Hi short intro today, I have a lot of stuff to do, but I wanted to at least start getting Chapter 7 written. Just as a warning there is a little violence. So here goes:
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I said before I have to recollection of the carriage ride to Gelgonheimer, except that I wept the whole time. Well, in looking back I realize that's not entirely true. I also remember cursing Chrys and Vonecart, with every curse I could think of. I also remember trying to get myself out of the carriage to run. Then having Vonecart slap me and tie my wrist and ankles while he said, "You just try to get away from me, you little brat, I'll teach you better manners than to spit in my face and try to run from me." We spent the rest of the trip in silence. By noon we passed the Gelgonheimer border and by nightfall we were approaching Vonecart's castle. I looked up at it, from the window. It was tall and dark and covered in gloom and shadow. Gargoyles leered down from tall turrets and two huge stone lions sneered from the shadows around the doorway. Vonecart practically dragged me inside pushing away all of the servants who came up to him. We ascended a long winding staircase until we reached a small wooden door. He pulled out a key and unlocked it, revealing a tiny circular room, with a barred window.
"Your chambers until our nuptials, my dear. I trust you will find them comfortable. I will not untie you now, it will teach you not to offend me again and you will come when one of my servants fetches you. Do I make myself clear?" I stood defiant, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. He shoved me to the ground and slammed the door. I heard the grind of the key and also a chain being pulled through the door. He laughed maniacally as he descended the stairs. I wiped my tears away as best I could with my hands tied together, until I remembered the dagger Chrys had given me. For a minute I wondered why he had given it to me if he was giving me over to Vonecart, but I dismissed the thought. I reached over and pulled the dagger from its sheath and clumsily cut the ropes binding my wrists. I rubbed them for a minute and then went to work on my ankles. I rubbed them too and proceeded to examine my prison. As I said the room was round and was about eight feet in diameter. There was one window, with vertical iron bars. I felt helpless, and for a few desperate minutes I sat and wallowed in self pity, hoping someone would present themselves to help me. But then I thought about what had happened last time I had a trusted anybody but myself. I rallied myself and stood up. I took a deep breath and let it out. I calculated my assets, which were very few. I had the dagger and any strength I myself could muster. I was about to wallow again when an idea came to me. I tightened my corset as best I could by myself and retied my dress sash. I pulled down the neckline to reveal a lot more cleavage and hid my dagger underneath my skirt and waited to be summoned. I didn't have a long time to wait. In about two hours, I once again heard the grind of the key and the rattling of a chain being removed. I checked my neckline making sure it was still in a good position and followed the surly looking valet who came to get me. We stopped in front of a huge black door. The valet turned to me and said,
"You are to go in alone to him." That was all. I sighed and turned the knob. As soon as I saw him I knew he had been drinking.
"Hello, Arina, you're here quickly. Did you miss me?" The air in the room carried the distinct smell of gin. He was so drunk he didn't notice I had removed my bindings.
"Actually," I replied, keeping my voice soft. "I couldn't wait to see you." I leaned over him on the bed, giving him a good look. I was disgusted at what I was doing, but figured there was no other way. "I wanted to tell you the only reason I ran away was to prove I was independent, but I really do love you." I was glad he was drunk, and couldn't comprehend that what I was saying made no sense. He was looking up at me greedily. I pulled the strings of his shirt so it was lying open and his chest was exposed. He made to grab my waist, but I pulled back.
"No, no, no, not right now, but in a minute." I told him as if talking to a child. I made a mental note of his position on the bed and went over to the solitary candle lighting the room.
"We need it dark, in here, right?" I asked. I blew out the candle and whipped out the dagger in a single breath. I grabbed a pillow and shoved it over his mouth and then stabbed him in the heart. He couldn't make a sound. Blood gushed out of his chest and covered my hands and forearms. I dropped the dagger in the rapidly collecting pool of gore on the floor, sickened by what I had done. Vonecart shivered and then it was over, he was dead. I had been prepared to do this all night, but now that it had really happened I was terrified. I looked at my hands, and almost screamed, however I managed to refrain and washed my hands in the basin of water on the bureau and made sure all traces of blood were gone from them. I picked up the dagger and cleaned it off as well and re-hid it. I walked softly out of the room careful not to let the guards see anything in the room.
