Wither of Thornes

Chapter 4: Seek, Watch, Found

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-TazTree

Arine made the excuse of being unwell again today. When Eda came to her room, she told her go take out comfortable, tight clothes. Eda seemed surprised by this, that Arine who adored princess dresses didn't want one today. Arine quickly excused her to avoid any suspicions. 

Arine hopped down on her bed and took out a piece of paper and a quill with ink. Arine needed to find a way to escape the castle and find Marvin. She couldn't say that she was going to find Marvin Graydown. That would make the King send out guards to take Arine back and the while Kingdom would be alerted. 

She could make the note vague but Arine wasn't sure that was enough. She then sighed, frustrated, and took out another notebook of hers where she had planned her journey last night.

She would go outside at night, as she always did. She would follow the tug in her heart—it was strange. Arine couldn't describe how she knew where Marvin was. It was like an extended rope inside her, that had to be shortened once she got closer to her destination.

Arine's knew Marvin was very powerful and could hurt her so she "borrowed" daggers from the weapons room for nobles. She could put the daggers back into the room, assuming she came back from her journey.

She'd pack the clothes Eda took out for her. And the food from breakfast that she stored in a container too. Most of the food wouldn't spoil. 

Arine thought of the castle she saw in her dream. It had so many clocks, all in exact motion...it reminded Arine then of the watch her father gave her. She bent down, pulled open the drawer, and took out a watch with a golden chain. She put it on, smiling.

Arine picked up the blank paper and inked quill again and wrote a quick note.

Dear Mother and Father, 

If you see this, know that I have gone somewhere for a few days. You know the place where we used to go? Yes, that place. Do not worry for one of our guards has picked me up.

Love, Arine Thorne

Arine wasn't fully convinced that the letter would soothe them. But it was the best she could think of at the moment.

She placed it on her bed, and checked the time on her watch. She decided to wait a bit longer until she went back to the King and Queen. 

Those few minutes passed and Arine slid off from her bed, and walked away from her bedroom. 

Arine walked quietly around the quarters of the royals, searching for the King and Queen's room. Once she reached it, she knocked on the door. 

"Come in." the King's voice called.

Arine opened the door to see her mother and father sitting silently. 

"How are you feeling dear?" her mother asked.

"Quite well. How are you mother and father?" Arine said.

"Concerned." the King replied.

"For?" Arine lowered her voice.

"Everything..

"Oh."

Her father scratched at the armrest of his chair. "There are no solutions on how to fix this seasonal dilemma. No one knows where Marvin Graydown is. And the snow is starting to fall again. We can soon die of this winter, and this Kingdom will be gone."