Waiting For Spring

The sun was just beginning to rise over the marketplace, the cobblestones gleaming after the rain from the night before. The boys and I had slept beneath the bridge by the miller’s house just outside of town. The guards liked to look under the bridges in town when it rained, for anyone who was seeking refuge there.

It was always best to stay out of town at night, but now it was morning. The market was just starting to come to life, and all our stomachs were hungry. I couldn’t even remember the last time I had eaten anything. Yesterday, we hadn’t stolen enough for everyone so I went without, I knew if Simon had been here he would have tried to give me his cut but he wasn’t. He was always trying to look after me. I wouldn’t have gotten this far without him. Girls never lasted long on the streets of Huen, the biggest town in Citra Colonia.

The town sat in the shadow of the king’s castle, merchants and nobles travelling through town regularly. I had never seen the king before, but you could tell who the servants from his castle were. They always wore fabric of a higher class, better than any of the other servants in the town square.

I cast a glance up at the intimidating stone castle and noticed the flag was flying proudly in the blue of the Citra sky. Unlike yesterday, meaning the king must have returned from the war front. I could only hope he came back with good news, that maybe someday soon this war could end.

Snapping out of my thoughts, I quickly assessed the square again from my vantage point before I spotted Jaron. I nodded discreetly at him from my hiding place, and he darted across the square while the guard’s back was turned. His torn and dirt stained shirt rippled in the slight breeze. His golden hair ducked behind a stall, and I looked over to the alley from where I was perched behind a chimney on the baker’s shop. The smell of smoke was overwhelming and made my eyes water, but I had to stay focused. If I missed anything, the boys would be caught.

I looked over at the guard as he patrolled the square, then glanced at the next boy lining up.

Herrin was a sickly looking boy, not very fast and terribly clumsy. I would have preferred he didn’t help but we needed the extra hands, and he wouldn’t think of sitting out and letting the other boys do the work.

I took one more look at the guard who was looking over a display in one of the carts. Then nodded at Herrin. He stumbled from behind the tavern, nearly falling headfirst into the cobblestones but managed to catch himself just in time.

I glanced nervously at the guard, but he didn’t even look up from where he chatted with the portly shop lady, laughing about something, heartily. My eyes quickly returned to Herrin to find that he had knocked over some jewellery. The shopkeeper’s face was turning red as one arm flailed about wildly and the other held Herrin’s skeletal arm tightly.

I muttered a curse before I glanced at Jaron, but I couldn’t see him. Shifting, I brought my fingers to my mouth and whistled loudly three times before I scrambled down the thatched roof of the bakery after one last look at a terrified Herrin.

Jumping down from the roof, I landed in a crouch before I readjusted my hat to ensure it covered my matted hair. Then, I walked briskly out into the marketplace. My first thought was to locate the guard who was still chatting animatedly with the round woman. I felt my pace quicken, heading straight for the jeweller, his face growing redder with rage.

I swiped a cherry from a store filled with produce and smeared it across my arm without breaking stride, then scrunched my face in distress. My breath panicked and my eyes welling with tears. I broke into a run as I headed for the jeweller and made sure I added the right amount of terror to my voice as I clutched his hand.

“There’s a beast,” I shouted. “Sir, you have to help me,” I begged as the man looked between Herrin and I. “It’s in the woods, just outside of town, please.”

“Get away from me,” the man shouted in reply, and I felt anger rise in me as he continued to hold Herrin’s dangerously thin arm. “I don’t have time for your problems, boy.”

“It’s not just my problem, I believe a wild animal in the woods is a threat to everyone’s lives,” I argued, my eyes darting between him and his hand on Herrin.

“Go away boy, now,” he growled, tugging on Herrin’s arm and heading towards the guard, causing my heart to kick up a gear. “Guard!” He called, and I watched Herrin’s face pale. I was sure he was about to pass out.

“No, wait, please,” I started, running after him as the guard began to turn and face us. “You have to help me.”

“I don’t have to do anything, why don’t you tell the guard if you’re so worried about the safety of the townspeople.”

I was just about to respond when I heard the voice of the guard break through.

“What seems to be the problem here?” He asked, his voice dripping with disinterest as I cringed. The guards and I have a troubled relationship. As in, I was always in trouble.

