The Iron Grip

Chapter 10

"Today", announced the chief. "We will be getting a new addition the outlaws. For years we have been killed unjustly, tortured and imprisoned."

Lillie crouched down on her hands and knees. The cheif lifted the heavy sword and began to knight Lillie. Yet being outlaws, there was a twist.

"Do you pledge to always be free in mind, body and spirit?"

"I do", Lillie replied firmly.

"Do you pledge to live every day like it is your last?"

"I do."

"Then today upon this sword I declare you an outlaw. Take this sword as a token of our gratitude. It isn't every day we get an outlaw from the royal family."

The crowd began to disperse back to their homes as the huge bonfire that had been lit on occasion began to die out.

Lillie admired her new sword. It had an almost noble appearance in contrast to the cloudy red gem that was embedded in the hilt. It made a satisfying sound as the huge blade sliced though the air.

"Shouldn't we go and find a room to sleep in?", Mallow suggested.

"Yeah, okay."

The next morning, they climbed onto Gogoat's back and set off again into the mountains. The two friends had grown so close, it seemed as if they had known each other from birth. Lest we forget that fate will repeat itself again.

They rode for hours, chatting happily, when all of a sudden the Gogoat halted. On the other side of the valley was a camp. It was home to three Royal Guard troops, but still posed a threat.

If Gogoat were to bolt past them, a lucky arrow could send the crashing into the snow. Sneaking around it would also be impossible. The landscape was devoid of foliage to hide in.

"I'll charge in, kill them all with my sword", Lillie said savagely.

"And what good will that do? Countless other troops will be sent to the mountains. You might not even cross the border."

"Well I am stumped. Why don't you figure it out?"

Mallow stared blankly into the distance. After nearly ten minutes she snapped back into reality.

"There is only one way to get past."

"How?"

"I will distract them long enough so that you and Gogoat can sprint to the other side unnoticed."

"No I refuse to leave you behind Mallow!"

"You wont leave me behind. I am not going to die. Wherever this may lead me I will find my way over the border."

"No! You can't make me."

Mallow kissed Lillie's cheek gently. "I will follow you. If you don't cross the border, who knows what will happen to us?"

"Okay. I will go. Promise me you will be okay."

Mallow walked slowly down to the camp. Lillie couldn't make out what they were saying, but as soon as they took Mallow inside the tent, Gogoat took off.

Lillie buried her head in Gogoat's woolly fur. What had she done? At least things couldn't get any worse from here. In that matter, she was correct.