Earth and Sky

Chapter 8

Scarlet

My hands brush against the damp ground as I pick up my sleeping bag. It was a chilly night and I had to wear several layers to keep warm. We camped by a stream to refill our water canteens and wash up. I sink my hands into the water and splash my face. I grab a fresh outfit and check to see if Zeru is still asleep. Seeing him huddled in his blankets, I head out into the forest. I toss on my new outfit and head back to the campsite. I fold my outfit and stuff it into my bag. Seeing that Zeru was still asleep even though the sun had been up for ages, I think it would be best to wake him. I saunter over to him and kick him in the stomach- hard. His eyes whip open and he clutches his stomach.

"What was that for?" He wheezes.

"We need to get going."

"And you couldn't, I don't know, tell me that!"

I shrug. "This was much more fun."

He groans and gets up. "Since your already ready, will you pick up camp?"

"No since you are making breakfast."

He glares at me, grabs his bag and sets off into the woods to get ready.

I turn away from him and remove my shoes and stockings. I have blisters from all the walking we did yesterday. Since the horses were running, we had to give them breaks more frequently. I pick up my white skirt and put my feet into the water. Even though the temperature is freezing, it's refreshing. I close my eyes and rest on my elbows, arching my back to stretch. I remain like this until I hear the crunching of boots on dry leaves and see Zeru watching me. He looks confused and wary. I quickly sit up.

"What's wrong."

He shakes his head. "Nothing, let's hurry up so we can leave."

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Araquiel

I'm in front of the Fire Kingdom, tied to a tree. I'm not even touching the ground. My capture didn't want anybody to notice me so I'm in the forest, twenty feet off the ground, sitting on a branch, gagged and tied to a tree. The horse we were riding on grazes below me, finally getting a break after his long journey. My stomach growls at me, I haven't eaten since yesterday and I can certainly feel the effects of it. I feel tired and weak. I've been stuck here for an hour but have been unable to sleep because of my awkward position. I look at the sun and estimate that I've been stuck here for several hours. I slouch and stare at birds until my captor comes back.

****************

My capture grunts as he slashes his knife through the rope that secures me to the tree. As soon as he finishes, he drops the knife and it falls onto the forest floor. He follows after, rolling so he doesn't hurt himself.

"Jump," he commands. "I'll catch ya."

I rub my sore wrist and peer down at him.

"If I try I'll fail! Its too high!"

He glares at me. "Does it sound like I'm giving you a choice, my lady? Because if it does your going to be disappointed."

I bite my lip. "Promise you'll catch me?"

He groans. "I can't let you die just yet. It has to be in public."

I take a deep breath and take a step off the branch. My dress and hair fly up with the wind until seconds later I am caught.

I release the breath I was holding and continue massaging my limp wrists.

"Change into this. We can't have you going into town looking like that." He gestures to my torn dress and dirty appearance. "There is a pond over there. You can bathe and change."

I gulp in fear. "Am I going to die?" My voice cracks.

He chuckles. "Not today. There is a festival tomorrow in a town half a days ride away. I just need you to fit in so nobody suspects me as the guy who kidnapped a princess. And I suggest you go along with it, my lady. Or else I'll gladly put a poison dart in you. You'll live for another hour before the poison takes it's effect. Then you'll go through five stages. If the antidote isn't given to you by then, you'll die. Got it."

I nod, understanding that this man will give me no mercy what so ever.

He shoves me backwards and I stumble to keep my balance. "Go change."

I trudge away from him and arrive at the pond he mentioned. I strip down until I'm only in my undergarments and then submerge myself into the water. I rub the filth off of my body and untangle my hair with my fingers. When I deem I am clean enough, I step out of the water. I pull on my new clothes. It's a simple commoners outfit, complete with hat, top, skirt, and stockings. I sit down next to the water, not ready to go back. I swirl my finger in the surface of the water.

I'd only I had a weapon, at least then I'd have a chance of fighting back.'

I pick up some water and freeze it in my hands. It is hard enough to hurt someone of I threw it at them and it still wouldn't break. I know because I tested it with my brother. Ice is the perfect weapon...

I use my magic and pick up some water, then reposition it so it is in the shape of a knife. I hear footsteps and quickly freeze it and grab it. I hide it behind my back as the assassin comes into the clearing.

"Hurry up, we need to leave."

He turns around and starts walking away. I slip the knife into my stocking and follow behind him.