CHAPTER 2:

AGAINST THE TIDE

Morning swept in over the horizon sooner than expected and Platina winced as a dull coat of sunlight peeled through her window panes, rousing her from a fitful sleep. She shielded her eyes, looking guardedly past her spread fingers to stare at the morning light. Clouds of grey roamed over an ashen sky with pockets of light peeling through the gaps. Cold winds snuck in past her window, chilling her naked feet.

Platina curled her toes under a nest of shabby blankets with more than a few holes. Her bed was a mess of sheets and old cloths she'd collected and piled into one. Her mother had absolutely refused to purchase a bed for her and was content to have her sleep on the floor. But over the years Platina had slowly managed to collect any discarded rags and sheets she could find around town and used them to her advantage.

Thus armed, she struggled to find warmth against the morning chill as her mind cleared beyond the haze of sleep. Her thoughts swam with memories of the night before. Her mother had been furious that she'd worked so late and immediately set her to scrubbing floors, washing dishes and repairing more holes in their ever failing roof. Platina's back burned from the added labor after hours of grueling work at the Kingfisher. But she minced her words and commanded every ounce of her patience even after her mother berated her for moving too slow.

But these weren't the memories that haunted her waking night and frigid morning. Instead she squirmed behind the memories of the promise she made to her friend. 'Why did I agree to it?' She pondered in her mind as she rolled over and away from the window. Her room was small and dusty but otherwise empty. When she could, she tried to keep it clean but she hardly spent any time in it anymore and by the time she did occupy her room, she was too tired to move anymore. Thus, dust accumulated unchecked.

Platina tried to focus in on these thoughts but the words kept coming back to haunt her.

'I'll go to the Consulate with you!'

'Really!?!'

'I still think it's a mistake… but I don't want to be left alone a second time.'

Platina shivered and groaned as the words reverberated in her mind. She knew it was a mistake! Why couldn't she convince Heather? She needed to let her know, but fear seized her instead; the same fear that reminded her of the mistake she made seven years ago.

She'd pleaded with Lucian to stay too. And in the end, the boy she spent all her childhood with, ran away without her. Seven years was a long time, but even still she couldn't forget him. He was her best friend. He understood her and she 'thought' she understood him. But then, why did he run away?

She wanted to believe Heather was different. But did she dare chance that her friend wouldn't make the same choice? She didn't want to be abandoned again! Platina shivered as cold tears slid down the edges of her eyes, freezing against her pale cheeks. Why couldn't her friends be happy with the simple joys? Why did everyone have to go against the tide?

She often wondered if every soul was gifted with a destiny. Was there some grand plan in store for every mortal? Or was life a span of opportunities. Had she lost her opportunity and chance for a better life? Was this her second chance? Platina wasn't sure. All she knew was that there were risks to every action, and the consequences of these risks scared her.

What would happen if they were caught? Platina bristled against the possibilities. She hated the Villnore soldiers. And she'd be at their mercy if she were caught in the act of breaking one of 'their' laws. There was no telling what they'd do. It didn't take long for her imagination to take hold of her, making her nauseous with apprehension. And what would happen if her mother ever found out? Would she ever forgive her? Would she disown her? Platina wasn't sure if she was prepared for something like that. Instead, she curled into a tight ball, struggling to push these confusing thoughts from her mind.

Suddenly, loud, harsh knocks jarred against her door, tearing her from her thoughts.

"PLATINA!"

She started, and immediately pushed herself up from her bed. Seconds later, the door burst open and a nefarious woman stood behind it. Her eyes bristled in a harsh glare behind her jagged, hook-like nose. Her ash-wood hair clenched in tight curls under the shawl that strangled the rest of her scalp. Her jaw locked and jolted under a thin-lipped, petulant snarl. And it was with choking animosity that she addressed her daughter.

"What are you doing, still lying in bed? You should have been up hours ago!"

Platina flinched inwardly. Outwardly, she smiled, rubbing the last vestiges of sleep from her eyes before bowing her head modestly. "I'm sorry mother."

"Sorry won't cut it! I'm going to the market and I 'told' you to be up bright and early picking those potatoes by the time I was out the door! It's already noon and here you are still lounging about! Now get out of that mess and put something decent on! I won't have my neighbors mocking me because my daughter is seen looking like some half dressed harlot!"

Platina winced and bobbed her head. "Yes mother."

