My time's up. At midnight tonight, I'll either learn that I have more allies than I think in this place, or find myself back in the bowl of bones, to be executed. Elara will probably do it herself. Will she shatter my mind, torture me with her powers? Or just shoot me through the brain? I have to push the bad thoughts away before self doubt creeps it's way into every crevice of my brain. I have to stay strong for what's ahead. At any moment, Elara could look into my head, and that would be it. I'd be done. Push the bad thoughts away, I tell myself again, and again.
Before I know it, the sun has set. Then it's 10:00. 11:00. 11:30. 11:55. A sharp knock drags my eyes away from the clock, and I cautiously open the door. And come face to face with piercing red eyes. Jon. He motions for me to follow him down the hall. I silently follow, and we make sure to keep to the darkest corridors, where the cameras can't see us. Jon leads me to a small unassuming door, and walks in. I follow. The smell of mildew and rot hit me as I enter the broom closet like room, and I try not to gag. Then I see the other person in here with us. Blue eyes, pale skin, dark hair. This was a trap. But then Maven smiles. A very unmavenlike smile, full of warmth and joy.
"You came." He says. And then he morphs, into a little, gray haired old woman. "I'm sorry dear, did I frighten you? I only meant it as a joke. You can call me granny, by the way."
"I'm just a little startled, that's all." I tell her. "Have you been in the palace all this time? Disguised as someone else?" I ask.
"Just after you married the boy who calls himself king, I came to the Scarlet Guard, and told them of my ability and that I wanted to help. Farley stationed me here, to help you." And then she morphs again, into a young looking red servant, whom I have seen a few times around the palace. "This is who I'll be disguised as. When you want to contact me, just tell the red haired maid you would like oatmeal with strawberries for breakfast, and i'll meet you here at midnight. If she responds that they kitchen is out of strawberries, it's not safe to meet. Now, we're running out of time. Any questions? Make it quick."
I thousand thoughts swirl in my head. But one stands out, something that's been nagging at the back of my mind for a while. Everytime I start to think about it, I push it back down. But if anyone knows the answer it's this newblood lady. "My friend. Kilorn Warren? Is he, you know…" I trail off, afraid that if I speak the words they'll become true.
"He's fine. No need to fret dear. Now we really must be going." She shifts into the red servant and exits the room. I start to follow her, but Jon drags me back.
"Wait." He demands. Curious of what he wants, I wait.
"Mare Molly Barrow. I have been wanting to talk to you. You will face perilous times. No pain, no gain." I fight the urge to laugh for some reason. My life is a peroulis time. I don't see how it could get any worse. "I can't tell you much. But I can tell you this. Trust your instincts, and never give up." His eyes are wide, full of meaning. "Go." He whispers, and gently shoves me out the door. I scurry back to my room, jumping at every shadow. I can't get caught, I can't give a Elara a reason to pry though my mind.