The Stillness of the Sky (3 page)

Hungry as I was, I decided it was time to eat. Thanks to Mira, I had an extra special treat that night, though I was hesitant to indulge myself when I still had biscuits. I weighed the fruit in one hand, thinking of what I might do when the food I had was gone, when the distinct snapping of twigs caught my attention. Someone was nearby in the woods.

Removing my knife, I held it as though I meant to cut the pear, listening intently for whatever crept behind me. I tried not to tense when it happened again, but I paused when I heard the sniffle of a small child.

“If you’d like to sit by my fire, there’s no need for you to slink about in the dark,” I said. “I don’t have much to share, but I will with what I’ve got.”

Slowly, I turned around. As I watched, a ragged little thing no more than eight or nine years old emerged from the shadows. Her wide blue eyes had a haunted, hunted look to them.

I smiled and held out the pear to her. “Hungry?”

At the sound of my voice, she flinched away, but didn’t run. To show her I meant no harm, I tossed my knife back inside my bag and stood, fruit before me as I took a step forward. When she made no move to take it, I removed my cap and smiled again. “I promise I won’t hurt you.”

Her face collapsed in relief and she rushed forward, snagging the fruit and biting into it before I could blink. I chuckled. Though I didn’t have much food myself, it was worth the sacrifice to have provided comfort to a child.

I allowed her time to eat before asking anything of her, busying myself with consuming the other pear. Once she’d inhaled her meal and drunk from the stream, she settled in across from me, watching as I sucked the last bits of juice from the core. I tossed the remnant downstream and settled my gaze on her.

“I’m Jack. What’s your name?”

“Prudence Minkov,” she replied, so quietly I barely heard it above the crackling fire.

“Are you out here by yourself?”

She nodded.

“On purpose or on accident?”

Prudence sniffled as a tear rolled down her dirty cheek. “I got lost. We were visiting my uncle and I ran after a deer in the woods. I don’t know how to get back. I thought I could find the road we took to get there, and I know it isn’t far, but I’ve been walking in circles all day and I can’t find it.” Her words disappeared into hiccupping sobs.

The poor girl must’ve been terrified to have been out there on her own. Unsure if it would help, I rummaged around in my pack until I found my mother’s brush. I crossed over and sat beside her, gently pulling twigs and leaves from her wild, red hair. “I know where the main road is from here. I can show you in the morning if you’d like.

“You could?” she asked, her eyes brimming with tears.

“Sure,” I said with a smile. “It’s a bit too dangerous to go after dark, though, so we’ll have to wait until dawn. Would that be okay?”

Prudence flung her arms around my middle, sobbing hysterically. “Thank you so much! I’ve been so scared out here. I’ve never even been to the woods outside of Torell! I’m in so much trouble, Jack!”

I chuckled and rubbed her back. “I think your parents will be far more relieved you’re all right than angry you ran off.” I winced. If I were talking about my own father, those words would’ve been a lie. My father would’ve simply beaten me until I couldn’t walk anymore.

Pushing the thought aside, I pulled back from her iron hold. “Did you say you’re from Torell? The capital city?”

She nodded and wiped her face with her sleeve. “My parents are tailors. They make clothes for the palace there sometimes.” I hadn’t noticed before, but, upon closer inspection, the ripped and dirty fabric of her pale blue dress was the finest I’d seen in a very long time, including on my trips to Breen.

“And what about you?” I asked. “What do you like to do?”

She grinned and ducked her head. “I make dolls with their scraps. Mama says I do well with it, but it’s only for fun. I like to make them look like people I meet.”

I grinned, imagining what I’d look like as a doll. “Well, I’ll see that you can get back to business first thing in the morning.” I turned to her and held up the brush. “But I wouldn’t send you back to your parents looking crazed. I’m fair with braiding if you’ll let me.”

She sniffled and swiped at her nose again, nodding a little. I worked through each knot and snag in her hair, removing the bits of nature that lodged themselves in her tresses. Each strand glowed in the firelight, and I softly sang a melody my mother taught me as a child.
 

Still thy worries, restless child,

Let your heart sink into peace.

Shadows are not things to fear,

But faces of friends unseen.