Platina struggled out of her bed of sheets. Her back still ached with pain but she bit her bottom lip tight and willed the pain to the back of her mind. Her mother stood resolute while she rose to her feet and hobbled towards the door. When the elder woman didn't move, Platina raised her head, still wearing her forced smile.

Her mother glared coldly down at her and the silence grew. Platina tilted her head to the side. "Mother? Is something wro-"

SLAP

Platina's eyes were wide with shock as she stumbled back from the violent blow to her face. She placed a pale hand to her cheek, now red and stinging. She dared a glance back towards her mother, but the woman gave her no mercy.

"You were crying again! I can tell by your filthy face! You know what I said about crying! You've no right to it! If anyone should be sad, it's me! You miserable little whelp! Now get in the wash room and clean yourself up! And you better not shed a single tear, do you hear me?!? Not a single one!"

Platina shuddered slightly but bowed and prepared to pass when her mother yanked her arm back in a vice-like grip. "Not! So! Fast!"

Her mother's words were like venom, hissing from her snarling lips. The elder woman yanked her daughter around and fastened her with a deadly glare. Platina flinched and struggled to keep her smile.

"Don't think you can fool me, girl! Not for one second!"

"M- mother?"

"Detterby paid you yesterday!"

Platina winced, immediately recognizing her mistake and this time her smile did fail. "I'm so sorry mother! I truly did forget!"

But Bethal Ferva was not a trusting woman. Her jaw rolled in a scathing glare and she thrust her hand up, rubbing her fingers. Platina squirmed and quickly turned, hobbling over to her cloak that lay next to her makeshift bed. She quickly reached into her pocket, grasping a handful of oth.

Bethal reached out a clawing grasp and snatched the coin away, thrusting her back to her daughter before counting. "Pfft! Eight pathetic oth?"

The woman whirled around and glared at her daughter. "How dare you accept such a measly amount?"

Platina blanched. "Well I'm sorry mother. I'm sure that's all he could afford!"

Bethal snarled. "I'm sure." Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "We'll see who gets the last laugh!" She fixed her glare on Platina once again. "What are you still standing there for? Get washed up, you lazy Oaf!"

Platina flinched and quickly hobbled out of the now clear doorway. Her cheek still stung but she knew the pain would ebb once she rinsed cold water over her face. She wanted to cry. She couldn't understand how anyone could hate another person so completely. 'Why does mother loath me so? What can I do to ever please her? I have always tried my very best. I have always stayed by her side. I've never intentionally done anything to disappoint her.'

These and a million similar thoughts ran through her mind as she washed the dirt and sweat from her body. The water was cold and carried the faint scent of rust. As she bent low to wash her smudged knees a sharp pain ran up her spine, reminding her all too quickly of the pain she carried from the previous day. Platina stumbled, biting back an alarmed cry as she fell into the icy cold basin of water that was her bath. The water was numbing but in it's own way, it relaxed her frantic mind, bringing a sublime peace. Thus, lying in the shivering pool, her mind swam. 'life doesn't have to be like this. Lucian showed me there's always a choice. And Heather's giving me a second chance at something new. But what about mother? If we were caught or something were to happen, would she be sad if I left? Or would that make her happy? Does mother want me to disappear? Would it please her if I were dead?'

The thought struck her as sharply as the slap she'd received earlier. In all of her years, as bleak as her thoughts were, she'd never pondered the possibility. And yet, as soon as the thought entered her mind, she couldn't deny the validity of this logic.

Platina shivered, and this time, not from the cold of her water bath. She dumped her face into the freezing currents, washing away her thoughts, if only for a short time. Pushing her soaking mane of hair away from her face, she stood carefully up to her feet. No matter how true or false her thoughts were, they could wait. For now, she needed to hurry and get dressed. She certainly didn't need two slaps in the same morning.

XXXX

A collection of dust billowed up the road as a throng of travelers came trudging towards the towering gates of Coriander. The Villnore guards peered over the ramparts, shouting orders to the patrolling men below. Two armored riders quickly raced up the road and towards the train of stooping, panting and gasping voyagers.

The travelers were tired and rightly so. After making landfall over the banks of Ourellea, there were no draft animals or horses to carry people and wares over the several miles it took to reach the village. Older travelers bulked under the weight of carrying their own supplies and even well trained sea merchants found trouble hauling their supplies through the distance. Thus, it was with no small amount of annoyance that many travelers shoved while others stomped and struggled to reach the desolate town.

