Eleven

I shook my head. He silently watched as I fought with myself mentally. “ I don’t want to go back to your house. That woman isn’t safe. She…It doesn’t matter. I won’t go back.” He smiled. I couldn’t tell if he was angry. “Okay, then kiss me and I’ll give you the information.” My mouth dropped open. His eyebrows raised. Waiting for my answer. He stepped closer, invading my space. I shook my head. His hand snaked around the back of my neck holding me in place. My breath hitched. Our lips touched gently. The click I had felt with Daire happened. Except this time it was softer like someone pushed a button but it popped back up. I pulled away, not able to catch my breath. What was that? I searched his face for an answer. “Hey what’s going on over here?” Daire’

Twelve

Lucrezia! Lucrezia! My mother’s voice rang into my ears. I came around the corner terrified. “Yes? Mommy.” The booze was wafting out of her pores. “Come here you dumb child, this is all your fault.” Her hand lashed out and landed on my shoulder. “All of this is your fault.” Another blow landed on my back this time. “I wouldn’t have to do any of this if it wasn’t for YOU!” This time her fist connected with my side. I let out a squeak. Big fat tears started to run down my cheeks. “You want to cry, I'm going to give you something to cry about. I’m going to show you what I have to do to feed you.” All the pain was unbearable.

Thirteen

I stood in the sunrise feeding the chickens. I have named every single one. Chiky, Elma, Vainy, Leerah, and HENderson. I smiled happily with my pun. There was no sign of the fight that happened last night. Daire got up before me. I haven’t seen him all morning. We were low on meat. I collected the eggs trying to dodge HENderson. He got me good on shin. I ran out, closing the gate behind me. Mean rooster. I sat the eggs on the porch. The morning smelled like the forest around the property. I smiled at the thought of a lifetime here. It was something I had never dreamed of. The carriage came into view strolling lazily up the road. Daire sat in the front. His stern demeanor would have made others believe him to be unkind. The truth was anything but. He was a big man but a kind one. His huge hands maneuvered the ropes with confidence. For a moment those hands were on my throat massaging the vein. Trailing my body until they landed on my hips g

Fourteen

“Okay Dove, the first thing you need to come to terms with is that you're small. So, your strongest weapon is your head.” Daire pressed two fingers into my forehead. “If you get into a situation where you can’t fight your way out, you need to finesse your way out.” Daire’s eyebrows rose high. “ The first step to finesse is to know your opponent and If you don’t know them. Then learn them.” He took a step in and pushed my left shoulder lightly. I stumbled back, almost landing on my butt.“Good you didn’t lose your balance. Helping me build the room has been useful with your back and core muscles.” This time he stepped into my space. As I took a step back he took one forward not letting up. I started to panic slightly. Before I knew it

Fifteen

The man standing in front of me was frail. His height made him stoop. The moonlight captured his sunken eyes just right. He held a tome so thick I feared he would fall over. Despite its size it was a beautiful book. The outside was shiny black. Jewels dotted the front. The back was imbued with bright gold filigree. The man stood on an altar made of the same stuff. It was shiny black. It almost looked like water. I wanted so badly to reach out and touch it but I stopped myself. Something about this felt like a test. I don’t know why I got that impression but I dug my toes into the earth and clasped my hands behind my back. A slow rhythmic melody started up. The man on the altar started to chant softly. I couldn’t make out the words. I looked around the meadow. The moonlight did a glorious job of illuminating it perfectly. Wolfsbane dotted the meadow. The music became louder. I turned to se

15.5

The sun's rays felt good on my skin. I breathed the fresh air in. The grass felt good underneath my tired body. My muscles were aching. I turned onto my side. The room was almost completely finished. I sighed. I couldn’t wait until it was done. My brother would have a place to call his own. I rolled back onto my back. “Luc, Look.” I propped myself up onto my elbow. Cedar was standing bow in hand. He looked so confident with the bow stretched and his chin up. He let an arrow loose. It hit the target. He breathed in, nocked another arrow and let it loose. It also found the target. Oh My God! I jumped up and ran to him. I scooped him up into my arms. He was no longer that pitiful kid in the shack. His body had substance. My heart leaped out of my chest. I was so proud of him. I took his face in between my two hands and I kissed his fo