An Assassins Crown

Chapter 23- Katara

Dad looks at me smiling with dimples. I scrunch up my nose when he flicks it, "Concentrate" he said holding back a laugh.

"But mumma isn't here" I answer.

"Just because your mother isn't here doesn't mean you can slack on your studies." he points to the Math worksheet he oh so graciously bestowed upon me. I look at the sheet pouting in annoyance hoping my cuteness will let me have a pass. Even when I bat my eyelashes at him he still shakes his head signalling for me to go on.

With my finger I point to the first equation "9x12 is 108" he nods in approval so I continue. "7x3 is 21. 11x7 is 77" and on and on I went. Equation after equation until I finally finished the gazillion worksheets he had given me.

At the very end he gave me a rose broach. Usually he would just give me a rose that would eventually wither and die, mumma would never see it because she never comes into pappas study. Which is where he teaches me Math and 'everything else I need to know'.

He hands me the broach "This rose won't die. It'll live as long as you let it". I hadn't understood his words. Sometimes he spoke in strange riddles like that. He lifts up the scarf and pins it to my shirt that lies under it. After he finishes he puts a finger to his lips and I copy.

Our secret. We had so many.

My eyes open to the blinding light of the sun. Warm and radiant. I had gotten used to it in the time passed. Almost how an old friend becomes a new acquaintance. Fern still lays in my lap, her hair splayed in all different directions.

I raised a hand over my heart, wear my broach no longer awaits for my touch. It used be right there. But when I was taken under captivity in Krilya anything that could be used as a weapon was disregarded. Except for that hidden dagger.

Now, I'll probably never see my dagger or broach ever again. I'm in a whole other world, where I don't know anyone, and will never be able to go home.

Going home is just wishful thinking.

Guards file out from a place I don't know. There hands are on the hilts of their swords read to strike at the first sign of aggression.

I reach for Fern shaking her shoulders gently. "Fern" I said soothingly "Fern, it's time to wake up" her eyes opened and closed a few times, adjusting to the sun that has almost risin. She sits up rubbing her eyes and stretching.

The guards start to haul people up onto there feet. I stand up and put out my hands for Roy and Fern. They take them and pull themselves up with a grunt. Guards come behind us pushing us with there swords to round us like sheep. The plush grass is smooth beneath our feet as we shuffle into a crowded circle of people.

I keep Fern close worried that her frail body will get hurt by the large men pushing us around. Guards surround us left and right as they start to shout inaudible orders. Were hurried to the training section where we had spent so many of our days.

Milo comes along and starts speaking in a much easier to understand voice "You will be given the weapon you wield best. That weapon will be chosen by us. Any misuse of said weapon will result in punishment" his voice is almost deadly.

Groans and grunts come in hushed volumes.

They call out lists of names to come to certain groups of guards. Milo walks over to me and pulls me aside away from Fern and Roy. I give Roy a look that almost begs for him to take care of her.

My eyes lock onto Milos as he says "We don't know what weapon to give you" who is we? And why don't they know what weapon to give me?

"Why can't you give me more then one weapon?"

"Because then you could be seen as a threat."

"A threat?" I question.

He nods "Yes, a threat. So" he pauses "what weapon would you like." What a loaded question. I like daggers there easy to use and light weight. But I also like a good bow and arrow. It's good for long distance. Swords are good for close combat. All weapons are good for different things, but it depends on what I'll have to use it for.

"What's the weapon for?" I say curiously.

"Can't tell you" he states matter of factly.

I arch an eyebrow before sweetly saying "please".

"Katara" he says in warning.

"Fine" I cross my arms and tap my foot. I look out into the training grounds where people are loading sheaths. "What do you think will fit the occasion?"

"Biast I would say a sword-"

I cut him off "Can I have my dagger back?" he looks confused so I decide to explain. "When I first came her I had a dagger. It had a gold design on the hilt and" he nods.

"I know what your talking about." my face lights up in hope. "That dagger is in a room with the rest of the discarded materials of prisoners" my hope dies.

"But" he says, when he doesn't say anything more I urge him on. "I'll get it for you, just pick daggers as your chosen weapon so it fits in."

I nod in agreement "ok". That kindle of hope awakened again.

He leads me over to the daggers where I put on sheaths on my thigh, rib, hips, in my boot. Basically anywhere you though there could be a sheath there was a sheath. With, a pointy dagger inside it.

I don't know why they would trust prisoners with such deadly equipment. We could whirl around and stab them at any moment. But, some people are fools. Very large fools.

I now know why they would allow us to have weapons. Our hands are tightly together constricting behind our backs and we are shoulder to shoulder together in wagons. So, if you thought you could get out with the chains on your wrists then-boom - add claustrophobia to the list.

You can barely even move like this and the only people who get space are the guards. Spoilt bruits. After hours, and hours, and hours of being stuck like this the wagon begins to stop. The curtains separating us from the outside open up allowing us out to stretch our legs. I hadn't even noticed that my arms were numb until I tried to flex my hands.

The things I would do for a healing ointment right now are endless. I am desperate to say the least. I look up into the sky, closing my eyes and basking in the cool breeze that rolls in.

Small groups of soldiers go out into the woods surrounding the path. Milo comes over and the guards from our wagon push us forward so that we can see him and the whole unit of no doubt higher ranking officers.

One of the soldiers on the side presses a button on a panel and instantly my wrists are practically released. The bracelet thingies are still on there but my hands are no longer constricted behind my back. I put my arms out in front of my and stretch my poor aching limbs.

"Firewood is being collected" I hadn't realised someone was speaking. Especially that someone being Kylah. My hearts beats loudly in my chest. "This will be our camp for the night. You will be given bed rolls to sleep in." I nod absentmindedly, "Dinner will be at nightfall". With that we were all dismissed.

Obviously guards still watched us relentlessly because they aren't complete idiots that they would just leave us alone.