14. Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fourteen
Embla
Astrid drops a moment after the guard hits her with his hilt. Blood oozes from my sister's head, as my hand flies to my mouth. The guards aren't allowed to attack for no reason, and we still have weeks before the sacrifice is due. One of the guards turns to me, a soft green glow reflects dully on his black leather chest plate. He helps the unarmed guard to his feet before turning his gaze on my sister.
“Which one does the King want?” The guard standing over Astrid motions between me and my sister’s too still form before the other shrugs rubbing the back of his helmet. The dagger lays half hidden in the grass in front of me, but I can’t pick it up. I have more of a chance of hurting myself than I do getting away. If I did get away, then what? Leave Astrid, Papa, and Mama. No, I can’t. I won’t. I wouldn't know how to survive outside the walls on my own.
“It doesn’t matter. The King wants them both,” says the first guard pressing against his hidden earpiece.
“Take ‘em both then!” one of the others snaps.
“Now wait just a minute, I am a proper Demendian Lady, of a noble house.” My voice is stronger than I feel. I just need to convince them to let me go while protecting my dignity. I am not about to watch the guards take us, but I will not fight either. My panic bubbles up inside of me making my hands tremble. I wring them trying to hide my fear as I look for a way out of this situation. My fingers touch the golden locket at my neck, hoping it could give me the strength I so desperately need. They continue to advance, and I am rooted to the spot, my shaking hands coming up in surrender.
“We can talk about this,” I try again, and they advance a step.
“I haven’t done anything.” The guards remain silent, taking a second step.
“Please,” my whisper aches with desperation. If they take me there's no getting out of this, I will be sacrificed even if the tithe gets paid. Three steps, and the guards are reaching for me. One of them grabs my arm roughly before shoving a needle into the side of my neck.