Regynn Winters

Going Away

Regynn handed a young man a basket of food, gently tussling the hair of the child who stood at his side, “I’m sorry there’s so little Mr. Ridgley but I promise, if you come back tomorrow, I’ll have more for you .” The man smiled and started to answer but the words dissolved into a mumble as he nodded and scurried away.

The priestess felt a sense of dread as she turned, looking up into the eyes of the one person she hadn’t wanted to see.

“I didn’t expect to see you here again.” Jonah’s voice sounded matter of fact but his eyes held an odd gleam.

Reggy straightened, squaring her shoulders as she forced herself to hold eye contact, “Why wouldn’t I? There’s still people in need and your people don’t seem willing to supply it.” she replied, inwardly cringing.

He chuckled and reached out to her, pushing a strand of hair from her face, ignoring the fact that she flinched from his touch. “Don’t get me wrong sweeting, I’m happy to see you.” he took a step toward her and she retreated; step by step until she felt a solid wall behind her and Jonah, feet firmly planted, in front of her. She glanced around the alley, realizing that the hustle and bustle that had been there previously had melted away. She and Jonah were quite alone.

He placed a hand against the wall above her head, leaning in close as his other hand stroked the strand of hair, following it down to her shoulder where his fingers grazed her collar bone. “I’ve missed you darling.” he murmured, “I’m ready to forgive you for your behavior. I’m willing to give you another chance.”

Shocked, Reggy tried to push him away but he shoved her back against the wall, his mouth descending on hers brutally. With a grunt she raised her knee, driving it into his groin and he stumbled backward, bending almost double as he clutched the injured area, snarling and spewing curses and threats.

She scampered away from the wall, grabbing the staff she’d left leaning against a wagon, she barely had it in her grasp when she saw his shadow loom over her.Turning she used her own momentum to drive the staff into Jonah’s knee, giggling hysterically when she heard the bones crack. He dropped to his other knee, his face a mask of rage, “You little bitch. I’ll kill you for this. You’re finished here…” his words were quickly cut off as Regynn twirled the staff again, wincing as it connected solidly with his skull and he slumped, unconscious, to the ground.

The priestess stood for a moment, looking at his prone figure then glanced around the street. Above her head a curtain fluttered at a window. Someone had been watching, someone saw her attack a Kul Tiran noble. Panic bubbled up in her throat and she fought to swallow it down.

Regynn gathered her belongings and made her way to the horse she’d borrowed from the stable, climbing into the saddle and driving her heels into its flank. The horse shot off, nearly unseating her but for once she didn’t care. She clutched at the strips of leather, crouching over the animal’s neck as it carried her over the bridge and through the side gate. Just before reaching the stables she drew in the reins, taking a moment to straighten her hair, trying to look as if nothing had happened.

Once the horse was safely delivered to the stables Regynn rushed to her room, thrust the door open then slammed it shut. She stood for a moment before searching under her bed for her suitcase. She stuffed her clothes inside, sweeping her toiletries in on top of them.

With a quick glance around the room the priestess realized she couldn’t take everything with her. She’d have to leave the stacks of fabric she’d been using to make blankets with, as well as a handful of books and the stuffed animal Marachius had won for her at the faire.

When her gaze settled on the fish bowl sitting on the window sill she grabbed it, cradling it against her chest as she made her way down the stairs, her suitcase clutched tightly in her other hand, “We’re going away Galahad. I don’t know where we’re going but we can’t stay here.”