The Escape Conclusion

Hello, everyone. I’m finally back again, with the conclusion of The Escape! For a much-needed refresher, here’s part eight. And now, the conclusion!

Conclusion

When the two arrived at the cottage, Erica hung back, suddenly shy. What if they hold what happened to Alanna against me?

            Alanna, on the other hand, flung open the door and almost bounced into the tiny front room, too excited to bother knocking. She was greeted by the surprised stares of her family, then she was immediately mobbed by three smaller children, obviously her siblings. Two of them were young boys who looked to be the same age, though one looked like a male version of Alanna and the other had dark hair and eyes. The third was a small girl who couldn’t have been more than four. She, however, was the most enthusiastic in greeting her sister. Throwing her arms around Alanna, she exclaimed “Alanna! I missed you!”

            Alanna laughed and hugged her little sister. “I missed you too, Brenna! Why, you grew!”

            Brenna’s eyes widened. “I grew? Really?”

            Alanna laughed. “Really.” Then, she turned to her brothers, who had obviously been waiting for their chance to get in unhindered.  “Casey, Connor, did you miss me too?”

            Both boys nodded and attacked their sister. “We missed you, Alanna, especially when we got into trouble!”

            Alanna gasped in mock horror. “You got in trouble without me? I can’t believe that! This calls for tickles!” She vigorously tickled her brothers until they could hardly talk for laughing. Then she finally pulled herself away from the little ones and walked over to her parents, who she greeted with a hug and a kiss for each. “Hello, Da, Mother. I missed you.”

            Alanna’s father, a tall, dark man, hugged her close. “Alanna, we thought we’d never see you again!”

            Alanna grew sober. “I thought the same a few times, Da.” He held her close and whispered something, with Alanna’s mother joining in. Finally, they released Alanna, who had regained her bright attitude. “Da, Mother, there’s someone I’d like you to meet!” She turned toward Erica. “Erica, come meet Da and Mother!”

            Erica hesitantly stepped forward. “Hello, sir, mistress. I’m sorry about . . . what happened to Alanna.”

            Alanna laughed. “Erica, don’t worry! It wasn’t your fault.” She turned back to her parents. “Not only was my capture not Erica’s fault, she helped me escape. And she believes in the Great King!” Alanna poured out the story, wile Erica stood awkwardly beside her, insisting that Alanna exaggerated.

            When the tale was finished, Alanna’s father stood. “We thank you for helping Alanna return to us, and we welcome you to our home.”

            Erica blushed. “I wouldn’t want to impose, sir.”

            He waved her comment away. “Nonsense. Any follower of the Great King and any friend of Alanna’s is welcome in our home.”

            Erica smiled. “Thank you sir, and may the Great King bless you all.”

            Alanna’s father smiled at her. “And may he bless you as well, Erica.”

            Alanna laughed. “You see, Erica? We’re home!” 

What did you think? I hoped you liked it! Thank you for being patient with my forgetting to post; I really am sorry. Thanks for reading!

-Sarah

The Escape Part Eight

Hello, everyone! I have returned, with more of The Escape! Want a refresher? Here’s part seven. And now, part eight!

Part Eight

Three days later . . .

            Erica, Alanna, and the recently freed slave stood at the edge of a harbor. Behind them, the Dragonstorm sailed away. Erica turned to the former slave. “You’re free to go where you wish. Do you have family somewhere?”

            The boy nodded. “Aye. I’ll find them. No need to worry, and thank you.”

            Erica nodded. “Good. Do you want any help finding your family?”

            The boy shook his head. “Nay. I can find my own way home. Thank you both, and farewell.” He set off away from the two, waving. They waved back, watching him go.

            After the boy was out of sight, Erica turned to Alanna. “Now what?”

            Alanna was looking around at the rolling, green hills, a huge smile on her face. “This is the area my family lives in. It looks like Olav finding out your secret was actually a good thing; we were put off in just the right place!”

            Erica shook her head, amazed. “Amazing.”

Alanna nodded. “Come on, I know the way back to my home from here! They’ll welcome both of us; I’m sure.”

Erica bit her lip. “You, maybe. I’m not so sure about me.”

Alanna shook her head. “Both of us. You’re my friend, after all. How could they not welcome you?”

Erica smiled. “I hope you’re right. Well, let’s go.” The two began walking quickly up into the hills, laughing and talking. They were almost home.

