The Gift

Chapter Four

Early afternoon, Seth returned.  Daniel called for a break and pulled Seth over to the side to talk to him in hushed tones.  I wasn’t in the mood to listen so I walked around a bit, happy to have a chance to stretch my legs after sitting on the wagon for so long.

“We have a change of plans,” Daniel called out to the group after a few minutes.  I wandered back over to the group.  “Freyla and I will take the wagon and stay on the main roads.  Stephen ride by us.  Everybody else take the horses and scatter.  We will meet back up tonight in the usual spot in the eastern province.  Seth, you know your job.”

“Yes, sir.” Seth got back up on his horse and rode off.  The rest of the men started to group up and leave.

“Freyla, are you armed?” Daniel asked me.

“Always.” I swept the skirt of my outfit aside to show the knives on my thigh and calf.

“Do you know how to use those?” Stephen asked, his tone almost condescending.

“Of course I do.  I’m a rogue just like you.”

“Freyla is capable of fighting,” Daniel cut in.  “Come on,” he gestured toward the wagon.  I approached and he helped me up, climbing up after me.  “Stephen, if we are asked Freyla is my new wife and you are my brother.  You are travelling with us to the Sixth Isle to help us get set up on our own.  We plan to make our home in the Southern Province.”

“Yes, sir.”

“So we’re married now?” I asked him.

“It’s easier to explain a woman travelling with her husband and his brother than a woman traveling with a band of rogues that she has no contract with.”

“Naturally.”  I moved over closer to him, linking my arm with his.

“You’re too tense,” Stephen commented.  “You’ll never pass off as newlyweds.”

“Shut up,” I told him but I moved a bit closer so that I was nearly pressed into Daniel’s side, leaning my head on his shoulder.

“That looks more like it, little sister.”

“Stephen, if you value your life you will stop now,” Daniel told him.

“She won’t do anything.  Not unless she wants to break the rogue laws.  Isn’t that right, little sister?”

“Stop calling me that,” I told him.

“I’m just getting into character.”

Daniel just shook his head at Stephen and urged the horses forward.  Stephen rode as a leisurely pace next to us.

“Where are you from, Freyla?” Stephen asked after going along in silence for a while.

“Her past is a taboo topic,” Daniel warned him.

Tell them, my little voice urged.  Trust them with your tale.

“The Second Isle,” I answered.  “During the wars my town was attacked.  My mother and sister and I were separated from my father then a year later I was on my own.”

“Christopher you married an orphan.”

“I’m not an orphan.  They’re still alive.  I am on my own by choice, not by circumstance.”

“What of your parents?” Daniel asked.

“Last I checked, they are alive.  My father is a metal-worker.  There is always work for him.  What is your story, Stephen?” Although my little voice had urged me to tell them of my past, I was used to leaving it in the past and not discussing it with others.  I felt worn out and wanted to slump against Daniel.