Page 18 of The Great and Terrible

Gah! The contract. And unlike me, she didn’t have a watermaiden with unexplainable tricks and sketchy motives in her corner. “Then how about a single grain because I turned down the opportunity to deliver your whipping?”

“Reward you for making a mistake? Nah. Don’t think I will.”

Very well. I had one last thing to offer. “Give me a grain, and I vow to return to you, whatever it takes, and help you gain your freedom. Don’t let this opportunity pass. You might not get another.” Always go with what worked.

“Nah,” she repeated, but this time there was a tremor in her voice. “I’ll get my hopes up, and you’ll disappoint me.”

“You don’t need Patch’s serpens-rosa if you’re going to Lux.” The slightly familiar voice came from behind me, and I spun. The older woman who’d teased the redhead about defeating Tandi had climbed to the top of the stairs. “It’s as common as bread there, I’ve heard.”

Only a fool based her decision on rumors. I peered at a scowling Patch. Her serpens-rosa, at least, was a sure thing. Plus, there was no guarantee I would be able to pay anyone else. “Please.”

“You’re as good as dead if you leave,” the girl snapped, holding onto her vial with a vice grip. “Only pain and misery await you out there.”

“And no pain or misery await me here?” Okay. Enough back and forth. Tick tock, tick tock. I would give this one more shot. “There’s no crimen above my head, so you know I’m not lying. I mean it when I say I’ll help you however I can.”

Patch’s mouth floundered open and closed. Ultimately, she rasped, “No. You’re of no use to me if you’re gone.”

Disappointment struck, but fine. Whatever. I wasn’t without options. Nor was I opposed to striking a second deal with the water maiden if it proved necessary.“I wish you all the best with your upcoming punishment and inevitable beheading.” Off I went, soaring past the older woman.

I drew to a halt in the middle of the steps. Guess my three minutes were up. A glowering Hogg threw open his office door. Henry must have awakened and phoned him. Or whatever method these people used to communicate long distance.

Clearly, Hogg knew what had happened. Remaining in the doorway, he scanned the area and projected fury. Alarms bells rang inside my head. Only a matter of nanoseconds before he spotted me.

I raced down the remaining steps, catching Hogg’s notice.

He shouted, “Stop her!”

If I got caught…if they threatened me into signing on as a substitute again… No! A circumstance to be avoided, whatever the cost. I dodged grasping hands and exited outside.Other than a broken compass, I lacked provision of any kind as I bounded across a petal covered hill, climbed over a waist-high picket fence, and sprinted as fast as my feet would carry me, my sandals kicking dirt. Their thin soles ensured I felt every pebble I came upon.

Breath sawed in and out of my mouth. Already winded. Great. I threw a glance over my shoulder. No one gave chase at least. Hogg had stopped at the fence, Patch beside him. Both tracked me with their gazes, but only the substitute radiated envy. The henchman silently promised revenge.

I trudged up a taller hill without slowing my pace. My flimsy dress fluttered in the wind, the hem flapping against my calves. Those three-eyed birds flew overhead, watching my progress. I shuddered. Were they scavengers hoping to feast on my remains?

Finally, I reached the hill’s peak. Except, more hills stretched in the distance, and I moaned. Well, no matter. Turn around? Never. On I slogged, putting the Wests and Hogg in my rear view.

Remaining cognizant of Elaine’s directions, I counted the seconds in my head, keeping time. If my calculations werecorrect, I mostly ran but sometimes speed walked ten minute miles. Meaning, I should reach the river in an hour. My biggest obstacle now? Not collapsing from exhaustion. Already I huffed, puffed and poured with sweat.

At least I had a pretty distraction. As the sun lowered on the horizon, it reminded me of Jasher’s eyes. Oh. Ugh. What a silly thought. Totally inconsequential.

Another half-hour passed, checking off three more miles. Please, please, please.Only two more miles to go. Determination was a whip at my back, driving me onward, faster and faster. I didn’t slow even when oxygen scraped my lungs raw. Didn’t pause to take stock as the temperature unexpectedly chilled, my internal thermostat plummeting from over-warm to unbearably cold.

A combination of shudders and shivers disrupted my steps as darkness swept over the land at a swifter clip than expected. Between heartbeats, I plunged from one level of gloom to the next. If I failed to reach the river in time…

I counted another mile before the next plunge. Then a half mile. Whatever energy I’d gained from the serpens-rosa waned completely. Lack of food and water didn’t help.I wasn’t sure how much farther I could go or when I’d lose all hint of light.

Wait! A familiar noise captured my attention, and I whimpered with relief. Rushing water. I quickened my steps, scaled a final hill, and stopped at long last, drinking in the glorious sight below me. A smile broke free. I’d done it! I’d reached the river!

Dangerous journey? Ha!

Churning water beat at glistening rocks of every color.So thirsty.Trees peppered the other side of the shore, their limbs heavy with colorful fruits and berries, each unrecognizable to me. But so what. My empty stomach twisted.So hungry.

If I drank without boiling the water first, I might sicken. IfI attempted to swim across the river to eat, I could be swept away. But maybe not. I was a strong swimmer. Very strong.

But was I strong enoughright now?

Let’s find out. I speed-walked the remaining distance, breaching the shore just as the last rays of light vanished. In an instant, total darkness cloaked the terrain. A darkness so thick I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face.

My heart raced. Fighting for calm, I went still. Any second, my eyes would adjust, and I’d be able to see. Yep. Surely by the count of three. One. Two. Two and a half.

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