Escape the Woods

by Gabriella Catherine

  “I don’t have to go back to the shop until tonight,” he said. “Want to come inside and we can find a nicer place to sit? It looks like it may rain.”

  “Thank you,” I said, smiling for the first time in days.

  He led me inside the house. “Are you well?”

  A sigh escaped me as I thought about the last couple of days, but before I could say anything, his family rushed into the room. As soon as they set their gazes on Malachi and me, their expressions changed to shock, and I was instantly surrounded by them, all curtsying, greeting and welcoming me. Two of the older girls took my hands and pulled me into a chair in the kitchen, while the rest of them scrounged around, looking for food to offer me.

  A plate of something I was unfamiliar with was set down in front of me, and Derex’s sisters gathered around the table while Derex and Malachi stood awkwardly by the door. I glanced at him — he looked annoyed with his mother and sisters.

  Again, I acknowledged their kind hospitality. “Thank you all very much for welcoming me into your home. You are all so very kind. I promise I will only stay a short while.”

  They nodded.

  “It is our pleasure, my lady,” Derex’s mother said. “Stay as long as you’d like.”

  Lena, the youngest of the girls, squealed, “Sir Malachi!” She ran over and reached for him, but he backed away, looking a bit alarmed and confused.

  “Oh!” her mother said, walking toward Malachi and the excitedly shrieking blonde girl in front of him. “She remembers you from your last visit, Sir Malachi, and every time she sees you walking out in the streets, she gets so excited.” Derex’s mother grabbed the little girl under her arms and picked her up.

  As the girls and their mother continued telling Malachi all about how five-year-old Lena was “quite taken with him”, Derex looked over at me and smiled, as though amused. Then he cocked his head toward the back door, and the two of us slipped out before the rest of his family noticed.

  Standing in his back yard, with the sounds of horses and the voices of the people of Darrenberg buzzing around us, I laughed. “Your family is –”

  “Intense?” Derex asked.

  “Oh, I wasn’t going to say that.”

  “It’s fine. You can tell me what you think of them. I know they’re intense sometimes, especially when you are around.” He grinned.

  “Well … maybe they are a little intense,” I admitted. “But they are very kind. And that is what matters, right?”

  Derex nodded. “You’re right.”

  We didn’t say anything else for a few moments, just stood in silence, and I took in our surroundings — the cloudy sky and the wooden structures set up in their yard. Resting my hand on one, I was about to ask if his father used them for displaying his merchandise, but Derex spoke up first.

  “So, what is really going on, Lady Scarlett?” He stood across from me, and he also placed his hands on the wooden shelf-like display, leaning toward me.

  “What do you mean?” I asked him.

  “You don’t seem like yourself,” he said softly. “You’ve lost the excitement and passion in your eyes. What’s wrong?”

  After hesitating for a moment, I gave in and decided to tell him. I told him about my father’s decree and about Cordel and Jack leaving. I looked into his clear blue eyes, and my chest felt hollow as I revealed the one fact I couldn’t stand to dwell on — my brothers were leaving me here. Again.

  When I finished, Derex stared at me for a moment. “I’m so sorry. I cannot imagine how you feel. I miss my brother when he goes away, and he is never gone nearly as long as Lord Erguston or Lord Jack.”

  His sympathetic words made tears begin to well up in my eyes, though I wasn’t sure why. Was it because of his compassion and kindness and understanding? He was quick to listen, and although our lives were terribly different, he seemed to understand me; or at least he tried to understand.

  I forced the tears back. “The thing is, my father promised me that after Cordel returned from his long journey, he wouldn’t send him back for a long time. But he is … and he is sending Jack back there too.”

  I walked over to the three small steps that led to the door and sat.

  Derex joined me. “I’m sorry.”

  I smiled at him. “I’m glad I met you at the ball, Derex. You’re a good friend.”

  His face lit up, like that compliment meant everything to him. “So am I, my lady.”

  Wanting to change the subject to something lighter, I asked, “So, where is your father?”

