A Fool's Tale

Chapter 7 - An Opportunity Arises

I brushed the swollen bruise on my cheek and flinched. Uncle Martin had connected with a lucky blow as I dodged around the cottage last night. I don't even know why he was upset, nor did I care. He didn't deserve my attention. It was poor timing to receive such an obvious injury. I was meeting Talia today, and it would be difficult to hide the bruise. I scuffed my feet in the dirt as I walked to the clearing. For the first time since becoming friends with Talia, I considered returning home. She'd be sure to ask what happened when she saw my bruised cheek, and I didn't know how I would respond. I'd been careful to avoid the subject of Uncle Martin's abuse, and was worried if Talia found out that she'd stop meeting me.

The momentary temptation to turn away wasn't very strong, I trudged onward, for I was too weak willed to stop. Our bond was my greatest joy in life, and I couldn't bear another two weeks without seeing Talia.

I arrived at the glade and smiled to see she'd already arrived. Angling the injured side of my face away, I approached, but Talia was quick to see something was wrong. She rushed to me and twisted my head around, so that she could look directly at the bruise. "Gael, what happened to your face?"

"It's nothing. I was rushing through the woods to see you and ran into a tree branch." I looked down, hoping she wouldn't see the deception in my eyes.

Talia was silent for a moment. I'm not sure what expression she made. I just stared at my shoes, for I didn't trust myself to hold back my emotions if I looked upon her kind face.

"I've seen bruises like that before. I know what causes them. They are not from the branch of a tree." Her voice was filled with barely contained fury.

My eyes swelled with tears when I heard her anger, for I sensed it came from a place of love, but I continued to stare at my feet. "It's nothing. It was just a tree branch." I muttered.

"It's not the first time is it? I've seen other marks on you before."

I didn't respond.

"I'll just listen if you want," Talia pleaded.

I stayed silent.

"Would you prefer not to talk about it?"

I bobbed my head. Perhaps one day, but I wasn't ready yet.

"Okay, fine. Um, do you want to hear some news about the castle?"

I rubbed my eyes then looked up. Talia smiled, but I could tell it was forced. There was a glimmer of sadness in her eyes that couldn't be hidden. I think Talia understood that I didn't want her to behave any different than usual, and she was doing her best.

"You know me. I live for castle gossip." I tried to lighten the conversation.

"I've noticed. Do you remember when I told you that there's a great many people employed at the castle?"

I nodded slowly, unsure where the conversation was headed.

"I heard they're looking for workers. There's even some positions I think you'd like."

"Me," I squeaked. "Oh, I don't know, Talia. The only thing I know about castle life is what you've told me. I'd be lost, and wouldn't I be too young anyways?"

"You might be surprised, Gael. I see people our age working around the castle all the time. You're not so different from any of them, and I could put a good word in for you."

"Does that mean you'd be working there too?"

Talia hesitated. "Well, I'd like to, but I'm pretty sure my father wouldn't let me."

"I guess your dad's strict, kind of like my uncle." I surmised.

Talia laughed. "You're funny Gael."

I don't know what was so funny, but I loved making her laugh and it felt like our conversation had moved to lighter grounds. We spent the rest of the day reading together and I thought everything was back to normal.

As twilight drew near, I started to stand. Talia took my hand and held me back. "I'm going to leave a message at the gate that you might be coming. I know a job that would be perfect for you, but it won't last long. Just tell them your name and that I sent you."

My stomach clenched with nervousness. Everything seemed to be happening so fast. "I don't know Talia. My uncle will be upset."

She reached forward and gently touched the bruise on my cheek. "It's up to you, Gael, but maybe you should think about what you want, not your uncle."

I got up and turned away as tears welled in my eyes.

"Thanks Talia. I'll see you later." I tried to sound casual, but the words emerged choked with emotion.

"In two weeks...or maybe sooner," Talia responded cheerfully. I think the emotion was forced, but I couldn't see her expression. I was already hurrying home.

All the way back I pondered her proposal. Would it be that easy? Could I just pick up and leave? My uncle would surely try to stop me. Then I asked myself, why would I stay? And I could think of only one answer, because I was too scared to leave. It was an acceptable reason when I was a child, but I wasn't a child anymore. My days with Talia had broadened my horizons and I realized if I wanted any semblance of a happy life, I needed to escape; the sooner, the better.

That night, I slept more soundly than I had in years. It felt like I'd already flown from my prison, and even though I was still physically with my uncle, my mind was gone. I dreamed about feasts and parties, and knights, and a kindly king and queen. Everything was just like the stories I'd read with Talia. Perhaps I would become a squire. They often turned into heroes. I sensed my life would soon be changing from a nightmare to a fantasy.