            The short journey to the small cottage where Alanna’s family lived was filled with rolling hills covered in springy heather. Erica soon discovered that it made for very pleasant walking except for one thing . . . she was lost. She glanced at Alanna. “You do know where we are, right?”

            Alanna laughed. “Don’t worry; I know these hills like the back of my hand. We won’t get lost.”  

            Erica nodded in relief, though she could hardly believe that anyone could navigate the landscape of one hill after another with such ease and confidence. “Good. So, how much farther is it?”

            Alanna pointed ahead of them. “It’s right there!”

            Erica followed the line of Alanna’s finger. “I don’t see . . . wait! I do see it!” Partially hidden in a grove of beech trees was a pretty little cottage.

            Alanna grinned. “Come on!” The two ran towards the cottage, Alanna eager to be home, and Erica eager to see her friend home at last.

             

What will Alanna find when she gets home? And will Erica be as welcome as Alanna said? And am I ever going to post the end of this story? You’ll find out all the answers next time, when I post the conclusion of The Escape! In the meantime, please comment! I’d love to hear what you think!

-Sarah

The Escape Part Seven, finally

Hello, everyone! I’m finally back with more of The Escape! As you can see, I finally remembered to post this on time, possibly because today is my first day of school and I wanted to make sure I did something right. For a refresher, which you probably need by now, here’s part six. And now, the long-awaited part seven!

Part Seven

As soon as Erica reached Alanna, she yelled “Hold on to me and try not to get in the way!” Alanna grabbed onto Erica’s jacket, and began praying harder. Great King, I know you’re with us, but we need more help! Please just rescue us!

            Erica hadn’t been entirely sure of what she’d do once she got to Alanna, especially since the other person had been carried farther away in the waves. Help! The answer to their desperate prayers became clear as soon as Erica got a little closer.  A rope dangled in the sea, off of the Dragonboat, which had been thrown by the captain when he saw Erica dive off the ship. Erica kicked over to it and said “Grab onto the rope and try to pull yourself onto the ship! Don’t worry about me!” Then, she swam away to rescue the other person in the storm ridden waters.   

            It took Erica more effort to reach the other slave. She had thought about just leaving him and letting him fend for himself, but she knew that she couldn’t just let him drown. So, she pulled him back the Dragonboat as well, then climbed back on herself. The storm abated a few hours later, and that was when more trouble came. Erica’s helmet had been lost in the roaring seas, and now her long, wet hair hung free. The others on the Dragonboat had noticed it before, but had been too busy with the storm to do anything about it. Now, however, it was a different story.

The captain was enraged. “What in the world? Eric, if that’s really your name, what are you doing becoming a girl? I want you off my dragonboat!”

            Erica looked calmly at the captain, doing her best to keep her temper under control. She found it easier than she expected, possibly because she was feeling too tired to get mad. “Sir, if you had known that I was Erica, and not Eric, would you have let me on board?”

            Olav shook his head violently. “No! No girls on board the Dragonstorm unless they’re slaves, and you’re not a slave!” Under his breath, he added “Unfortunately.”

            Erica wisely chose to ignore his slave comment. “Well then, sir, you can put me off at the next harbor, and consider me a bit of temporary free labor. Is that acceptable?”

            Olav thought it over. “Fine. But you’re off at the very next harbor, you hear?”

            Erica nodded agreeably. “Aye. Now, there’s the matter of the slave I rescued. I’d like to liberate him.” She saw Olav’s face begin to take on a mad expression. “Oh, don’t worry, I’ll pay for him, but I don’t want to have rescued him only to have him head into slavery.”

            Olav raised an eyebrow suspiciously. He obviously was skeptical of how much a girl could pay. “How much are you offering?”

            Erica considered, then pulled a small bag from her pack, which had been thrown off the top deck when the argument began. She handed it to Olav. “Would this cover it?”

            Olav’s eyes bugged out at the sight of the gold and gems within. “Aye! He’s all yours!” Then he hurried off, yelling for the crew to make for the next port. 

Alanna looked at Erica curiously. “Where’d you get money?”

Erica grinned. “Father was one of the most successful raiders in the area, and he gave me quite a bit of his loot before we had the . . . falling out. I figured that freeing a slave would be a good way to use it.”

Alanna nodded thoughtfully. “Yes, but . . . was that all the money you had? And what will he do? Will we take him with us, or just let him find his own way home?”

Erica frowned. “I didn’t think of that.” She sighed. “I guess we’ll have to figure that out. But no, that wasn’t quite all the money, though it was most of it.”

