Niviene Larethian

On the Move Again

“I insist you open this cell now. This instant.” her voice was low and sharp as the executioner’s axe while her pale blue eyes were as cold as the ice on Anvilmar Lake.

The guard swallowed thickly but stood his ground. “Orders are no one sees the prisoner.”

The woman took a deep breath, leaning menacingly close to the guard. “He is my brother. I demand to see him.”

“Begging your pardon ma’am but you’re being another priest and all don’t give you pass to see the prisoner.”

“He is my brother by birth you dolt. We share parents, we share blood.” she straightened, bringing her several inches taller than the guard. She peered down the length of her narrow nose, her expression leaving no doubt as to her lowly opinion of the him. “Do you open  it on your own or do I make you.” it was not a question.

The guard nodded and slipped the key in the door with a shaking hand. He managed to turn the key until there was a resounding click of the tumblers falling into place. He pulled the door open, barely scuttling out of the way before the woman sailed passed him. She didn’t look at him as she pulled the door closed behind her, “Don’t bother staying.”

The man nodded, tugging at his forelock before he scurried back to his post several yards away. 

Adeliza Lancaster looked straight at her brother, not deigning to gaze around the room. She moved to the priest, crossed her arms over her chest and waited.

“If I hadn’t known better I would have thought it was mother out there.” Lancaster said.

At his words Adeliza’s stolid features crumbled and she dropped to her knees at her brother’s side, “I’m sorry. I did not mean to sound like her. Are you alright?”

The priest pushed away from his sister’s groping hands, “Fine. I’m fine.Why are you here?”

Adeliza blinked then straightened, “Why… to tell you that you have nothing to fear. They will not find her. I have had her moved once more. I will move her as often as need be until you are free to go to her.”

“Why? Why are you doing this?” he asked.

“You want her.” she answered simply. “I always ensure that you get whatever you want.”