  “He is traveling in some region selling merchandise, like he usually is. I go with him sometimes, and so does Barrett. But this time my father insisted we stay behind and take care of our mother, sisters, and little brother. But truthfully,” he laughed, “they don’t pay us much attention. I think they would get along just fine if they only had each other. Barrett and I don’t do much.” He crossed his arms in front of his chest and smirked.

  Enlightened by his jaunty mood, I smiled. “What are your thoughts about Barrett and Merida?” I asked him. “Barrett told you about them, right?”

  “He told me a little. He’s a bit secretive and not outgoing or talkative.”

  “He isn’t talkative, like you?” I teased.

  Derex laughed a boyish laugh. “I am known for talking quite a lot. But truthfully, I think Merida is great. And I know Barrett thinks the same.”

  “And I know Merida thinks Barrett is wonderful,” I said. Then I laughed and rolled my eyes. “And handsome.”

  Soon we stood and walked around to the front of the house. Malachi walked out of the Peterson’s house just as hooves pounded on the road. We looked up to see Jack riding through the street, toward the castle, followed by a dozen men in armor.

  “Jack!” I called. But my brother didn’t hear me. “He has returned from training,” I explained to Derex. “Come on, Sir Malachi! We have to get back.” I looked over my shoulder. “Thank you for everything, Derex. Goodbye!”

  I turned and ran after Jack and his men on horseback. Malachi followed, and although he didn’t tell me to stop or slow down, I knew he didn’t enjoy it when I ran through the village. It was undignified, and there were too many dangerous obstacles, and people, that I could crash into.

  But being dignified and safe were the least of my concerns. I had to get to Jack.

  I ran as fast as I could through the crowded streets, dodging people, animals, and wooden stands. Malachi fell behind slightly, as his broad frame didn’t allow him to squeeze between obstacles as easily as I could.

  The run was long, but I didn’t stop or slow down, not even when my throat began to burn and the pain spread into my lungs, making it hard to breathe. I wiped sweat from my temple with the sleeve of my velvet dress and waved to Sir Jeremiah as I passed through the courtyard gate.

  I raced across the courtyard to the stables and straight into Jack’s arms as he was unsaddling his horse with his men.

  “Scarlett!” he said in surprise.

  I was too out of breath to say anything, as I practically collapsed onto him, my entire chest burning and my knees feeling shaky.

  Malachi showed up at the entrance, looking winded and slightly irritated. But when he saw me embracing my brother, a hint of a smile shown on his face.

  Jack and I began to laugh. I recovered enough to rasp, “It feels as though you have been gone forever.”

  “I am very grateful to be back,” he said, laughing. I didn’t care about the strange looks his men gave me as the two of us exited the stables, Jack’s arm slung over my shoulders. “I’ve got her.” Jack nodded to Malachi, dismissing him.

  As we walked to the castle, I asked, “How was your trip?”

  “It went well, although I would have rather been in Darrenberg.”

  Did he know about Father’s decision to send him back to the camp? I decided not to bring it up. It wasn’t my place to tell him if Father hadn’t yet.

  Jack went to his chamber to clean up, and he said
he’d see me for the evening meal. When it was time to eat, I sat down in the Hall beside him. Father and Cordel sat in their usual seats. The mealtime conversation was light, with Jack doing most of the talking.

  “This roast is wonderful!” Jack said between bites. “Eat some, Scarlett,” he insisted. “You have become thinner since before I went away!”

  I gave him a saucy look. “That’s not true. And you are not one to talk, my brother. I thought you would have gained at least some muscle while you were training.”

  Jack rolled up his shirt sleeve and flexed his arm. “Feel it, Scarlett.”

  I shook my head. “I am not feeling your arm.”

  “Feel my muscle!” he insisted.

  “That is ridiculous! We are eating here, Jack William Valesteine.” I kicked him under the table, but when I glanced up and saw Jack’s smolder, I giggled. It was so good to have him back.

  “How did you handle it out there with the real men, Jack?” asked Cordel.

  “I managed just fine.” Jack kept a straight face, but I could tell he was affronted by Cordel’s comment. Cordel had a habit of belittling Jack and making him feel weak.

