A short chapter folks, but it is what I can manage between classes, also there is no sex. But there is a new secret revealed. Stay tuned!
~
~
Eira's hand absently stroked her hair that was now chin length and blonde from the lye soap they had used to dye it a few nights before. She felt mortified at her appearance, an Elf's hair was cherished. The last time she had it so short she was a small girl. The chestnut brown was now a bright yellow blonde and her scalp burned, some of the soap having sat too long against her skin. Astrid had promised it would grow out, her original color would eventually return. They had one last challenge before they could make it to Astrid's hidden village. But the only way to get there, without a boat, was to pass through the small town Grindill.
"I doubt they will even be looking for me," Eira muttered as they stepped onto the path, the cloak pulled up, keeping her hidden from sight as she held onto Astrid's pack.
"We were forced to take the long way because we had to stay off the direct trails, giving Olaf's men more than enough time to ride ahead and wait for us." Eira knew it was useless to argue. Astrid was cautious, but she always seemed to have a logical reason behind it that Eira could never argue with. She followed closely behind the girl as they approached the drawbridge, keeping her head down and her eyes on the back of Astrid's boots.
"State your business," a gruff voice demanded.
"Here to try and sell a few things to the vendors in the market." Astrid replied, holding up the animal skins, Thor's reins in the other. He looked them over the meager bundle and nodded, allowing them to pass. Eira could hear her heart pounding in her chest as she walked past the warrior, careful to keep her eyes down.
She had just made it a few steps past him when he called for them to stop. Eira froze as sweat gathered on her brow, had he recognized her? She had been so careful not to expose her face, even though they had went through such pains to disguise her should she need to remove her cloak.
"Is there a problem?" Astrid asked sweetly, even she had changed her appearance and put on a simple dress and apron, revealing no outward signs she was a trained warrior.
"Tell your Slave to remove her hood," he demanded. She looked to Astrid who gave her a nod and she slid the cloak down, wincing as it brushed against the burnt flesh on the back of her neck.
She studied his boots as he scrutinized her, anxiety flooding from her pores as she waited for him to complete his examination.
"What is your name, Elf?"
"R-Runa, Sir." He studied her for a few minutes longer than motioned them away with the wave of his hands. It was the only name she had been able to think of on the spot and she hoped her friend did not mind. With the cloak back in place her pulse slowed back to normal range and she quickened her steps so that she was beside Astrid. The city was small, but there was no mistaken it for a city. There were more buildings in the center of town, shops for weapons, medicine, food, and even a couple inns. Eira was nearly knocked to the ground as a group of small children rushed past her, shouting as they played keep away with some little girls toy doll. Astrid pulled on the rope that was looped securely through her collar and for a moment her vision went red before she reminded herself where she was.
If they were going to make it to Astrid's village, she needed to play her part. It was Astrid's life on the line too if they were caught.
"We do not have a lot of time," Astrid announced. Eira followed her further into town, keeping her head down, making sure to step out of the way of others. As a Slave it was her job to stay out of the way and remain quiet unless otherwise instructed. The only thing keeping pride from rearing its ugly head was the hope that she would learn more from Astrid, already she had learned to kill, clean and skin hares and then how to roast them over an open fire. She was amazed of the well of knowledge Astrid possessed for such a young girl and ashamed at the lack of her own. When she finally stopped before a table Eira stopped beside her.
"What have ya got for me girly?"
"Some pelts." The vendor was short, bald and he stroked his long oily beard as he lifted the rope and investigated the fur.
"Looks intact...and impressively clean. Did you save the feet?" Astrid tossed a small bag onto his table
"Every single foot. Do you have the item I requested?"
He glanced at the two of them, back at the fur then held up his finger and disappeared inside his tent. When he came out he had a small piece of walrus ivory.
"May I inspect it?" Astrid asked politely. The man held the tusk and she carefully pulled out the large canine, running her fingers over the long cracks as she inspected it.
"Well Arne, looks like we have a deal." She reached into a small cinched bag and pulled out a few bits of silver and placed it in the man's palm. He tested each piece then nodded and took the furs back into his tent. Astrid wrapped the tooth up and packed it into the bag before motioning her to follow. They made their way down the cobblestone street and Eira took the time to survey the city. It resembled hers in many ways, having many of the businesses located in one area, the vendors selling their goods on tables or blankets.
But there was one thing the city had that she had never noticed in hers before, in the middle of the town square they had several of her kin standing on a stage, being auctioned off to the highest bidder. Like her, they all wore similar collars, short hair, the marks of abuse clear against the otherwise unblemished skin. She felt irritation at the situation. These were her people and she was helpless to save any of them. Despair hung heavily on her heart as she looked away and trailed after Astrid.
~~~~~~~
"Eira, we have to go!" growled Astrid as she gave Eira a small kick. Eira groaned and sat up, her eyes half closed as she struggled to wake up.
"W-w-what's happening?" she asked sleepily.
