The Voice of the Nightingale

Part XIV

Over the next week, Ash lived life as normally as she could. The King was kinder, but still not kind. He didn't shout at her as much, or get annoyed at her as much, so it was still better than before. She still hadn't told Nicholas what happened that night, she hoped she never would. He hadn't seen her leave the King's chambers, so it was still a secret. Nicholas was happy and Ash couldn't ruin that.
She was eating lunch in the dinning hall and discussing the latest news with some of the houses' representatives when a man in armour walked. He headed towards the King, beaming, clearly about to deliver good news. The man whispered into Theodor's ear and the King smiled. He waved the knight off and continued to eat his food.
Soon, the meal ended and, before Ash could leave, Theodor stopped her. He grabbed her arm and turned her around to face him, everyone in the hall left before he began to speak.
"Is it possible you could do me a favour?"
Ash gulped. What could the King want?
"Yes, what is it?"
"We've captured Avon, again, and she is in the dungeons. I was hoping you could ask if she wanted anything before..."
"Of course."
The King walked off and Ash's smile dissipated. She didn't want to have to deal with Avon. The girl was rude and impossible to stand. Ash walked out of the hall and through the corridors. It wasn't long before she made it to the stair well and began to walk down. The stale air and pungent smell of the dungeon greatly contrasted to the atmosphere of the castle. She went through the corridors and reached the door that lead to the cells. The guards at the door let her through without question ; they had probably been informed someone was coming to check on the prisoner a while ago. She was lead through and the cells came into view. Avon was sitting on the cold stone floor. In the cell next to her's, there was a girl with and eyepatch.
Ash walked to the cell and waited for the guard to open the door. It opened and she kneeled down to face Avon.
"Well, look what you've gotten yourself into. You're not getting out of this one, are you?"
Avon looked her in the eye, not talking. She had a strange determination which Ash didn't necessarily mind. It wasn't like she actually wanted to talk to the girl.
"What, got nothing to say? Even after you insulted me and blackmailed my guard?"
Avon still didn't talk.
"Hmm, not even an apology. Well, any requests? My husband insists that I ask, as you're going to die in... two or three weeks."
Again, Avon said nothing. No requests? Good, less work for me, Ash thought.
"I guess nothing then."
Ash walked off, thankful to not have to do anything. Before she could leave the room, Avon called out from behind her.
"Wait."
Ash turned around with a look of mild irritation.
"I guess the prisoner does have something to say."
"Tell my brother... Tell my brother that I won't be coming back. Tell him before I die. Please."
Ash looked Avon over. Tears fell down her cheeks, impossible to hide. She felt sorry for her, but at the same time she didn't. Ash didn't even know what Avon had done, so how could she judge whether this girl deserved her punishment of not?
"Of course."
Ash walked out of the room and when the door closed she heard the faint chatter of the girls in their cells. She breathed a sigh and felt her eye water. Thankfully, the guards were gone and couldn't see the single tear fall. How old is Avon? Ash thought. Probably only a few years older than me. She doesn't... deserve to die.
Ash power walked through the halls, wanting to get back to her room. She wiped away the tear which was now dripping off her chin. Her shoes clopped across the floor, filling the room with faint echoes. All the doors she passed were closed. When she passed one that was not, she paused. She stopped a few metres after she passed by and slowly walked back. The door was half open. Light spilled out of the room. Ash hid behind the wooden door and looked inside. Theodor was there. He said something, but it was inaudible as he was at the back of the large room. Clearly, there was someone out of Ash's view talking to the King.
Ash leaned in further. The only new thing she saw was a small box on the floor, about the size of a brick. Suddenly, the lid flung open. There was a whirlwind of dark sand rising from the box. It materialised in the air. A pitch black figure appeared, wearing a large cloak. Its face was covered by a large hood. Darkness and fear radiated from its form. In its hand appeared a large scythe. The sharp blade glinted in the light of the candles dotted around the room.
Ash stepped back from the door. She leaned against the cold stone wall. The feeling of fear wouldn't leave. She took in breaths in rapid succession, the feeling overwhelming her. Ash closed her eyes and tried to calm herself down.
She ran. She ran through the corridors and up the stairs. That's what Avon saw.