6 Barnsey

I sat in the bath with my hair up out of the way. I was very happy to finally relax and in a bath at that. I let myself enjoy it. But then the thought of Erevan creeped into my head and I felt uncomfortable. I got out and started to dry myself when I saw some clothes on a chair by the door. I picked them up and noticed it's simple look. It must be one of Mary's. I smiled and put it on hoping it would fit.

When I was finished I walked back into the main room and saw Mary sitting down on a rocking chair. She was sewing something from the looks of it. The girls were at her feet playing. George wasn't in the room. He must be out doing something.

As if on que he walked in the front door with a basket of what looked like corn. But he wasn't alone. A nice young man walked in with a basket himself but it had some berries in it.

"Ah Isabelle, how was your bath?"

"It was wonderful. Than you again for letting me stay."

He smiled as he set down the basket. The man behind him did the same and looked at me carefully. I put on an awkward smile and looked away. Apparently all I've been getting is weird looks from everyone.

"This is Carter. Carter this is Isabelle and she'll be staying with us for a bit."

"Oh please one night is enough. I don't want to trouble you."

"Nonsense. A girl like you has no right to be left out in the cold."

"Father its only fall. It doesn't get that cold." Mary said. I was surprised by her sudden outburst since she's been quiet this whole time. Her tone was rude though.

"Mary watch your tone. You're lucky I still let you stay here after disgracing the family."

She glared at me before getting up and walking up the stairs. George sighed and started to peel the corn from their husks. I felt awkward here. I knew I shouldn't ask but I was curious.

"I'm sorry. I really don't want to be trouble for you guys. I can go, really."

"Don't worry about it miss. Mary is just jealous since you're so pretty. She has a bad past."

I knew not to ask.

"Carter help me with the rest. And tell Mary to start making dinner. I'll take Isabelle on a walk."

He nodded his head and headed up the stairs. George lightly placed a hand on the small of my back and lead me out the door. We started walking along a small path to what looked like the barn house. We walked in silence for a bit when George spoke up.

"I know you're curious dear. How about we share secrets."

I looked at him confused. He stopped and looked at me with that same look from earlier. Like he knew something I didn't.

"Be honest with me. Did you come from the dark forest?"

I looked at him confused. I didn't know if I should answer or not.

"Yes..." I answered very slowly almost regretting it.

He nodded his head and proceeded to walk.

"A few years ago we had some royal guards come down to check the dark forest south of us. The do it every so often but never tell us why. We don't bother to ask since it gives us great profit. During this time Mary was at her prime and a guard took a liking to her. He got rather drunk and... certain events happened resulting in her beautiful twins. I've always been curious about that forest but every time they check only a handful come back."

He stopped and looked at me.

"My dear, could you be what they were looking for?"

I took a step back and started to get a little scared.

"I'm not going to hurt you miss. It's just a question."

I looked down at the ground and thought for a bit.

"Yes, I believe so. But I don't know why myself."

"Thank you for telling me miss. Your horse is in that barn over there. You may go see her. I must help Mary with dinner. I will send carter to fetch you when it is ready."

He headed back to the house and I stood there for a bit. I remember Erevan saying something about taking me to the king. Maybe he knew about those guards that came. It's not like I could ask him about that stuff though. I don't think I'll ever get to see him again.

I pushed the thoughts aside and headed for the barn. I found Ebony immediately seeing that she was the only horse here. There were a couple goats and a pig in another section and I didn't bother with the smell.

"Hey," I said as I walked up to pet Ebony. "What do you think of this place? The people are rather nice." I stopped and sat down next to her. "I wonder if he is alive though. I'm sure you do too."

I looked out the doors and watched as the sun started to set. It's already been a day. Time sure does fly. I felt a weight on my chest and remembered the crystal I was given. I picked it up in my hand and looked at it. I remembered the wolf's stare and how it talked to me.

Please be alive.