Escape the Woods

by Gabriella Catherine

  Beth continued stitching my hand, and the pain only seemed to grow worse. I bit my lip harder until it began to bleed, and I dug my fingernails into the table I sat on. Father could not do this to me. What else would I have to live for if I couldn’t go outside the castle walls? I had thought I had it bad before. At least then I was able to leave occasionally with an escort. But now I could hardly go anywhere, even with Sir Malachi. I could never go riding, never go tree climbing, never go swimming, never do…anything! What did Father expect me to do all day long?

  “Does this mean I can never go to Gorenhelm to visit the four lords?” I asked.

  “That is correct.” He spoke quietly. “But that does not make any difference. You have never been to Gorenhelm, anyway.”

  “That’s true. I have never been to any other regions, yet you allow Jack and Cordel to go very far away.”

  Father looked at me a moment. “Your brothers are training, not visiting noblemen. And many guards accompany them on their journeys. They do not go alone.”

  “So then, if I was accompanied by many guards, would you let me go to Gorenhelm?” I already knew his answer, but my anger was boiling and I wasn’t going to let him off easy.

  “No.”

  “Why not?” I stared at him defiantly, daring him to not answer.

  “Your brothers travel to do very important work. I’m not going to let you put yourself in danger just so you can go trifle with wealthy noblemen.”

  I could feel my blood burning like fire within my veins. I decided it would be wisest if I didn’t respond.

  “Now you will not change my mind. Every single decision I make is for the good of this region and its people. And you are one of its most important people.”

  I stared at him in vexation, and he looked just as agitated. In fact, he reminded me of Cordel at this moment. Perhaps everyone in my family had a bit of Cordel’s temper.

  Father let out a breath and said quietly, “I will see you tonight.” Then he strode out of the chamber, shaking his head.

  I stared after him. No more going outside? I felt like my life had just ended.

  The healer finished stitching my hand, and I jumped off the table. I thanked her and fled to my chamber. When I got there, I sat on the floor with my back against the wall.

  Tears filled my eyes as I contemplated never leaving the town walls again, or at least not for a very long time. I’d never go back to the gorge or the river, where so many of my childhood memories were made with my brothers. The woods that I longed for almost every minute of every day were now out of my reach.

  I shook my head. He can’t keep me locked up here forever. I’ll make sure of it.

  My heart ached for my brother Jack. I wished he was there to comfort me and hear me cry. But it was Father’s fault that he wasn’t here in Darrenberg.

  In the midst of my thoughts, the face of the man from the woods came to my mind. Who was he? Sir Kolton Reinhart of Rhineland. Rhineland wasn’t far from Darrenberg, I didn’t think. But what was he doing here? He didn’t look much older than me, but he had handled himself very well. His handsome features were impossible to forget.

  But I needed to forget, since he lived in Rhineland and I wasn’t supposed to leave the town walls. I’d never see him again.

  Someone knocked on my door. I hoped it wasn’t my father as I got up and wiped the tear that had trickled down my face. I opened the door.

  Malachi stood in the corridor. “Miss Pierce requested to see you. Is now a suitable time?”

  “Yes,” I replied.

  Malachi stepped aside, revealing Merida.

  “Thank you, Sir Malachi,” she said before stepping into my chamber.

  I shut the door behind her.

  “You’ve been crying!” Merida said, and she put her arms around me. “What’s wrong?”

  “My father took away my freedom to go outside the town walls.” Talking about it made tears prick my eyes again.

  Merida released me and looked at my face. She looked nearly as shocked as I was. “Why? Does he not see how hard that will be on you? Does he not know how much you need freedom? And more importantly, how will you find a husband if you can’t leave Darrenberg and your father rarely ever holds balls?”

  “Well, there was … an incident today,” I said.

  “Now I’m worried about you. What happened?”

  She kept on looking at me with pleading eyes, so I said, “I was in the forest, drawing, and I was attacked. By a bear.” Before she could freak out or start crying I said, “But I’m fine! I swear.”

