Half Complete

Rest Stop

" The king said that we are going to rest here for the night. The capital is still a day's journey away. "Ciel said as I clasped his hand and both of us got out. His voice was hoarse and as we were about to enter , I whispered in his ear" How are you now?"

He sighed and ran his other hand through his messy hair. He had a sort of an air of sorrow around him but he seemed to have past that hysterical mood "I don't know , Clarie. I feel numb...... It's too difficult. I can't believe the old man is gone. He promised me......that he won't abandon me like my parents......It was not his fault, I guess." His shoulders slumped. "There's nothing I can do about it now. He would have wanted me to find out what is happening." He gave me a small smile. I felt my eyes sting again. Why? Why should the fates be so cruel?

"But whatever happens and whoever leaves us, I promise to protect you, Clarie" Ciel interrupted my thoughts. I smiled. We'll weather this through, it's not the end. I smacked him on the head.

"Ouch!" He whined. "What was that for?" "Well," I said pretending to be angry " I'm not some kind of damsel in distress to need protection and don't ever think you'll get rid of me that easily you idiot!"and I bumped his shoulder with mine.

"Come on kids, why are you taking so long?" Stefan's voice came out of the inn .I groaned while Ciel smirked.
The inn was like any other rest stop on the road. It looked quite homely and comfortable. It was evening and the orange glow from the sky had given it a welcoming aura. There were some other carriages too and the sounds of laughter and snippets of conversations floated out. We entered together.

The interior was just as welcoming. But a sort of hush fell as we entered. I felt self-conscious. We were in a ragged state and our defects were out for display. Suddenly a woman's loud voice pierced the silence. "Oh these two are the ones you spoke about, right sir?" And a middle aged woman came through the crowd to us , steffan and my sister right behind her. She was plump and her sleeves were rolled up. She came nearer and took note of our bedraggled state and joined hands and frowned. I braced myself for the accusations which never came . The
woman smiled at us and her eyes softened.

       "I see what you mean ,sir" she remarked " They indeed look quite roughened up. Can't believe that they are so naughty despite their looks". I felt my cheeks heating up. What did that idiot king say about us? "And there is something wrong with the boy's arm, Martha. Is there a physician nearby?" Steffan asked.

      "No, he wouldn't be in at the hour. However I'll send Lily to get some healing salve and some bandages from the apothecary."
       "That would be great." My sister said." Now , about our rooms and could you please draw a bath for us, the journey has made me feel really grimy"she said her soft voice.

      "Yes ma'am. I'll draw a bath for you in your room and the men can go the communal bathing area. Mathew, show the ladies their room" she yelled quite loudly and walked away.  
               A scrawny boy of about ten came to us." Right this way , miss" he said. "Come , Clarie" my sister said. I squeezed Ciel's hand. "Go on," he said." I'll be alright. I'll go with the stuck up king and so that he doesn't bug your sister more" he whispered in my ear and left, the king pulling his shirt.

       I smiled. Ciel really knew me well. I followed my sister up a set of stairs  and finally landed up in a quaint room.There were  candles which cast the place in a queer glow. Two beds were place along with a small table in between. It looked a bit bare but welcoming. Katrine sighed and flopped on the bed in an undignified heap. She looked at me wearily.

        "I'll explain everything, I promise. But before that, take a bath first. You stink like a tramp" she said and pretended to gag from the smell. We laughed and there was a knock on the door.
   " Enter" my sister said. The hostess Martha entered with a girl lugging a huge tub of water with her.She set the tub down and Martha put a bar of soap and some towels on the table."We'll come in an hour, Madam, come on Lily"she said and left....

             We looked at each other and burst out laughing. It was good remedy for the events of toady.The hot water helped too although Katrine got an idea that she should rub me down herself.It had been ages since I could spend some time with my sister .We were close during my childhood but the queen hated the heir to mingle with cursed beings and used to isolate me.But it was nice, to not be anxious for a change. We finished our bath and went down to procure some food.I was wearing Katrnie's  clothes and a shawl. I didn't like it but an one armed girl was easy to identify and we didn't want anyone to recognise us.

                                                               Soon the boys joined us. Ciel was wearing Steffan's clothes which were a bit big for him.He looked like one of those Bishops,with a sack like robe around him .Steffan came out from behind him and hugged my sister."No funny business",I said. Katrin had the decency to blush. Steffan just smirked.

                                         I pulled Ciel and both of us sat down on the floor. Steffan and my sister sat on the bed ."Now tell us your part of the story, oh so wonderful king."Ciel said.I was surprised. Ciel and Steffan seemed to have made up.The king laughed and said.........

Hey guys........Sorry for the long wait.Had some work to finish.But here's the next Chapter.Please comment and tell me how it is....