Daughter of Ice and Fire

Ten

"You're too thin, my dear. I can count every rib."

"Have you seen the slop they feed us? Last night, I pulled part of a bat wing from my stew. At least, I think it came from a bat." Lihleih suppressed a shudder. Not at what she had found but at her seatmate's response. Smacking his lips, he had taken it from her and popped it in his mouth. Grunting in satisfaction, he had asked if he could search her bowl for more.

"Even so, you need to eat. I know the meals are less than appealing, but they will keep you healthy. The King needs strong men to work the mines. Feeding them starvation rations won't accomplish that."

Lihleih made a sound of disgust. "Easy for you to say. You're not being served meals made from Gods knows what."

Hoci directed her to lift her top so she could remove the bindings. Covered in sweat, they smelled awful but she couldn't take them off anywhere but here. Not just because she was worried about being found out, but because she had nobody to help her put them back on. Taking a deep breath, she sighed contentedly as the pressure was released, allowing her to breathe easier. She removed her trousers, grimacing at the dirt and grime before handing them to Hoci. Hoci helped her into the barrel, then handed her the bar so she could wash.

"And what do you think I eat? Some gourmet meal cooked just for me?"

Lihleih looked up in surprise. She had honestly never thought about what Hoci ate, assuming she was fed better than the prisoners. But Hoci was as much a prisoner as she was. The only difference was she was doing the work of a man and Hoci was doing that of a woman. Ducking her head, she scrubbed her hair, then rinsed it. She could see the bits of stone floating around in the water and sighed heavily. "What I wouldn't give for a real bath."

"Be grateful you're still allowed to come here," Hoci said sharply. "It took a lot of negotiation. And a good amount of my herbs."

Lihleih rose, grabbing the drying sheet and wrapping it around her. Stepping down with Hoci's help, she dried off, then rinsed her clothes. "I'm sorry," she said softly. "I've been absolutely awful to you. And you don't deserve it. You've been nothing but kind to me, even at great risk to yourself."

Hoci hung the clothes in front of the fire to dry. Producing a clean set of bindings, she began wrapping Lihleih's chest again. "Accepted, my dear. But I'm being selfish as well."

"I know you are under orders to do everything you can to keep me alive. But that doesn't mean you have to let me wash. Or argue with the guards about me."

"It has nothing to do with the threat to myself and my girls and everything to do with you."

Putting her arms down, Lihleih looked at Hoci in surprise. "Me? If it isn't the ultimatum the King gave that's bringing me here every day, then why are you so concerned with me?"

"Because I believe in you. I believe you'll not only survive, but you'll eventually escape this place and take up what is rightfully yours."

The comment caused her to jerk involuntarily. "I don't know who you think I am, Hoci, but your faith is badly misplaced. I'm just a girl who got caught doing something forbidden. And is being punished for it."

"Are you? Or are you more than just a simple peasant girl? After all, you did knowingly break the law. Then you defied the King. Despite the punishment inflicted on you, you've managed to survive for almost two months now."

Dropping onto the stool, Lihleih inspected her feet. Hoci's comments seem innocent enough, but she thought there was more behind the words than what was actually being said. But pushing Hoci could only lead to problems. Opting to not pursue it, she wiggled her toes and remained silent.