  “What happened?!” Merida cried.

  “This man, Sir Kolton, killed the bear before it could kill me.”

  She stared at me a moment. “So you’re all right? You’re not hurt?”

  “I’m fine. The bear didn’t touch me.”

  “Oh, Scarlett! You must be more careful.” She embraced me again, and I tried to hide my bandaged hand from her.

  She pulled away suddenly. “Who did you say killed the bear? Sir Kolton?”

  “Yes. I’m certain I’ve never seen him before, but he was riding through the woods with two other men, and he threw his sword at the bear just before it could hurt me. He was young and handsome, and my father seemed to recognize him. He said he was from Rhineland.”

  “Why was he in Darrenberg?”

  “I know not. We didn’t get any information from him, except his name and where he is from.” I was suddenly disappointed at this thought. Now I definitely won’t see him again.

  “You should have asked him to stay!” Merida cried. “You said he was young and handsome, and he saved your life. Doesn’t your father want to repay him?”

  “He wouldn’t accept my father’s money. He only seemed interested in me.”

  “Well, now you’ve done it, Scar. You could have just let a perfectly good man slip right through your fingers.”

  “I had just been attacked by a bear, Merida. I wasn’t thinking about securing his affections in that exact moment. I was still in shock and could barely speak!”

  “Was he wealthy?”

  “It’s hard to say. His horse looked expensive, but his clothing was leather and customary. But you know I don’t care much about wealth. Most extremely wealthy men are prideful and arrogant.”

  I changed the subject and asked her about Barrett. I could tell she was trying to hold back a smile as she looked at the floor. “He is very well. He has come by my house a few times, and the two of us have gone walking. We get along so well, and I simply love talking with him.” She looked up and smiled.

  It was then that I realized my best friend was possibly in love.

  Merida laughed. “I saw Sir Jeremiah eyeing us suspiciously just a few days ago as we were out walking.”

  “He told me he had seen the two of you.”

  Merida looked surprised. “What else did he say?”

  “Not very much. Only that the two of you seemed to be enjoying each other’s company.”

  Someone knocked on the door. I walked across the room to open it. Sir Jeremiah stood in the corridor. I was so surprised to see him, as he never came to my bedchamber, and I just stared at him.

  “Are you not going to invite me in?” Jeremiah asked, smiling in a slightly teasing way.

  “Oh, forgive me, Sir Jeremiah,” I said. “Will you please come in?” Was it appropriate to let him in? I didn’t know, but I trusted Jeremiah completely, and so did the rest of my family. The worst that could happen was my father could find out and get angry, but that was the least of my concern. The thought of aggravating him actually brought me satisfaction.

  “I will,” Jeremiah smiled again and entered. Merida stood in the back of the chamber, holding onto my bed post.

  Jeremiah turned to me. “I retrieved your horse, my lady. He’s safe and well in the stables.”

  “Oh, thank you, Jeremiah. I’m relieved he’s all right.”

  “It was my pleasure.”

  I thought he’d leave th
en, but he stood looking unfinished. Finally, running a hand through his dark hair, he spoke. “Lady Scarlett, your father informed me about his new decree to protect you. I have known you since you were very young, and I know how hard this must be on you. But even if you do not understand, know that Duke William is doing this out of wisdom. Your father is a wise ruler. You know that, don’t you?”

  I took a deep breath. “Even though it pains me to say it…yes, I do.”

  He seemed a bit amused. “Will you trust that he is doing this because he loves you?”

  A little reluctantly, I nodded.

  “Good,” he said, and smiled gently. “Now, I must excuse myself, unless there are any further matters I can assist you with.” He headed for the door.

  “No, you can go. Father will want you.”

  “Guten Tag, my Lady Scarlett.” He gave me a half smile, nodded, then exited.

  I watched him leave, and before he had gotten far down the corridor I called, “Sir Jeremiah. I appreciate your encouraging words. About my father, I mean.”