Alanna nodded again, wondering how this all would work out.

Well, it seems like Erica and Alanna’s problems are mostly over, but are they? And will Alanna ever make it home? You’ll have to wait until Thursday to find out! In the meantime, please comment! I’d love to hear what you think!

-Sarah

The Escape Part Six

Hello, everyone! Ready for more of The Escape? If not, here’s part five as a refresher. And now, part six!

Part Six

Time suddenly seemed to stand still for Erica. She saw her friend clinging to the side of the ship, her fingers slipping. Alanna’s scream was frozen, and a slithery voice crept into Erica’s head, hissing cruel lies. “Look where your faith has gotten you! You are trapped on a dragonboat, watching your only friend drown. What of your King’s promises now?”

            For a moment, Erica gave in to the voice. He’s right! I tried to follow the Great King and it’s about to rob me of my best friend! Now what? Then, strangely, a passage from the book in which she had learned about the Great King began to echo in her head. “Have I not lead you and given you this command? Be strong and brave, do not be frightened, for I, the Great King, will be with you.” The passage repeated itself in Erica’s mind, and the voice saying it gradually changed into one that was oddly familiar. Erica thought back to when she was a little girl, pretending to go on adventures with a young warrior. The voice was like the voice of her imagined companion, but bigger, stronger, kinder, and real. Erica could tell it was encouraging her, saying “Take the chance, I’ll keep you safe.” Suddenly, Erica realized that it was the voice of the Great King. I am not alone. He has my back. At that moment, Erica knew what to do.

Alanna screamed again as she struggled to hang on to the side of the dragonboat. A harsh voice seemed to scream in the winds, its rough roars forming words. “Your King said he’d help you escape! Now you’re about to die! What of his promises now?”

            No! Alanna refused to give in, and she shouted at the storm. “No! He still holds me, and even if I perish here, he will carry me to his home!”

Her words were cut off by a new wave that washed over the ship, tearing Alanna’s fingers from the side of the ship and dragging her into the sea. As Alanna struggled to stay above water, she saw Erica stand and dive off the dragonboat. “No!” Alanna screamed. What is happening, my King? Is it your will that we both perish here? No offense, but I don’t know if Erica’s strong enough to rescue me!

            Erica kicked at the raging sea. She had often swam in the many lakes, rivers, and streams of the Northlands, but this was rougher than she had ever experienced. Still, she struck out towards Alanna and the other slave, trusting that the Great King would help her.

What will happen next? Will Erica be able to rescue Alanna, or will they both be brought down by the storm? The only way to find out is to check back later! In the meantime, please comment! I’d love to hear what you think!

-Sarah

---

*Based on Joshua 1:9

Hi, everyone! Ready for more of The Escape? If not, here’s part four for a refresher. And now, part five!

Part Five

The voyage went surprisingly well for the first few days. No one bothered Alanna, and Erica was not questioned about where she came from. Captain Olav didn’t make any raids, and Erica began to think that the Great King had granted them with a peaceful journey. She was wrong.

            On the forth day, they were attacked. No, not by another ship. There was no ship’s crew upon the seas crazy or foolish enough to try attacking a dragonboat, not if they had heard of the ferocity of the Raiders of the Northlands. No, they were attacked by a storm.

            It hit in the early morning. As soon as the first huge drops fell, and the huge, dark clouds began to gather above them, preparations began. Everything was made secure, and those on board tied themselves to something sturdy. Alanna and the other slave on board, a small sandy-haired boy, were tied to the mast, and Erica and the rest of the crew tied themselves to their rowing benches. Olav and his burly first mate secured themselves to the huge tiller. Despite all this, Erica did not worry. Storms were not something you worried too much about when you were a raider’s daughter who had never been aboard a ship. However, Alanna grew tense, even though she knew the Great King would protect her. Something about this storm frightened her. And when the full force of the storm hit, she was not the only one a little scared.

            Big raindrops were driven into the rower’s faces by a stiff wind. Huge waves appeared and broke over the ship, drenching everyone with salt water. The crew strained on the oars, and Olav and his first mate struggled at the tiller, all trying to keep the dragonboat under control. Wave after wave rose until it seemed that no more could come, yet still the came. Mentally, Alanna cried out to the Great King. Please, my King, rescue us from this storm! Reach out your hand to calm the waves and draw back the wind and rain! Just do something! Just as she finished, the biggest wave yet broke over the dragonboat, snapping ropes and pulling Alanna and the other slave off the ship, into the raging sea.

