Chapter 7
1204 Words
When I regained consciousness, my hands were bound behind my back, my legs were tied together, and my mouth was covered in tight cloth.
Even if I tried to undo the ropes that bound me, I wouldn't be able to. The space I'm in is too small. I had to be inside the thieves' carriage who were pretending to be traders. I was trapped between boxes which must have some kind of metal in them. Every time we move, the boxes bang together, making a constant deafening noise.
I tried screaming but I could only make muffled sounds. In which the sound was overpowered by the banging of the metals around me.
It is common for merchant carriages to be encased in thick material to protect their goods. I twisted my head to check if I could see outside, but the planks of wood were so tightly nailed together that only a single line of light could pass through.
I heard the carriage come to a stop and realized we must have come to a checkpoint. I'm hoping this isn't the capital exit. If it is, my chances are slim.
I tried my best to scream for help, but the thief must have known what I was up to and made his horse move so the boxes would bump into each other and make noise.
That is then I hear a thud. I guess the thief had to get off the horse so the guards could check out his merchandise. I'm starting to think there might be a chance. If they lift the cover, they might be able to see me. However, I barely hear anything coming from outside.
I waited for what seemed like forever for the cover to come up, but when it finally did, only a few tiny holes showed sunrays. There's a hidden compartment underneath the top part of the carriage.
That's why I couldn't hear outside. The guards even checked the carriage and didn't notice the compartment below. I tried to reach up to bang my hands against the plank over my head, but it was impossible. The space was too tight, and I was beginning to lose hope.
I am perplexed as to how I could have been so careless. General Wiltone told me to stay in the mansion, but I didn't listen. I knew there were risks involved and I ignored them.
I am beginning to blame myself for the situation I am in. However, the thought of Dino and Jessie's smiling faces on my mind caused me to reflect on the situation.
"This isn't the time to wallow in self-hatred and regret. I needed to find a way to get away," I murmured.
We moved on. The guards didn't see anything out of the ordinary, so it was only natural that they let him through. After a while, I felt like I was coming to another checkpoint because we stopped. I'm not sure how long I've been knocked out and I'm not sure if this is going to be the last checkpoint in the capital.
This time, I intend to use my feet to make a sound. Since I was already curled, I could only use a small amount of force, but it was my only option.
I heard people talking outside, so I went ahead with my plan. Just like the first time, the carriage moved again, making a lot of noise coming out of the boxes. But it didn't stop me from trying to draw attention to myself. I was using my feet and also my hands, and I didn't care if it hurt.
I then heard the horse cry out; it must have been protesting against the action of the thief. At this point, I noticed a sticky substance on my hands, which turned out to be blood.
I can't allow this to hold me back. I'm banging my hands and feet harder and harder. I didn't even realize I was crying. I felt so powerless.
I heard muffled laughter from outside, and the carriage began to move once more. Did they let him through? They did not inspect the carriage. But why bother? They will not even notice me here.
I curled up and embraced myself. Perhaps this is it. This is the victory that the thief has been waiting for.
Then I heard the horse cry out again, and the carriage tumbled to the ground, as if it had been detached from its bind to the horse.
Then I started to see tiny dots of light coming out of the plank above me, shining and sparkling. Pretty soon, the crates above me were being picked up and thrown around, one by one. Hearing the thief complain is getting clearer.
Just then, the plank was raised above my head. The light was blinding, but it felt like a miracle.
I heard a voice say, "Get that thief!" and as soon as my eyes adjusted to what I was seeing, I could see Reed. He took off the cloth that had been covering my mouth, and he was breathing hard like he was in a state of panic. Given his calm demeanor, it was difficult to believe that this was the same Reed I know.
He then used a dagger to sever the rope from my arms and legs. He then took my hand and examined the bruising and the blood that covered it. I could see his eyes flicker with anger. Without a word, Reed picked me up and carried me by the arms.
As soon as I felt his arms around me, I burst into tears.
It was as if all the emotions within me began to melt. I did not realize that I was hugging him so tightly.
He rescued me. He knew I was there in the dark.
"I'm sorry it took so long, Miss."
I shook my head. "R-Reed," my voice was shaking. I couldn't even say thank you. All I did was to say his name.
"You're safe now, Maud. Thank goodness," he breathed in relief.
He hugged me even tighter, and I could tell he was worried about me.
"Maud!" We heard the sound of a horse galloping approaching us, and it was Luke.
He ran and jumped from the saddle. The initial expression on his face was one of relief. However, this quickly changed to concern as he looked at us.
He then cleared his throat as he looked at Reed.
Reed glanced back at him, but didn't move.
I noticed something strange going on between them, so I said to Reed, "I think I'm ready to get up now."
It took a while for him to let me stand up, but when I finally did, I didn't realize my knees weren't quite ready. My knees started to buckle, but I managed to grasp Reed's arms and Luke held my other hand.
Luke tightened the grip he had on my right hand. Reed reached out for my left hand on his arm and wouldn't let go.
Looking at the two of them, it felt like there was a challenge happening. But I don't care about that now.
They found me and I am beyond thankful.
- Writer