“This boy was stealing from me,” the shopkeeper announced and I cringed already creating possible speeches that might get Herrin out of this. Unfortunately, that statement was pretty damning and left little wriggle room even for my talented arguments.

“Stealing?” The guard frowned, before stretching his arm out and taking Herrin’s arm in his. “And this one?” He asked gesturing at me, my frown deepening.

“He’s concerned about a beast in the woods,” the shopkeeper shrugged, dismissing me with a careless wave of his hand.

“A beast?” I wondered if maybe this guard might just like the sound of his own voice the way he repeated everything the shopkeeper said.

“What are you going to do with Herrin?” I demanded, crossing my arms defiantly. “You haven’t even asked him if this man’s claims are true.”

“How dare you accuse me of being a liar,” the shopkeeper growled, and I just fixed him with a menacing glare. He couldn’t intimidate me. I had one goal, and that was getting Herrin back, no matter what it took. Wherever they might take him would surely end him, he was barely strong enough to hold his own body up half the time.

“Enough,” the guard shouted before he rounded on Herrin. “Did you steal from this man, boy?”

“N-no sir,” Herrin answered unconvincingly, and I internally groaned.

“Of course he did, and he knocked over my display to do it too.” The shopkeeper puffed out his chest for dramatic effect, and I felt my blood boil.

“You can’t punish him for being clumsy,” I spat.

“Watch your tongue you worthless little street urchin. For all I know he was part of a great ruse you and the other street children cooked up. Something should be done about you...you cretin. You dirty our streets and steal from those who work hard for a living. You should lock this one up too, I bet there isn’t any beast in the woods.”

“Calm yourself, sir,” the guard sighed before his eyes fell on me. “Now boy, this is none of your concern-”

“Of course it’s my concern, you’re going to punish an innocent boy,” I answered angrily, slamming my fists on my hips in frustration.

“Unless you would like to implicate yourself in this matter I suggest you move away.”

“Not until you let Herrin go,” I answered defiantly. By now the marketplace had come to life, thriving with daily customers perusing the stalls. Although, many who passed us stopped to have a look at the scene. We were gathering quite the audience, and I knew that was only going to make the situation worse. I also noticed that some of the other guards patrolling the square were headed our way.

“This boy is a thief, and he will be punished for his crimes.”

“You can’t prove that,” I shouted, my eyes darting to Herrin’s terrified blue ones.

“This man is a respected member of this town, his claims are just,” the guard bristled as two others stood beside him, one taking hold of the shaking Herrin and another making his way over to me. I eyed him threateningly, but it didn’t seem to deter his approach.

“What, so because we are poor and looked down upon our voices are worthless, untrustworthy?” I demanded, taking a measured step back as the man got closer.

“You and the other rabble on these streets are only allowed to remain because we have no other place to put you,” the guard sneered condescendingly.

“So what? You all sit around waiting for us to do something or be accused of something so you can lock us away. We did nothing to deserve such treatment,” I challenged, but I could tell by the looks on everyone’s faces that I had no allies in this crowd.

“Just because we don’t catch you stealing from these honest shop owners doesn’t mean we are unaware of your criminal behaviour. We just haven’t caught you yet.”

“Well, why don’t you arrest me now then, save yourself the trouble of trying to catch me out because I promise you, you never will.” I sneered as the third guard’s meaty arm shot out and grabbed hold of my own. “Get your hands off me,” I shouted, taking a swipe at the man only to have my other hand imprisoned.

“What a good idea,” the first guard chuckled darkly.

“What are you charging me with?” I demanded, struggling against the tight grip the guard had on both my wrists.

“Assaulting one of the king’s guard,” He smiled wickedly giving me a full view of his yellowing, chipped teeth.

“I didn’t touch any of you,” I growled, keeping my gaze locked on the rotting toothed man.

“That’s not what I’ve seen,” he shrugged before he turned to our rapt audience who were all nodding in agreement. Some of them even started to add details to the lunacy.

“You can’t do this,” I answered outraged. Pulling at the guard’s hold on me and kicking against the cobblestones beneath my bare feet in an attempt to bring the guard down.

“You forget, I can do whatever I please, besides who’s going to stand up for you?” He grinned only causing my fury to grow. “Take them away.”

