-Chapter 7-
Eavesdropping
It seemed as if Natalie had just closed her eyes when the first warm rays of sunlight hit her face. Normally she would be thrilled by such a beautiful day. Normally she would be out hunting at this time. On any other given day she might even be out and about the village market listening to news of happenings in Alegaesia. Now, ever since last night, normal seemed so far away. She hardly slept a wink as the night kept playing over and over in her head.
Dinner was eaten in silence. There were these awkward moments where Murtagh would catch Natalie staring at him. Both would quickly look away only to find, moments later, the other was glimpsing back.
He was a very handsome man, she noted. His overall dark appearance, from his dark brown hair to his stormy gray eyes, appealed to Natalie. He was such a contrast to her own appearance and personality that she couldn't help it. He seemed to be quiet and pensive compared to her talkative and impulsive nature, although you couldn't tell at this moment because she was shocked into timidity.
After dinner Angela invited Murtagh to stay the night. She must have had great trust in him to do such a thing and Natalie always had faith in her judgment. After all, she was a witch and they always seemed to know things that others did not, though it isn't always clear why. Murtagh was reluctant to her urges, insisting that he had important business to attend to. He seemed anxious to leave as they bid him farewell from the frame of their doorway.
"He'll be back," Angela said as she waved at the figure disappearing in the midst of the crowd. Natalie just turned to look at her. Angela was wearing an impish expression.
"This will prove interesting," She remembered thinking in her head.
After Natalie had finished cleaning, she and Angela retired to the living room. Natalie had just cracked open her book when they both heard a knock on the door.
"Who could be calling at this hour?" asked Natalie; although once the question had left her mouth she knew the answer to it.
"Well, go answer it," prompted Angela.
Natalie opened the door to find a disheveled looking Murtagh, just as Angela predicted.
"Murtagh, you're back," Natalie feigned surprise.
"Yes, I've decided to take you up on your offer of staying the night. Sorry to call so late, I ran into a tiny bit of trouble," he replied.
"No, no, dear, it's quite alright, we were expecting you," said Angela as she came bustling in before Natalie could ask what kind of trouble he got into.
"There are some things I need to discuss with you, if you please," said Murtagh to Angela.
"Yes, and I you. I know why you came back and that sets into motion one of my more ingenious plans. Natalie, it's time for you to go to bed," Angela said.
"What?! "Cried out Natalie with astonishment.
"I don't want any lip from you sweetie, go upstairs," she ordered.
"But-I-you-ugg! That's no fair! Nobody ever tells me anything around here! What's the point of being eighteen if I'm still treated like a child!?"
"What did I say? Go upstairs! We have some private matters to discuss," Angela was beginning to get angry.
"Fine!" yelled Natalie.
"Why doesn't anybody ever trust me?! Whatever they have to say they can say it in front of me!" Thought Natalie angrily. "She is getting on my last nerve! I can't wait to get out of here!"
Natalie sat in her bed. She couldn't sleep as she wasn't tired, and she couldn't read as she wasn't able to pay attention. There were too many things on her mind. A while later she decided that she would try to creep down and eavesdrop on Angela and Murtagh's conversation.
As Natalie went further and further down the stairs she could hear their voices more clearly.
"They're surrounding the city. I couldn't get out. Why are they here?" Natalie knew the voice to be Murtagh's.
"They're here because of her," replied Angela.
"Her? What would they want with her?" Murtagh sounded surprised.
"They don't know that the one that they want is actually her, but they're determined to find out. I've been trying to prevent them for many years and it has always worked, but she will no longer be under my protection as she is eighteen now. That is why I must entreat you to take her with you. She will be important in your mission."
"I can't take her with me. Anyone I've ever known gets hurt or dies. She will only slow me down."
"You underestimate her. She is a terrific swordswoman and highly skilled with the bow, thanks, in part, to myself. Are you questioning my abilities?"
"No, not at all, but she is still a girl. Girls always let their emotions get in the way," said Murtagh.
"She is a woman now. She is not so much emotional as she is clever. She can track a bird on a cloudy day and she can outwit any man. She will be of a great help. Trust me on this. Us witches know these things," replied Angela.
Murtagh was silent as if he was contemplating something.
"Alright, just let her know that just because she's a girl, I'm not going to go easy on her. We will ride for many hours, walk to give the horses a rest, and sleep only for five hours. It will be grueling work. Will she be up for that?"
"No doubt she will. Here's what we will explain to her. She can't know why they're looking for her. She is not ready for that," said Angela, but then her voice got so quiet that she couldn't hear the rest of what she said.
"Alright, sounds like a plan," said Murtagh in a louder voice.
"I want you to leave later in the day. It will seem less suspicious if you do. Here," Angela gave him a sheet of paper, "these are my instructions. They are very important so stick to them."
"Instructions? I hope you know that I had my own plan of action before I came here."
"Yes, and these will aid you. Just remember to always stick to them. Anyways, it is time for you to go to bed. You've got a long journey ahead of you."
"Goodnight Angela," replied Murtagh.
Murtagh went to his room with the bed Angela had made out for him and Angela began to climb the stairs. Natalie bolted back up to her room. She just made it into her bed and pulled the covers over herself when Angela opened up her door to check up on her. Seeing that everything was as it should be, Angela closed the door and went into her own bedroom.
Now morning, Natalie decided that it was time to go downstairs and begin making breakfast for her and the others.
"Who is this person that Murtagh is supposed to take with him, and who is looking for her? Why are they even looking for her?" It crossed Natalie's mind that this person might be herself, but she quickly banished the thought. "Why would anyone be looking for me? I'm of next to no importance."
The others didn't seem to be awake yet, so she crept down the stairs quietly and made her way into the kitchen.
"How will I bring this up without them suspecting me of eavesdropping?" Natalie thought. "I want to know!"
