The Princess and the Writer

CHAPTER SEVEN

Seph stomped his way through the forest, aware of the fact that he should be back with the others planning their way forward. Contrary to his brusque behavior, he was not mad at the writer. He truly did not blame her for what had occurred. He knew that each story has its ups and downs, and that it was only a matter of time till things in Redeem looked up again. What had made him act in such a rude manner was the shock he had received when he saw how much Anne and Nena resembled. He hadn't been prepared for that. The sight of her had brought back floods of memories and grief, for Nena was not all he lost on that day. He had lost his wife as well.

He shook himself up and stopped under a tree. Time was of the essence. He needed to think. No doubt by now Nadira was aware of the writer's presence in Redeem. She had probably already sent her men to find her. The writer was a powerful person. If Nadira caught her, who knew what she would use her to do, and that is only if she did not have her killed on sight. Perhaps it was to Anne's advantage that she looked just like Nena. If she carried herself around like the princess, no one would doubt it, and her true identity would be concealed. Nadira would never be able to find her. The secret would be known only to himself, Lupa and Chelle.

He nodded. "The fewer the people that know about the writer the better."

He turned to head back to the village. He needed to make amends and share his plan. He didn't even go as far as two feet. Khin stepped in front of him.

"You know about the writer," he said simply. "Where is she?"

Seph raised his chin and said nothing.

"You know my men are already at the village looking for her. You may as well make their job easier."

Still Seph said nothing. Khin sighed and shoved him back to the village.

The people huddled together as the Baya soldiers forced them out of their houses and into the square. In all honesty, they were rougher than was necessary. The people were already beaten down and devoid of hope. The sudden death of their princess immediately followed by that catastrophic tragedy that robbed them of their land, their family and friends and their freedom had long since tamed them. They lacked the will to fight. The soldiers surrounded them and waited.

A few moments later, Khin walked in pushing Seph ahead of him. He spotted Chelle and Lupa in the crowd and smirked.

"How did I know you two would be here?" He knew it was a waste of time to ask, but he did so anyway. "Where is she?"

The rest of the people exchanged curious glances. Khin transferred Seph to the soldier nearest to him and went to the people.

"Did you not know?" He said as he walked through the parting crowd. "Your former advisor and commander went in search of the writer. They brought her back with them."

The crowd murmured. The writer? Truly? Where was she? Why had she come? Was she here to free them or to inflict more torture upon them?

Khin stopped a few feet from Chelle and Lupa.

"The writer. Where is she?"

"Clearly not with us," Lupa replied.

"Clearly," Khin retorted. "Where have you hidden her?"

"Don't be absurd," Chelle laughed. "We; hide the great writer? Unheard of. She hides herself."

Khin clicked his tongue and gestured for his men to search the houses. Then he headed straight for Seph's house. He was aware how close the three were. There was a chance that he might find something of use there. It was a slim chance, however, for those three were the most thorough people he had encountered in all his days, but it was worth a try.