“Away?” I demanded, thrashing widely in the arms of my captor. ‘Where is, away?’

“The dungeons, where all criminals are taken. I understand it’s difficult for peasants such as yourselves to understand most of what is said but even you and this boy can understand the dungeon.”

“Let go!” I shouted, tugging uselessly at the hands that held me.

“Rosie?” Came Herrin’s terrified voice and for a moment I stilled. I glanced at the guard holding Herrin, but he didn’t seem to notice my name. “Rosie, what’s happening?”

“It’s going to be fine Herrin,” I promised as the two guards led us from the square. “I’m going to get us out of this.”

“How?” He asked, tears gathering in his eyes. He was only a child, barely eleven. He didn’t deserve this, I didn’t deserve this. What you deserve in this world was always tied to how many gold coins you carry in your pockets.

“I’ll figure something out, I promise. We’re going to be fine.” I wish Simon were here. He would know what to do. I knew I shouldn’t have led the boys this morning, but it had been weeks since Simon disappeared on one of his trips. He never told me where he went and after the six-hundredth time of asking him over the years I had finally given up.

Most times he would leave without warning, just whisper in my ear one morning that he was going and then I wouldn’t hear from him for weeks. It bothered me at first, but I guess with time I got used to it.

After all, the first thing you learn on the street is you can only ever depend on yourself. It was a rule I had always struggled to learn, hence my current predicament.

The boys had no one and nothing but the cruel reality that no one wanted them and most wanted nothing more than for them to disappear from existence.

“Hurry up,” my guard grunted as they led us to a carriage, complete with intimidating bars and a man nearly larger than the horse he was meant to be leading.

I watched Herrin’s eyes widen, and I felt a sting in my heart, and it only strengthened my resolve to get him out of this, no matter the cost.

The heavy door to the carriage was thrown open, and Herrin was roughly thrown inside before my guard made quick work of doing the same to me. We were both sprawled out across the floor of the dirty, pungent carriage.

I somehow managed to resist the urge to gag but unfortunately, Herrin couldn’t, and soon another unpleasant smell was added to the mix. All I was left to do was drag the trembling Herrin to my side and encase him tightly in my arms as we waited out whatever came next. I pressed myself tightly against the damp wooden walls of the carriage and listened intently to the outside of the carriage.

Time seemed to pass slowly, Herrin’s body slowly growing heavier as he fell into a fitful sleep, but I remained alert. I wouldn’t miss my chance.

When what seemed like hours later the door to the carriage was pulled open again another body was thrown in. The confined space was quickly filled with the overwhelming stench of ale and a sweat soaked body. The heavy body remained unmoving as the door was slammed shut, plunging us back into relative darkness as the sun in the sky started to dip below the horizon.

Unconsciously, I tugged the hat on my head further down and kept my face low ensuring my hair was tucked tightly under the cap.

I kept an eye on the unmoving body and jumped slightly when it let out a groan, shifting but still not lifting its head.

When long minutes seemed to tick by still without any movement, I felt my body begin to uncoil although still remaining very alert.

When I heard the men outside the carriage discussing us, I shifted slightly under Herrin’s dead weight to try and hear them better. I laid his head gently on the floor of the carriage and headed for the bars on the door, carefully skating around the unconscious man until I was as close as I was going to get. However, before I knew it the carriage was moving and I stumbled against the wooden door, my arm caught beneath me and twisting at an awkward angle.

“Rosie?” Came a terrified voice in the shadowy carriage, slivers of dying sunlight breaking through the bars. The movement must have woken him.

“Herrin,” I sighed, shuffling over to him as the carriage bumbled along noting the man still didn’t stir, despite the carriage jolting and knocking us until I felt as if my entire body would become one big brown and purple mess of bruises. “We’re going to be all right,” I assured him again as I wrapped my arms around his skeletal body.

“I’m scared,” he confessed, and I felt tears fall rapidly against my chest.

“Hey,” I said pulling away from him, so he was looking in my eyes. “Dry your eyes, I promise not to let anything bad happen to you, no matter what. I only ask for you to do me one favour.”

“I don’t know if I can,” he started, several more tears escaping his lonely brown eyes.

“Can you try, for me?” I asked, managing a small smile.