What will happen to Alanna? Is she really done for?  There’s only one way to find out: check back soon for more! In the meantime, please comment. I’d love to hear what you think!

-Sarah

The Escape Part Four

Hi, everyone! I hope you’re ready for more of The Escape! If you aren’t, here’s part three as a refresher. And now, part four!

Part Four

The day after . . .

            “Are you sure this will work?” Erica asked as she adjusted the large helmet that covered most of her long, reddish-blond hair. She was dressed in men’s clothing, and could’ve passed for a young raider.

            Alanna nodded. “Just try to make your voice deeper, and act sure of yourself, not as if you’re an escapee trying to fake her way onto a ship. And whatever you do, don’t act so friendly to me! Remember, if this is going to work, they have to think I’m your slave, not your best friend.”

            Erica gulped, nodded, and strode out of the shadowy alley she and Alanna had been hiding in. She walked over to the dragonboats, the long, low ships of the Northlands, and hid a scowl just in time. Each of the ships was carved with a grotesque dragon figurehead, a tribute to Sirpendiss. May the Prince of Peace keep me peaceful and the Great King restrain my tongue! Oh, how I hate Sirpendiss! Erica straightened up a little taller and called a greeting in the direction of the first dragonboat in the harbor, making her voice deep as she did. “Hail! Are you in need of extra crew?”

            A figure popped up, black eyes glaring out from under piles of red hair. “We don’t need the likes of you, boy. Try the last dragonboat in the harbor, the Dragonstorm. The fellow in charge just might be crazy enough to take you aboard.” The person disappeared, and Erica gritted her teeth.

            Ugh! Oh, how I’d like to punch him in the nose! The likes of you indeed! What I wouldn’t give for a good broadsword! She managed to restrain her feeling, and stalked down the row of dragonboats until she reached the last one. “Hail!” she called once more. “Are you in need of a strong, young warrior to join your crew?” Is that boasting?

            An old raider with ashen hair strode off the ship. It seemed that age had not diminished him in the least. His bare arms were incredibly muscular, and his build was like that of a bear. There was a slightly crazy light in his green eyes that made Erica nervous. “And who might you be?” he asked.

            Erica thrust her chin up. “I’m Eric. Who are you?”

            The old man laughed. “Bold lad, aren’t you, Eric? Well, that’s good. I like bold lads. I’m Olav Beirson, captain of the Dragonstorm. Anything you’ll be bringing with you, Eric?”

            Erica shrugged. “A couple packs and a slave girl.”

            Olav nodded. “I’ll only need you one way, Eric, so once we reach the other shore, you’re on your own. Will you agree to that?”

            Erica had to stop herself form breaking into a grin. “Aye. That’ll be fine.”

            Olav gave a crazy grin. “Good! Be on board by dawn tomorrow, or I’ll leave without you.”

            Erica nodded. “I’ll be there.”

Will Erica and Alana’s plan work? Or will they be found out? There’s only one way to find out the answers: check back soon for more! In the meantime, please comment! I’d love to hear what you think!

-Sarah

The Escape Part Three

Hello, everyone! Ready for more of The Escape? I hope so, because I’m posting more now! Need a refresher? Here’s part two. And now, on with the tale!

Part Three

Alanna smiled as she watched Erica climb out her window. She’s an amazing climber for a raider’s daughter. Their friendship was a strange one. Normally, Erica wouldn’t know that Alanna existed. However, once when Erica fell ill, Alanna had been pulled from outdoor work to tend to her.  Now, the two shared an amazing friendship, united by their faith in the Great King . . . and their desire to escape. Alanna wished to return to her family. Erica wanted to sail, see the world, and find a home where her love for the Great King wouldn’t get her in trouble. Erica won’t find any of those things here, in this horrid land of ice and snow! Her father won’t let her so much as set foot on a boat, let alone sail enough to see the world. And with her strong spirit, she’s been lucky to last this long up here without getting in bigger trouble than she’s already gotten in. 

            “Alanna, we need to go.”

            Erica’s voice startled Alanna out of her thoughts. “Sorry. Why do you say that with such urgency?”

             Erica rolled her eyes. “If I know my father, we have maybe half an hour to get off his property if we want to escape. Are you ready?”

            For the first time, Alanna noticed the large pack that Erica carried. She stood and hoisted one of her own, though not as large. “Yes. Which way?”

