Destroyers and the Dragons

Page 12

      "You should not speak of things you don't understand," she says. finally looking at me. "Are you new?"

     "You could say that," I say, pulling from my pocket a letter from Evergreen. "I bring you word from someone special." I set the letter down and then retreat a safe distance from the lady. She cautiously opens the letter and reads the contents. Her physical features are very similar to Evergreens. Same hair, eyes, skin color. However where he's built like a wall, she's petite and curvy.

     "Where did you get this from?" she questions grabbing my clothes and shaking me.

     "I was given it by one who calls himself Evergreen, I have seen his mark and I am here at his request."

     "And what aid do you need?" she asks, throwing the letter into the fire.

     "For now just keep me from betraying my true identity," I say, pulling the scarf off to reveal my braids. "I am often called Destroyer."

     "He enlists a witch's help, to what end?"

     "My only job is to let them in tomorrow night, and help take down the upstart if I am able to. My main task is to keep you safe throughout the whole thing." I watch as she opens up a chest and tossed aside several beautiful dresses. She then hands me a short sword.

      "It should fit nicely under your overskirt. Your hair and scarf should hide the hilt. Come quickly and try it." She practically strips me herself of my skirt and then helps me strap the blade to my back. She redresses me and then adjusts the scarf. "No one will see it unless you bend over. She grabs a shawl and wraps it around my shoulders. "You will stay in my chambers until tomorrow when we will take a midnight stroll due to my inability to sleep." A knock at the door sounds and I jump reaching for the blade. "Peace," she whispers. I try to relax but my nerves are strung tight. She opens the door and allows a male into her chambers.

     "Who's that?" he snarls, pointing at me.

     "One of the new servants I've taken a liking to," she says dismissively.

     "Has she been read the rules?"

     "Of course, each must know their place," she lies so smoothly.

     "Fetch us some drinks," the man bellows. I look around and the woman thankfully points to a wall. I walk over and find two goblets and a jug of something. I pour two glasses load them on the tray and walk over, keeping my eyes downcast. Evergreen was very clear on that one point.

     "Thank you," she says. "Go and sit and embroider if you know how?" I go to the indicated seat and sit down. I pick up the hoop and do nothing. I know nothing of stitches unless you count wounds and armor. I am shaken awake by the lady.

     "Do you have a name I may call you?"

     "You will call me mistress until your task is done," she says, with a smile.

     "Very well mistress," I say, handing her the hoop and my map. "I must admit my stitches are not up to your standards." She glances at the map and points to the door I need to open.

    "You will require instructions," she says. "It cannot be done by one." She folds the map and tucks it back under my hoop and hands it to me. "I will ring for us some food."

     "Good I'm starving," I say, tucking the map back into my pocket.