A Duty Fulfilled

Chapter 8

Avelina awoke to a throbbing headache and a stiff neck. She'd often spent nights in caves when hunting, but not after a night filled with fires, bloodshed, and guards. It reminded her of when her brother had died.

Her eyelids fluttered open to find the other bedrolls in the small cavern where they'd slept, empty.

She sat up abruptly and glanced all around her to confirm she was alone. Yes, three other bedrolls surrounded her own. Avelina and Adam had often stayed in the cave when they were hunting and had stored bedrolls and plenty of food. They were prepared to stay for several days if needed.

Adam.

Where was he? He was smart, surely he hadn't gotten caught! She now wished more than ever she hadn't gotten separated from him and Peter. After she'd escaped the guards, she'd run wildly down the tunnel, feeling and listening. Somewhere along the way, she lost Toothless and his friend. By God's grace, she'd found a tunnel that let out by the west side of the Grimald house. Cautiously, Avelina had avoided more guards and run as she'd never run before to the woods where Peter had snatched her.

Avelina had panicked and had slammed her fist into his nose. She would have run, but she saw the moonlight reflect off his auburn hair and she'd known. She'd socked the Duke of Holt in the face.

At first, she'd been full of adrenaline and focused only on getting away from the manor. Now, she felt terrible. And she'd hardly been able to look at him last night, not after tears of exhaustion and frustration had leaked out.

Avelina's face turned red at that thought. She never cried in front of so many people, especially men.

Whispering a quick prayer, she stood up and winced at the cracking that rippled up her back.

Her mother would be worried, she would have to get word to her that she was safe. And she certainly wouldn't be happy that Avelina had just spent the night in the company of four men. Avelina herself didn't really like that thought. She did like her privacy.

Avelina glanced around the small cavern, a pool of aqua water glistened against the stalagmites. And droplets dripped down, producing a calming sound as they hit the water.

Avelina glanced over where they had a small supply of weapons leaning against a small rock.

She picked up a scabbard and withdrew the sword. It was heavy, but her arms had accustomed to the wait long ago when her father had taught her swordsmanship.

Avelina strapped the scabbard to her waist and slid a knife into her boot. She placed a hand to her dark hair and hoped it was suitable enough.

Not for the first time, she wished she was more like her sister, Isolda. Isolda had the perfect figure, and despite being a poor peasant, her clothes were always neat and tidy. Her hair hung in perfect ringlets around her equally perfect face.

She'd even seen Peter's friend, James, watching her at their cottage several nights ago. Isolda was sixteen, only a year younger than Avelina's seventeen years. Yet, the two had never been close friends. Avelina had always been with her father and when he'd died, she'd taken to hunting with Adam. 

               Isolda barely knew how to hold a knife, let alone hunt. 

''Your awake,'' Father Bennet's voice reached her ears, and she turned to the cave entrance where he stood, dressed in his black, priest robes. 

The man had become almost like a father to Avelina since her own had died. He was a priest in Davenshire's church. And since he was a member of the cloth, Lord Richard didn't touch him. Though he might think differently if he knew of Father Bennet's actions against him. 

''Any word from Adam?'' Avelina crossed her arms and bit her lip. 

''No, but I'm sure he'll be here any moment.'' Father Bennet patted her shoulder then reached for a flask sitting on his bedroll. 

''Aldwin has set out for Davenshire to learn of what's become of the others.'' The older man stared at the flask for several moments, sadly. 

Avelina bit her lip harder and turned away. She didn't want to cry again. 

               ''Lord Grimald is dead.'' She whispered. 

Avelina couldn't see him, but she felt Father Bennet's eyes on her. 

''Yes, child. We prepared for the worst and the worst happened.'' He said slowly. 

''I hate him.'' Avelina shut her eyes as several tears squeezed out. ''I hate him so much, I cannot breathe. He's taken so much from me. My title, my brother, my father. I know God does not condone hatred, but I cannot help it.'' 

A sob escaped her lips before she could suck it back in. 

''And, I know this isn't over. He knew where we were meeting, those guards came in knowing we were somewhere in the house. The guards found me when I was lost in the tunnel, and they asked me where the others were. Someone told him exactly where we were meeting, what time, and how many there were."

Father Bennet was silent for several moments. He often did that when pondering something. Avelina had come to him numerous times with questions regarding the holy scriptures, and he considered her questions sometimes for nearly a half-hour.

"Avelina, God is not the author of hate. He commands us to love our enemies---"

"I know what God commands of me!" Avelina cried, then exhaled shakily. "But I think it would be easier for me to soar in the clouds than to love him." She blinked hard, then dared to loom at Father Bennet. He was watching her with sad eyes.

Avelina shook her head and started out of the cavern.

"Then I will pray for God to change your heart." Father Bennet said.

Avelina stopped, but didn't look back at him. Part of her wanted to tell him he was wasting his breath. But the other part of her knew that only God could change her mind about Lord Richard.

                                                                                                 ..............

           Avelina walked into the main part of the cave where Peter and James were eating a small block of cheese, and sharpening daggers. Or at least James was, Peter was staring off into the small river that ran through the cave, twirling a large gold ring around his finger. 
They both looked up at her as she came in, and she hoped any trace of tears had been wiped away from her face. 

"Good morning," Avelina withdrew her own knife and picked up a rock and started sharpening.

"Good morning." They both said in unison. 

''What is next?'' James didn't waste any time in answering. 

Avelina glanced up at him briefly, he was handsome. Though not quite as much as Peter. James's features were softer and younger-looking. Peter's features were more angular. 

''We launch a full attack.'' Avelina said almost bluntly and felt Peter's eyes on her. "We use every force we have."

"How?" Peter stood and crossed his arms.

"We tell every peasant, every merchant to find any weapon they can. Adam and I will go to the Mercury Cliffs and gather the weapons."
          Peter laughed without mirth.
"It's going to take more than a few peasants and merchants to stop Uncle Richard."

Avelina frowned. She wasn't used to having her word questioned.
"Davenshire is bigger than you think."

        "It may be. But I've seen Richard's guards in action. They are smart, and well trained. You will never be able to make it past the castle wall. The only way you can make it in is by the tunnel that runs under the castle." Peter placed the gold signer ring on his finger and looked at her.

"We can't wait any longer. The sooner we leave the better."