Chapter 7 Hell
“Are you sure you do not need me to go with you?” Liv paced the foyer, very obviously running a mental checklist to make sure nothing would be forgotten on this trip.
“Liv, it is just a supply run. I think I can handle it.” I fought not to roll my eyes.
“Okay, but do not forget…”
“Do not forget,” I echoed her as she began to list everything I had already taken note of, “Food, first and foremost, tea, some fabrics for clothing, parchment and charcoal…”
I held my hand up to stop her. “Liv, I promise, I have it all underfoot. I will not forget anything. I am going to find a horse and a cart first, but I will make sure to gather what we need for now.”
She sighed and wrapped me in a hug. “I just worry. I know that we are safe here, generally speaking, but it is all so new; we have never interacted with the people of Torezia, and things here are… different.”
That was what I was counting on. Excitement fluttered in the pit of my stomach.
I had heard tales of Torezia, the freedom and life that this realm held.
“Oh, and please, if they do have a library, I need a book of translation. I have been studying the ancient texts and my Archaic Verithean is a little rusty.”
“Anything else?” Liv opened her mouth. I pointed at her. “Careful. We are rapidly approaching a second list.”
Her lips twitched despite herself. “I am serious.”
“So am I. At this rate, I shall return with a horse, a cart, three dictionaries, enough food to survive winter, and somehow the moon.”
Christine giggled from where she sat on the stairs, swinging her legs through the banister. “Can you bring back sweet cakes?”
“Finally,” I said, pressing a hand to my chest. “A reasonable request.”
“Sweet cakes are very important,” Christine informed me happily.
“You see?” I looked at Liv. “Someone in this household understands priorities.”
Christine shot to her feet and ran down the stairs, wrapping her arms around my waist. “Can I please, please, go with you?” The twinkle in her eyes was almost enough to make me fold. Almost.
“Now, if I take you with me, who will stay here to take care of Liv? She may keel over with worry if she is left alone.” I could feel Liv’s eyes boring into my back. Christine’s shoulders slumped as she accepted her role. A pout folding her lip.
“I do have something for you, though.” I smirked, “That is if you think you are brave enough to handle it?” She perked up and nodded her head in excitement. “Okay, hold on one moment.”
I ran up the stairs, taking them two at a time. When I opened the door to my room, I nearly stumbled over the clothes I had left strewn across the floor. I made a mental note to tidy up a bit before Liv had the chance to chastise me, or Margaret had the chance to tidy it up herself.
My heart thundered against my rib cage as I lifted the lid to the chest at the foot of my bed.
I let out a slow breath and took the small box in my hands, then unwrapped the silk that covered it.
The instant I laid my eyes on it, they welled with tears.
I hadn’t dared to even think of it since we fled.
The metal was cold in my fingers as I turned the blade that I had made for Clarissa over in my fingers.
The same one that she had used in the trials, made to match mine and Liv’s. I forced the emotion down.
The staircase felt longer, more tiring on the way back down.
And I felt slightly emptier. Christine stood at the landing, waiting very impatiently, with Liv behind her.
I held the dagger behind my back. “Okay, what I am going to give you is a great responsibility, only for the bravest of girls. Can you be brave?”
She nodded frantically. “I know you can be.”
I ruffled her hair and did not miss the question in Liv’s eyes.
I presented the blade to her, and her eyes went wide at the same time that Liv let out a strangled sound.
“This is no ordinary blade.” I leaned in close as I told her, “It was made specially for a very courageous princess.”
My tears tracked my cheeks now. “This princess was beautiful and selfless, and used this blade to protect the ones she loved.”
Christine’s eyes caught the light off the handle and shone like starlight.
Her fingers danced over the swirls and music notes.
“Clary.” She said softly. “She loved music; she always sang songs to me.” She smiled fondly, and Liv sank around the corner, sniffles following her. I swallowed hard.
“Yes, she loved music, and this was her blade; I made it for her. Do you think that you can use it to protect Liv and Margaret while I am gone?”
“Yes!” She waved it through the air, slicing and jabbing.
“Whoa there! You must be careful; this is a deadly weapon. Remember, only the bravest girls can wield it!”
I laughed and patted her head as she ran off to the kitchen to show Margaret.
Only moments later, a startled yelp sounded from the kitchen.
My shoulders relaxed a little as I let out another chuckle, picturing Margaret with her eyes wide and her hand clutched against her chest.
“When you return, we will have a discussion about age-appropriate toys for young ladies,” Liv said sternly. But a smile tugged at her lips despite herself.
I pulled her in and hugged her tight. “I will be safe, I promise.” I felt her relax into me, worry leaving her body in droves. Then I patted down my body, ensuring I had everything I would need. The map, some snacks, and my own blade, fastened at my hip.
“I will see you all soon!” I shouted, ensuring that Christine and Margaret heard too. Their goodbyes sounded through the house, and Margaret shouted one last reminder not to forget the tea. Then I stepped out the door and toward the town.