  “Anytime, my lady.” Then he took a quick step back toward me. “I only want to make sure you are safe. Please, stay inside. Stay safe. It would bring all Darrenberg great sorrow if harm ever came to you.” The worried and almost frightened look on his face made my heart ache. It made me sorry for what I had done earlier that day.

  I nodded. “I will.”

  “I’m glad to hear it,” he said before walking away.

  I closed the door. I had almost forgotten about Merida.

  She walked toward me and gently grabbed my arm. “He is very sweet. He and all of your father’s men cherish you. Even Sir Malachi.” She winked.

  “I know.” I leaned my head on her shoulder. “I know.”

  KOLTON

  My cousin Britta met me at her family’s home in the village of Darrenberg. She embraced me, told me it was wonderful to see me, but then she left me with her family, saying she had to return to the castle.

  I sat in a sitting room, catching up with my relatives, but my mind continued to wander to the girl I saved in the forest earlier that day. She looked so young and bewildered to be out in the woods by herself, but she was unmistakably beautiful. Her piercing scream rang over and over again in my head, haunting me. I remembered the horror in her expression just before she fell into the fetal position and covered her head and neck.

  I had recognized the man that ran and embraced her, and I was sure I’d heard the girl call him her father. His war horse, fancy hunting attire, and red and gold shield gave him away. He was either a very important nobleman working for Duke William, or he was Duke William himself. I’d met the duke years ago, but only for a brief moment. I’d long since forgotten his face, but vaguely remembered him having dark hair, like the girl’s father.

  But if he was the duke and that beautiful girl was his daughter, that would make her a lady. And a wealthy one, considering that she’s from Darrenberg. And one of the other men with them — the big, brawny one — had features so similar to hers I was almost positive he had to be her brother, which would make him Lord Erguston.

  My heart dropped. Even if I were to find this girl again, a wealthy duke’s daughter wouldn’t be interested in someone of my status. She probably had suitors lining up in the castle courtyard. Rich suitors.

  But even if I never saw her again, I was thankful I got there in time to save her. She was much, much too young and too beautiful to die, especially in the hands of a ferocious bear.

  ###

  The next morning, I woke up early and went quietly down to the rose garden. I entered through the tall silver gates, and sure enough, Cordel was there, sitting on the stone bench, his Bible in his hand.

  “Guten Morgen,” I greeted him.

  “Good morning, Scarlett.” He looked up and eyed me suspiciously. “Where is Sir Malachi?”

  I gave him a look as I sat beside him. “Don’t tell me that you are becoming like Father.”

  He shook his head. “Not yet. Not until Father dies, and I become the Duke of Darrenberg.”

  “You don’t seem very happy about that.”

  He shrugged, squinting up at the sky. “Well, of course I don’t want our father to die.”

  “That wasn’t what I meant, Cordel. I meant the part about you becoming duke.”

  He sighed. “I will have many responsibilities, a wife, and eventually children. It will be much different than my life now.”

  “But it will be a good different, won’t it? You’ll be able to marry Grizelda.”

  “I guess you’re right. It’s just … well … Scarlett,” he looked over at me, “I don’t handle change very well.”

  So I’d noticed.

  “But,” Cordel went on, “you are right. Zelda is a lovely woman.”

  I moved over slightly toward him. “Do you love Zelda?”

  He looked surprised, and he hesitated to answer. Finally, he said, “I’m not sure I can say I am in love with her, but I enjoy being with her. I know she will be a good wife and mother. But then, if I was marrying for love, I’m not sure I would choose her. But no lords marry for love. Especially ones who will inherit a region like Darrenberg someday.”

  This was the most he’d opened up to me since our mother died. I didn’t think he opened up to anyone, ever, about how he truly felt, but this was an improvement.

  “I heard Father talking about you and Grizelda with Sir Malachi. He said both he and Grizelda’s father knew you were a good match for her. And the two of you would have a firm relationship. It would be good for the region of Darrenberg.”

