If Davin had known the reason
for his father's apprehension, if he had interpreted his hesitation
differently, if he had only a small glimpse of reality and what lay
before them, he would have wished the road to town to continue
endlessly without ever reaching a destination.
Children of a Legend
“Here's
the inn!” His father announced.
Davin
looked up at a huge heap of rotting wood and shriveled joints.
Windows, where there existed panes in gaping holes in the wood, were
creased over with so much dirt that totally defined the opposite of
transparent.
The front porch looked about as steady as a tent built by a toddler,
and Davin was sure he saw a family of rats lurking in the shadows
under the steps. A sign, long fallen from its place on the roof and
enjoying its home on the ground, bore the words: the
neW Bonnie In Ov MArNDiD.
Davin
couldn't help that his jaw dropped. “This is where we're staying?”
Children of a Legend
Ceterra
whispered to her father, “Are you well? They haven't mistreated
you, have they?”
“I have
small scrapes and bruises from when the guards dragged me in here,
but nothing major to boast of. My cell is cramped and fetid, my cell
mates are rats, and my meals, if they can even be called that, are
far and few between. But do not worry about me, Terra. I am told that
I have been more graciously received into this prison than most
criminals.”
“Have
they told you anything about what is to happen to you?”
“I have
heard rumors that I am to have a trial at the end of the week.
They're not substantial rumors, but they give me confidence.”
“But if
they happen to find you guilty?”
Gransen
paused. “I'd rather not think of that.” He hurriedly changed the
subject. “How is your mother faring? Is she with you at Lady
Nafferus's house?”
“She's
with me, Father. But I would not deceive you to say that she is
holding up well.”
“My
poor Vystera. Her nerves were never very strong, and I fear this
shock may take its toll. Promise me, Terra, that you will look after
her.”
Ceterra's
cheeks were stained with tears. “I will always look after her. We
will await your return together.”
“I love
you, my dear Ceterra.”
“I love
you, too, Father. Farewell.”
Gransen's
fingers squeezed hers. “Until we meet again.” He withdrew his
hands, the chains and shackles clanking dimly against the stone walls
of his cell.
Children of a Legend
When the
last bite had been chewed and swallowed, Podderlan set down his
plate, leaned against the rock at his back, and released a satisfied
sigh. “There's nothing like some well cooked squirrel on a chilly
night like this.”
“Squirrel?”
Davin wondered if his own face mirrored Brice's in its look of plain
horror and immense disgust.
Podderlan
laughed heartily and slapped his leg. “I was teasing you boys.
There's no need to get so agitated over a bit of meat. That was
actually rabbit. Caught them myself about an hour before I meet you
at the Jembernot.”
.....
Brice
collected two blankets and threw one to Davin. As he settled in,
tucking his chin against his arm and chest, Davin heard Brice start
squirming restlessly beside him.
“Bricentus,
what's wrong?” Rodnal called across the fire. “Do you have fleas
or something?”
“That
really wasn't squirrel, was it?”
Rodnal
chuckled. “Do you really think I would serve you a squirrel?”
Brice
visibly relaxed only to pop up a moment later. “Would you?”
“Go to
sleep.”
Davin
couldn't help smiling as Brice arranged his blanket around his
shoulders and grumbled quietly, “Old codger.”
“Heard
that.”
Children of a Legend
Snippets of a Story is a monthly blog thingy hosted by Katie S. of Whisperings of the Pen. Be sure to stop by her blog and check it out!
Lovely (:
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