‘Do you know any?’
‘There’s one that goes, “Sweet baby girl, I know that you’re listening, as each sun sets in the sky, it’s you that I’m missing. They can tear us apart, and bring all their hate, but nothing can harm us because you are my fate mate. Year after year, no matter the time, we’ll always be as one, for I’m yours and you’re mine. And when you’re back in my arms and your breath is on my cheek, I’ll hold you forever and show you what love means.” Something like that anyway. Rav’s pretty good at it.’
‘You’re pretty good at it too.’ She placed her palm on the wall, visualising him on the other side. ‘I liked it.’
‘Rav likes to use his imagination. Sometimes when you’re in such darkness, your imagination is all you have.’
Scarlen knew all too well how to pretend she was elsewhere. She shivered, her dark cell letting her know exactly where she was, but she fought back with her mind, seeing only the waterfall, the tiny flowers, Bear.
Bear raisedhis head as he inhaled his own sweat. Something unusual was happening with Scarlen, confusing his emotions, his mind. A need to protect her was coming from within instead of from the deal to save his sister, and he didn’t like the feeling, as he knew full well who Scarlen was, and there was no way he could take her to his home and show her his favourite spots. Perhaps he’d never get out anyway. Never have such a chance to see the waterfall again.
Wake up. Get a grip.
He didn’t wallow. He got mad. And that alone pushed him forward. There was an escape plan in place, and he needed to remain focused on that task, as Oxley hadn’t much time left. All of this with Scarlen was a waste of energy, and he couldn’t allow her to get further inside him, because what he had with her wasn’t real. It was the forced proximity, the lack of choices.
‘Tell me about your life, Smithson.’ Were they so different? Curiosity bit hard.
Her soft voice came through the wall, and he could visualise her standing there, no doubt shivering like him. ‘There’s not much to tell.’
He knew she wouldn’t admit to her father being the general. Only a fool would speak of such a thing in such a place. The battles on the mainland were seeping deep into the prison,causing conflict and division. He couldn’t even finish the story of the knights because they had started talking about wyrmocs, then, as with everyone, tension appeared. He didn’t blame her for believing all she’d been told, but it wasn’t an argument he wanted to have with her, or anyone.
‘I was starting to find my feet when I got put in here,’ she added.
‘What do you mean?’
‘Ah, you know, leaving home, going my own way. Wanting more for my life.’
‘What did you have planned?’
A small laugh whistled. ‘Would you believe I was heading north? I was thinking as high up as the top end of Borough Mids to start with. Check out the farming.’
‘You want to farm?’
‘I like the idea of having animals. Goats, cows. Make cheese, milk.’ Her sigh came next. ‘It was an idea.’
He thought the general’s daughter would have been put into the army. Perhaps that was her real crime. Maybe her father was punishing her. He shook his head at the absurdity. It was all too much trying to figure out Scarlen Smithson.
The rattling above warned of a soaking, and Bear dipped his head, ready for the icy chill of the water to wash over him. Scarlen’s scream wasn’t as loud as the first few times, and he guessed she had taken to clenching her teeth like he did.
He caught his breath as the dregs swirled down the hole between his feet, then flapped out his shift to release some droplets, not that it made much of a difference.
I have to get out of here. I have to get everyone home.
He continued the mantra in his head until Scarlen interrupted his thoughts.
‘Are you tired, Bear?’
He could hear she was. ‘Yeah, it’s normal. Just hold on.’ He wanted to hold her, but he willed the feeling away.
The sound of a sob came through the wall.
‘Don’t cry, Scars. There’s enough water in here.’ Her laugh instantly made him feel better.
‘I’m okay.’
He couldn’t turn, so simply rested his head on the door and closed his eyes, wishing he could wipe her tears. Wishing he could take her home with him. It might not be too bad. So what if she was the general’s daughter, she’d obviously turned her back on whatever life she had with her father, and maybe once home, his friends and family would accept her. Accept him with her, rather than want to rip out his throat for bringing such a person into their safe place.
He laughed to himself at the thought. At least she wasn’t the king’s daughter. Bringing home the princess would definitely get him killed.
