She waited as long as she could bear, then walked to the door and pressed her ear to it, straining for any noise betraying the presence of the girl, or anyone else. Hearing nothing, yet not satisfied, she lowered herself to the floor and peered under the door. The carpet and the door met so closely that she could see nothing.
She wiped her sweating palms on her pants, then gripped the deadbolt. Tensing, fearing a telltale noise, she eased the lock open. Pausing, she heard no sound. With a deep breath, she gripped the door handle and slowly turned it until the catch released. This is it.
She eased the door open slowly, peering anxiously into the hall. So far, so good. Pulling the door further inward, she eased her head around the frame and looked up and down the hallway. No sign of movement.
Hoping her luck would hold, Integrity silently closed the door behind her, then, gripping her cans and can opener to her, turned right and set off quietly.
Knowing speed was crucial, as well as luck, she tried to move at a reasonable rate without going too quickly. At each junction she hesitated, listening for any sound before venturing forth. Glances over her shoulder were frequent, fear constant. All it took was one wrong turn, one second too fast or too slow, for her to be discovered, yet getting as far away from her original room as possible was vital. How long could she possibly hold out?
Peering around another corner, she jerked back and almost lost her balance. Just what she had feared—a man stood in the hallway to her left. Thankfully, his back had been turned when she had glanced around the corner, but he could just as easily turn and come back this way as continue on the way he had been going.
Turning back, she began desperately, but quietly, trying door handles. The first she found unlocked opened into a long room filled with utilitarian bunk beds. Sensing that this room was well used, she moved along. The next door opened into the same room; the one after that was locked. Fearing every second that she would be discovered, Integrity eagerly accepted the next room that was unlocked and entered quickly, closing the door silently behind her and locking it.
This room had a single bed, a wastebasket, and a small bureau. Everything was neat and clean, but felt cold and bare. Every item in the room had a purpose and a place. It made Integrity feel faintly as though she had entered the military, but she figured that beggars can't be choosers and settled down on the bed to wait and plot her next move. She had a room with a lock and enough food to last a while, if she paced herself. Though how long she could stay here, she didn't know.
Đ
“Is there something I can help you with? Miss?” The blond girl approached Integrity cautiously. Integrity, feeling increasingly trapped, sought any avenue of escape. Her frenzied thoughts blocked anything the woman said—it was irrelevant.
“Did you lose your way? I would be happy to assist you back to your quarters.” Integrity wanted to scream, but knew that would only add to her problems. This was the same girl that had found her before. How did she find her now, in this room? Had she been followed?
“If you'd just tell me what ails you, I'd do my best to right the situation.” Integrity glanced around desperately. Of course, she'd picked a room without a window. I'm a bona fide genius, I am. How can I get out of the door with her blocking my way?
“Please, sit down.” Before she knew what was happening, the woman had a hold on her arm and was guiding her toward the bed. Integrity tried to pull away, but the wisp of a woman was stronger than she appeared. Fearing a ruckus would only draw more attention to herself, Integrity warily sat on the bed. Perhaps if she bolted over the end of the bed she'd make it to the door first...
Sensing her thoughts, the woman shifted to block Integrity's view of the door. “Now, won't you tell me what's wrong?” Integrity stared mutely at her. “My name is Galia. I'm a supervisor here.” After Integrity remained silent, she pressed forward, “I really do want to help you.”
Integrity felt conflicted; the woman seemed sincere, but why would she want to help Integrity? On the other hand, if she were working for Glegnar, why string her along? After a moment, Integrity broached what she felt was a safe question: “What do you mean you're a supervisor?”
“I oversee the work of several under-maids at Westmarch. That is why I entered your quarters yesterday. I had not been informed that they were occupied.” Integrity looked about her restlessly. “What can I do to help you, miss?”
Hoping she didn't look as scared as she felt, Integrity blurted out, “You can not call Glegnar, for starters.”
Galia gave her a strange look. “How do you know Glegnar?”
“What do you mean, how do I know Glegnar? I'm a slave. Slaves know Glegnar.” Integrity felt antsy, eager to leave the room and the girl behind. Is there a chance she really doesn't mean me any harm?
“You're a slave? I thought you were a guest.” Galia pursed her lips. “This does present a problem. I presume Glegnar doesn't want you here?” Integrity shook her head. “I can assure you, I have no desire to turn you over to him. He's not precisely someone I'm anxious to please.” She frowned slightly. “Where do you want me to take you? You can't stay here for long; he patrols these halls frequently. Do you want to go back to the room you were in?”
Integrity pulled on a piece of her hair nervously. “Can I trust you? Are you on the level?”
Galia gave a small smile. “I'm a slave, as well, albeit a slave of higher rank.” She shrugged her rank off as nothing of importance. “Slaves help one another, not Glegnar.”
Integrity stood. When Galia made no move to stop her, but continued to look at her calmly, she felt reassured. “I don't know what to do.” She began pacing the small confines of the room restlessly. “I don't know where I'm safe. I don't know where to go, what to do.”
“Could you not return to your duties and act as though nothing has happened?”
“What duties? I don't have any duties.” When Galia said nothing, Integrity took a small breath and said, “I escaped from the jail.”
