Impossibly, her eyes went even wider. Her chin began wagging back and forth, the motion growing faster and more pronounced by the second.
‘“I dare not,” she said, beginning to cry. “I love you Raewyn, you know that, but what if they were to move the rug aside? What if they find the hatch in the floor? If they catch me harboring a fugitive from the Crown’s justice, they will hang me—and possibly Harrell, too. I can’t let him die. He is innocent.”
She covered her sobs with both hands, still shaking her head. “Oh, Raewyn, what did youdo? Why do they want you?”
It was a fair question, but I had no time for explanations. I had to save my family, and as always, I had no one to depend upon but myself.
“Go back to your home,” I said to Katricia. “You don’t want to be out in the street when they arrive.”
“I’m sorry,” she sobbed, then she turned and started running.
I wasn’t angry with her. An invasion by Fae soldiers was a scary prospect—for all of us. We had grown up with stories of the failed rebellion and its aftermath.
No one dared to defy King Pontus.
“Thank you for warning us,” I called after Katricia. “Take care of Daisy!”
Our little goat would have plenty to eat in the garden, but she’d get lonely without us, and someone needed to milk her.
Obviously we couldn’t take her with us. The girls would understand the need to be quiet, but the animal might bleat at an inopportune moment and give away our hiding place. And someone would have to carry the little thing.
I would no doubt end up carrying four-year-old Turi at points during our journey. We’d simply have to leave Daisy behind.
For a split second I considered fleeing on my own. I’d travel much faster alone, and if I wasn’t here, perhaps my family would be safe staying in the village. It would certainly be less stressful for them not to have to live on the run.
And then I thought of the King’s willingness to hold me hostage in order to manipulate Stellon. He could do the same thing with my family, using them to flush me out of hiding.
Even if no one in our village spoke up to betray them, and His Majesty never drew the connection between them and me, there was still the threat of Sorcha and her desire for revenge.
If she returned to the village, my family would definitely not be better off here without me.
Closing the door again, I began rushing through the small cottage, grabbing things that seemed crucial to bring along.
Mostly I focused on whatever food we could reasonably take with us, filling a gunny sack with bread and smoked venison, some cheese, and root vegetables.
The girls were awake, peering down from the loft.
“What’s happening, Raewyn? Are the soldiers going to arrest us?” Tindra asked.
“Arrest us?” Turi echoed.
“No they’re not,” I said, not looking away from my frantic supply-gathering.
“Get yourselves dressed,” I said in as calm a tone as I could muster—it might not have been all that calm. “We’re leaving immediately. Put on two pairs of socks under your boots and all the layers you have. We’ll be camping at night, and it will get cold.”
“What about our books?” Tindra asked in a distressed tone.
“Bring only what you can fit in your pockets. One book each. Don’t forget your cloaks.”
Papa was moving about now, too, gathering his blankets into a bundle and telling the girls to throw their own blankets down to him. Clearly he’d heard Katricia’s warning as well and understood the need for haste.
I lifted his cloak from its hook and draped it over his back. Then I grabbed his cane from its position leaning against the hearth. When I tried to push it into his hand, he shook me off.
“I’ll be fine without it. I haven’t needed it in over a week.”
His refusal gave me a moment’s pause, but I had to give him the same trust he’d given me. He wouldn’t say something he didn’t mean. Hopefully Sorcha’s cure lasted.
Handing him the sack of food, I rushed to put on my spare dress on top of the one I already wore and doubled up my socks. My boots felt a little tight, but they’d stretch, and perhaps the layers would prevent blisters.
