Chapter 6
CHAPTER SIX
ALINA
As soon as we got into the room. Frid walked past me and dropped onto one of the beds.
I stayed by the door, examining my surroundings.
It was a small, but comfortable, setting with two narrow beds and an extra wide window with white flowy curtains.
A well built table was placed on the opposite wall.
I locked the door and walked past Frid before dropping down to the second bed.
My mind would not stop analyzing the situation I was in.
My future was uncertain and if I was honest with myself, I was scared.
I was not scared about dying, I was not scared about the possibility of physical pain.
The only thing that chilled my blood was the thought of ending up in another prison.
I remembered the suffocating smell of the rotting flesh, and the darkness of the four stone walls all around me; and my eyes opened wide.
Never! I will never go back to a cell!
“What do you think about getting a bath?” Frid sighed, turning to her side.
“That would be great,” I responded, watching the blond girl stretching her strong, curvy body on top of the covers.
“I’ll make the request now, otherwise I’ll pass out.” Frid walked out of the room and a moment later returned with a tea kettle and two tin cups.
Shortly after, the old man who manned the desk below walked in and stood in the doorway expectantly.
“We need two baths and a change of clothes for both of us. Except, her clothes can be disposed of,” Frid instructed.
“What would you like?” The man turned to face me.
I glanced at Frid, unsure.
“We need a change of clothes. Boots, undergarments, everything,” Frid continued.
“That would be ten extra coins,” the man responded without interest.
“Alright,” Frid added.
“I have no money,” I said, noticing the clerk’s brows furrowed.
“You saved my life. It’s the least I can do.” Frid stretched out on the bed.
When the old man left, I straightened and my hands reached up, feeling my hopelessly tangled hair. I sighed, returning my gaze back to Frid.
“How can you turn without ripping your clothes?” I asked.
The girl stared at me, her eyes scrutinized my face. “What do you mean?”
“When I turn, my clothes are destroyed,” I explained. The girl lifted herself up on her elbows, eyeing me. “What?” I asked.
“You’re really not from here,” she said at last.
“No,” I said, noticing Frid shaking her head.
“Never mind,” the girl responded, “The clothes stay on, because of this,” she pointed at her light brown leather suit.
“Is it magic?” I asked.
“Yes, I suppose. Everyone gets a flying suit as soon as they can turn. No one wants to see you running around naked. Although, I’m sure the boys wouldn’t mind,” she added.
“Can I get one?” I felt my face turn bright red.
I hated asking her for favors, but it seemed like the only option.
“Sure, I’ll get it for you.” Frid closed her eyes.
“Thank you.”
“Will you tell me what you did?” Frid turned to her side, watching me.
“I . . . I don’t think I did anything,” I responded.
Instead of answering, Frid gave me a long look.
The servants brought a bath and when it was finally filled with water, Frid was already asleep on top of her covers.
A moment later the old man returned with a change of clothes for both of us.
When he was gone, I approached the narrow mirror on the wall, looking at my messy hair and scratched up face.
My hand lifted up, touching the dark circles under my eyes, and hollow cheeks.
Slowly, I combed my hair with my fingers and took off my clothes, noticing the bruises and the frighteningly thin frame underneath.
I stepped into the water enduring the burning of every wound on my skin.
My eyes returned to the sleeping girl on the bed.
I had to get away from them. I needed to find my way back home.
Even after everything Frid did for me, I could not forget that all of them had been ordered to escort me to another prison cell.
I would rather die than go back to that.
I bit my lip and picked up the bar of soap.
The smell of fresh pine and lavender invaded all of my senses, but did little to calm my nerves.
My mind was still racing. I did not yet know how to get away from the group, but I knew for sure that I was going to make a run for it.