“Okay,” he answered uncertainly, twisting my dirt-encrusted shirt in his hands anxiously.

“I want you to show them how brave you are. Don’t let them know you’re afraid. Show them you’re stronger than they are and you’re worth something. More than what they believe you are. You are more than they believe Herrin. You’re special.”

“No, I’m not,” he muttered. “Nobody wants me, I’m worthless. I’ll always be nothing.”

“Don’t say that,” I scolded before pulling him close and running a soothing hand through his dirty, matted hair. “I wouldn’t have risked coming to save you if you were nothing.”

“Thank you, Rosie,” he whispered, his voice broken from all the years he had spent on the streets, scavenging for food when there was none to be found and searching for anywhere dry and warm to rest if only for a moment. We were all the same, and we were all far older and more hardened than any child our age.

“We’re going to be okay,” I promised again, not sure who I was trying to convince anymore. Then silence filled the space in the carriage. The only noise, the sound of the horses’ hooves and the rattling of the carriage as it rolled us towards our fate.

“Food,” a guard announced, tossing a tray onto the straw-covered floor before leaving the dungeons again. All the other prisoners pounced on their trays, devouring the stale bread and murky water as if they hadn’t eaten in weeks and for all I knew, they hadn’t. I didn’t even bother getting up from the wall I was leaning against. I had been trying to sleep before the guard had tossed his so-called food into our cell. I assumed it was morning because this was the second time we had been fed since arriving.

“Rosie, don’t you want some?” Herrin asked, looking hungrily at the meagre serving of bread.

“No, you have it. I’m not very hungry,” I muttered, pulling at the fraying knee of my worn pants. I think they were once a cream colour, but that hadn’t lasted long.

“Are you sure?” He asked, but I could tell from the look in his eyes that he really wanted to eat it all, from the skin on his bones he deserved to eat so much more.

I nodded with a weak smile, and he quickly snatched up the bread both trying to eat it all at once and savour every crumb. Herrin, like most of the boys I knew, had lost his parents in the war. The endless war between Paca Territorus and Citra Colonia. I couldn’t even remember why we were fighting. I had heard whispers from some of the townsfolk about a deal between the two kings that had been the source of the conflict, but, to all the boys who had lost their parents and me, it was nothing but a pointless battle waged by kings who didn’t understand the true value of life. They sent men out to battle over land and an agreement that few could recall the details of.

“Hey there pretty girl,” I jolted at the sound of the gravely voice, my eyes darting to the owner in the cell beside us. I recoiled in disgust, his toothless grin sending shivers down my spine as his boney hand reached out for me.

In an instant I was on my feet, stumbling to the front of the cell until my back was pressed against the bars of the cell, Herrin watching me with worried eyes. Looking back over at the man I realised my hand had slipped from my head and my long curls had fallen around my shoulders, my hat sitting uselessly on the dirty floor of our cell.

“Don’t be afraid, I only want to talk pretty girl,” he cackled, reaching for me even though I was well out of his grasp.

“Why don’t you come sit over here beautiful? I’m sure we can find a way to pass the time,” the man in the cell on the other side of us promised and I felt pure terror start to rise in my throat, and suddenly I felt as if the bars of our cell weren’t thick enough.

Other men started to yell things out at me as I slid down the bars of our cell trying to make myself as small as possible. Herrin was quickly by my side, his body pressed protectively against mine as the men started to shout more profanities and lewd remarks.

They were suddenly silenced when the outer door to the cells swung open loudly with several guards stepping inside. The men slunk back into their shadows as the outside light flooded in, but I stayed in full view.

The men’s footsteps echoed off the stone walls of the seemingly endless rows of cells, walking right past us and to a cell further down the row.

I listened as the cell door was thrown open and a man began to plead with the non-responsive guards who dragged him from his prison. They were passing us, and I watched curiously, unable to draw my eyes away.

The man was begging for his life as the emotionless guards dragged him across the straw covered stone. I pulled my eyes away from the struggling man long enough to see another man who appeared to be more superior than the other guards.

His uniform seemed more impressive, medals gleaming in the light streaming from outside the dungeon. Pinned proudly in front of his heart as he walked tall at the back of the four guards.

