by Casey Odell
Claire stared at him, her fists clenched at her sides. He’d found the chink in her armor. It was the second time in one night she was being chastised by an elf. That had to be a new record. She struggled to hold back the tears in her eyes and dug her nails into her palms. Tears wouldn’t help; they rarely ever did.
“Could you please leave?” She looked away from him and closed her eyes. The corset began to suffocate her again as the lump returned to her throat.
The room fell silent, the only noises from the tavern below. The sound that had made her feel more at ease the past couple of nights only made her feel worse now.
The metal frame creaked and she could feel the extra weight lift off the bed as the elf stood. She waited quietly, listening for the soft click the door made when closing.
“I didn’t mean--” Farron began, but stopped.
Claire stared out the window on the other side of the room. She refused to look at the elf.
“Look, I have an old acquaintance in Sanre Du Lore. She may be able to help you in your search. We can stop on the way to Rodem.”
She kept her eyes on the window. He’d made a valiant effort but the damage had already been done. Deep down, she knew he was right. The stubborn girl inside of her just didn’t want to admit it. She heard the soft click of the door, then collapsed back on the bed and let the tears fall freely from her eyes. Tears seemed to be her constant companion and her new worst enemy. She had to become stronger than this. Her eyes couldn’t take much more.
Sleep came quick. The corset remained laced around her, tight and uncomfortable, but she was too tired to care at the moment. Besides, she wasn’t so sure she could get it off without any assistance. That would be her next big challenge, and for the first time in a while she was relieved that the problem seemed so small.
10
A loud tap on the door caused Claire’s eyes to flutter open. Somehow she had ended up on her stomach, her limbs splayed out in all directions, her right arm dangled over the side of the bed. It took a moment for the pain to register as it rushed in from all throughout her body. Her feet and legs were sore from the heels and the dancing, her ribs from the corset, and the steady ache in her head from the alcohol. She winced as she tried to raise herself off the bed. The morning was off to a great start.
Another round of tapping at the door broke her train of thought.
“I’m coming, I’m coming.” She tried to raise herself up off the bed once again, but the corset she still wore made the process even harder.
Summoning all the strength she could, she pushed up off the bed and rolled onto the floor with a heavy thud, knocking what breath she had left out of her chest. She cursed to herself as she struggled to her feet and the pins and needles started in her right arm, completely useless at the moment. That would have been helpful to know just a moment before.
She hobbled over to the door on stiff legs and opened it a crack to peek out. Aeron stood about to tap at the door again, looking nice and refreshed.
“Good morning, sunshine,” he said with a great big smile.
Claire glanced down the hallway behind him to make sure no one was in sight before she grabbed the elf by the arm, pulled him into the room and closed the door quickly behind him. He was already dressed in his usual outfit, his weaponry strapped to his back.
“My lady, there’s no need to be so rough. I would have entered willingly,” he said.
“I need you to help me with this.” She turned around. “I think my ribs are bruised.”
“With pleasure, mon lainí.” He cracked his fingers as he stretched them out in front of him.
“Just hurry up.” She frowned. She didn’t like the idea, but he just happened to be the first helping hands she saw.
Aeron started to undo the lacings on the back of the corset. Her hands gripped the front so it wouldn’t fall and give him a show. She looked at the chest at the end of the bed. Her clothes were folded neatly on top along with her dagger. Well, that was a relief at least.
“What does that mean, that thing you call me?” she asked, curious.
“My little lady, of course.”
She sighed, too tired to get annoyed. Just who was he calling little? But even if she asked him to stop, she knew he wouldn’t.
“I guess Farron told you about our situation?” She remembered the unpleasant argument she had with the elf the night before.
“Yes, yes,” he replied as he concentrated on the laces.
And nothing more, she hoped. “You’re not mad?”
He let out a breath behind her. “Of course I am, but what can you do? At least this way we can keep an eye on him.”
“That’s what he said.” She could feel the corset loosen up a little and already it was easier to breathe.
“Besides, it will be better to travel with him than to be on the run from him. He does not suspect us yet. Well, not for the real reasons, and we would like to keep it that way.”
“I understand,” she said with a solemn note. He was talking about her keeping up her part. A small pang shot through her chest as she realized the elf still didn’t fully trust her, although she couldn’t really blame him.
“I am sorry about last night,” he said after a moment. “I said some harsh things, I know.”
“It’s fine.” She tried to shrug her shoulders as much as she could. “I’m sure you were just worried or scared.”
Aeron chuckled behind her. “Worried maybe. However, I assure you, my lady, I have never been scared in my entire life. Did you not listen to my stories?”
“I think I must have missed that part.”
“Then I will have to tell you all over again.”
A prospect she did not look forward to. The corset had been loosened enough so it could slip up over her head. She held her hands up in the air as Aeron lifted it up and she quickly covered her chest in the thin slip as soon as she was free of the binding beast.
“Thank you.” She looked back at him.
“I could be of more assistance if you would like.” His eyes wandered down her body.
“I think I can handle it from here.” She opened the door and hid behind it.
