Through The Storm

f o u r

"Let's save us all some time here," the short one said, crossing his arms. "You have seen what happens to those who do not comply. Do you want to confess, clear the air or suffer the same fate?"

Again, my chest began to throb, and I could barely feel my legs. Fear was beginning to drown me, and I was fighting not to submerge. I had to think of Blake. I had to get back home to him. I had to calm down- I could not think straight in my blind panic. 

"I have nothing to confess," I said, loosening up my facial muscles, relaxing my pose and making conscious efforts not to swallow too often. "I asked Rose to collect some herbs that grow at the edge of the forest for me."

I was vaguely aware of my neighbours peering out their windows, an epitome of curiosity mingled with fear. But my brain could register nothing more than the band of men in front of me. 

Another member of the Guard spoke. "You sent a child to the forest? When there was a storm brewing?" He sounded incredulous, but also cool enough to give me a fair hearing. 

I lowered my eyes and hung my head. I had to believe in my lie myself if I was to stand a chance of making them believe it. "I admit, that wasn't the wisest idea. But I was unwell and I could not go myself." My arms and hands were trembling. 

The short one scoffed nastily. "You look well enough to me, girl," he sneered, his upper lip curling. Then he turned to address the members of the Guard. "You know what I think, brothers? I think this little tramp believes she can deceive us by telling us fibs. She's saving her neck here and this slag's too," he said in a low, threatening voice, gesturing to the defeated heap on the ground that was Rose. "We cannot have that now, can we?"

The rest of the men mumbled in accordance. It dawned on me that he may well be the shortest, but he clearly ran things within this group. That was not a good sign for me at all. 

Anger stirred deep within me again at the sight of Rose, but I had to reign it in. I could not afford to lose my temper now. "I have no alibi, I confess. But I have a clean record," I said, "and I've never caused any trouble before. Pray, do let me go back home."

He narrowed his eyes. The seconds ticked by agonisingly, suspense weighing down on my shoulders. "Alright, then," he said at last unwillingly. But as I turned to leave, he crossed his arms and said, "We aren't leaving yet, girl. And we shan't until we have confirmed your proclaimed innocence."

I tried not to swallow the bile rising in my throat and instead plastered a forced smile on my face. "Of course," I said, bowing my head. "That's noted."

I ran towards Rose and dropped to my knees next to her battered body. Putting my arms around her firmly, I raised her up- only to hear her moan in pain. "Shh," I whispered, trying to sound soothing through my own fear as she leaned into me. Her legs were unable to support her any longer. I tried not to wince as she buried her face in my neck, and I felt her lips and her hot, uneven breath against my skin. "You're alright, Rose. I'm here, I'll get you home."

I didn't notice the men melt away. They were simply there one minute and gone by the time I looked away from Rose. And at that moment, I could not be more grateful. 

*** *** ***

I rapped my knuckles urgently against the door. Rose had all but passed out in my arms, but we were right outside her home. Through bloody lips and hysterical sobs, she had been able to tell me where to go. Hopefully, she would be nursed back to health soon. I feared for her life. These wounds were ghastly.  

Despite myself, I couldn't help but gaze in wonder at Rose's home. It was large, almost fit to encompass three likes of my own measly hut. Chickens ran helter-skelter around the yard, their coop big enough to house Blake himself. I laughed wryly to myself, despite the situation I was in; it was ironic how some people had a house for their poultry enough in size for a whole human, when Blake and I didn't even have enough all-in-all for the both of us.