His golden hair was swept neatly across his forehead, his blue eyes emotionless as he stared straight ahead. His body was large and intimidating as he strode passed us and for a second his eyes locked with mine, then they returned to the front, and I felt inexplicable shame wash over me.

Then, he stopped as if an invisible cord had been pulled taut, keeping him firmly in place.

At first, the guards didn’t notice, but eventually, they realised the man wasn’t following them and stopped a few cells ahead to look back at him quizzically, but my eyes never left him.

“Captain?” One of them asked, confused by the sudden halt in their procession.

“Why is there a girl down here?” He demanded, his voice ringing out, loud and authoritatively through the cells.

“Sir?”

‘Why is there a girl in the cells?’ He repeated as the men looked at each other in confusion.

“He was brought in last night from the marketplace,” one explained, and I recognised him from when Herrin and I had been brought in, he had been guarding the front entrance. He walked over to our cell and looked at me in confusion. “We believed she was a boy. She dressed like one.”

‘What did she do?’ He asked in an even voice before spinning back around to face me, and I couldn’t help the frown that spread across my face as my eyes darted between him and the other guards. The man they were leading from the cells seemingly forgotten.

“I believe she assaulted one of the marketplace guards,′ the same guard answered, and I watched as the captain raised his eyebrow, seemingly surprised by the charges laid against me.

“Is this true?” He asked, and for a moment I just stared at him until I realised he was speaking to me.

“What?”

“Did you assault one of the guards in the market square?” He asked calmly, clasping his hands behind his back as he took several steps towards me.

“I didn’t assault anyone,” I shot back before I could catch myself and I immediately regretted my words. The captain regarded me for a moment before he spoke again and I couldn’t help but wonder what he might do to me.

“How old are you?” He asked, and I looked at him strangely not sure why my age mattered.

“Sixteen,” I muttered, letting my eyes fall to the dirty, stone floor, uncomfortable with how intently he was watching me. I heard him hum lightly and I felt my skin prickle.

“What’s your name?”

“Rosie,” I whispered.

“No family name?” He asked, and I looked up to find an amused look on his face, and I felt my blood begin to burn hot again.

“Not one that I can remember,” I shot back, crossing my arms tightly over my chest.

“Why is she locked up here?” He called over his shoulder at the confused guards.

“She is a criminal,” one answered, looking at the captain as if he may have lost his mind.

“I know this Gerad, but why isn’t she locked up with the other female prisoners?”

“As I said...we didn’t realise..." He supplied, and I watched as the captain’s eyes narrowed.

“She needs to be moved,” He ordered, and I watched as the guards shifted uncomfortably, every eye in the dungeon on the scene.

“He-She was uncooperative when we brought her in.” One of the bravely offered up. “She refused to be placed in a cell without the boy.”

“She isn’t in charge.”

“But-”

“I don’t need to hear your excuses, open the cell,” he commanded, and immediately a guard bumbled over, fumbling with the lock until the door was flung open. Herrin and I watched it accusingly. I wasn’t going anywhere without Herrin.

“Take her,” the captain ordered, and suddenly the guard was in the small space, reaching out for me as I backed up, keeping my hand firmly in Herrin’s.

“I’m not going anywhere without him,” I announced defiantly, but it didn’t stop the guard’s progression. When he extended his arm for me again, I felt my fight kick in. Instead of backing away, I was crouching down in front of Herrin, eyes locked on the guard’s vulnerable legs. Surprised, the guard stopped his approach, and that gave me the chance to attack, swinging my leg along the floor until it collected both of his sending him sprawling across our cell floor. I heard the guards outside the cell start to move, and as the guard in front of me got to his feet with an angry look on his face. I grabbed him by the shoulders and slammed my knee into his face, hard.

Instantly, I felt his body drop, red liquid staining my knee as more guards started to fill the cell. I obviously couldn’t take them all on but I wasn’t going to go out wondering.

Making sure Herrin was still behind me, I prepared to fight again.

“Wait,” the captain’s now familiar voice shouted, and suddenly he was standing at the front of the multiplying group of guards an amused look on his face.

“Stay away from me,” I warned only causing him to chuckle derisively.

“You’re in no position to make demands, Miss. This is twice now you have assaulted one of the royal guards and this time you knocked one unconscious.” If I wasn’t mistaken, he sounded almost, impressed.