"Halt!" One of the guards ordered, bringing his brown mare to a light canter. "Steady! You have reached the gates of Coriander. I'll need to see some papers of validation from each of you!"

A plume of frigid air blossomed from beneath the man's crimson helmet and he wrapped his gloved hands against each other, signs that the man was in no mood to be patient and was instead eager to get back to the warm fire laid out by the gates.

Several of the travelers reached into packs, many grumbling while they all fumbled for their required documents. The second horse rider steered his mare in a light circle around the travelers, getting a good look at them. Several people coughed as he kicked up a stream of dust in their faces.

"We'll need to check your packs as well." The second guard ordered, continuing his rotation. "Pour your goods on the ground where we can see them!"

More grumblings echoed into the wind and some irate travelers passed angry glares up at their hosts. The first guard waved his spear. "Hurry now! Be quick about it! We haven't got all day! Hurry along now or you won't be getting through these gates until noon day, tomorrow."

One man with a lock of azure hair grumbled as the butt of a spear jabbed him in the back of the head. He muttered a low curse but a second man with hazel eyes cupped his shoulder before pulling his own satchel from his back and opening it; there were rations and provisions inside.

The rest of the travelers emptied their own loads, revealing their goods, from trade wares, to clothing and stock provisions. The circling guard took a quick survey of it all and nodded his head towards his companion. "Their supplies are clear!"

The first guard nodded and quickly flipped through several sheets of crumpled paper, frost collecting around his visor. "Right then! Once I've cleared your papers, you may pass!" He waved his arm along, issuing the first group of travelers forth. They trudged and grumbled as they collected their goods and stumbled down the last stretch of dried road towards the towering gates that crooned open, permitting them access.

Slowly, the second group followed and a third and so forth; soon the gates were crowded with people. One of the travelers leaned low as they filtered through and another man stooped to join them.

"Well, this place is about as tight as a noose on hanging day." Said the one with blue hair.

His companion shrugged and shook his head. "I expected as much. With the blockade clear, I didn't think Villnore would leave their boarder towns completely defenseless. But at least security was loose."

"Says you." The blue haired man scoffed. "Luckily, Lemia was able to dress up our packs before we left the boats."

The first man nodded but didn't reply as he looked out towards the decadent village with the half finished tower rising at its center.

The other man sighed and walked up to join him, folding his arms. "Coriander, huh? Welcome to one of the most boring villages in all of Midgard."

He watched as his cloaked companion rolled his hazel eyes under the cloudy sky and shook his head. "Perhaps if we were here to sight-see, I should find reason to take concern in your jest. The others?"

The blue haired man shrugged and nudged over his shoulder with his thumb. "Scattered in the ground like you ordered. They'll filter through soon enough. But how long do you expect us to stay out in the open like this?"

The blond shook his head. "Not long. Once everyone's inside, we'll find shelter first. If all goes well, we shall be well beyond the outskirts of this hamlet by daybreak tomorrow."

His companion shrugged and his lock of blue hair dancing just under his cowl. " 'If' being the optimal word. I still don't like this plan of yours. Being this deep in enemy territory sends chills down my spine; and yet you aim to go further still?"

The blond sighed, glancing towards his doubtful comrade. "We do what we must. We've lost so much already, what more have we to lose?"

"Our lives?" The second man shook his head in exasperation. "And for w-"

He quickly closed his mouth as a guard briskly made his way past them and up the road. Both men turned their eyes towards the desolate village until the man was well out of range. The blue haired man sucked his teeth. "I don't like this!" His voice was low but the venom was clear enough in his tone. "And neither do the others. Me and Celia were talking. Why not abandon this quest whilst we still have the chance? It's not too late! I'm sure we can find others in-"

"No." The blond man turned and placed a hand on the shoulder of his companion. The muffled sound of plated steel sounded just under the cloak. "Kashell, I am forever grateful for the trust you've placed in me, all these past years. But this is something I absolutely must do. You've trusted me this far, why can you not trust me now?"

Kashell turned his eyes away and a guilt-ridden frown creased his face. "Things are different… you've changed… ever since… ever since 'that day'. Celia's noticed it too. You're… you're…"

A light smile touched the blond man's lips. "I've learned, my friend. To bring peace and justice, one cannot stay blind, deaf and dumb to the realities that surround us. It is God's gift, I see with clear eyes."

Kashell whirled on him now. "Then why can't you see you're walking into a trap!?" He managed to keep his voice low but the effort was visible and a rare flash of anger marred his viridian eyes.

