As She Waits

There were storm clouds hanging overhead, the sting of the last strikes to her back still lingered, the words said by the man played in her mind. She had to leave tonight. If it poured so be it - there was no more time.

The two guards, who had volunteered to help Islana, were on watch that night. Vasant was out of the house that evening, a rare occasion. It had all been planned.

Gathering the money from the late Lady Vasant's room, the bow set from the Lord's study. The face of the guard that took the redhead to the gate was oddly covered but there was no time to question it. The other one was keeping the dogs busy. The gate opened and ….

Suddenly, the entire world spun and Islana found herself in a cell, on her knees, Vasant, Alcuin, and the pig headed preacher stood over her. "Witch" they yelled over and over.

Looking up to catch the guard who had opened the gate - a grinning Stran looked back.

Islana awoke with a start - damn nightmares. This one left her shaking. The redhead pulled her knees up to her chest and wiped the tears from her eyes.

Neither of the guards checked on the redhead, hopefully they hadn't heard.

What if Alcuin found her? He knew about her magik and the young woman was well aware that, to some, selling her out to the inquisition was more important than any bounty. Either way nothing about that was good.

Maybe, she should just tell Shalia why the man was after her and let the pieces fall where they may - the other woman seemed to want to protect the redhead - in her own way.

Then again, was telling her new owner that she had run away from her former owner really a good idea?

As those questions were being pondered, a slave brought in 2 jugs of water and some cups. Islana stood up and went to the table.

The largest cup was obviously for Shalia, it was set aside. It made Islana wonder if the feast was almost over. There were enough smaller cups for herself and the guards. Islana went about pouring the water for the guards and taking it to them.

The younger guard decided to quiz Islana on the words for cup and water. When the young woman recalled them he seemed rather pleased. Taking the empty cups back inside, she poured herself some water and took a seat at the table. Going back to sleep was out of the question - so it now to make the decision to tell or not - and wait.