“I didn’t assault anyone,” I answered defiantly. “This man attacked me, and I defended myself.”

“You are a prisoner, and you weren’t complying.”

“I’m staying with Herrin,” I replied, feeling him press closer to my back, his body trembling.

“Who is this boy to you?” He asked curiously, but I remained silent. “Brother? Cousin? He’s too young to be your lover, so what is he?”

When I remained silent, he changed tactics.

“Boy?” He prompted, and I bristled feeling my fury grow. I felt Herrin tense behind me, but he made no move to show himself. “I suggest you show yourself boy or this is only going to get worse for you and your companion.′ He warned.

“Herrin, don’t move,” I hissed, eyeing the blue-eyed captain. “This is between you and me, leave him out of it.”

“I’m growing tired of your attitude, Miss. You are a prisoner and prisoners don’t get to set the terms,” he said, obviously losing all patience with the situation and suddenly two guards were crossing the distance between us, stepping over their fallen comrade before they had Herrin and I cornered against the wall of the cell.

“Don’t make this difficult Rosie,” the captain sighed, and I looked passed the two men, anger spurting from my eyes as both men lunged for me before I could even think of a way to take them both down. One grabbed each of my arms, restraining me as I clung tightly to Herrin’s hand.

“Rosie,” he cried, stumbling along behind the two guards still trying to hold my hand but suddenly there was a third guard roughly grabbing him around the middle as I tried to twist in the guards hold to get to him.

“Herrin!” I shouted, kicking out at the guard on my right side, catching him in the knee and sending him crumpling to the floor beside the guard I had knocked out earlier. In an instant, the remaining guard wrapped his arms around my waist, throwing me easily over his shoulder as I tried to struggle free but it was no use.

“Stop,” the captain bellowed, and suddenly the dungeons fell silent, and I stilled in my captors hold. For a moment, there was nothing but silence, and I felt bumps on my skin in anticipation for what might happen next. Alarmingly, I felt a coarse finger run across my exposed back, and I jolted from the contact. His finger ran almost reverently across the old jagged scar than ran along half of my lower back as bile began to rise in my throat.

“It can’t be,” he muttered, and I felt my fight return.

“Get your hands off me,” I growled, slamming my fists into the guards back.

“What is your name?” The captain demanded, rounding the back of the guard until I had no choice but to look at him. Instead of answering I just glared at him. “Your name,” he prompted again, and I huffed out an impatient sigh.

“I already told you,” I ground out. “My name is Rosie.”

“How do you know?” He demanded, his eyes intense, almost wild and I regarded him warily.

“It’s what I’ve always been called.” He eyed me for a moment before he stepped out of my vision and began to address his guards again.

“Take her to the East Wing guest rooms,” he ordered, and suddenly I was moving.

“No,” I shouted, reaching out for anything that would stop the guard’s progress.

“Rosie,” Herrin shouted, and my eyes quickly fell on his, tears already starting to fall down his cheeks.

“Let me go,” I yelled, latching onto the bars of the cell to stop from going any further.

“Let go,” the captain warned, and I only gripped the metal tighter in my tiny fists.

“I’m not going anywhere without Herrin.”

“Get her out of here,” he instructed the guard holding me, and suddenly there were hands on mine peeling my fingers from the bars.

Herrin was still calling for me from the corner of the cell where he was being held, and my heart ached with his fear. It raced for both him and myself. I feared not only what would happen to him but what was about to happen to me.

“Mantai, go with them. Ensure she doesn’t escape.”

“Of course Captain.” As soon as my last finger was pried from the bars we were moving again.

“No, stop,” I shouted, lashing out at anyone I could reach. Unfortunately, the guards were more prepared than the last, and I didn’t manage to land a single blow.

“Keep her out of sight Mantai,” the captain warned. “Take the servants passages through the castle.”

“Of course, wouldn’t want anyone to see the poor lowly peasant girl,” I sneered, trying to twist to see the blond haired, blue-eyed Captain. I managed to twist at just the right angle to catch a glimpse of his face, but it was an expression I wasn’t familiar with.

“Rosie!” Herrin continued to call, and I let my body fall limp. His desperate shouts ringing through the otherwise silent cells.