Page 100 of A Broken Promise

I finished my dinner of canned beets, stale bread and smoked cheese, sitting on a small box. Our wooden, mill-like boat casually cruised on the line between the opaque blue sky and the dark water. I watched Cap as he watched the horizon, holding on tight to the steering wheel. I pulled out a pen and paper.

“What’s beyond the Cursed Forest?” I questioned, eyeing the small map he occasionally stared at. The world looked as if it ended past the Cursed Forest.

He shrugged, but still took my paper and pen. Our only way of communication. He was mute, barely literate.

All go, all die. Nobody come back, nobody speak.

I took a long breath, wrapping my cloak tighter around myself.

The answer seemed to be the same no matter who I asked. The girl we bought provisions from in the last village went pale and said that I should be cursed for even asking those questions. The fishermen I asked were a little less dramatic, just telling me only those who have a death wish go to the Cursed Lands and that nobody could ever pay them enough to sail their boat there.

The Captain handed me back the pen and paper.

“It’s okay. Go eat,” I said, gesturing to the small bag hanging on the door filled with whatever remaining food we had. We would arrivetomorrow, in the last known small village on the border to the Cursed Lands. When he hesitated, I smiled, pointing with my chin to each of the river shores so far apart.

“I promise I won’t crash the boat,” I smiled. The river was wide, so surprisingly wide, it was odd for me to see no large boat, no sea barge coming through. Surely this black ink water was deep enough for them to pass.

Cap paused, debating. He raised his finger to gesture one minute and went off to grab some food and relieve himself off the side of the boat.

I grabbed the steering wheel, coming to the conclusion that I would much rather be a man and pee off the side of the boat, than having to squat over a stupid bucket every time.

50

Iwoke from the light thud of our boat. The quiet steam engine was completely still. I glanced over to Cap’s empty hammock. Bright morning sun blinded me as I walked outside. Everything around us was white, covered in a thick layer of snow. My boots sunk deep; the snow high above my calf as I took a step off the dock. So much snow.

Cap was tying his rope around a metal pole on the wobbly dock.

Looking around I could see a small village on the horizon. Smoke from chimneys mixed with the translucent clouds. The village was on top of a tall hill, connected to the docks only by a small, snowed in path.

My bag was already across my shoulder, my weapons all strapped in and hidden well underneath my thick fur cloak.

Cap paused, looking at me and gesturing to me with his hand. I handed him some paper and pen.

Cursed Lands there.He pointed to the horizon beyond the village. I nodded in understanding.

My legs burned as we approached the village. The hill was much steeper than my eyes led me to believe, and thick heavy snow felt like a swamp, sucking you in with each step. Though cold air bit mycheeks, big streams of sweat rolled down my neck and my back. White snow blinded me as it reflected the bright daylight sun.

The town was small. Houses were just big log cabins, placed close to each other, with circling streets going spiral. Only a few vendors had their tents out, selling picked veggies and smoked salmon. I waited as Cap bought a few provisions for his journey back.

We finally made it to a small tavern. Warm air and a delicious smell kissed my nose. My stomach grumbled in excitement for a warm, hearty meal. There were only three round tables inside with a few chairs right next to them. All the furniture was quite simple, yet you couldn’t miss the craftsmanship of each piece, each detail of the carpenter. I pulled the chair quietly, trying not to disturb the heavy layer of hay on the floor soaking up the melting snow off our boots. Cap sat next to me.

I pulled my leather gloves off. Though it was warm, too warm, I kept my cloak on, not wanting the extra looks from the few people that already glanced over us on the way in.

“Oy aye, lass, here I come.” I heard a trudging woman’s voice behind the thick door. Her thick accent was not one I’d heard before. “Oy ye strengers ovr her, I see. What is it you want, lass?” Her big mouth stretched in a welcoming smile. She was in her mid-thirties, well dressed and well nourished. Her long, two braids were bright red and her face full of sun-kissed freckles. Her cheeks were all red, either from the heat or make up, I wasn’t sure. But she was adorable. I smiled at her.

“Some warm food, miss, if you have any,” I replied.

“Oh ye, warm food it is. Bright morning innit today.” She chatted as she ran her towel across our table and tucked it back into her apron. “We got rabbit stew and salmon eggs,” she said. “And of course, some good ol’ ale to keep ya warm.” She winked at the Cap. He nodded in agreement. “It’ll be a min, but I be back with ya nourishment.” She quickly disappeared behind the door, her two long braids swaying behind her.

I scribbled a few things on the paper.

“Please give this to Florian when you get back.” I handed it off toCap, who without questioning, nodded and put my little note in his pocket.

The tall woman was back just as quickly as she promised with a tray full of steaming hot food. My mouth watered just by the sight of it.

“Her ya go.” She handed off the hot plates from the tray and poured ale into the wooden cups.

“So, where is it ya going?” she asked curiously as we stuffed our faces, a few prideful notes filled her face as she watched us devouring the food, even as we burned out throats.

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