Beneath the Forsaken City - C. E. Laureano Page 0,12

hard to undress. She squeezed them together and took deep breaths while she willed calm into her nerves.

“Pull yourself together, Aine. You can do this. You’ve faced down much worse than a little walking by yourself.”

She rode that conviction long enough to strip off the boy’s clothing and pull on the items Ingrid had brought her: a long-sleeved linen shift and a dusky pink sleeveless gown. They fit as if they had been made for her, though the style was clearly meant for a younger girl. She clasped the captain’s cloak around her neck. No one would be looking for her until later, and with the garment to conceal her, she should be able to safely travel the main road without anyone guessing her identity.

That thought made her insides quiver, so she spent the next several minutes concentrating on the breath moving in and out of her lungs. By the time Ingrid returned with a canvas pack and a water skin, Aine had almost convinced herself she was calm.

“There’s enough food for two days if you’re careful,” Ingrid said. “You’ll have to refill the skin as you go. I couldn’t spare any coin; Alan would notice. If you can travel with other women and children, do. Otherwise you’re safest alone.” She helped Aine put on the pack before draping the cloak over her again.

“Why are you doing this?” Aine asked.

Ingrid didn’t meet her eyes. “I’ve spent more time in captivity than I care to remember. I won’t condemn you to that fate. If you strike out due east from the inn, you’ll hit the road north.” She gave Aine a long, regretful look, as if she knew the immensity of the undertaking. “I’m sorry I can’t do more.”

Aine nodded and then impulsively threw her arms around Ingrid. “Thank you. I hope I haven’t caused you any trouble.”

“Oh, I can cause enough trouble for myself without your help. Don’t waste your worry on me. Be safe and go with Comdiu.”

Somehow, Aine found herself on the street. Due east. She got her bearings and struck out down the road at a steady pace. She felt as if she must have a sign announcing her intentions tacked to her back, but no one gave her a second look.

Once she reached the North Road, stark fear propelled her forward and she had soon cleared the boundaries of Dún Caomaugh. The city was small after all. Too bad. It wouldn’t take them long to determine she wasn’t hiding in town. Riagain’s men would send riders down all the main roads, and unless she left them in favor of open country, they would soon catch up to her.

Please, Lord. I know you provided this escape for me. How else can I explain Ingrid’s help? I have to trust that You won’t allow me to be captured. I don’t know how You will do it, but I trust that You will.

Her energy wore away quickly, reminding her that less than a day ago, she had been fished out of the ocean, unconscious. She didn’t even know how long she had been there, since she kept forgetting to ask what day it was. The road stretched endlessly before her, but still she continued steadily, her head bowed and her eyes down. From time to time, horses and carts passed in each direction, but no one seemed to notice her.

By the time the sun set, Aine’s legs and feet ached, blisters burning inside her ruined boots. She had no idea how many miles she had covered, but it couldn’t be more than seven or eight. Forrais still lay hundreds of miles away. It was a depressing thought.

Once the sun dipped completely below the horizon, Aine gave up the pretense that she was capable of continuing. She chose a small stand of ash trees several paces from the road to make her camp, aware of how helpless and unprepared she was. She had no tinder box or flint, so there would be no fire to warm her tonight. She didn’t even have a blanket beyond the oversized cloak, nor a knife with which to defend herself.

She had never been so completely dependent on Comdiu’s mercy for her survival.

Perhaps that’s the point.

The thought stunned her. Could Comdiu have allowed her isolation as a lesson in trust? She had embarked on her tasks in Faolán with the faith He would keep her from harm through her loyal guards. But her trust had still been a step removed. It was all too easy