Seeking Revenge

CHAPTER SIX: KSENIA

I need to leave, I tell myself for the tenth time this morning while wrapping my wrist in some fresh bandages. After cutting away the excess cloth, I look in the mirror and admire the clarity. I'd woken up before dawn this morning, antsy, feeling like the walls that welcomed me are now wanting to close me out. With nothing else to do, I got up and started cleaning. By the time the sun rose above the treeline, there wasn't single a speck of dust or grime to be seen.

At first, I contemplated leaving before dawn to save myself the trouble of running into Larken; but after some thought, I realized I still need more supplies I couldn't get while he was with me--like a good knife-sharpener, for instance. It would have resulted in too many questions, and I prefer not to lie more than I need to. But now that the sun is out and my bag is re-packed, it's time to get those things and leave for good.

Before I return to the bedroom, I unwrap the bandage around my arm. The mirror reveals the cut to be almost completely healed. If this doesn't convince him to let me leave, nothing will.

Larken is quiet and moody this morning, with bags beneath his eyes and his face whiter than usual. When he shoves breakfast in my direction, I drum my fingers on the table wondering if he would start yelling at me if I say anything. After a minute, I manage a quiet "thank you," which yields a stiff nod in response. I relax a little, releasing a breath I didn't realize I was holding. Being able to socialize for a couple of days was nice, but it has reminded me of just how exhausting creatures can be.

Watching Larken tend to the customers, I realize part of me doesn't really want to leave. The friend--no, rela--no, acquaintanceship I've made with him is the closest bond I've had with anyone in a long while, and the experiences I've had in this town are things that won't be easily forgotten. As I chew a bite of eggs, I wonder if I should say goodbye or sneak out of the window as I'd originally planned. I eventually decide on the former, since it will be less suspicious.

I want to let Larken know I'm headed out for a bit, but he's too busy handing out breakfasts and beers. So, sliding from the stool, I readjust my money-bag and walk through the front door.

The young sun is still casting long shadows on the ground when I set out on the dusty path. A couple of gnomes pass by with their long greasy beards, pot bellies, and gangly limbs wrapped in gold from fingers to elbows. I spot a Bogeyman on the opposite side of the road and watch in fascination as he takes on the exact form of a passerby. A little girl's laughter turns my head to see her swinging between her parents, hands clasped tightly in theirs. I used to do the same thing when I was her age.

My heart aches and I blink tears away, trying not to fall apart. Then rage fills every hole, every crevice, every crack. The Council must pay for what they've done. It's almost time. 

I've been waiting all this time to build my strength and technique--and formulate a plan. Now I'm eighteen, fully matured. The time to act is near, I can feel it.

The little bell tinkles when I push the door open. The only two creatures inside are me and the pink-haired girl at the front desk, who gives me a friendly smile. I give her a quick nod and set off to peruse the aisles. 

"Is that for your partner?" she asks when I lay the sharpener on her counter.

"My partner?"

"The one who came in with you yesterday."

"Oh." My face flushes a little and I clear my throat. "No, it's for me."

Her eyes widen. "You know how to swordfight?"

Maybe I should have let her believe it was for him. "Um... a little."

"Well," she starts, ringing up the price on her machine, "it's not every day you hear a lady say something like that. I would love to learn, but weapons and lessons are too expensive for most creatures to afford anyway."