2) Cliff's House

I steadily work the oars of my small boat, smoothly gliding across the deep blue waters of the Dark Ocean. I make my way purposefully away from the island palace where my father and his advisers live in the southern waters of Mymir.

 

I smile at the silent, empty waters and bright moons from under the concealing cowl of my cloak. Behind me is a small back full of food and a change of clothes. Laying next to me is my scythe, my favorite weapon. Strapped to my waist is a sword my blacksmith friend Cliff forded and four throwing knives are hidden on my person. I row steadily for hours, heading for my escape from fancy parties and leering men who only want to be emperor.

 

I reach my destination when the first rays of sun piercing the dark sky. After hours of rowing the muscles of my arms burn. I ignore the pain like I do every other time I make my escape. I pull my boat up next to Cliff's small dock in front of his own row boat.

 

I sigh with relief as I stow the oars. I sling my pack over my shoulder and grab my scythe as I jump lightly onto the dock. I start down the dock and spot a large man striding toward me. He is a large, dark skinned bald man. He is thick as a tree and almost as tall as one. He is already dressed for work in lose black trousers and a black leather apron. His black eyes dance and a wide smile softens his tough face.

 

“Mornin', little sister!” he called. When he reaches me he sweeps me up in a bear hug. “I been wonderin' when ya'd be showin' up at me door!” He sets me on my feet and I follow him into his cottage. “What noble lad has his eye on ya now and where are ya goin' to gt away from 'im?”

 

I blush and wonder, not for the first time, how he could know me so well. “An Amardes prince named Alex. He is an a*s. All muscle and no brain.” I sit at his small kitchen table and flex my arms to keep them from stiffening. “I was thinking of walking to Wisport and catching a ship to a northern island. I fell like snow.”

 

The large blacksmith hands me a cup of tea. He sits across from me and drinks his from his own cup. “Walk across Wis Island? Ya must be insane!”

 

I smile crookedly. “That's one of the rumors flouting around court.”

 

He doesn't laugh. “Ya'd have to pass through the jungle, Mirina. There is a cat tribe in the jungle. They'd kill ya on sight for trespassin'!”

 

My smile fades. “I know that. I've done it before and the Amilas didn't bother me. They knew I was only passing through. They'll know again.”

 

Cliff frowns. “Ya are definitely insane.”

 

"They say all royalty is insane,” I say with a shrug.

 

His laugh is a roar that hurts my ears. “Ya are funny, I'll give ya that.”

 

“Thanks.” I stretch to work the knots out of my back. “Can I sleep here for a few hours? I would like to be in the jungle by this afternoon.”

 

He nods. “You know where the spare bed is and you know where I'll be if you need me.”

 

I smile as he walks out of the cottage. After finishing my tea I walk into the small, windowless spare room. A thin cot is the only furniture in the room and it takes up most of the space in the room. There is only enough room for a pack to be set on the floor.

 

I lean my scythe against the wall in a corner and set my pack on the floor. I take off my cloak, fold it, and place it on top of my bag. My sword belt comes off next followed by throwing knives. I sit on the cot and take off my high black boots. I shake out my heavy red curls and lay down. I need rest or I will have a hard time walking through the jungle.

 

I close my green-gray eyes and drift off to sleep.