"If you feel so strongly against this, I will not ask you to follow me further."

"You know I can't do that!"

The blond grinned sardonically. "Can't or won't?"

But Kashell didn't give in to his humor. "You're being impossible, you know that?"

"No…" The blond man, shook his head. "There is only one possibility left for me. And I must walk it- alone if I have to. It is the only way to end this vile oppression."

Kashell shook his head with a defeated sigh. "Whether it ends or not, Lawfer. Let's just hope we're all still alive to see the day after."

XXXX

"I'm so glad you finally agreed to let me go shopping with you!" Derrick jabbered as he followed Heather up the dusty road of the market. The redhead rolled her eyes and sighed under her breath before flashing the young man a bright smile.

"Well." She grinned. "I was out anyway. And since you so graciously offered, why not?" She wrapped her hands about herself as the wind pushed against her black cloak.

The young man beamed and snickered. He had a healthy smattering of freckles scattered across his nose and cheeks, a full bloom of blond curls that fell in a bowl around his scalp, and a gangly shape with a bulging belly that wobbled when he laughed.

By all accounts, Heather wouldn't be caught dead with the young man and he certainly wasn't her type. But there wasn't much she could do about her present predicament. They boy wouldn't leave her alone, constantly insisting he follow her for her own protection. Of course, the idle thought crossed her mind who would protect her from him. But in the end, she gave in to his endless demands when he agreed to pay for all her purchases.

Thus, the day was actually turning out quite well and Heather smiled while Derrick struggled with two heavy bags of various items she chanced and whimsically chose to purchase along the way. Through it all, the young man never stopped snickering but she caught the growing occasions his brow began to perspire and she couldn't hide her smirk. It served him right, and hopefully when he got sick of living off rations because he was broke, he would think again before offering to keep her company. Her only regret was enduring his shrieking giggles that never failed to hackle her nerves.

"Say Heather?"

"Hm?"

"You and Platina are good friends right?"

Heather struggled to hold back her sigh and rolled her eyes. "Yep. You do know it's common knowledge at the Inn. Everyone knows…"

But the young man didn't catch the hint. "So hey, did you know, Steve has a crush on Platina?"

Heather closed her eyes and took a deep breath before smiling back at him. "Gee! You don't say? What gave it away? His constant fawning? His endless waving whenever she walks by? Or was it his request 'last night' asking if she wanted to go out with him?"

Derrick giggled brightly. "Boy, you're sharp! How did you know about that?"

Heather sank two fingers against the bridge of her nose. "I was 'there' remember!?"

Derrick propped his head up and thought for a moment. The wind furrowed his golden curls and he suddenly snapped his fingers. "Oh yeah! Hee hee hee hee! Silly me! You sure were!"

Heather bristled and clenched her hands into fists. The things she did for a pair of free mittens.

"Say!" Derrick beamed. "If Steve and Platina go on a date, maybe we can go on a date too! That way, we can all go together!"

"Gee, Derrick! Let me think about that." Heather's voice was dry and after glaring up at the darkening sky for less than a second, she fastened her eyes back on him with a pertinent smile. "Damn, I can't. I'm busy!"

"Uh… but I didn't say which day yet."

Heather smiled sardonically. "I know."

Derrick frowned in confusion, struggling to process her comment, when a group of dusty and weary people came marching up the entrance of the market sector.

"Hey, look! More travelers!" Derrick pointed. The young man fell into another stream of gibber but Heather didn't bother paying attention anymore.

Instead, she raised her eyes in interest as she watched the growing throng of people. This time of year would mark the festival season but ever since Villnore's occupation, they haven't had a real festival in two years. However, that didn't stop travelers from coming back and forth at those same intervals. And despite the added labor and work that came with the growing crowd, Heather always found joy in admiring the growing diversity of people who came through their gates.

Today's crowd certainly did not disappoint her. One man wore a wide hat and a large bird sat on his shoulder with a colorful rainbow of feathers and a long dark beak. Another man wore long flowing robes and carried a huge pack nearly taller than him. Two women walked side by side and they looked so similar, Heather was almost certain they were twins. Some of them were tall and others were short. Some were wide and others thin. Some wore a parade of colors and others wore simple earthy tones similar to her own. Her eyes finally settled over a thin figure who carried himself with a grace and poise that surprised her. His movements were fluid and direct, almost as if he were dancing as he walked.

