Over the Mountain (Book One)

Chapter Eight: The Castle

^Taírellia Castle^

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Taylor

The castle. Haven't been here in a long time. It's almost exactly how I remember it- surrounded by a beautiful lake and a forest of flowery trees. The water glistens under the warm gaze of the sun, smoothly rolling in a slight breeze. The castle itself stands tall with white brick walls and towers reaching for the clouds.

"We're here!" I call out.

"Seems like I was here just yesterday." Says Olivia, looking out at the beautiful landscape.

I peer over at her. "You were."

She blinks. "Oh yeah."

The rest of the group emerges from the forest. The journey had been pretty swift, and we hadn't any troubles at all. Food had been scarce, as we didn't want to start a fire to cook meat, so we had to find all the berries and nuts we could.

"So," says Meg, "what's first?"

"You and Hale switch clothes." Says Chloe.

We all stand there awkwardly.

"Just go behind a bush or something!" Says Meg, cheeks burning.

They go off into the woods, and we wait, assessing the castle and thinking of escape routes.

A few minutes later they come back looking a bit disheveled and awkward but wearing the appropriate attire. Earlier I had dyed Hale's hair and it is now red. It doesn't really suit him, and looks a little bright, but is otherwise fine.

"Let's go." I say, ready to get going.

"So there are going to be guards posted around the castle," says Chloe as we start walking towards the front. She points. "See, there's a group over there."

I look to see about three guards that appear to be patrolling the area.

"So, you're going to go over there and tell them that you were part of another patrolling group. Someone in your group twisted their ankle, and you are going in for medical supplies."

Hale nods. "But how long do you think I'll have until they realize that no one injured their ankle?"

"Probably until sunset. When you've gotten the information, just find a way to sneak out and meet us here."

Hale raises an eyebrow. "And if there is a flaw in your perfect plan?"

Chloe glares at him."There is no room for imperfections."

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We saw Hale talk to the guards and apparently get in without skepticism. I can tell Chloe is bothered by not knowing where he is and what exactly he is doing, and honestly I feel the same. The need to know if he's in danger crawls up my spine, and I chew on my cheek restlessly.

"So what are we going to do while we wait?" Inquires Malik. "There's a lot of time to loose."

We've been traveling around the castle to the back, and I assume Chloe has a plan. And she does.

"The stables are back here." She says, indicating a big building behind the castle. "So we're going to steal a few horses for the getaway. I'll steal one for Hale as well."

Olivia speaks up. "Uhh I'm not really good at riding horses.."

Meg chuckles. "Yeah. The last time she rode one it didn't turn out too well."

Malik laughs, and I look at him in surprise. I've never seen him laugh- or even really smile for that matter. I feel my cheeks grow hot, my throat suddenly really dry. His smile is really beautiful.

I force myself to look away from him and to Chloe. My voice comes out a bit more strangled than I would like. "She can ride with me. I have experience."

"Taylor, are you okay?" Says Meg. "You look a little hot. Do you want some water?"

I clear my throat awkwardly."No, I'm fine. The canteen's almost empty anyway."

"That's what I was going to get to. We can steal some food if we can find any. I'm tired of eating badly seasoned rabbit. I wonder if they have any cookies.."

"Chloe." Says Meg.

"Right. So we split up into groups. Olivia and Malik get the horses while we steal the food."

"No way!" Olivia and Malik say in unison, sending simmering glares at each other. "There is no way that I'm going with that doofus. I'd rather have a cow as a partner."

Malik crosses his arms. "I'll get you a cow if that's what you want. Just wait here while I go grab one-"

"Stop!" Says Chloe. "If you two are going to keep fighting like this, then to hell you'll go, because I'm moving on with this plan no matter what."

I raise my eyebrows. Somebody's low on cookies.

"Olivia can come with Chloe and I, while Meg goes with Malik. Everyone fine with that?" I say.

Everyone gives their consent and we split up, Meg and Malik going to the stables and Olivia and I following Chloe to the door where the kitchens are.

"How did you know where the kitchens were?" I ask Chloe.

She grins. "I've been in here quite a few times. It's so crowded and loud and steamy that no one notices if you fetch a roll or two."

"Cool." Says Olivia. "So where do we get in?"

"Just right through that door there. They come outside to dump out the scraps."

"Lets go then. This will be my first thievery attempt." Olivia says.

Chloe cracks a grin. "Get ready for some excitement. Just grab anything useful that you see. But try not to get caught. Or lost. It is a really big place."

We reach the door, and Chloe pulls the handle softly. We're in.

She was right- steam is everywhere. Pots clang back and forth and cooks yell out orders. The aroma is mouth watering. Someone's shoulder brushes mine, and I freeze, but they don't even look at me.

"Go," whispers Chloe, and we scatter. I go for a bag of apples first, as the shiny redness of the fruit catches my eye.

Then I spot a pan of hot cookies, and pour them in the bag with the apples.

Soon, I have lots of items, and my hands are full with delicious food. The steam seems to be clearing, and I think I can make out the preparation area where cooks chop up lettuce, cheese, spices, and all sorts.

I move toward them, grabbing some cheese. The people and steam is really starting to thin now, and I feel a bit out of place with my black cloak, as everyone else is wearing bright white aprons.

I almost go back into the fog when I see it: a bag of nuts and chocolate covered raisins. My mouth waters. I love nuts and raisins. I'll just sprint, and grab it quick. Then I'll go back into the fog. Running fast, with my food almost falling from my tight grip, I go for the nuts. But suddenly, something bright and red falls.

Everything seems to go in slow motion. My foot slips on the apple. The kitchen counter hits my chin, and my head to the floor. In panicked thoughts, I realize that I've dropped the food and that it's spilled everywhere.

Concerned faces swarm around as darkness overtakes me.

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