugged her tightly. Amber began to sob.
"I'll miss you," Amber mumbled, hiding her face in Amy's long blond hair.
"I'll miss you too, silly," Amy whispered, patting Amber awkwardly on the back with one hand.
They pulled back and looked at each other wordlessly; Amy stared into her friend's golden eyes one last time.
"I'll find you," Amy promised.
Amber gave her a teary smile, opened the door, and vanished, leaving Amy's heart feeling heavy behind her.
Amber made her way cautiously through the corridors and outside of the main hall. She peeked through the entrance and saw Mr. Hensan talking with a guest. Mistress Kalika and the stranger were on the opposite side of the room.
Amber bit her lips and tried to decide what to do. She needed help to escape, it was night and she could not walk long. She was sure that the stranger would just run her down but she did not want to place Mr. Hensan in danger. She realized that Mistress Kalika had been right; Mr. Hensan was like a father to her. He was the only one next to Amy who she had ever trusted and he always treated her with respect and care. She put her hands in her pocket and felt the smooth surface of the globe he had given her earlier. No, I can't put him in danger, she decided.
She turned to leave but felt the stranger's eyes on her. She cursed silently under her breath; she had been seen. Trying to act normal, Amber began walking the opposite direction, not looking back. Feeling the stranger following her, she increased her pace. Almost there, she thought, her heart hammering in her chest.
Finally Amber burst outside. Her hopes sank as she caught sight of someone standing next to a black stallion that tossed its head at the man's touch.
"Going somewhere?" He asked, almost lazily, his hand slipped toward his waist.
Amber backed up and tripped over the first step of the manor, falling on her behind heavily.
The man walked toward her, twirling his knife; it glinted with a pale light.
Amber scrambled backwards using her hands and feet, kicking up gravel. The man smiled coldly. She gasped out with fright; her breathing heavy with fear.
"Don't be frightened my child," He purred, "I won't kill you, oh no. That would be such a waste…"
She bumped into something and she looked back wildly. It was the wall and she was trapped.
"I'll just curve a few marks into you!" He snarled the last words, the knife curved upward. Time seemed to slow as the knife began its downward strike.
She opened her mouth to scream.
The sound of steel on steel echoed through the silence of the night. The stranger's eyes widened as his knife was stopped. A figure had stepped in front of Amber, protecting her.
"Mr. Hensan," She croaked, dazed that she had missed death by inches and frightened for him. She could see by the way the stranger carried himself that he was no swordsman to mess with.
The two men circled each other, eyes calculating.
"Hensan..the meddler," The stranger hissed.
"Amber, get up and stay behind me," Mr. Hensan murmured, ignoring the stranger's words. Amber picked herself up clumsily, obeying Mr. Hensan's directions. Her legs shook and she had trouble breathing correctly.
"It'll be all right," Mr. Hensan reassured her, never taking his eyes off his opponent.
The stranger lunged forward and Mr. Hensan sidestepped, grabbing Amber's arm at the same time.
"Run!" He yelled as he pulled her with him. They raced through the garden, the stranger hot on their tracks. Mr. Hensan stopped suddenly and with Amber, dodged behind the wall. They heard the stranger slow down, the leaves crackling under his foot.
"Coward!" The stranger yelled, his voice echoed. Amber closed her eyes and felt the stranger moving away.
Mr. Hensan bent close to her ear and murmured softly, "I'm sure that he'll be by the horses. Listen to me and follow my words."
Amber nodded in response.
"We need to sneak toward the horses, but stay hidden. We need as much time as possible. When you reach the entrance, run for his horse, I will help you," He continued.
"He'll kill you," Amber whispered, horrified, "I can't..."
Mr. Hensan raised his eyebrows and gave her a mysterious smile, "Do you think I am really that bad with a knife?"
"But you just-"Amber stuttered.
"Yes, yes. I just ran away. But there are some things I must tell you first," His face became serious. "I did not know of your mother but I did know of the man who brought you here."
Amber stared at him, "He abandoned me."
"No…Yes…He asked me to protect you but I knew I could not. I was a wanted man Amber…I have changed," Mr. Hensan said, he looked sad, "I knew Mistress Kalika was coming through the woods that day so I decided to leave you there. I watched as she saw you and took you. I do not believe you will forgive me nor do I deserve it."
Amber sat for a moment, absorbing what he had said. It was too much, she felt as if her world was about to shatter. She closed her eyes and tried to focus on her inner self, visualizing a peaceful lake. Calm, she thought to herself.
"I forgive you," She finally said quietly. Mr. Hensan looked at her with surprise.
"I was happy with Amy and though Mistress Kalika never loved me she took care of us," She met Mr. Hensan's gaze, "And you watched over me too, didn't you?"
Mr. Hensan nodded mutely. "Yes…but I wish I did not…" He did not finish, a look of pain had came across his face. He shook his thoughts away and took a deep breath.
"Are you ready to go?" He asked, meeting her eyes. She nodded, fear has lost its grip and determination had taken its place.
"And Mr. Hensan… thank you."
They sneaked back the way they came from; weary that the stranger would catch them off guard. As Mr. Hensan had predicted the stranger was there by the entrance.
"I'll go first. As soon as he is distracted…" He trailed off as he spun his knife, his attention now totally focused on the stranger.
He gave a battle cry and charged from the hiding place. The stranger was ready and they began to fight. Amber watched as Mr. Hensan dodged and lunged, his movements a blur. His skills were no less than that of the stranger's.
Just what did he do in his youth, Amber wondered as she crept closer and closer to the entrance way.
"NOW!" Mr. Hensan yelled and Amber began to sprint for dear life. The stranger looked back, amazement reflected in his eyes. He deflected Mr. Hensan's blade and gave chase. But she was faster.
With one huge leap she was on top of the black stallion. It reared almost throwing her off. She could see the stranger from the corner of her eyes, coming closer. She fiddled with the straps that tied it to the cart. The stranger was almost on top of her now. She shouted with the triumph as the strap loosened and fell away. The stranger's hands were upon her, forcing her back. She barred her teeth and jerked fiercely. She was free. She kicked the horse with her heels and she was off, racing down the road, barely able to see what was ahead of her.
She heard a scream and looked back, a figure stood over the other, the handle of the hilt protruding from his chest. She could not distinguish who had fallen in the darkness. With a fleeing glance, she drove the horse on to where ever the winds will take them.
So, does Mr. Hensan sound like a pedophile? And, did you know my friend first named Amy Kara? How original right? -.-" Again, sorry for the wait guys and gals. The next chapter will be up tomorrow.
~Kevin
Ignore Kevin's comment about Hensan being a pedophile =.=...Anyway enough from the authors ...
~Rice
You're supposed to use underline . I called dibs on italics!
~Kev