"The Prince told me to tell you, he does not wish to be disturbed in his chambers until tomorrow at midnight. He will be going through a period of prayer and fasting in preparation for our wedding and will not be leaving until he is ready. Do not under any circumstances enter that room." I was lying through my teeth as fast as I could. "He also told me to tell you to bring me to a more comfortable room. We discussed our differences and he has decided he is no longer angry with me. I will be undergoing the same prayer and fasting period as my beloved." One of the guards interrupted me by saying, "Follow me, Princess, the West tower is wonderful and I am sure that's were the Prince meant for you to go." I followed as he said, thanking God they had accepted my story. The man left me alone at my request and agreed not to let anyone disturb me for the same amount of time as Vonecart. I sat on the heavily curtained bed appraising my situation. The West tower room was thankfully close to the ground and I discovered I could easily jump out of it. I made sure all traces of blood were gone, loosened my corset strings, and pulled up my neckline. It was about three in the morning and the moon was about half full. I did not expect to be stopped, or even seen. I jumped from the window, and landed in a less than graceful position. The fall was a little higher than I had estimated and my already weak ankle was slightly hurt. I rubbed it carefully, until the pain receded and began to walk softly and quietly to the high stone wall surrounding the castle. The wall was about twelve feet high and I could see no way of getting over, until I spotted a small shed nearby. Hoping it was a gardener's storehouse, I cautiously opened the door. Finally something was going right, for lying on the ground was a tall ladder. I dragged it out and over to the wall. Throwing my skirt over my shoulder as best I could I climbed up and over. I rested on top of the wall, before beginning the laborious task of pulling the heavy ladder over onto the other side. I finally finished after almost falling over at least twice. I swiftly climbed down, realizing once again I had acted without thinking. I had no idea where to go. Staying in Gelgonheimer was out of the question, and so was returning to my country of Rosarian. The only other option, therefore, was to go to Sventon, the only other kingdom on the island continent. I walked by night and slept by day in abandoned barns when I could or trees when I could not. During my travels I heard the gossip about the monarchies. It was known, of course, that I had killed Vonecart. I hadn't been exactly discreet. I took a sort of foolish pride, when the occasional old woman whispered in my ear
"Did you hear? The Princess from Rosarian killed our Prince!" However, the rumors about my motives varied. Some said I was Vonecart's younger brother's mistress and he had told me to kill Vonecart. More charitable people said he must have tried to rape me and I killed him in self-defense. But I didn't hear anyone who thought I might have done it out of hatred and of my own free will. They all did agree on my whereabouts, though. Everyone thought I must have returned to Rosarian.
As I got further from my country and closer to Sventon the rumors became fewer and farther between. I became less and less worried that I would be recognized. I entered Sventon quietly and inconspicuously. The guards had no I idea they should be on the lookout for me and I aroused no suspicion. I began searching for a new home after travelling for several days. I went from town to town, province to province and always something would be wrong. First, one would be too big and then one would be too small. Until one day, I found it. In my eyes, Terton was perfect. Along my journey, I had purchased some clothes and other supplies, so I would not look completely destitute. I still had some money left and there was a small house for sale at the edge of Terton. I bought it, with furniture, and officially began my new life, as I hoped for all time.
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Chapter 7 is over and done, but one more is coming. There has to be a happy ending, after all. Please r/r!
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I said before I have to recollection of the carriage ride to Gelgonheimer, except that I wept the whole time. Well, in looking back I realize that's not entirely true. I also remember cursing Chrys and Vonecart, with every curse I could think of. I also remember trying to get myself out of the carriage to run. Then having Vonecart slap me and tie my wrist and ankles while he said, "You just try to get away from me, you little brat, I'll teach you better manners than to spit in my face and try to run from me." We spent the rest of the trip in silence. By noon we passed the Gelgonheimer border and by nightfall we were approaching Vonecart's castle. I looked up at it, from the window. It was tall and dark and covered in gloom and shadow. Gargoyles leered down from tall turrets and two huge stone lions sneered from the shadows around the doorway. Vonecart practically dragged me inside pushing away all of the servants who came up to him. We ascended a long winding staircase until we reached a small wooden door. He pulled out a key and unlocked it, revealing a tiny circular room, with a barred window.
"Your chambers until our nuptials, my dear. I trust you will find them comfortable. I will not untie you now, it will teach you not to offend me again and you will come when one of my servants fetches you. Do I make myself clear?" I stood defiant, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. He shoved me to the ground and slammed the door. I heard the grind of the key and also a chain being pulled through the door. He laughed maniacally as he descended the stairs. I wiped my tears away as best I could with my hands tied together, until I remembered the dagger Chrys had given me. For a minute I wondered why he had given it to me if he was giving me over to Vonecart, but I dismissed the thought. I reached over and pulled the dagger from its sheath and clumsily cut the ropes binding my wrists. I rubbed them for a minute and then went to work on my ankles. I rubbed them too and proceeded to examine my prison. As I said the room was round and was about eight feet in diameter. There was one window, with vertical iron bars. I felt helpless, and for a few desperate minutes I sat and wallowed in self pity, hoping someone would present themselves to help me. But then I thought about what had happened last time I had a trusted anybody but myself. I rallied myself and stood up. I took a deep breath and let it out. I calculated my assets, which were very few. I had the dagger and any strength I myself could muster. I was about to wallow again when an idea came to me. I tightened my corset as best I could by myself and retied my dress sash. I pulled down the neckline to reveal a lot more cleavage and hid my dagger underneath my skirt and waited to be summoned. I didn't have a long time to wait. In about two hours, I once again heard the grind of the key and the rattling of a chain being removed. I checked my neckline making sure it was still in a good position and followed the surly looking valet who came to get me. We stopped in front of a huge black door. The valet turned to me and said,
"You are to go in alone to him." That was all. I sighed and turned the knob. As soon as I saw him I knew he had been drinking.