Galia's gaze dropped to the floor. “Oh, dear.” After a moment of thinking, she said, “I suppose the only thing I can do is try to find a safe place for you, for the time being. This hallway isn't the answer, I assure you. Did anyone else know you were in your room?” Integrity bit her lip. Galia said softly, “If there's anyone who can help us, we could certainly use the help. His or her identity is safe with me.”
“There is Ben. He . . . he would help.”
“I'm afraid I don't know a Ben. Can you describe him for me?” Galia leaned forward slightly, focusing on Integrity.
“He's maybe half a foot taller than me, short blond hair, nice smile.” As Galia racked her mind, Integrity struggled to come up with more information. “He's always dressed really nice.”
Galia refocused on Integrity, her gaze having wandered during her ruminations. “Does he wear different items or the same ensemble day to day?”
“Different clothes.” Integrity was puzzled to know where Galia was going with this line of questioning. Of course he wore different clothes. Who wouldn't?
“Ben, Ben.” Galia repeated the name quietly under her breath, also rising from the bed. Suddenly, her head snapped up. “Ben. Ben, son of Dagnus?”
Integrity shrugged. “I don't know who his father was.” She was growing more and more confused by the moment.
“It must be him.” Seeing the confusion written on Integrity's face, Galia reached out and touched her gently on the arm, her fingers cold. “I'll find him, speak to him. You are sure he will help us?” Integrity nodded mutely, and Galia turned to leave. “Please lock the door after me. I'll return as soon as I can.”
Integrity turned the lock and checked to make sure it was secure after Galia had left. She prayed silently, Please let her help me. Please help me to have made the right decision. A faint sense of quiet settled deep inside of her and she returned to pacing the room, ears tuned to any sound from the door.
What if she can't find Ben? she worried. What if he's mad a
t me? I've complicated everything. If I would've just stayed put and waited for him to come, Galia wouldn't know anything about him.
When Ben arrived, Integrity felt herself relaxing instantly. Even if he was mad at her, he was here; that's all she needed.
He strode quickly across the room, concern written plainly on his features. “Are you okay? I'm so sorry this happened.” He leaned forward and gave her a quick hug. She stiffened, trying to keep her elation to a minimum. He's just being polite. Get a grip, girl.
“I'm okay. I'm sorry I ran like that. It was stupid of me.” Integrity could feel color prickling in her cheeks, both from shame and embarrassment at how warm she felt from their brief contact.
“No, no, no,” Ben said, pulling her into another hug. “What were you supposed to do? You had no idea Galia was okay.” Thoughts tumbled through Integrity's mind. Should I hug him back? Get your arms up, at least! You don't want to look rude, do you? Just don't appear too overeager. Ben broke the hug, but kept his hands on her shoulders. Integrity was finding it hard to breath, tingles trickling down from where his hands rested. “Everything's going to be fine, don't worry. We can fix this. All we have to do is get you back where you were without anyone seeing you.”
Galia spoke and Integrity looked at her for the first time since she and Ben had entered the room. “The section you were in is empty at the moment. The only reason I found you is due to annual inspection; I was making sure the room was ready to receive visitors. No one will bother you there.”
Feeling awkward, Integrity stepped back from Ben and smiled at Galia. “I'm sorry to cause you so much trouble.”
“Fret not. All will be well.”
“This is a good thing, Integrity. Now we have another person on our side, someone else to help us.” Ben smiled and Integrity's heart gave a small leap. “Now if I can't get to you, Galia can check and make sure you have everything you need. We can trust her.”
Integrity gathered her few things together, Galia giving her a strange look as she gathered the food cans, and the trio set off into the hallways once more. She didn't feel as on edge as she had the first time, knowing that either Ben or Galia could distract someone, if need be, while the other led her on to her destination, though she felt foolish for carrying several days worth of food. They arrived at her original room, and Integrity felt a guilty pleasure when Galia left quickly, but Ben remained behind.
“I feel so stupid. I shouldn't have panicked like I did.”
Ben took a step closer, causing her temperature to rise. Get control. He's just a guy. “You did exactly what you should have done. We didn't make any plans for something like this, but if we had, I would have told you to do exactly what you did. It shouldn't ever happen again, but, if it does, get out of here. I'll find you.”
Unable to keep staring into his eyes, she dropped her gaze and walked over to the dresser to set down the cans of food. She took a breath, and without turning around said, “You know, I really do appreciate everything you do for me. I don't know what I'd do without you. I'd still be stuck in the prison.”
His voice was quiet, but she had no problem understanding his words clearly. “It's a pleasure. You're special to me.” She froze; a moment passed in silence. His voice louder now, he stepped away from her and said, “Don't worry, Galia will keep everyone away from here that might come. You're safer here than ever before.”
Move. Don't just stand here! She turned and gave him a small smile. “Good. I'm glad I didn't make things worse than they already are. I don't want to get you in trouble.”
He made a small gesture, signifying that it was of little consequence if he got into trouble, then turned to leave the room. At the door, he hesitated, then turned back. “Do you like movies?”
“Yeah, sure.” When he didn't say anything else, she asked, “Why?”
