Daughter of Ice and Fire

Sixteen

"Can you get me into the kitchens?"

Hoci looked at Lihleih in shock. "Whatever for?"

"Can you? Can you get me clothing like the girls wear, dye my hair, and get me into the kitchens? Tomorrow?"

Hoci's eyes narrowed. "What are you planning?"

"You told me to think and not wallow in self-pity. I did. Now, can you?"

Hoci went silent for several minutes. "It will be tight, my dear. And you'll need to keep moving. The guards do a head count before and after each meal. They know most of the girls by sight."

"I can make myself invisible once I'm there. I just need to slip in. The only way that can happen is if I'm a girl again."

Hoci nodded. "But what about Belwin? The guard will be wanting to pick you up after our visit. If you're not here, that will raise an alarm."

"Leave that to me. Now, this is what I'll need from you when I get here tomorrow. Can you do this?" Hoci listened carefully, then nodded after Lihleih finished.

"One more thing, Hoci. I can't guarantee this won't come back to you. If you're afraid of that, tell me now and I'll abandon my plans."

Hoci had an inkling she knew what Lihleih was planning. And Lihleih was right. If what she planned was successful, things could go very, very badly for her. But she had her own reasons for helping Lihleih. And if it cost her everything, it would still be worth it. She nodded again, earning a satisfied grunt in return.

"Ohhhh," Lihleih moaned, clutching her stomach as the guard half carried her into Hoci's room.

"What happened?" Hoci asked, rushing to inspect Lihleih.

"Dunno. He was fine after Morning Meal. But when he went outside after Midday, he collapsed. If anyone tried to touch him, he lashed out. Almost took Fitch's eye out. Warden said to bring him here. He's afraid the lad might have caught some sort of illness and doesn't want it spreading." The guard seemed annoyed he had been tasked with dragging the prisoner here. Hoci smiled inwardly, taking her time as she assessed Lihleih's slumped form. Sighing dramatically, she gestured to her pallet.

"Help him to the bed. Then take this," she pushed some herbs into his hands, "and have one of the girls brew you some tea. Drink all of it, then stay in your room for a day. If nothing happens, then you didn't catch whatever the lad has. If you feel sick, send word. But whatever you do, do not expose yourself to anyone."

"What about the girl in the kitchen?" The color started to drain from the guard's face as he hastily dumped Lihleih on the bed.

"Put the herbs on the table and step back. After she makes the tea, take it with you to your room. I'll get word to the warden." Hoci smothered the laugh the threatened. People were so gullible, which made things oh so much easier.

"What about him?" The guard had backed up and pushed himself against the door. It was obvious he couldn't get out of the room fast enough.

"As I said, I'll get word to the warden. If he's truly sick, I'll have to keep him here for at least a day or two. If he's faking it, then I'll turn him over to the warden for punishment." She turned away, dismissing the guard as she fussed on the table.

Just then, Lihleih moaned again and rolled over, vomiting onto the floor. The guard pulled open the door and fled, not bothering to address Hoci's last comment. Hoci watched him flee, a soft chuckle rumbling in her chest as she closed the door.

Lihleih was up in a flash. "Sorry about the mess. I'll clean it while the dye sets." Peeling off her shirt, she sat on the stool as Hoci pulled on her apron. "What color?"