"Hello, Arina, you're here quickly. Did you miss me?" The air in the room carried the distinct smell of gin. He was so drunk he didn't notice I had removed my bindings.
"Actually," I replied, keeping my voice soft. "I couldn't wait to see you." I leaned over him on the bed, giving him a good look. I was disgusted at what I was doing, but figured there was no other way. "I wanted to tell you the only reason I ran away was to prove I was independent, but I really do love you." I was glad he was drunk, and couldn't comprehend that what I was saying made no sense. He was looking up at me greedily. I pulled the strings of his shirt so it was lying open and his chest was exposed. He made to grab my waist, but I pulled back.
"No, no, no, not right now, but in a minute." I told him as if talking to a child. I made a mental note of his position on the bed and went over to the solitary candle lighting the room.
"We need it dark, in here, right?" I asked. I blew out the candle and whipped out the dagger in a single breath. I grabbed a pillow and shoved it over his mouth and then stabbed him in the heart. He couldn't make a sound. Blood gushed out of his chest and covered my hands and forearms. I dropped the dagger in the rapidly collecting pool of gore on the floor, sickened by what I had done. Vonecart shivered and then it was over, he was dead. I had been prepared to do this all night, but now that it had really happened I was terrified. I looked at my hands, and almost screamed, however I managed to refrain and washed my hands in the basin of water on the bureau and made sure all traces of blood were gone from them. I picked up the dagger and cleaned it off as well and re-hid it. I walked softly out of the room careful not to let the guards see anything in the room.
"The Prince told me to tell you, he does not wish to be disturbed in his chambers until tomorrow at midnight. He will be going through a period of prayer and fasting in preparation for our wedding and will not be leaving until he is ready. Do not under any circumstances enter that room." I was lying through my teeth as fast as I could. "He also told me to tell you to bring me to a more comfortable room. We discussed our differences and he has decided he is no longer angry with me. I will be undergoing the same prayer and fasting period as my beloved." One of the guards interrupted me by saying, "Follow me, Princess, the West tower is wonderful and I am sure that's were the Prince meant for you to go." I followed as he said, thanking God they had accepted my story. The man left me alone at my request and agreed not to let anyone disturb me for the same amount of time as Vonecart. I sat on the heavily curtained bed appraising my situation. The West tower room was thankfully close to the ground and I discovered I could easily jump out of it. I made sure all traces of blood were gone, loosened my corset strings, and pulled up my neckline. It was about three in the morning and the moon was about half full. I did not expect to be stopped, or even seen. I jumped from the window, and landed in a less than graceful position. The fall was a little higher than I had estimated and my already weak ankle was slightly hurt. I rubbed it carefully, until the pain receded and began to walk softly and quietly to the high stone wall surrounding the castle. The wall was about twelve feet high and I could see no way of getting over, until I spotted a small shed nearby. Hoping it was a gardener's storehouse, I cautiously opened the door. Finally something was going right, for lying on the ground was a tall ladder. I dragged it out and over to the wall. Throwing my skirt over my shoulder as best I could I climbed up and over. I rested on top of the wall, before beginning the laborious task of pulling the heavy ladder over onto the other side. I finally finished after almost falling over at least twice. I swiftly climbed down, realizing once again I had acted without thinking. I had no idea where to go. Staying in Gelgonheimer was out of the question, and so was returning to my country of Rosarian. The only other option, therefore, was to go to Sventon, the only other kingdom on the island continent. I walked by night and slept by day in abandoned barns when I could or trees when I could not. During my travels I heard the gossip about the monarchies. It was known, of course, that I had killed Vonecart. I hadn't been exactly discreet. I took a sort of foolish pride, when the occasional old woman whispered in my ear
"Did you hear? The Princess from Rosarian killed our Prince!" However, the rumors about my motives varied. Some said I was Vonecart's younger brother's mistress and he had told me to kill Vonecart. More charitable people said he must have tried to rape me and I killed him in self-defense. But I didn't hear anyone who thought I might have done it out of hatred and of my own free will. They all did agree on my whereabouts, though. Everyone thought I must have returned to Rosarian.
As I got further from my country and closer to Sventon the rumors became fewer and farther between. I became less and less worried that I would be recognized. I entered Sventon quietly and inconspicuously. The guards had no I idea they should be on the lookout for me and I aroused no suspicion. I began searching for a new home after travelling for several days. I went from town to town, province to province and always something would be wrong. First, one would be too big and then one would be too small. Until one day, I found it. In my eyes, Terton was perfect. Along my journey, I had purchased some clothes and other supplies, so I would not look completely destitute. I still had some money left and there was a small house for sale at the edge of Terton. I bought it, with furniture, and officially began my new life, as I hoped for all time.
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Chapter 7 is over and done, but one more is coming. There has to be a happy ending, after all. Please r/r!