Ink and Blood

Chapter 13

I was shivering from the cold. I was thinking of Finn's warm kisses and hugs, how I miss him so much. Is he looking for me? Does he forgive me? Did Thatch make it home? Questions were running through my head, I didn't know if I was going to survive this or not. I hope Rufus will take care of my mom for me.

A guard came in and grab me, he tied my hands behind my back and took me to the throne room, again. When we entered, a few candles were lit and the windows were closed tight. The guard threw me on the floor in front of Silas, and I stagger up quickly. He was sitting at a table eating ravishingly at his food. He was wearing his dark crown and black robe. After he drank heavily, he wiped his mouth and looked at me. Silas smiled at seeing me struggle.
"Are you done disrespecting me?" He demanded.
"Are you done throwing a temper tantrum of not getting what you want?" I couldn't help the small smart-aleck comment. Although Silas didn't think it was funny. His smile slid off and he stood up knocking silverware against each other. Everyone in the room bowed to their knees, but I remain standing.

"Do not tempt me, your friends are on the line. And I can have them all die in less than a few days. I actually don't know whether or not I should call you mother or creator." He laughed viciously. "And to think I was living in the same city with the one who "wrote" me. I mean, you're the author of my story, but you are not what I suspected." I grimaced. Then look straight into his eyes.
"You're right, I am the author of your story which means I can end your life in a second. So, don't you dare threaten my friends when you have none, just so you can spite me." I felt an emotion of pride when his smile faltered. I am weakening his confidence.
"You will bow and respect me as your king. You may have written me, but you have no control over me." He had a point.

"I know, but that doesn't mean I can't write myself home." He glares at me. "You can't go home, you're making that up."
"Now why would I do that, your head is already big as your waist. No wonder your crown can't fit on your head." I chuckle humorlessly, though a voice in my head was saying not to provoke him. His face was boiling with rage. He pulled out the gun and pointed at me. I freeze.
"This is an extraordinary weapon that boy left behind. I might use it on you as your death penalty. Of course, I won't kill you but I can leave you crippled. It's your choice."
I had my hands tied around my back and I couldn't do anything to protect myself. The guard behind me kicked me toward and I was helpless but to fall on my knees. The guard gripped my hair, bringing my head back. My neck was exposed and my eyes were stinging from tears. But I wasn't about to let Silas know I was scared. I look straight into his eyes while the gun was pointed at my forehead.

"Kill me if you must, but I will not bow to a king who wears a crown studded with jewels of every life he has ended."
His hands were shaking then he hit me on the head with the butt of the gun. I blacked out for a moment then regained consciousness. I heard the doors burst open, revealing an anxious guard. "My King, someone has breached the doors and-" war cries were shouted from behind, I look up and saw Finn running in along with the rest of the boys.
"Finn!" I cried out. He did come for me. I was so happy to see him. I guess that means Thatch made it home safe. The guards went charging towards them and the fight was on.

There were shouting swords against swords, and cries of mercy. I rolled around and kicked Silas in the worst body part and he crouched over, groaning. I grab the knife from the table and sliced my bonds. I turn and search for Finn. I see him fighting off a guard, I run over to where the swords were on the ground and I grab one, swinging it around, but a guard got to me first. I drop to the ground when his sword sliced through the air and I kicked his feet out from under him. I stood up and turn to find Silas, a sword pointing at me, and a snarl on his face. I hesitated then raced toward him and our swords caught and he pushed me back.
"You think I would let you leave after everything you did to me!" The hilt of his sword collided with my face and I tasted blood, but I kept fighting. My body is sore, my hands hurt, and I was weak. I couldn't hold him off for long.