Feel not but love as sleep descends.

I’m with you all the night.

Still thy worries, restless child,

The morrow brings sunshine again.

Before long, her head dropped to her bent knees and her breathing slowed with the rhythm of sleep. Once I finished the circle of braiding around the back of her head, I eased her down atop a pillow of moss. I yawned and stretched, then laid down beside her. I was asleep in seconds.

“Which way?” I asked. I was fairly certain we’d be continuing down the road the way I was headed, as I hadn’t passed any houses the day before, but it was entirely possible I’d missed something.

“That way,” Prudence said, pointing the direction I’d thought it likely was.

We set off walking. “You’re certain?”

She nodded enthusiastically, bouncing a bit as she went. “Very. There’s a pretty bush up ahead with some pink flowers on it. I remember seeing it when we came in three days ago.”

Sure enough, the shrubbery in question came into view not long after. The gentle fragrance of the blossoms, not unlike jasmine, wafted across the road. I paused, striding over to it for closer inspection. The scent reminded me of the pouch with the beans I found, but nothing grew there that might produce similar seed. Sighing, I shrugged it off and followed my anxious companion toward our destination.

Her excitement exploded into euphoria as we came to a high stone wall on the left side of the road about an hour into the journey. Prudence babbled at me about everyone and everything: how hard she’d hug her parents, the surprising anticipation of a bath and clean clothes, and the joy of a big slice of cake from her uncle’s kitchen. We pushed through a wrought iron gate and hurried up the drive leading to an estate that stunned me with its size and decadence. Really, it was easier to call it a small castle than a house. Prudence sprinted ahead, yelling for her parents. I followed, but slowed my steps. All I wanted was to make sure she returned safely, and I wouldn’t get in the way of their reunion.

When Prudence was twenty feet from the main door, it burst open, disgorging half a dozen people all at once. Only two, a man with hair as red as Prudence’s and a darker woman in a magnificent, pale pink gown, rushed all the way to meet the now-sobbing Prudence. I stopped a good distance from them and watched as relief and happiness overcame all of them. Satisfied I’d done my best, I turned to leave.

“Jack!” Prudence cried, running to catch my hand. “Please don’t go yet.”

Before I could argue, she dragged me toward the house. Instantly uncomfortable to be surrounded by such wealth, my face burned in embarrassment for the dirty tunic and breeches I wore. What must they have thought of me?

“Papa, this is Jack,” Prudence said. “She’s the one that found me and helped me get home.”

His eyes filling with tears, her father grabbed my hands, clasping them tightly. “There are no words to express my gratitude for what you’ve done for our family,” he said. “When we couldn’t find her, we feared the worst.”

“Well, I…” I stumbled over my words. “She actually found me. I only wanted to make sure she came back to you safely.”

I was ripped from his grasp and pulled into the woman’s fierce embrace. “She is everything to us. Thank you.”

“You… You’re welcome,” I stammered.

“Papa, can she stay to eat? She gave me a pear last night, but we didn’t have anything for the morning. Please say she can stay…” Prudence pleaded, tugging at her father’s gray doublet. Its embroidery alone likely cost more money than I saw in a year.

“That’s not really necess—” I began.

“Of course she may,” her mother interrupted. “And we’ll see you both cleaned up and dressed, too.”

“But I don’t—”

“Please,” her father said. “It’s the very least we can do.”

“I wouldn’t ask for—”

“Don’t be so stubborn, Jack.” Prudence giggled and grabbed my arm again, pulling me up to the manor. “Now it’s my turn to take care of you.”

More uncomfortable than I’ve ever been in my life, I suffered through two servant girls scrubbing every inch of my person and setting my dark hair in a complex knot of curls and braids. But the moment they brought out a dress…

“I’m not wearing that,” I said, planting my feet as I crossed my arms over my chest. While I’d admit that the light bloomers and chemise were softer than anything I’d ever worn, I wasn’t about to put on the frilly lavender thing being held out to me.

“But Mama’s dresses are the finest in the kingdom, Jack,” Prudence said, looking a little insulted. “And the color—”

“I’m sure it’s a fine dress,” I said, sighing, “but I can’t wear that where I’m going. Cloth such as this isn’t meant for traveling in the woods.”