“Oh, that is right. I almost forgot that you are a married woman now.”
“Just go!” She pointed out the door.
Aeron strolled into the hallway laughing and she slammed the door shut behind him. At least he found himself amusing.
Claire quickly undressed, splashed her face with water to rinse off the remaining makeup, and put on her normal clothes. The lighter material felt great against her skin. She winced as she bent down to slide on her boots. Perhaps sleeping in the corset hadn’t been the brightest of ideas. She took out the pins in her hair to unfasten the elaborate up-do, already ruined by last night’s sleep, and wove a single braid, low and to the side so it fell over her left shoulder.
With the dress folded neatly in hand, she opened the door and stepped out into the dark hallway. She limped down the stairs, taking each step one at a time, her feet and legs still throbbed, the muscles sore and stiff in her calves. She wondered if being a lady was really worth all this pain.
Aeron stood by the bar and she squinted at the harsh morning light that streamed in through the windows. The tavern was barren as usual in the mornings. Two packs sat on top of one of the little tables along with a map unfurled and held open with one of Farron’s blades. She glanced around the room and breathed a sigh of relief. The elf was nowhere in sight. She was still angry at him about last night, even if he was right.
Claire walked to the bar and set the dress on top by Aeron, where he stood eating from a plate filled with eggs and sausage. Usually the smell would be mouthwatering, but this morning it was nauseating.
“Want some?” He held a sausage out on a fork to her.
Her stomach lurched. “No thanks.”
“You should eat something.”
Her body stiffened at the sound of Farron’s voice behind her. “I don’t feel like it
.” She turned to glare at the elf.
He stood a few feet away in his usual black get-up, adjusting the leather glove on his left forearm.
She turned back to Aeron and sat down on the barstool beside him.
“We do not have this type of food in the forest,” Aeron said between mouthfuls.
Curious, she asked, “Then what do you have for breakfast?”
“Fruits mostly. Breads. Cheeses occasionally. Nothing this rich, by far.”
Claire raised her eyebrows in wonder. Perhaps that was why they all appeared so thin. “Then you should watch out, or else you will return twice your size.”
Aeron just smiled and said, “I take full advantage of the opportunities I am given, my lady. And engorge myself I will.”
She couldn’t stop the laugh from bursting through her lips. An obese elf. That she would like to see. Especially if it was Aeron.
“Oh, here.” Aeron reached beside him and handed Claire a long, slightly curved stick. A pink ribbon was tied around the middle in a bow. “I got this for you.”
It was painted black with a small guard, and black leather wrapped around the end for the grip. “It’s a sword.” She examined it closely, admiring the craftsmanship. The carved wood was smooth and tapered to an edge on one side. The end was rounded, blunt. She looked up at Aeron and smiled. “Thank you.” Her eyes narrowed. “Is this the errand you went to do the other day?”
“Yes, yes. It is nothing much. It is a children’s sword after all, for your small hands and all.” He shoved an egg into his mouth. It was the first time she’d seen him be truly bashful about something.
“Well then, it seems like it’s perfect for me then,” she quipped, more at the elf behind her than him. “Thank you.”
Aeron glanced up at her, then back to Farron and smirked. “Oh, I see.”
“See what?” She looked at his questioningly.
“I saw you two lovebirds leave the ball last night.” He leaned in closer to her. “Did Farron work his magic on you?” He wiggled his eyebrows.
She threw a glare over her shoulder at the elf in question. “You could say that.” She hopped off the barstool with a frown, walked to the table with the map, and set the practice blade on top of it.
Aeron laughed. “You truly have a gift, my friend. You really do know how to charm the ladies.” Aeron said behind her. “If you want, I could give you some tips. But I must warn you, mon lainí is a married woman now.”
Claire could hear Farron choke on his drink back by the bar, coughing. She rolled her eyes and looked down at the map, tuning the elves out. She’d seen many maps in her lifetime, but none of them were quite like this one. The names of the towns were written in a different language. Elvish, probably. The map was worn and old, the edges torn and bent. She spotted the forest first. A symbol was elaborately decorated with a palace and the King’s coat of arms. Her village lay to the south. She snorted at the tiny house-shaped symbols used to represent it. Lendon lay to the southwest surrounded by mountains. Her eyes glanced over the map and spotted a symbol with a picture of a coliseum far to the west. That must be Rodem. It looked like the journey would take even longer than she’d thought.
She sighed, leaning above the map, and closed her eyes, wondering if she was truly up to the task.
“I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
Claire’s eyes snapped open at the sound of his voice. Her pulse automatically began to quicken and she spun around towards the entrance.
General Errolle strolled into the tavern dressed in dark brown pants tucked into knee high black boots and topped off with a beige shirt that fit close to his tall slender frame. A floor length brown cloak completed his toned down look. The glint of a golden pommel at his waist caught her eye as he approached. Two guards waited by the entrance on either side of the door, both staring off into the distance.
Bren stopped in front of her and bowed. “Good morning, Miss Claire. I’m sure your guards informed you of the situation and I hope that it is not a bother.”
