Death By Princess {Complete}

CH 26

"Alright class, remember what we practiced. Everyone stay together and if you see someone trail behind, let a teacher know right away."

All the kids from Winterton are walking in single file. They are aware that danger is a possibility as they have practiced this run before but something about this time makes the kids believe that this is real. That this is serious. Eli hones into a little girl who is crying to go home while another teacher consoles her. Then he hones into another group of kids who are talking about how their village will never be the same. Then, Eli's ears fixate on an interesting conversation.

"I heard that there is going to an epic battle between our dads and Gannondorf. If we lose, then he is going to make us our slaves. We won't go to school no more. Instead, we will work from morning to night. We will only get like two hours of sleep and one meal a day." This is coming from William, one kid that is sort of nice to Eli  but still won't invite him to play tag with the other kids.

"Well that's not what I heard say, " says Leanna. "I heard that the Kamahawkee have come and are going to kill our parents for letting Hylians stay in our village." Another boy starts to cry.

One kid, Idem, who is particularly mean to Eli calls out to him. "Hey Eli, you hear that? We all know that your Dad and fake mom are Hylians. Your Dad had to protect you and if it wasn't for the fact you were a baby, there is no way you would have been allowed in Winterton. So if there is any blood shed, it's on you and we will not forgive you for that. You're already a weird-o whose only friend is a sword. How do we know you don't have a weapon right now?"

The kid in front on Eli looks back him. "Idem is right. Do you mind staying further back. No offense but I don't trust you."

Eli's face becomes hot. He puts his head down and slows his pace and when he looks up again, his class is far ahead. No one is letting the teacher know that he has strayed away from the group.

And maybe that is rightfully so.

They would all be better off without me, thinks Eli. If the Kamahawkee are here because of me, then I should be back there fighting with the others. People shouldn't have to suffer to keep me safe. He hides behind a tree and when the class is out of sight, he makes his way back towards the village. He picks up a tree branch and some rocks, in case he needs a weapon because he certainly does not have a sword contrary to what Idem said.

It isn't long when Eli hears a horse cantering behind him. He slows down to let them past but as he slows, he can hear the deep thuds on the horse's hooves slow as well. Eli is guarded now.

"Hello, little boy. Where are you headed?"

Eli doesn't speak and keeps walking.

"What's your name little boy?"

"Sorry but I don't talk to strangers. That is the first thing I learned in school but my dad already taught me that anyways."

"Well what if I told you my name is Grizzlow. Then we aren't strangers anymore so you can tell me your name."

Eli laughs. "That's a dumb trick," he says and runs off.

"Eli!" says Grizzlow. Eli stops and looks back. "You should really have a weapon on your journey. It's dangerous, after all."

"Didn't have time to prepare. It was a last minute thing," says Eli.

"Well, I can help you, Eli."

"Really? You have one for me?" he says excitedly. Because of the idle chit chat, Eli has habituated to the novelty of the stranger.

"I do," says Grizzlow. "But you have to come with me."

"Why?"

"Because I left it at my tent."

"Oh. No," says Eli as he comes re-familiarized with the unfamiliarity.  "I can't go. That's too dangerous."

"What's too dangerous? Coming with me to get a weapon to defend yourself or staying alone in an open field unarmed?"

"You have a point." Eli shakes his head. "No, I'll take my chances with this stick." He walks away again.

"Elule will be so disappointed," says Grizzlow.

Eli stops again. "Did you say Elule?"

"Aye. I did"

"Like my friend, Elule?"

"Oh of course. She told me about you. She is at my tent and was hoping to play with you."

"Well, I know Elule and she isn't a stranger."

"That's riiiight," says Grizzlow.

"Alright. Let's go," says Eli as he climbs aboard the horse.

"Hold on tight," says Grizzlow smiling. He whips the horses reins as soon as Eli is situated and then they gallop off. Eli's mind if soley on his friend so much so that he won't question who Grizzlow is and how he knew Eli's name.