Promises of Gold

11. The EastSide

After William excused her from their dance, Cordelia walked back towards the circle that the rest of them were in and stood there once more. She could not get William's statement out of her head. She pretended to listen to their conversations and occasionally followed everyone's actions as they smiled or laughed. It worked for the rest of the party to Cordelia's relief. She was not in the mood to chat. To her luck, soon enough the party had ended and James was silently walking her back. She could not think of what to say. She knew James could handle everything but she did not want him to be under stress due to her.

"Did you have fun? I saw you and Oliver didn't speak" James pointed out, analyzing her as they walked.

"I didn't notice, and yes I did. Except for that boy." Cordelia replied still dazed.

"Max? He won't bother you. Don't even bother thinking about it. I'm taking care of it" James sighed.

"You keep telling me that. How?"

"Cordelia.."

Cordelia sighed and stopped in the path. She was too stubborn to let it go. She wanted to help. If they were bothering James and the rest now because of her, she needed to help him. James walked closer to her and stopped. They were mere inches away. Cordelia held in a breath as he examined her closely. It seemed like hours before he spoke.

"Cordelia. You must trust me. I do not want you involved."

"No. I want to help. I'm responsible for them bothering you again." Cordelia protested stubbornly.

"Who told you that?"

"William. He said it was expected once I came back." Cordelia replied, crossing her arms in frustration.

"Oh. Well, I don't care Cordelia. You're not helping. You just got here and have no memory of your past. You cannot help." James told her, running his fingers through his curly hair.

"Fine. Don't expect me to speak to you tomorrow or tonight then. I can achieve more than you think." Cordelia huffed before walking in front of him. Luckily she knew her way from their spot, or she would have made a fool out of herself stopping to wait for him. James followed her back in silence knowing he could not convince her to listen. I wal

***

Cordelia's POV

The next morning I avoided James. I wanted to show him I was not one to be pushed around and to stand around. I was more than just a girl. I had powers. I could help. I sighed in frustration thinking of James as I sat in my tent after another exquisite breakfast. He could not underestimate me. I would show him. I had not looked his way during breakfast and I felt his eyes on me, along with William's. I shook my head deciding to push him out of my thought. I fixed my periwinkle coloured new dress that I wore before exiting the tent.

As I breathed in the fresh air, I instantly saw James alongside William. They looked as if they were discussing something serious. I knew it was about me and the east. James looked over at me as I stood in front of my tent. William followed his gaze and they both looked at me with serious eyes. They looked away and nodded at eachother, as if to say they were each ready for something. I suddenly felt nervous. What were they doing? James pulled out a sword from his right side and William did the same before they both ran into the trees.

"They're taking care of it" a male voice said from my right.

I turned around to see the ginger boy once more. He wore a sweet smile but his eyes showed concern. He walked closer to me and examined me as James did with concern. He knew I was nervous for James. What were they doing with swords?

"Thomas, if you forgot." he reminded me.

"Oh right. There's so many new faces and names. I recognized you but the name escaped me" I replied nervously.

"It's quite alright. Don't be nervous for them Cordelia. They'll come back soon and unharmed. James was a pirate. He's the best swordsman I know." Thomas assured me.

"I could've helped.."

"No. The east is no place for a lady. Especially one who has just arrived and wears skirts. Have you not noticed pants are an option here? Most of our ladies reserve dresses for the parties."

"Pants? In the presence of boys?" I asked curiously.

"Oh Cordelia. You live on the island now. You must be comfortable and ready to run, climb and be free. Even Oliver has taken our style. He wears tunics and hats as well." Thomas sighed, rubbing his temple.

"Fine. I shall wear pants. Excuse me while I change"

"Good. If you're here and one of us you might as well style yourself as one of us." Thomas said grinning.

I rolled my eyes and walked back into my tent. Sure enough there was a white tunic, tights and boots under my bed. I put them on hestitantly and looked at myself in the mirror. It was an odd sight for me, as I have never worn pants. However it was ever so comfortable and I felt less reserved. I exited my tent and Thomas reacted with a large smile.

"Perfect. Now you look like one of us"

***

James and William ran through the island as if their lives depended on it. They were running quickly towards the east. They would fix this and make sure no incidents occured once more. James occasionally looked back every second or so to make sure William was following him closely. The east was a dangerous place to be. Even for James. He remembered seeing Cordelia, in her dresses. As always. He hoped she wasn't too angry or stressed. He found himself slightly wishing he had said goodbye.

"James! Slow down. We have not even talked strategy." William called.

"We don't have time Will. Come on." James replied, making William sigh.

William quickly caught up and they ran side by side. Both of them had no idea how this would turn out. They had not given their plan much thought and James had mostly acted out of anger and worry for Cordelia. He knew she was an opportunity to the east and he would do everything in his power to stop them from manipulating her and using her.

"James please don't do anything rash. Be professional and don't do anything unnecessary" William pleaded as they continued to sprint.

"William, I'll do what I have to do."

"Why didn't we fly?" William groaned as he stopped for a quick moment.

"Because it would attract too much attention. Their scouts would see us. We want to surprise them not give them a warning." James replied as he stood waiting for William.

"Alright, alright. Let's go."

They continued to run together until suddenly they realized they were in it The east side. It was obvious by the lack of colour, sounds and distant eerie laughter, which must have been some of the old boys. They took a deep breath and slowly continued into it, ready for anyone to pounce. They kept their swords in the air and walked back to back. Suddenly they heard a bunch of laughter which was much more close and they both turned around quickly.

To their right side by some dying trees, stood Max along with three other boys who smirked. They looked at William and James with defiance. James looked at them with fury.  Max snickered and spoke with amusement.

"Welcome to the Eastside  King James. Get comfortable, because you're never getting out."