ROSE OF SKANDIA

《▪︎■▪︎□▪︎■▪︎Chapter Six▪︎■▪︎□▪︎■▪︎》

~POV Thyra~

Everything had been going so well for me. I earned my place in my brotherband aboard the ship the Lynx, one of the four newly formed brotherbands in training. I was top of my group in fighting experience, much to my father's joy and I finished my studies early this year, much to my mother's pleasure.

But the best thing was the time I got to spend with the boy I love, Malachi. Last year as the sun was setting, we were walking along the beach, he pulled a small braclet out of his pocket and told me he loved me. We've been near inseparable since then. He was our Brotherband's Skirl. Malachi was the best leader, patient, kind, but he was stern and pushed us out of our comfort zones when we needed it.

But he couldn't save me when the Hibernians came.

We had been having one of our normal moonlit walks on the beach when they attacked. Malachi was knocked unconscious and dragged away into the woods. I was trying to defend myself, but I was completely outnumbered one to ten.

They bound my ankles and wrists and tied a gag over my mouth. They shoved me into a canoe, and before my father could even get out of bed, I was rowed to the massive ship.

...

I peaked through the crack, the sun burning my eye as I peered out onto the ship's deck. Ever since I'd been captured they haven't let me out of this room under the main deck. It was bare except for a chair that was secured to the floor and a stinky straw mattress in the corner. Oh, and the nasty bucket I was forced to use for relieving myself.

There was a window, but the glass was stained black so I couldn't see out very well, and almost no light was able to shine in.

Making my life dark and cold.

I'd have escaped by now, but they searched me head to toe, snatching all my jewelry and hidden weapons.

My wrist felt naked without Malachi's bracelet. Almost a week had passed since I was taken. But I wouldn't loose hope. I will see Malachi again. I will get to hug my parents and spoil my little brother with piggyback rides and the caramel candies he loves.

I'd make it back to Skandia and sing again with my Brotherband.

I'd make it home.

But first, I needed to get off this ship.