Ash

Chapter 6

Ash fell into a careful dance with his family. He did everything in his power to avoid them as he healed. It had taken several days for the swelling to subside enough for him to breathe normally. After a week of healing, he managed to find a pace that allowed everything to get done and avoid everyone. His step-mother had lifted her food ban on him and he no longer had to sneak an apple here or a peach there.

The bruises were fading quickly and he was grateful a market day was coming up. He was thankful for a day away from his family without constant vigilance. Amos continued to go out of his way to make his life miserable. Anything he could do to make a hindrance of himself or cause Ash more work or pain Amos happily indulged in. Ash had just finished his morning chores and was about to head out to the orchard when he noticed Amos waiting in the shadow of the storehouse.

"You're running behind." Amos sneered.

Ash's mood deflated. "What can I do for you, Amos?"

"You know what the princess announced, don't you?"

Ash looked at Amos waiting for him to elaborate. How as he supposed to have any clue about what the princess was planning?

"Of course you don't, you ignorant peasant." Amos snarled. "I'm coming with you to market tomorrow. I need a few things from the city for myself and Hudson. There's going to be a big event for the princess. You won't have anything to do with it, of course. It's not like she'd want anything to do with you anyway."

"I'll have to leave early." Ash started carefully.

"I'll manage. If I'm not up already it's your job to wake me."

Ash's heart sank as a lump formed in his throat. He wouldn't have his small taste of freedom for the first time in weeks. On top of that he'd have to endure Amos's insufferable company the entire day. Worse yet, he'd have to be the one to wake Amos, and the boy didn't like being woken up at midday, let alone before dawn. "As you wish." Ash relented.

"Good, now hurry away before I change my mind."

Ash resisted the urge to roll his eyes as he grabbed the ladder to make his way out to the orchard. He cursed under his breath as he began the tedious task of collecting and sorting the fruit. He let out a groan of exhaustion as he climbed down the ladder. He made his way to the stream in the back of the property.

He splashed the cool water on his face and stared down at his reflection. His curly blond hair a matted mess from blood, sweat, and dirt. It would take some time to detangle it before market. Hollow violet eyes stared back warily. The man staring back at him was a shell of himself and he knew it. He couldn't deny the powerlessness. How could he have allowed this to become of him? His face was healing well, but tomorrow would be more challenging than usual to sell his goods. People don't like buying from the damaged. He'd have to come up with an excuse. There had been an accident at the farm, just a misunderstanding between himself and one of the animals on his farm. Yes, that would do. It was close enough to the truth that Ash didn't feel dishonest.

He hated to lie, it went against every fiber of his being and he couldn't bring himself to do it outright. His father had always taught him that a man's only worth was his word. If he couldn't be held to the words of his tongue he was useless and didn't deserve them.

Ash shook his head and fought the ache in his chest. He returned to his chores, he needed to focus. He needed to not think of his father. He needed to not dwell on the helplessness of the situation. Perhaps he would get lucky and Amos would sleep the entire ride to town. It was possible, especially if he left right after dawn. Ash began formulating a plan. Yes, he could beat his step-brother at his own game. Ash could win this and still have some semblance of freedom. That thought added a buoyancy to his step and a ghost of a smile crossed his lips. He stored the fruit in the storehouse. He'd have to press the apples tonight for cider and ale, but he could do that after dinner.