Page 124 of Grim and Oro
We make our way north, toward the Vinderland. He pierces through the layer of snow like a shovel, his legs and feet parting a path for me, and I stare at his back, my hand on my dagger. I wonder if it would even pierce his skin. If I could even get past the bone, before he killed me. If I even have a chance at all.
His father almost killed mine, in an attempt at overthrowing him.
Instead, he ended up in ashes at his feet.
How long until he decides to punish me for my father’s actions?
It doesn’t matter that I never knew his father. It doesn’t matter that I haven’t done anything wrong to all these people who already hate me. The responsibility will always land on me. I will always feel the brunt of others’ resentments, because of who I am.
I would give anything, right now, to be anyone else.
Finally, Calder stops, and I nearly run into his back.
“Here,” he grunts, plopping his pack down. He brought it with him downstairs. It was almost as if he knew we would have to be outside.
“Here?” I say, looking around, watching the rest of the class move past us, going to great lengths to avoid Calder. It doesn’t look like a particularly good spot.
Calder nods. His voice has the air of finality. “Here.”
Right. Is this it? Is this the moment Calder decides to wait until everyone has moved past us, and strikes?
Calder begins unpacking his bag. There’s a blanket and pillow inside. Did he know about the challenge? Did he have an advantage?
Then, I realize I recognize the stuff. It’smyblanket that Agnes made me and the pillow I left in our room. Did he steal it?
Before I can ask any questions, he easily rips the thick material down the center, hands one half to me, and keeps one half for himself.
Then, he lies down and turns away.
I am left standing in the middle of the snow, dumbfounded.
It isn’t even that late. We should keep walking, while it’s relatively warm. We should make progress.
Also, did he just rip my fucking blanket?
I wonder what I should do. Should I take this opportunity to leave? Work by myself?
No. I won’t make it far on my own. Especially since I’m already freezing. I carefully unfurl my half of my blanket and sit on it.
I’m not foolish enough to try to sleep. That’s when he’ll strike. When I’m most vulnerable. Instead, I try my flames again.
Nothing. They’re still frozen, like everything around us.
Fuck.
This is going to be a long month.
I finally lie on my back and stare up at the stars.The cold is awful, I plan to write Enya.I don’t recommend it at all.
My sword is gripped in my hand, ready to fight back at any moment.
But all I hear is Calder’s immense snoring.
The sun rises, and my eyes burn with exhaustion. I tense as I hear him move, rustling the snow around him. I grip my sword harder as his heavy steps near me.
His entire body blocks what little sun reaches us, and he frowns. “If you don’t sleep, you will die,” he says. Then, he shrugs. “Today, we build our shelter.”
I blink. “Here?”
