Tristis Nox

“Guard if I asked would you open the gate for me?” I asked.
“No, unless you have paper stating you have a meeting with the prince or king.” He replied in a bored tone.
“That I don’t have. Okay thanks.” I bowed before turning right and walking out of sight. Once I knew I would not be caught I went to work. I backed up about ten feet from the wall and sprinted at full speed at it. I then ran up as far as I could and flung myself upwards then grabbed on to two jutted stones. I winced as a layer or two of skin was scraped off when my hands slid before I steadied myself. Once I knew I would not fall I looked up and started my ascent to the top of the wall. A few minutes later I was on top looking 40 feet down.
I took a short break then I crouched down and started walking across the wall trying to find an easy way down. *Where’s that tree I used before, I swear it was around here somewhere.* My sneakiness did not hold though because soon enough a dozen guards had spotted me.
“You! Stop right there!”
“Shit!” I groaned, getting nipped by an arrow. “AHH HA!” I then bolted up and launched myself into the nearest tree. Guard shouts could be heard as I free fell out of the tree barely missing the branches. I grabbed the last branch and then dropped to the ground; wounding my hands further. Next I dashed through the yard as arrows narrowly missed me and littered the grass.
I reached the door to the castle just as the guards were closing it. I quickened my pace and then slid through the gap and made it inside as the door banged shut. I skidded across the floor and crashed painfully into the wall. As I wished the pain away a guard grabbed my arm and jerked me into a standing position. I yelped as I stumbled to me feet.
I fought the guard until he stilled and I ripped my arm free of his grasp. Puzzled at his sudden willingness to let me free I looked over my shoulder and stifled a groan.
“I wondered when you would be back, my pet.” Carson smiled. I tried to ignore what he had just called me, but calling me 'pet' made me cringe.
“Sir, you know this intruder?” the guard asked with surprise and fear coloring his voice.
“Yes, she is a guest in my castle.” He replied still smiling. “I did not think you would return.”
“You have my stuff and where else would I go? I have nowhere to stay and very little money.” I said, crossing me arms over my chest.
“Sir, you shouldn’t let her talk to you like that.” The guard said as he looked at me in astonishment.
“And I should have you and your men flogged for almost killing a guest.” Carson snapped causing the guard to shrink back.
“Leave them alone, Carson. It’s not like they knew I was staying here. Plus, I didn’t exactly walk through the front gate. If anything you should reward them for all they were doing was protecting you and your family.” I argued.
Carson was quiet for a moment before sighing. “You and your men are safe for now. Do not let it happen again, you hear me!” he then turned to me, “You remind me of a cat. And I serious about the question I asked before.”
“And that was?” I asked in a dull voice.
“Will you join my army?”
“I’ll think about it.” I shrugged which caused him to laugh.
“Go clean up, we will me eating in an hour. ‘til then au revior.” He kissed my hand and then left to do his own thing. As soon as I could think again I started to furiously wipe my hand on my clothes.
“Ew get it off, get it off!” I quietly whined. As I continued to wipe my hand the guard coughed. My head snapped up and I blushed. “Ah, sorry I forgot you were there.”
“Why did you defend me?”
“What?” truly baffled by his question.
“Why did you protect me and my guards?”
“Well because what Carson was going to do was out of line. You were only protecting him from people who are going to try to kill him. You didn’t know I was a guest, and me scaling a wall didn’t help. So in all retrospect you did everything right, you should be rewarded not punished.”
He nodded, accepting my explanation. I smiled and began walking away. “Thank you, miss.” He quickly and sincerely said before bowing.
“No problem, it was my pleasure. Keep up the good work.” I then left to go find my room. After wondering around aimlessly for a while I finally asked for help. “Excuse me. I need help finding my room.”
“What floor is your room on?” a butler asked.
“Ahhh… the fourth I believe.”
“What does your room look like?”
“One window next to the door, a bed, extra room, and I think it was an end room.”
“Follow me please.” We then set off to find my room. After awhile we opened the door to my room. He left me and I awkwardly stood in the middle of the room. I shrugged and closed my eyes as I slowed my breathing. I focused my mind as my surroundings fell away to nothing.