Jasper - Layla Stone (world of reading .TXT) 📗

They were after me. I tried my hardest to keep my long black hair from tangling in the branched of the black trees. What wasn’t in a loose bun on the top of my head dragged on the ground behind me. Though I tried not to make much noise, autumn had covered the silent dirt.
I heard them calling, “Daughter of Elizabeth! Halt in the name of King Valentin!”
I paid no heed to the soldier’s call. I wished they could call me by my name, but I had none. When I no longer saw the lights of torches and heard gruff voices behind me, I sat and opened my black sack. I took out a piece of hardtack, sailor’s bread. I dipped it in a small creek to soften it. It reminded me of the life I had so soon ago.

“Girl! Fix the gruel! Sweep the cabins! Evening is nigh!” Captain Eb called through the wood door.
I yawned, arousing from a catnap to fix some watery oatmeal for the sailors. The scent made me quiver and the moldy hardtack only made my seasickness worse. I fixed the disgusting beer and made myself some watered-down coffee.
I gulped it down along with my gruel before the sailors arrived in the galley. I went to the musty cabin that the sailors dwelled in. I swept and mopped and dusted until the place almost seemed cheery. Then I went to the Captain’s cabin. I fluffed the red satin pillows and dusted the foreign knick-knacks that he kept safely behind glass on a shelf. Only two people had access to this vault - he and I.
As I was finishing the cleaning, the Captain walked in. By the way he walked and smelled, I could tell he drank to much beer. He plunged forward toward me, and I gracefully sidestepped, allowing him to fall face-first onto his velvet scarlet armchair. “I bid thee goodnight, Captain.”
“Sleep well, girl.” He croaked in return.
I pinched the tiny flame of the candles so that the Captain could sleep in darkness. I met a few sailors on the way back to my cabin. One called Patrick asked when I might read to them again. Another, Charlie, said, “You make our cabin clean, girl. Tomorrow, do so to our filthy hammocks!”
“Yes, Charlie.” I had replied.
I stumbled through the dark to find my cabin. I shivered under the threadbare blanket as I fell into a dream.
I awoke to a sailor pounding on my door. “Land, girl! We’ve spotted land!”
That got me up! “How much longer until we reach?”
“By sundown. Now get up and clean every cabin. We’ll more than likely get more passengers at port.”
I twiddled my thumbs. “Would you care to step in for a moment?”
The door squeaked open. “What is it?”
I saw that it was Henry, the sailor that had gotten me the room and job on the Seagull. “Henry, I’m leaving at this port. I… I’m going to run away. Don’t tell Captain.”
Henry looked uncomfortable. “Girl…”
“Henry, don’t argue! I’ve made my decision. But if you tell the captain…” I gave him a threatening look.
“You won’t be safe, girl.”
“How do you know?” I questioned.
“I’ve been to this kingdom.”
“What dangers would await me?”
“King Valentin, to start. He cares for nobody since his daughter disappeared. But if someone happened to find her, he would probably soften up a bit. Don’t anger him until that day comes, girl.”
“The kingdom is covered in a vast forest. Most of the villagers call it Usko, which in their language means ‘sinister’. That’s another thing you should know; they speak a different language.”
“But then how will I communicate?” I inquired.
“Mention the name ‘Zana’. Your best bet is asking one of the people in Orhaven. They are normally hospitable. Just go to a house with a cross above the door.” Henry instructed.
“Thank you, Henry.”
“And one more thing. Always ask where one is from. In their language, just say ‘From?’ and they will understand. If they are from Starrybridge Moor, don’t trust them. They will be witches or warlocks.”
I nodded in comprehension. “And if they are from any castle, avoid them. Leave. Don’t let them catch you, girl!”
“Thank you, Henry. But, who is Zana?”
“No time. You must hurry with your chores and leave after nightfall. I shall accompany you until you find a safe place to stay. Pack some clothes and good hardtack, just in case.” Henry said.
“Yes, Henry.” I said and began my chores.
I made some breakfast, cleaned the cabins (including, to Charlie’s content, the hammocks), and mopped the decks.
Soon noon had arrived. I sat near the sailors to pick up bits of gossip.
“I heard that old Ebenezer’s wife has taken ill. He’s thinkin’ of leaving at the next port, so we’ll get a break.”
“Aye, my son’s decided on being a carpenter. He hasn’t found his sea legs yet, but my daughter’s looking to marry a fisherman. She always liked the water.”
“The girl here…” I began to listen closely. “The girl here said she might read to us tonight. She mention anything, Henry?” I lost interest and went to find a book.
After supper, Henry and I began to plan the escape. “Captain always comes back drunk.” I told him. “I’ll go clean and leave him to sleep when he’s back. That’s when we can escape.”
“I’ve convinced the others to play poker in the cabin after dark. I told them I wouldn’t be in ‘til midnight, so we’re all set, girl!”
I yelled excitedly. I was free!

Publication Date: 12-21-2010

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Dedication:
To Cameron I always strive to be by your side.