  Father cleared his throat. “We need to talk, Jack. About the training camp.”

  I braced myself, knowing Jack wasn’t going to be happy to have to return to camp.

  “I have already discussed this with Cordel, and I expect you to handle this news with as much maturity and obedience as your brother did,” Father said. “After talking, we have come to the agreement that he, Sir Malachi, Sir Jeremiah, Sir Brendon, and many more Darrenberg guards and knights are going to return to the warriors’ camp. And I would like you to join them.”

  Both Jack and I stared at him.

  “Sir Malachi and Sir Jeremiah?” I asked.

  “Yes,” Father confirmed.

  Jack and I exchanged mystified glances, then Jack said, “You are telling me this the night I return from that place?”

  He had a point. Father seemed to realize this. “Well …perhaps I will allow you to stay in Darrenberg for a few weeks or a few months longer. But there is business there that you must take care of, and it can’t wait much longer.”

  The hurt look on Jack’s face made me feel sorry for my brother.

  And he wasn’t the only puzzled one. Why was Father sending Malachi and Jeremiah to the camp with Cordel and Jack? Malachi had finished his training months ago, and Jeremiah had never even been to the camp in his life.

  “But Father, why—” I began.

  “Let’s not speak of this anymore,” Cordel said aggressively.

  “We will discuss this later, Jack,” Father said quietly.

  I looked at Jack and saw the sadness in his boyish blue eyes. For once, he seemed to have lost his appetite. Not at all a good time to tell him, I thought, looking bitterly at Father.

  After we finished and Father and Cordel were exiting the Hall, Jack grabbed my arm, pulling me into one of the dark corners. He said in a hushed tone, “Did you know about this?”

  I nodded. “Cordel told me about it only a few days ago.”

  “Do you understand it?” he asked.

  “No. That is what bothers me the most. Both Father and Cordel are so secretive about it.”

  Jack looked like he was thinking hard. A look of realization crossed his face. “I wonder …”

  “You know something?” I asked.

  He quickly shook his head. “No, I don’t think so.” He headed for the Great Hall door.

  “Will I see you tomorrow?” I called after him.

  “Surely.”

  Then we parted.

  ###

  Late that night, once the entire castle seemed to be asleep, Britta knocked on my chamber door. As soon as I opened it, she said, “I’m sorry, Lady Scarlett, but I couldn’t wait to tell you!”

  “Don’t worry.” Then I yawned.

  “Oh, did I wake you?” she cried.

  “No, I was awake.” I squeezed her arm. “Please, tell me what the matter is.”

  She smiled the brightest, most joyful smile. “I am betrothed, Lady Scarlett. I’m betrothed! We’re getting married!” Britta shrieked, unable to control her excitement.

  My heart leapt into my throat. “What? Are you…? You’re marrying Eric?”

  “Yes! He proposed to me tonight! Oh, Lady Scarlett, I cannot believe it! Please tell me if I am dreaming!”

  “You aren’t! You aren’t dreaming!” I threw my arms around her, and she sighed in delight. She then grabbed my hands and spun me around the room.

  “Shh!” I warned her. “We better be quiet, or someone will come check on me.”

  Britta slammed her hand over her mouth, trying to stop herself from laughing.

  We both collapsed on the floor, and I grabbed her hand. “I am so happy for you! May God bless your marriage.” Then a thought hit me. “Britta. You said Eric lives in Rugart.”

  Her smiled fled and she said quietly, “That is true. And Lady Scarlett, you know how much I love you and your family. I didn’t want to have to tell you this.” She looked down.

  “Oh, Britta.” My eyes brimmed with tears. She couldn’t be leaving me, too.

  After a pause, she said quietly, “Eric asked me to go with him back to Rugart, to live with him there. Please forgive me. You know I would never try to hurt you. But I am getting older, and I thought I would end up a spinster. Then Eric came and took notice of me, and now my dream of getting married will finally come true. I won’t have to be alone for the rest of my life.”

  “Of course I forgive you, Britta. But you would never be alone.”

