Castle Dracul

FInding a skelelton- Part 2

On the edge of the light, Farren, stood looking aghast at the person, little more than a walking skeleton, who lay on the stone. Female certainly. And such strange clothes, that hang from her like a child wearing their father’s pants. I should be doing something more than staring, he finally admitted to himself and pushed into motion, retrieving her from the ground, shocked at her slight weight. He rushed her to the infirmary.

Please live. He thought, his feet beating the pavement. Anyone strong enough to cross the border deserves to live.

The loud clap of his soles on the barren stone floors, echoing, pulling to him the eyes of anyone he passed, saying nothing. He lay her softly on the bed, hearing the distant step of feet in the hall. Doctor Gareth stepped in breath coming fast.

“Is it?...”

Farren nodded. “A little girl. She looks so young. Is she still with us?”

Doctor Gareth busied himself with checking her vitals and looking for injuries his hands cautious as he went about his inspection. “Well this is the most emaciated person I have ever seen alive. I hope her determination keeps her with us.”

She did not even jump as the IV needle slipped into her arm. “Go on back to work, there is nothing more you can do here. Only time will tell if she will make it or not. You did well bringing her to me.”

Doors slammed up and down the halls, voices called but no one was answering. King Abisin walked sedately around the search effort. His son would be found at some point. He always was. He kept walking down the long cold corridor toward the medic. Doctor Garath stood in the hall, his eyes wide, his hands slack, his jaw dropped.

“Doctor Garath,” He greeted the man.

Garath whipped about. “Your Majesty. I’m sorry. I…”

“What is bothering you Garath, I have never known you to be easily startled.”

He pointed into the infirmary.

There on the bed was the girl, looking as pale as she had before, her translucent skin drawn tight over her face, her hair the color of old blood splashed across the pillow, peacefully asleep. Behind her, on top of the covers, lay Prince Baird, one arm wrapped about her middle, the other cradling her head. He was silent and calm, so different from how he had been the hour before, angry with his father, angry with his life. Now he was sedate.

King Abisin nodded. “I see. Well, we shall call off the search.” He turned and walked away, a little more slowly than before. His shoulders a bit more slumped than they had been. Ultimately defeated.

Baird rubbed his hand softly over her hair. It was fine as silk, beautiful long and red. He knew the color; she was a Fire-brand. She was his, he was hers. And being next to her was absolute peace. The monster in him slept with her here.

“Your Highness, I believe your father is looking for you.” Doctor Gareth whispered.

Baird nodded. “I know. I’m a little busy.” He brushed his hand down her fall of hair again.

“Do you think that is wise? She will wake terrified if you remain as you are.”

Baird shook his head. “No she won’t. She came here because of me. This is my Soul-bound. She sleeps easier with me here. When did she arrive?”

Doctor Gareth wrung his hands. “She was found unconscious at the castle entry last night.”

Baird nodded. “That makes sense. She should not have made it that far.”