The Cost for Freedom

Chapter 22

The next morning, I awoke alone. I showered and got dressed alone. Then I went on my run, alone. I needed the time to be to myself and I didn't mind. My stupid mind wouldn't shut off and the best thing for me was the ground underneath me as I ran, and ran, and ran. My rambling thoughts distracted me for over four miles before I finally turned back halfway through around to the castle, keeping pace easily with the long distance group ahead of me.

It was stupid to think I had actually witnessed Tyler getting attacked. Not after I actually saw Derek get beaten. I wondered how he was even alive, or if he still actually was. And why did that hurt so much? Did I really come to care for him that much? Tammy was not the person I thought she was and I knew confidently I could no longer trust her. Of course, Derek was supposed to be the enemy here, but that was not the way I saw things, and I don't think that will ever change. I just still couldn't understand the connection... Tammy in the cell with Cecil questioning Derek over Arc 34, Cecil talking to a subordinate about a secret that needed to stay secret from the guards, and then a group outside of the castle walls that apparently knew too much? What did they all mean, and did the three events even connect at all?

Coming back to the dining hall, I eat a quick breakfast to refuel then head back outside. Today was one of those days where I felt I could really focus. Ironically, my wandering thoughts helped with that. Working out was a bit of a form of medicine to distract myself.

I decided to practice again with knife throwing as I stood at the line and stared at the target away from me. The circular target stood meters away, taunting me as I raised my hand to throw. I looked down briefly to center my attention then stepped forward quickly, following through with the motions as I swung my hips and hand forward, releasing the knife. It hit the second ring of the target. A noted improvement, but I can still get better. I try again and again, hitting the second ring more often than the first, but still happy with hitting the center at all.

The lunch bell sounded faintly from the castle doors as the guards began motioning for us to go inside. It was never guaranteed whether we would eat inside or out, as one day was always different from the next. Except today the guards were back on duty, which would only make it harder to see Derek. Of course I had to, yes. I couldn't just leave him after last night and not after the deal I'd made to see him every day. Of course it had nothing to do with a selfish desire to make sure he was even still alive. No, that would be ridiculous.

With the guard's duty being more normal today, I made a point to be extra careful on the way to his cell. I waited outside for a few minutes to make sure no one was inside. When I walked in, he was on the floor asleep, his chains spread carelessly around him. I admired his sleeping, very much alive form, and I leaned down to run my hands slowly through his hair. He hummed in his sleep, his eyes pulling together as if in pain. I wanted so badly to help alleviate that pain. No one should have to go through that.

But I decided I needed to let him sleep, so I turn back around. Instead forcing myself to focus on training for the remainder of the day. I took the time in learning my footwork on the target practice; for both archery and knife throwing. One day these things would be as easy for me as boxing, shooting, and now sword fighting, had become.

The next day I continued in the same manner. Only this time when I visited Derek he was awake.

"Where were you yesterday? I told you if you want information, you ar-"

"I came yesterday," I calmly stop him. "But you were asleep. So... I left. I didn't want to wake you, figure you needed the rest." After what you went through the night before.

His features soften as he studies me. "Fine. Sorry, I-I just thought you were blowing me off."

"S'okay," I smile as I sit down across from him. "I can't blame you for missing me," I joke with him.