  “I don’t feel alone now. But you are now fifteen years of age. What do you think will happen to me when you get married? Your father won’t have much use for me then, and I will lose my closest friend.” She gently touched my cheek.

  “Oh, Britta. My father would never get rid of you. Not after everything you’ve done for me. But if you truly love Eric, I don’t want to get in the way of your happiness.”

  “Thank you, my lady. I’m certain your father will find you a new maid, perhaps one better than I.”

  But I didn’t think that was possible. I had known Britta for years, and I felt safe with her. She came to me right as my mother became sick, and she was only fifteen. Although she was only a few years older than I, she was now the closest thing I had to a mother, and she was also my friend.

  Why was everyone leaving me? Was this the way the rest of my life was going to be — people always taking off and running in the opposite direction from me?

  Britta leaned over and hugged me. When she pulled away, she had tears in her eyes, too.

  “I will miss you,” I rasped.

  “And I, you,” she said softly.

  CHAPTER 18

  Lady Elsa, Lady Sabine, Merida, and I stood behind Merida’s house, helping her hang wet clothing on a piece of string that was hung up, one end tied to a tree, the other tied to the wooden handle of a large fork that was stuck into the ground. We laughed and talked as we worked, and I was grateful Malachi went inside to converse with Jonas and Bezilo Pierce while we worked.

  “Chores are so much fun.” Elsa tossed a pair of men’s breeches over the line.

  Merida laughed. “Well, you are welcome to do mine anytime you wish.”

  I placed a wet apron on the line and asked Merida about Barrett.

  “I saw him yesterday. He comes by my house and we take walks through the village and sometimes through the meadow.”

  “Do your parents approve of him?” I asked.

  “Well …,” She hesitated. “They think he is a kind and respectful man, but they are concerned about his financial situation. My brother Jonas is very concerned. He says I deserve to marry a man who is able to provide for me. He has always been protective of me, and he says I may want to consider another man, one who is better suited to care for a family. But all the men he suggests are much too old for my taste, and most have already been married and are now wi
dowed. And … I don’t want that.”

  “You don’t think your brother would try to force you to marry one of those men, do you?” The thought was frightening.

  “Oh, I don’t think he would try and force me into doing anything,” she said. “I assume he is only looking out for me. But to speak the truth, old men scare me.” She laughed a fake laugh. “Sometimes I wonder if he is right. Barrett’s family is not wealthy in the least. Believe me, I do not dare to wish to marry a very wealthy man. My dowry is only so large. But I do want to be assured I will be taken care of, and that is what Jonas wants as well.” She looked sad, and although I couldn’t possibly understand her pain, I felt sympathy for her.

  Malachi emerged from the house then. “Are you prepared to return to the castle, my ladies?”

  Elsa, Sabine, and I said goodbye to Merida, then walked back to the courtyard with Malachi.

  When we arrived, Father stood waiting for us. “Lady Elsa, Lady Sabine,” he said, “I received word from your father this morning.” The two girls exchanged hopeful glances, and then looked up at Father with expectant eyes. “Duke Aaron has notified me that the region of Dovehoven is no longer under attack. You are able to return home.”

  They broke into joyful smiles. Elsa hugged her sister, lifting Sabine up off the ground. “We can see our mother and father!”

  “Oh, that’s wonderful!” I told them, hugging them both at the same time.

  “I cannot wait to see them again!” Sabine cried.

  Then Elsa pulled away from me quickly. “Oh,” she said, “I will dread leaving you, Scarlett.”

  My heart sunk. I was very happy for the girls, but they were two more people in my life who were leaving. But this wasn’t about me. I needed to be there for Elsa and Sabine

  “It’s all right,” Sabine said, tears coming to her eyes. “We will write to you, won’t we, Elsa?”

  Lady Elsa nodded and smiled down at her sister.

  Father cleared his throat and went on. “Your Father said a group of his men will come and pick the two of you up in only a few days.” He then excused himself and strode away, leaving us girls in silence as we all stared at the cobblestones spanning the ground of the courtyard.