Torn Sky

Escape

I awoke early on my

sixteenth birthday as I did everyday. I walked into the garden to gather fresh fruit as well as vegetables for breakfast. When I walked into the small kitchen Gwenn was making eggs and Iris was warming the bread that Artin had brought. Cardrew came up behind me and lifted me up swinging me around. When Iris laughed everyone hugged and started singing the birthday song. When I rolled my eyes Gwenn gave me a look that stopped me from speaking. Then there was a knock at the door and everyone froze with fear. Iris grabbed me and we rushed into the hidden room as we always did. Cardrew answered the door slowly and I could look through a peep hole in the door.
"What can we do for you sir," Cardrew asked politely but I couldn't see the man for he stood out of my sight. He answered gruffly but I couldn't distinguish what he said until he came closer and cleared his voice did I notice his armor.
"We are looking for the girl of the prophecy," he said and his voice rang out true hitting me like a title wave. Iris and me both were getting angry and the sky and sea shared our feelings. The sky was getting dark and the waves were getting high. Artin had his hand on Gwenn as she struggled to counteract Iris but was failing. Cardrew answered in a quick slur of words that I was to mad to comprehend. The man looked at him gravely and began to re-button his cloak.
"We WILL find her. Make no mistake about it," he quipped and as he turned he fixed his gaze on the bookshelf that was the door. I knew he saw me but when I looked into his eyes I saw only fear at war with curiosity. His hand drifted to his sword as mine did to my dagger. Iris put a hand on my shoulder causing me to move my hand as he did. When Gwenn was sure he left we opened the door and gathered what ever we could carry in our bags. Allena my fierce mare was refusing to be saddled and was pawing at the ground angrily. I took the saddle from Artin with a nod and when I stroked her she calmed. I murmured to her in Gaelic for it was my favorite language to speak as it was quick on the tongue. Her name means fair as she was fierce and a beauty even in stillness. She was a grey of the clouds after a storm at sea and was ready soon. I loaded on my saddle bag and went to change into what Iris had laid out. When I saw what it was I yelped and she scurried in to undo my dress laces.
"What is this !" I screamed staring at the lavender dress with long drop sleeves and white cloak.
"Riding clothes," she quipped back picking up the monstrosity.
"No!" I squealed running to the closet. I picked up a shirt in a similar color as well as a white corset to go with the cloak. Iris frowned but helped me dress handing me a pair of black leather heeled boots. When I frowned at them she tossed them over.
"Compromise," she mumbled and I caved tying the laces tight. When we returned to the horses everyone was ready but Allena was uneasy again so I soothed as I checked everything. I mounted pulled my hood up and looked to my family as they mounted as well.
"This way," Cardrew whispered spurring his stallion forward and with a quick glance at the cottage we left, escaping into the night.