She found her eyes transfixed on this figure until another gust of wind swept past them with a rush of rain. Heather rubbed at her damp brows and when she looked again, another surprise greeted her; he wasn't a he at all. The wind had blown back the cowl of that cloaked traveler to reveal a brilliant mane of mahogany hair, falling in braided tresses down her back. The woman eagerly clutched at her whipping cloak but the wind was it's own master and so, it lashed at her and the other travelers with a violent audacity.

Heather continued to stare in interest until the woman turned to regard her with soft hazel eyes. Heather immediately waved as the woman glanced at her. The woman smiled back with a cheery expression and slowly raised the hood back over her face. Heather was prepared to speak out a few words of greeting when she suddenly caught a flash of silver at the woman's hip. Her eyes widened with surprise. Was that?!-

"HEATHER!"

She immediately winced as the shrill voice rang loud and clear in her ear. She frowned, turned and saw Derrick's face just inches from her own. She immediately jumped back and the boy giggled with delight.

"Finally! You stopped speakin back there and I thought you fell asleep."

Heather winced again. "Derrick, how the hell can I fall asleep when I'm walking?"

"Well, actually I heard tales of people walkin in their sleep all the time. It's interesting! There was this one time when-"

"Okay! Okay! Shut up! I believe you! Geeze!"

"Well, I wus just saying, it's starting to rain."

Heather looked up, and sure enough, rain was beginning to fall, wet and cold from the cloudy sky. She lowered her head again to look back at the cloaked woman, but she was gone, lost in the multitude of travelers now filing through the crowded streets. Heather frowned and shook her head. "Well, it's getting late and I better head home."

"Oh!" Derrick beamed. "Want me to walk you-"

"NO!" Heather snatched her bags from the boy before he could reply and turned on her heels, walking swiftly down the road.

"Oh! Uh… umm… Well, Bubye, Heather! See you at work tomorrow!"

Heather cringed and ignored the boy as she hurried down the road. That was one market visit she would not soon forget. But not just because she was stuck with that annoying boy. Her mind pondered at the cloaked woman she'd seen. Perhaps her eyes had betrayed her? But no, she couldn't be wrong! The more she thought about it, the more she was certain of what she'd seen! That traveler was no ordinary woman. In all her years of watching travelers, none of them carried what she did; none of them carried a sword!

XXXX

Bethal Ferva frowned as she walked into the inn. It was crowded as always and carried the heavy odor of sweat and alcohol. The sights were no better as her eyes scanned the multitude of men lazing about in scattered places tipping mugs or waving their animated arms in one heated conversation or another. Some men were content to carry some shred of dignity and drink with a calm exterior but their eyes gave them away as nervous fools trying not to be noticed; and yet they stood out against the crowd. The irritating sight of buxom serving maids walking from table to table, especially sickened her: how they giggled at flirtatious customers, sauntered up and down the room, and dressed in tight-fitting outfits only harlots would wear. The entire setting left a sour taste in her mouth, and it was all Bethal could do to hold in her bile as she forcefully marched her way across the room and towards the bartender at the back.

There were very few people whom Bethal respected and to say any would be found in a tavern would have been atrocious; nevertheless, Bethal did respect Milford Detterby, albeit grudgingly. He was a practical man who'd lived each of his forty one years with integrity and a cautious eye. Like a hawk, he'd watched his father closely, studying the man's successes and failures. As a young man, he'd managed his time meticulously, taking care to make the right friends and shun the right enemies. He'd held every coin he earned and shed each one towards the right investments. Even when the town fell into despair, he managed to secure a comfortable living for himself while others struggled. Yes, Milford took care to play every card right. So when Bethal needed to find a buyer for her stock of potatoes who'd round the profits at a good price, she knew she could count on him.

"Bethal Ferva." The man hailed with a height in his voice that didn't match his eyes. Instead, he didn't even bother looking up as he kept his head low while rinsing a clear glass in his water basin.

Bethal didn't mind however. Theirs was never a relationship of friendship. They began as business associates and neither was eager to change that any time soon.

She folded her arms as she pointedly stared around the room. "I see not much has changed since I last frequented this … 'establishment.'

Detterby shrugged, turning his cup over and reaching for a second. "It is what it is."

"I trust you have not subjected my daughter to the same, 'routines' as your more 'liberal' staff?"

Detterby smirked. "Now, wouldn't ye know yer daughter better'n anyone else? Who am I to tell ye how your daughter behaves outside your grasp?"