Claire curtsied back to him. “Of course not. I’m sure it will be a pleasure to have you along.” She beamed up at the General. His hair was tied back in a low, loose ponytail, his grey eyes and high cheekbones were striking in the morning light. She could feel her cheeks start to flush and turned back to the map to look busy. Well, maybe the journey wouldn’t be so bad after all.
Farron stood on the other side of the table and she watched out of the corner of her eye as he began to strap on his weaponry. She kept her eyes down on the map, trying to read the foreign words above the towns and landmarks. A small clink on the table drew her attention up to the edge of the map. Farron had set her mother’s bracelet on the table. The ruby eyes caught the bright light brilliantly. She glanced up at the elf before snatching the bracelet off the table. He avoided her gaze to pay extra attention to the straps of the quiver he was putting on.
Claire sighed and slipped the bracelet onto her left wrist. “Thank you.” The elf didn’t respond. Not like she had expected him to. Still, it would have been nice.
Bren tossed Farron a brown pouch. A light jingling noise came from the bag as the elf caught it.
“There’s the first half, as we agreed. You’ll get the rest after we arrive in Rodem. In one piece, hopefully.”
Claire turned around to look at the General. He wore an amused look, pleased with himself for his little joke. Humor must not be his strong point, but she forced a smile up at him anyway. At least he was easy on the eyes. And charming, can’t forget that one.
“I’m sorry, Miss Claire. I don’t usually discuss business matters in front of ladies.”
“There’s nothing to apologize for. I’m used to such dealings.” She shrugged her shoulders and brushed the matter aside. “Although, I am curious as to why you’d pay for our services when you have two strapping young guards at your disposal.”
The guards at the door shifted and glanced at one another.
Aeron walked over, finished with his breakfast, and stood to the side behind the General. He glared at her with eyebrows furrowed together in warning. Somebody had to ask the question; might as well be her.
“Ah, yes. It does seem quite strange, doesn’t it?” Bren said politely. “You see, Lendon is in the middle of trade negotiations with Rodem and I have been tasked to deliver a message, sign some documents. Trivial stuff, really. Why waste an army when they could be of better use protecting the city? It is quite dangerous out there, you know.”
Claire’s eyes widened. Did he know about the attacks? She opened her mouth to speak when Aeron clamped a hand on her shoulder.
“I am sure he has his reasons. Official ones he is not at liberty to disclose.” Aeron glared down at her.
“Of course. I apologize.” She curtsied to the General.
They left that morning richer than the day before. The sun shone high in the sky and its warm rays kissed along her skin. The dirt path crunched underneath her feet as she walked, the road rising gently to the mountain pass she’d seen the other day. A fresh cool breeze blew through the valley, rustling the tall green grass on the sides of the road, and carrying with it the first signs of fall. Claire breathed in and closed her eyes. Autumn was her favorite time of the year. Though still weeks away, it was something to look forward to. The hangover started to dissipate, the headache and nausea fading away, pushed aside by such a beautiful day.
The new wood sword dug into her side, tucked into her belt. It hadn’t come with any type of sheath or strap. Should’ve known. Aeron didn’t seem like one for details. She glanced up to the elf that walked before her. He’d gotten a matching one. The handle stuck out from behind the quiver of arrows on his back, like hers, only bigger. To match his ego maybe?
The elf was busy regaling the General with his tales, who just smiled kindly as he listened to his words. At least he wasn’t telling her, she thought with relief. Although interesting and informative, his stories were mostly self-absorbent and almost alw
ays exaggerated.
With Aeron and the General busy, Claire was surprisingly bored and a little lonely. Farron led the way as usual, walking several paces ahead of the rest of them. He hadn’t said a word to her since they’d left. Claire brought up the rear, her legs and feet still sore. Walking was unpleasant-- walking uphill, even more so. They decided to take the road up through the pass and although taxing on her body, it was still more pleasant than climbing down a cliff side.
They passed an older man in a cart pulled by two oxen. A farmer by the looks of it, with a floppy straw hat pulled over his face to shield him from the sun. Hay and bushels of vegetables piled high in the back of the wooden cart, the wheels squealing as he passed, in need of a good grease. The old farmer nodded to each of them in turn as they passed. Claire fought the urge to hop in the cart and bombard the man with questions. Where was he from? Had his town been attacked? If not, perhaps he’d heard news of others.
She sighed. The act would surely blow their cover. She hadn’t even made it past the first day and already she struggled with her new identity. Although, the look on Aeron’s face would’ve been priceless.
The climb up the pass proved to be easier than she had dreaded from down in the valley. Trees lined the road and the earth beneath them flattened once they reached the top. The road continued in a straight line for several paces before it forked off in two directions.
“We’ll cut through the forest.” Farron waited by the split in the road for the rest of them to catch up.
“May I ask why?” Bren asked, even then he was polite.
“My lady has suggested we stop in Sanre Du Lore.” Farron crossed his arms across his chest. He made lying into an art. Even she was convinced it was her suggestion. “It will be quicker that way.”