  “Yes, Father has said that to me before. He thinks our responsible, leader-like personalities will rule a sturdy region.”

  I did not believe that no lords married for love. I knew I certainly would not marry just out of responsibility, and I couldn’t see Jack doing that either. Yet we didn’t have as many obligations to our people as Cordel did. I wasn’t going to rule the whole region someday. I would marry a man I loved — a man who loved me and not my father’s title or my wealth.

  “Will you and Lady Grizelda be married soon?” I asked.

  Cordel let out a long, slow breath. “I wish. But Father has business for me to take care of first.”

  “What kind of business?” I asked.

  After a moment, he said, “Just … things in the west, at the warriors’ camp. He wants me to return and finish some business there. Then sometime after that, Lady Grizelda and I—”

  “Excuse me?” I cut him off in mid-sentence. “What are you saying? You’re leaving again?”

  “Well, yes. But—”

  “Why?” I demanded. “Why are you leaving again? You only just got back!” I stared at his face.

  “I told you already. I have business that Father wishes for me to complete before Zelda and I are wed.”

  “Please don’t go! You just returned, and Father promised me you wouldn’t have to leave for a long time. I mean, what kind of business do you even have? Business that’s obviously more important than your own family.” I turned away from the hurt look in Cordel’s eyes.

  “That isn’t true, Scarlett,” he said. “I love you, and Jack, and Father. You know that.”

  Did I? That was the only time I had actually heard my brother say he loved me, or at least the first time in over six years. And it sounded forced.

  “This is something I must do.” He hooked his finger on my chin and turned my face toward him. “I don’t have much of a choice.” His eyes pleaded with me, trying to find understanding.

  “Please,” I begged. “Please tell me what it is you have to do. I don’t understand.”

  “And I do not expect you to understand. You’ll understand when you’re older.”

  But his words only made me more angry. “I’m capable of understanding now, Cordel. Please stop treating me like I’m delicate or simple and just tell me.”

  “I’m sorry, Scarlett. But I cannot tell you.”

  I stared at h
im, then shook my head. “But—”

  “I can’t!” Cordel yelled at me.

  The way he was looking at me broke my heart. Tears of anger, hurt, and confusion came to my eyes, but I was determined not to let him see. I took several deep breaths.

  I may have been mistaken, but Cordel looked to be struggling with tears of his own. Why? He didn’t care about me.

  We sat in silence as I tried to choke down the tears. The horrible, dreaded thought hit me again. He’s leaving. The slight tears turned into a sob, and I jumped up from the bench and ran out of the garden.

  Cordel didn’t call after me.

  CHAPTER 17

  The next few days were rainy, preventing me from leaving the castle. With Jack gone and Cordel keeping to himself, I felt especially lonely. When I did see Cordel once during the midday meal, he announced he would be taking Jack with him when he went away. He would leave for the warriors’ camp just after Jack returned, so Jack would hardly have time to unpack his bags.

  Of course, this only worsened my pain. Both of my brothers were leaving. And for how long? Months? Years?

  ###

  One late morning, a few days after my conversation with Cordel in the garden, it finally stopped raining. I walked down the streets of the village of Darrenberg, Sir Malachi beside me. He didn’t speak as we walked from the castle to Derex Peterson’s house. He could tell I was sad, and he didn’t like talking about sensitive topics, so he stayed quiet.

  Merida had said she was busy all that day, and Britta was visiting her family — apparently her cousin was in town. After spending the last few days by myself, I’d become so depressed, I knew I needed to get out.

  I stepped up to the Peterson’s front door and knocked. Malachi stood awkwardly behind me, and I wished he hadn’t come along.

  Derex opened the door. He smiled when he saw me. “Lady Scarlett! It has been so long since we last spoke.” He clasped my hand and gently pulled me toward the entrance, urging me to come inside. When I hesitated, he asked, “Are you all right?”

  “Yes. It’s just … are you working this afternoon, Derex?”