Bethal bristled and the bartender grinned, rinsing his cup in the sink.

"That woman. Heather. She's a bad influence on Platina."

"Not from where I see. Far as I can tell, them gals done right by each other an haven't a spec o' vagrancy about em."

"And you would know all about that, wouldn't you?" Bethal smirked.

The bartender shrugged again. "I am what I am."

"A cheapskate is what you are. I saw the wage you paid my daughter."

The bartender hiked an eyebrow and raised his eyes to meet hers. "I didn't know that gal's mother was pinchin her pay."

Bethal minced her lips and gave him a withering glare. Detterby matched her glare, holding it for several moments. He then sighed and shook his head.

"But ye haven't come all this way to talk about Platina, have ye? What can I do for ye?" The man set his rinsed cup upside down on the shelf next to the first. He then threw the cloth over his shoulder and leaned his pudgy arms against the table. "I'd pour ye a rum but that's never been yer taste, now has it?"

Bethal's only response was a tight wrinkling of her nose. "You know me better than that. I have a fresh stock of potatoes ready for market."

"Do ye now?" The man raised an eyebrow but nothing more than that. Whether he was interested in her proposal or not, Detterby never gave anything away. His was an absolute poker face but Bethal was a shrewd woman herself.

"Three hundred pounds this year. Harvest was a little better than last year but I guarantee you'll not find any better potatoes in Coriander, nor so many. I saw the merchants today. Their booths are as barren as the ground we walk on. That can't be good for business."

Detterby smirked, rubbing the brown-grey stubble of hair inching its way along his jaw line. "And you wait till the day the travelers arrive to tell me this? 'That' is bad for business.

Bethal returned his smirk and leaned closer. "Any worse than having nothing at all? What's the point of selling if you know nothing will get sold?"

"And what's the going price these days?" Detterby folded his arms.

Right to business, Bethal noticed. Normally the man could drag any deal out. The fact that he didn't was telling. He was desperate. Bethal hid her smile.

"Times are tough, aren't they? You can barely get a weed to grow in this soil much less crops, and it's only getting worse." Bethal studied her fingernails, leaning back on her stool. "I'm not quite so young as I used to be either. And help is so hard to find these days."

The humor was obviously lost on Detterby however. He fixed her a glare and his eye twitched ever so slightly. "How much?" He repeated under a tight-lipped voice.

Bethal gave him an idled glance and shrugged. "Well, being that it's one of the busiest times of the year, I'm willing to offer you a deal. 40 Oth per pound."

"That's preposterous!" Detterby barked, nearly shouting. His eyes immediately stabbed around the room, but everyone was either too drunk or immersed in their own conversations to notice him. The bartender took a deep breath and relaxed his wide girth. Finally, he stared down at Bethal but his glare was still there. "That is outrageous." he repeated in a lower, controlled tone of voice. "12 thousand Oth? You've got to be out of your mind!"

Bethal only smirked. "I'd be willing to accept a payment plan."

"Like hell I'd do that! Don't forget business is a two way street! I'll not be made the dog in this. Do you know how much I'd have to charge for each potato? Who would buy at a price like that? Certainly not I!"

Bethal frowned. "I would think buyers would be especially eager since my produce are in such high demand."

"Ten!"

"Thirty." Bethal returned.

Detteryby glared hard behind steely eyes. "20! And not an oth more or so help me, you'll have to find a new buyer from now on. I'll not be drawn in by you again!"

Bethal bristled inwardly. But she let off an exterior air of ponderous acquiescence. "20? Well you certainly drive a hard bargain Detterby. Very well. For you, I'll be willing to settle for 20."

It was obvious Detterby was not amused. He turned his back to her, sweaty stains marring his yellowed tunic. She'd obviously unnerved him more than he let on. "I'll send a supply wagon to pick up my stock shortly. I'll send my payment with him."

Bethal grinned, rising from her seat. "Perfect. As always, it's been a pleasure doing business with you."

Detterby turned, glaring at her. "I wouldn't say that. Yer a shrewd woman Bethal Ferva, but take care to quell that greedy tongue of yers. Another stunt like that, and ye'll find yerself stuck with another buyer. Do we understand each other?"

But Bethal was not a woman to be baited. Instead, she raked an eyebrow with a petulant smirk. "Don't we always?"

Without waiting for a reply, the old woman turned on her heels walking confidently towards the door.

