Nena by Ann Boelter (digital book reader txt) 📕

bath, then waited. She could not afford to arouse suspicion now by acting hastily. She must go about her normal daily activities as if nothing were amiss. The single guard outside the tent acknowledged her as she exited, noted the bath supplies, and nodded. Nena breathed a sigh of relief. Normally the guards paid her little heed, though she was sure they took notice of her comings and goings, but she’d been worried that Jarl might have given some special instruction to watch her more closely in his absence today.

She returned from the bath and stalled again. Though she was anxious to get as big a lead as possible, she had to make sure that Jarl and the men were far enough away not to hear or respond to the sentry call—if there was one, when she escaped. She went over every step of her plan one last time in her mind. Her biggest unknown, and therefore her biggest concern was, of all things, the reaction of the mother and child to her sudden arrival and ultimatum. What if the girl refused to leave? Or the mother refused to let her go?

Nena knew it was going to be a shock for them. She prayed the woman would do what was best for the child. She was sure she would, if she had time to think it through, but Nena hadn’t dared forewarn them. She had even tried to think of a way to include the mother in the escape, but had come to the same conclusion as Altene; the mother would be too much. Taking her would require a second horse and that would not only slow her down, it would also double the chances of them being seen. The girl she could take behind her on the mare.

Finally it was time. Tucking a small waterskin, a pouch of dried meat and a coil of thin rope under her dress, she exited the tent with the normal bread treat she would take to the mare. She didn’t look to the guard for permission, but made sure the treat was clearly visible in her grasp. Nena held her breath, and counted off each step in her mind. One, two, three, four...

She feared any second to hear the guard’s voice hailing her to return or be accompanied. There was nothing.

Fourteen, fifteen, sixteen...

She was almost to the closest row of tents that would block his sight of her. Nineteen, twenty...

With the tents between them, Nena’s stride lengthened with determination. She was committed now. There would be no going back.

Nena went straight to the prisoner compound. She was relieved to see very few guards here also, and no one questioned her as she made her way among the captives. The mother and Exanthia were squatted near the remains of a tiny fire in front of a small tent when Nena approached. The mother looked up, shocked and then hopeful as she read the resoluteness on Nena’s face.

“Apologies,” Nena answered her unspoken question. “I cannot take you both. I only have one horse.”

Fear, denial, then resignation flitted across the mother’s face as she quickly processed Nena’s words and what they meant for her.

“I will see that she is well cared for and raised a Teclan. You have my word,” Nena promised. It was an elevation in status far beyond anything the girl could have ever hoped for. Not only would her future be secure, but it would also be far above her humble beginnings. Nena hoped that knowledge would provide some comfort to this mother’s wound.

The mother nodded and turned to the girl, taking her by the shoulders. “You must not cry, and you must be strong. You will be Teclan now. You must do as Nena tells you, as if she were I. The gods have chosen to spare you.”

Exanthia’s lower lip began to tremble. Nena looked around nervously to see if their meeting was drawing any attention. No one seemed to be paying them any mind. She was sure that wouldn’t last if the girl began to cry. “We must go,” she urged.

“My spirit will always be with you, here.” The mother touched Exanthia’s chest with the flat palm of her hand. “That is what you must remember. Not this.” She waved her hand at the camp around them. “You must be brave, as I know you are. And you must live.” The mother reached for Nena’s hand and placed the girl’s hand within it, clasping them together. “Go now,” she said, then turned and disappeared inside their small tent.

Nena felt the girl stiffen to rebel and gave her hand a gentle but firm reassuring squeeze. She was careful to not squeeze so hard as to feel constricting. Everything hinged on the child’s actions in those next seconds. Both of their lives and futures hung in the balance. Nena took a step and pulled, praying the girl would follow.

Exanthia choked back a sob, but did not move. Nena waited and held her breath. If the girl refused now or sounded an alarm, her escape would be over before it started. Then, without making another sound, the girl turned and obediently followed her as if in a trance.

One more hurdle overcome.

Nena led the way to the horse enclosures. As they approached the pen where her mare was kept, Nena was shocked to find a guard. His back was to them and he was walking away, down the row of mostly empty pens. Her warrior senses evaluated him quickly. Stiff movements indicated an unseen injury, which probably explained his being left behind. His sword was sheathed sloppily at his side, and a dagger was slung haphazardly from his belt. He was clearly not expecting to have need of them this day. Nena hoped he was right.

He turned around and stopped when he saw them. His hand moved to the hilt of his sword. He made no move in their direction, but eyed her suspiciously, then glanced at the girl. Nena realized his initial reaction had