He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “Oh, I just thought I could get you a TV and DVD player, I mean, if you wanted. You must get pretty bored in here all day.”
She wanted to be daring and ask if he'd watch them with her, but she chickened out. “That'd be great. Thanks.” He ducked his head slightly, and then he was gone, the door closing with a click behind him.
Đ
When Galia asked Integrity if she'd like some company, Integrity agreed readily. Not only was she bored out of her mind, but she had a lot of questions that needed answering.
“Are you finding yourself able to adjust to our way of life?” Galia asked, sinking graciously to sit on the floor.
Integrity plopped down, as well, and said, “I guess I'm adjusting. Not to be rude, but why do you talk like that? All neat and proper?”
Galia gave a small shrug. “I suppose it's the way I was raised. My parents taught me that the way one speaks affects the way that person is viewed.”
Integrity had noticed that Galia wore the same outfit, a simple gray skirt and white button up shirt, as she had worn when they first met. You've already been rude; don't push it. You wear the same clothes more than once, don't you?
“I'm glad that you are adapting. I know it was a difficult change to make, personally. Old habits are difficult to break.”
Integrity nodded. “I know what you mean. Sometimes I wake up and think I'm back home, that I'll get up and go to school. Once in a while some thought will pop into my head that I know I can't do, but was routine before I came to Westmarch, you know?”
Galia nodded. “I understand. I'm glad that you have Westmarch to help with the change. I was not so fortunate.” She brushed her long, blond hair over her shoulder.
“What do you mean?” Integrity was baffled. How could this horrible place help anything?
“When I changed over, I was abandoned in a strange place. I understood little of what was happening. I was relieved when a group from Westmarch found me and brought me here.”
“You were glad to be a slave?” Integrity was growing more confused by the second. So much of what Galia had just said was cryptic, at best.
“Odd, I realize, but true nevertheless. Here I am protected from those who would do me harm. In the majority, I have been treated well here.”
Integrity shook her head. “I don't get it. You've been treated good? Didn't you spend time in the jail?”
Galia shook her head. “No, I didn't. It is very rare, here, for anyone to be restrained. I know of very few instances where the prison has been used.”
“So why was I locked up? What made me different?”
“That I do not know. You've asked a fair number of questions. May I ask a few of my own?” Galia gave her a friendly smile and Integrity found herself liking the girl more and more. Despite her flawless appearance and perfect posture, Integrity did not feel that Galia was putting on airs in any way; it was just part of her.
“That's fair. What do you want to know?”
Galia clasped her hands together in her lap. “I'm not quite sure how to say this.” She paused, and Integrity gestured for her to go on. “How have you come to know Ben so well?”
Integrity laughed. “I was trying to figure out what you could ask me that was so bad that you'd hesitate like that.” Galia's shoulders relaxed and Integrity continued. “We met in the prison. He brought me food sometimes. Then he broke me out after Glegnar beat me up really bad. That's pretty much it.”
Galia looked perplexed, but did not question Integrity further. “You are truly fortunate to have attracted the attention of one so, shall we say, attractive?”
Integrity blushed. “I can't argue with you there, he is cute, but we're just friends. It's not like that.”
Galia looked less than convinced. “Two people may not always feel the same about each other. If there is no interest on your side, that does not mean there is not one on his side.”
Embarrassed, trying to hide the pleased smile that sprang unbidden to her face, Integrity changed the subject. “How long have you been here?” When Galia glanced at the door, Integrity clarified, “At Westmarch?”
“A guess?” Integrity prodded.
“Hundreds of years,” Galia responded. When Integrity laughed, Galia smiled politely. “As I said, my time here has not been unpleasant.” Gesturing vaguely towards the window, she continued, “There's nothing for me out there. I have no desire to leave.”
Integrity felt something rebel inside her at Galia's submissive attitude. She wanted to burst, convince Galia that there was more to life than being a slave, but she was scared she'd offend the girl. She had so few friends here, so few people that could help her; there was no point in ruining a good thing. Besides, how did she know for sure that Galia wouldn't rat her out if she knew Integrity wanted to escape?
“It's certainly nicer living here that in the jail,” Integrity said, skirting the subject. “I'll never take hot water for granted again!”
A somewhat awkward silence fell. As much as Integrity liked Galia, she didn't know her well enough to trust her. There were many questions still left unanswered, but fear of offending each other hung in the air and neither girl dared say anything but the most generic of comments. After a short time, Galia politely excused herself and left. Integrity was sad to see her go, but thankful that she could relax her “social graces” for the time being.
The conversation, overall, had been relaxed and pleasant, but thoughts began to slip into her mind. The only person she really trusted was Ben. He had risked everything to get her out of jail, and he continued to risk it all on a minute-by-minute basis. They had lucked out that Galia had found Integrity, and not someone who would have run immediately to Glegnar, but the kind of trust they shared couldn't be built overnight. Time alone would help Integrity trust Galia more. Still, the constant fear of someone who could let something slip, accidentally or otherwise, placed yet another strain on Integrity. Life was a constant gamble here at Westmarch, no matter how much Galia seemed to like it.
Integrity: Book One of the Destine Series Page 3