            Erica looked around, then began walking into the woods around the main house and the slave quarters. “I think it’s this way. Remember, once we get to the city, it’s your job to get us to the port.”

            Alanna nodded. While she would’ve gotten lost in three minutes if she tried to navigate these woods, Erica had played in them as a little girl, and knew the way almost perfectly. On the other hand, Erica had never been to the docks, but Alanna was sure that she’d never forget that road. It had been a last trek to slavery for her, but now it would be her escape route.  “I know.” she said, quietly. She followed Erica, not looking back. And so our escape begins for good.     

Will Alanna and Erica be able to escape? Only one way to find out: check back soon for more! In the meantime, please comment! I’d love to hear what you think!

-Sarah

The Escape Part Two

Hello, everyone! I hope you’re ready for more of The Escape! Not ready? Here’s part one. And now, on with the tale!

Part Two

The next morning . . .

            Erica scowled. She was about to get in trouble again. Skipping out on her family’s religious services always meant trouble. It’s not like there’s a point to them. The daughter of one of the most successful raiders in the Northlands, Erica should’ve been the happiest girl in the area. And, for a while, she had been. Then, near her thirteenth birthday, things had changed. She had learned of lands beyond the sea that were not, as her father had said, filled with hostile inhabitants, and she had learned of Lords other than the dark dragon-god of the Northlands. To be exact, she had learned of the Great King. It had really been her father’s fault that she found out about the Great King. He had brought back a book with the words “The Treasure” emblazoned across the front. When he discovered that it held none of the things he deemed treasure, he gave it to Erica. And, she had found the tale within so amazing that she knew it had to be true. If he had known the truth I’d find it that book, he would’ve destroyed it as he saw it. Now, she was a follower of the Great King, and a near-outcast from her family. She was also in big trouble.

            “Erica! What were you thinking?” Erica winced. Her father was incredibly mad, and when he got mad, it was terrifying. “You missed the ceremony again to read some idiot book! Are you trying to bring the wrath of Sirpendiss down on yourself?”

            Erica winced again at the name, but she still stood strong. When she was younger, her father had taught her to stand up for herself, and she would still do that. “Father, I do not worship Sirpendiss. Only the Great King.

            Erica’s father was enraged. “Erica, you are not to speak that way! Do you understand?”

            Erica’s eyes flashed, and she struggled to keep from lashing out disrespectfully. “I understand, Father, but I will not be quiet about the truth.” She turned to leave; knowing that to stay would be a bad idea. Say what you like, Father, but you will not turn my faith and you will not turn me. Besides, I’ll be gone very soon.

What will happen to Erica? Will she be able to leave? And how does Alanna fit into this? There’s only one way to find out: check back soon for more! In the meantime, please comment! I’d love to hear what you think!

-Sarah

The Escape Part One

Hello, everyone! I’m back, with a new story! This tale, The Escape, is another one of my Tales of the Great King, the second one written. I hope you enjoy it!

Part One

The dark figure was there again. The man had seen it many times, and he didn’t like it. There were strange things up here in the Northlands, and he didn’t want to encounter any of them. Grasping the haft of his huge war hammer, he stood and peered into the darkness. “Who’s there?” he called nervously. No one answered. The figure had faded from view and would not return again that night.

            Alanna carefully slipped out of her spot in the crowded slave quarters. She shivered, unused to the cold of the Northlands with its long winters and springtime snowstorms. I wish I could be back at home. It would be the prettiest part of spring back there, not cold at all. Here, it’s all slush and mud and freezing cold temperatures. Alanna knew that she could be killed for leaving the slave quarters this late. However, she intended to escape, and this was necessary. The Great King will protect me. She crept along until she was close to the main house, stuffing her brown hair down the back of her ragged tunic as she did. Most of the windows were dark, staring out like dead eyes. There was only one with a light, a single lantern that shed its golden glow over the log wall of the house. Alanna smiled grimly. So, she’s ready when I am. Too bad we can’t leave right now. The sooner we get away from this land, the better I’ll like it. Alanna crept closer, until she was directly under the window. Its light glinted in her eyes, and if anyone had been watching, they would’ve seen how bright green they were.  As it was, there was no one there to see as Alanna carefully drew a star in the damp ground beneath the window.  Then, she slipped away. Just say the word, unlikely ally of mine.

What will happen next? Will Alanna be able to escape? Who is her ally? To find out, check back soon for part two! In the meantime, please comment! I’d love to hear what you think!

-Sarah