XXXX

Platina sighed, stooping low over a gangly potato vine. The clouds were dark against a grey horizon, rolling in frothing waves as sunset approached and the first prickling drops of rain slowly began to fall. She pulled at a dusty brown sack while trudging up and down the hilly rows of her mother's potato garden. The garden was failing. She knew it with every passing month; the task of collecting potatoes was easier as the number of stalkers were fewer than before, but with every light load, her mother's ire grew.

She knew it was bad for business and she knew that eventually, the potato garden would fail all together. That was the real reason her mother had her working for Detterby. Of course, her mother never admitted it, but Platina knew better. When the day came that Bethal could no longer rely on her potatoes as her primary source of income, outside work was the only option left open to her. And Platina knew her mother well enough to know the woman would never stoop down to working for anyone but herself.

It was a harrowing thought; one that convinced Platina that, no matter what, the hulking outpost needed to go. Otherwise, everyone in Coriander, including her mother, would suffer, regardless of whether there was a blockade or not.

A light trickle of sweat slithered down her brow, chilling her face as the cold wind blew and the raindrops increased. She shivered and trudged over to the next mound. Carefully, she pushed against the hay bedding and pried a potato loose from the soil before dropping it into her satchel. The dirt was cold on her fingers and she knew with chilling certainty that this would be the final load before winter prevented them from harvesting anymore crops, at least until spring.

She sighed, straightening her back and surveyed her work. Four full bags sat in the corner of the garden. Sunset was fast approaching and she'd already pulled over four hundred potatoes. She smiled to herself. It was a personal record. But she knew it wouldn't be enough for her mother. It was never enough for the shrill woman who never failed to find a fault in her daughter's work.

Platina shook her head, willing the depressing thoughts away and rubbed the grubby dirt from her hands. Rain mixed with the dirt, making her fingers moist. Platina rubbed her fingers against the fabric of her wool dress. She was just beginning to stoop and retrieve her last bag when a noise blossomed just beyond the fence.

"Hoot! Hoot!"

Platina rolled her eyes and grinned, straightening back to her full height. "Har har, Heather. Very funny." She dolled in a dry voice.

A crimson mane of hair immediately popped over the top of the fence and Heather smiled, lapping one arm over the side. "Hey!" She waved. "I take it, you're done for the day?"

Platina sighed, propping her hands on her hips, heedless of the light, pattering rain and bobbed her head. "Yeah… It's about as good as it's going to get. And night's approaching with the rain. That's a bad combination for picking potatoes."

Heather rolled her eyes. "You'd know better than me." rain fell against her hair and shoulders but the redhead didn't seem to mind. Instead, she looped her other arm over, holding two long wooden staves in her grip. "Here, catch!"

Platina blinked as her friend tossed one of the wooden rods her way. She stretched out her hands, barely catching the wood shaft and sighed. "This again?"

Heather grinned and the rain gradually increased. With a fluid motion, she pushed up and hoisted herself over the fence, landing on the other side with her staff in hand. "Oh look." She grinned. "The red haired villain has come to steal the helpless farmer's potatoes. Whatever shall Platina do?"

Platina couldn't help the giggle that ebbed past her lips and she gripped her own staff with both hands. "Defend, of course!"

Heather bobbed her eyebrows. "Show me!" In a sudden flash of movement, she rushed in on her purple haired friend, whirling her staff in a series of double-edged strikes.

Platina blocked and parried each blow, backing up as the redhead drove her back and through the fields. The rain fell harder as the two women twirled and spun while they struck, their skirts billowing and twirling in the wind as if they were locked in a deadly dance.

Heather grinned and laughed, swinging high then low, trying to find an opening. But Platina grinned back, catching every strike short with a parry of her own and offering a few jabs in between.

Heather spun on her heel and swung low but Platina jumped over the strike, spinning before landing on both feet and crouching low in a return swing. Heather barely managed to avoid as she stumbled back and used the bottom edge of her staff to catch her balance.

Platina laughed as she saw her opening and rushed in. Heather pushed back on her staff, clearing distance for herself then the two women jumped into another series of parries and blocks. They continued sparring as the rain fell harder until Platina's lungs felt like they'd burst.

"Alright! Enough already!" She giggled and panted, falling to her knees while the rain drenched her violet hair and soaked her dress. Heather was gasping with a large smile as her own red hair lay flat and soaking against her face. She leaned on her staff and beamed.

"That wasn't bad! You're getting better!"

Platina shook her head. "But not as good as you!"

