Once Upon a Time

Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

It had been nearly two weeks since we escaped from the palace, and the guards were still searching. We all knew we were lucky to have stayed hidden for as long as we had, and it was only a matter of time before they came here.

"Are you sure you have everything, darling?" Daisy asked as she handed me a small backpack.

I swung the pack onto my back. "I'm pretty sure."

She smiled. "Well, if you need anything else, please don't hesitate to come for a visit."

I nodded and looked over to Jasper who smiled reassuringly to her. "I think we'll be fine." We had become close during our time here and, even though Anna said otherwise, that's all we were.

Lacy came up and hugged me around the waist. "I'll miss you, Aileen."

I bent down and put my arms around her, hugging her back. "I'll miss you too."

She pulled away and smiled up at me. She desperately wanted to go with us, but her mother wouldn't allow it. Even if she was allowed, I would make Jasper and Raphael hold her here if I had to. I didn't want anything to happen to her, and besides, Jasper paid for her and Travis to be returned to their family, so the guards couldn't harm her.

Anna sighed sadly. "Well, I guess we better leave. If the guards come while we're here, it won't be good."

Daisy frowned. "I guess so, dearie. Now are you absolutely sure you have got everything? Plenty of water, food -"

Raphael cut her off. "We're sure."

She nodded. "Okay then." I could see that she was trying to hold back tears. "Once you guys figure this out, please come and visit."

I smiled sadly. "Of course we will."

We turned away from her and, to much sadness, slowly walked out the door. The time we had spent with Lacy's family was the best time of my life since becoming a servant, and I was almost certain that it would be the last, considering that we were outlaws on the run.

About half an hour later, we were about halfway down the path leading from Daisy's house to the edge of the forest when we heard running footsteps behind us. I instantly tensed and quickly turned around, thinking it was the guards, but instead saw Travis sprinting towards us holding a huge bag on his arm. I tapped Jasper as he was closest to me, and he stopped walking and waited for Travis to catch up.

He came to a stop in front of us and held his side as he tried to catch his breath. I didn't blame him though; it was almost two miles from his house.

When he caught his breath, he handed Raphael the bag.

"This is from my mother." He said in explanation.

Raphael opened the bag and pulled out a long object wrapped in cloth. He carefully unwrapped it to reveal a long sword with a jade-encrusted hilt and a swirling pattern climbing up the blade. There was also another sword exactly like it with rubies instead.

"I'm sorry, but we can't accept these." Jasper told him. "They look too valuable."

Travis smiled and shook his head. "No, take them. You helped me and my sister escape. If you won't accept them from my mother, please accept them from me."

Raphael nodded and handed the sword with rubies to Jasper, sliding the jade one into his empty belt. Jasper did the same.

Travis sighed, sticking his hands into the pockets of his overalls. "Well, I have to get home. Mother wants me to help her with the dishes. Good luck." He started to walk back, but stopped. "By the way, where are you guys planning to go?"

Anna shrugged. "We're not too sure. I guess wherever we'll be safe from the King."

He nodded in understanding. "I guess I'll see you around then." He turned and started on the path to his house.

"Bye Travis!" I called after him, the other echoing me.

He turned and waved before disappearing into the trees.