Blackbird

Chapter 18

I skidded through the front door, breathing heavily. Of course, like the princess she was, Ilva walked in slowly, closed the door, and sat down. Her face was flushed from the exercise and her face had lit up from the excitement. She looked at me expectantly, "Wasn't that fun?"

There was a silent moment of pure disbelief.

"No!" I say, almost shouting, but managing to keep my temper under control, "My reputation is ruined, I will never be able to live a normal life again! Do you know how much danger we're in? Ilva!" For she was staring into space, looking mildly amused, "They will torture and kill us for what we've done. Why aren't you panicking?"

At this, Ilva stood up, poured some tea from the kettle, and passed me a cup. I wanted to throw it at her.

"Oh, you give me this!" I say wildly, brandishing the cup and spilling half of it in the process, "But you won't tell me why you just told me to kill innocent people-"

"I actually told you to kill the horses, it wasn't my fault someone fell over you", Ilva interjected under her breath.

"-and almost killed me by running twelve miles-"

"-six-"

"-through numerous fields, lakes and marshes!"

"Tea is good for traumatic experiences", was all she said, "Drink up."

I surrendered, and flopped onto an armchair, still trying not to cough out my lungs from all the running we'd just done.

Ilva smiled.