Heather smirked. "I don't count. Detterby taught me how to protect myself with a staff a long time ago so I've had a lot of time to practice. But you've only been doing this for about a year now and already you're a menace. I could barely keep up, this time!"

Platina grinned and poked her tongue out. "That's because I'm faster than you, remember?"

Heather smirked. "That has yet to be proven!" She wagged her finger.

The two women laughed softly in the rain and struggled to catch their breath. Finally, Platina leaned up to her feet and waved her friend over. "Come on. Let's sit under the overhang, before we catch cold!"

Heather rolled her eyes and shook her soaking hair. "Why didn't you mention that earlier, you airhead?"

Platina shook her sagging hair. "Because I was too busy trying to breath at the time."

She plopped down against the long chair that sat just under the overhang on the side of Bethal's house. Heather stooped low before plopping down next to her. "But you know, you really are a natural. Are you sure you've never fought before this?"

Platina shook her drooping head and her soaking locks sent showers of water sprinkling in every direction. "No, I said! I don't know, maybe I'm just good at this kind of thing?"

"Says the shyest girl, I've ever met." Heather grinned. "But seriously, we should do this more often. I'm curious to see how good you can get!"

Platina laughed. "If I do it any more, my lungs will explode."

Heather smirked. "Small price to pay."

"Whatever!" Platina pushed her friend.

"By the way," Heather tossed her a dark bundled object. "This is for you."

Platina caught the damp bundle with a puzzled look on her face. "What's this?"

Heather shrugged. "Sorry. I guess it got a little wet in the rain."

Platina's eyes widened behind a pair of brand new wool mittens and she immediately blanched. "Oh Heather! I can't accept this!"

"Yes you can, and yes you will!" The redhead laughed, crossing her arms. "I went through a lot to get those mittens!"

"But what about you? Didn't you say you were planning to buy some mittens for yourself today?"

"Oh trust me, I've got my pair!" Heather waved her hand. "Derrick was nice enough to foot the bill, so I didn't spend a single oth!"

"Derrick? 'Our' Derrick?" Platina blanched in disgust.

Heather caught her expression and snickered. "Let's just say, it wasn't easy. But the boy wouldn't leave me alone. Anyway, they're yours so just accept them already!"

Platina laughed and shook her head. "Okay then. I'll accept them. Thank you." She smiled.

Heather smiled back and smoothed her soaking hair behind her ears. "So…, you're still on for the consulate, right?"

An immediate frown darkened Platina's expression. "I've been thinking about that…"

"Don't tell me you've got cold feet?"

"…At first." Platina admitted. "But… you know, I've been thinking a lot while picking those potatoes… regardless whether it's stupid or not… regardless whether we get caught or not… if something doesn't change, this village is going to die. That tower is killing Coriander."

"That much is obvious."

"Soooo…" Platina ignored her friend's retort. "… I'm willing to do this…" She raised an apprehensive hand to her mouth, fingering her bottom lip. "We… we're just going to see what's there right? I mean, we're not going to actually 'do' anything, right?"

Heather rolled her eyes. "Didn't you just say something needs to be done? Are you sending mixed signals now?"

"I'm serious, Heather! I mean, we can't do anything! But we can at least, … you know… see what's going on? It's a start, right?!?"

Heather threw her hands up in exasperation. "Of course! You're acting like we're plotting to overthrow Villnore or something! Look, don't worry about it. All I want to do is see what's going on too. It's better than just being hapless pawns, isn't it?"

Platina smiled a little. "Yeah… I'm ready to at least see what kind of place our village is becoming."

Heather grinned back with encouragement. "Yeah! That's the spirit! Let's do it! Let's take the first steps towards taking back our lives!"

Platina blanched. "But what about my mother? She'll be expecting me!"

Heather grinned. "When we get back, I'll tell her I left something at Detterby's and didn't want to go back alone so I took you with me."

But Platina still frowned. " 'If' we get back."

Heather smacked her shoulder. "Now you're talking nonsense! Come on! It's going to be fine! Have faith! This is for Coriander, remember?"

Platina nodded slowly. "Yeah… yeah, you're right! Everything's going to be fine. It has to be!"

Heather smiled and grasped Platina's hand. "From here on out, everything changes!"

:::::To Be Continued:::::

:::::Author's Note: Thanks for reading! Reviews are always welcome and appreciated. And thank you Liam-Don for the correct spelling of Lucian's name. Please stay tuned for chapter 3: The Prisoner

Writing Gamer