“Traveling?” She frowned at me. “Where are you going? Why can’t you stay?”

Smiling, I knelt in front of her. “This is your family, little one, not mine. I’d never assume to burden strangers with my care. I’m too old for such things.”

Mrs. Minkov stepped up beside us and considered me. “You’d not be a burden were you in our employ. Prudence would do well with a companion, and you’ve earned our trust for certain. She’s a curious little thing and needs someone with her to guide her safely in her explorations of the world. If you’d consider it, you’d be most welcome to come with us to Torell as a permanent addition to our staff.”

I stared up at her, unsure of how to respond. While it was tempting, I had no desire to dress in fine clothes and play at society when I would never truly be a part of such a world. And when Prudence was grown, what would become of me then?

She smiled as I stood. “But, I think you have other things in mind for yourself.” Prudence’s mother strode across the dark wood floors, her steps light with years of practiced grace. She opened a tall wardrobe and rummaged through to the back, producing a soft, cream-colored tunic and finely tailored breeches. “As one who’s fought to follow her own dreams,” she said, offering the clothing, “I’d never think to stop another from following theirs.”

Twice in as many days now, I’d been offered employment and had it taken back in the same breath. This offer was even greater than the last, and still they thought it unworthy of me? I couldn’t help wondering if the world had severely overestimated my intelligence and ability.

“Prudence, dear,” Mrs. Minkov said. “Go and fetch my brown boots from my dressing chamber, the ones that come to my knees. I think they’ll serve Jack well on her travels, and I can buy another pair easy enough when we’re home again.”

The girl hurried off, and I watched her go, still lost in my own thoughts.

“You’ll at least stay for the noon meal, I hope,” her mother said with a twinkle in her eye. “Dreams need more to run on than an empty stomach.”

Chapter 3

“Remember, if you’re ever in Torell, please come visit,” Mr. Minkov said as he shook my hand for the hundredth time. “I could never repay you for your help with Prudence, so no favor is too great to ask.”

“It was nothing, truly,” I said. “I’m only glad she’s home safe.”

Mrs. Minkov eased him away and embraced me. “Nevertheless, the kindness you showed her would be offered by few. You’ve gifted us our only child back safely.” She pulled back and smiled at me. “Wherever your travels take you, I hope you meet with nothing but greatness in the world.”

The wind rushed out of my lungs as Prudence flung her arms around my waist. “I wish you’d stay, Jack. I’ll miss you!”

I chuckled and returned the sentiment with a gentle hug. “Be careful not to wander off after any more deer. Their trails are tricky things.” Tilting her head up, I winked at her. “But don’t worry, I’ll see you again, I’m sure.”

Hefting my pack, which now held an apple, some dried meat, and two fresh rolls on top of my own sparse possessions, I turned and headed back to the main road.

“Jack!” Prudence’s father called after me. “Best keep to the westerly road. It’s a bit more rocky, but the journey more beautiful.”

I waved in acknowledgment and set out once more. As I walked, my mind wandered, my thoughts of where I might go next or who I would meet. Really, the possibilities were endless, but a little overwhelming because there were so many. With no solutions presenting themselves, I once again took up the matter of the mysterious beans. I wondered if maybe there was someone who might help me find out where they’d come from, or what they might grow into if planted. There were always rumors of witches in the woods outside of any given town, so I resolved to ask after one the next village I came to. As I had no other plans, it seemed as interesting an idea as any to pursue. So long as I had all of the time and freedom in the world, why not make an adventure of it?

It was entirely possible that the beans I found were only beans, but their appearance and the strange tingling at the back of my skull whenever I thought about them told me otherwise. Still, if they turned out to be nothing more than seeds from a normal plant, at least I could count them among my assets. If I ever decided to take up farming again, they would be the first thing I planted. What ended my old life would start my new one.

Keeping to the advice from Prudence’s father, I stayed my western course. Even though I’d walked for well over six hours, I had yet to pass so much as another house, let alone a village. It wasn’t unusual for towns to be spread so far apart, however, so I wasn’t overly concerned when I made camp that evening.