Creation Mischief Part 20

There were seven steps from the blocky window to the banded door at the other end of my room. The cold stone floor soaked through my flimsy slippers as I dragged my feet.1

“Gods!” I yelled to the ceiling. “I hate this!”2

I continued to pace the small room. On my mat lay a small bundle. It held one change of clothes and my brush. I figured where ever Master Ruben was sending me they’d have ink and paper.3

I was waiting for Kyle. He was to escort me, safely to where the Master had found for me to hide.4

One, two - “Where was Kyle?” Three, four - “Would he do as asked?” Five, six, seven – I paused. “Oh Gods, he never does what’s asked. That’s why I’m always around, poking and prodding him. I’m doomed to stay hidden forever!” I wailed to the solid door.5

“Phsst…”6

I stopped two steps into my pacing.7

“Phsst, Sabrina?” The voice came from the door.8

I leaned my ear against the rough wood. “Kyle? Kyle, is that you?”9

Soft, muffled laughter came through. “Of course, who else would it be? Are you ready?” he asked, as I opened the door.10

I grabbed my bag off my mat and headed for the door. Kyle handed me another canvas bag.11

“What’s this?” I asked, as we crept down the dim hallway. Kyle watched behind, while keeping a firm hand on my back.12

“Food and other things.”13

I smiled at his thoughtfulness. “Thanks Kyle.”14

He blushed slightly. “I know how bored you get and we don’t know how long you’ll be hiding.”15

We had come to a T in the hallway. Usually we went left. This lead out into the courtyard.16

We took a right instead. This one lead to the common room. Kyle slowed as we approached the entryway. After a brief pause, he sprinted us through the room, skirting deep cushioned couches and tall backed chairs. Tables and bookshelves mixed with the seating.17

We passed one of my favorite tapestries so quickly all I saw were bright colors of orange and red. The scene depicted autumn at the Academy, with mythical beasts running or flying in the background. In the forefront, a young woman stood, arms stretched out from her sides.18

Remembering the scene made me pause and I stumbled. In the air had been two flaming phoenixes and one large dragon. I didn’t have time to think on it just then, but I stored it away for later.19

Fresh bread lay on the counter, waiting for the afternoon classes to let out. The smell was delicious enough to make my mouth water. I noticed Kyle eyeing the loaves too. I shook my head at him and he nodded, then pushed his way out the back door.20

Inside had been dim, lit only by occasional candle and lamp light. The building had been constructed to keep the warmth of the fire in during winter and keep the inside cool during the summer months. Windows were spaced far apart.21

When we stumbled over the step outside the door the sun temporarily blinded us. I fell into Kyle’s arms.22

My breath caught in my throat as his warm hands slid around my waist. I could feel his heart beating rapidly against my chest and I wondered if he felt as light-headed as I did when we touched like this or was it just the excitement and fear of this predicament. 23

My hands had landed just below his shoulders and I inched one hand over to his tanned throat, running a finger softly at its base. I watched as he swallowed hard.24

That broke the tentative spell and I stepped back. “Sorry, about that.”25

I dropped my hands. Kyle grabbed one and pulled me along behind him, as he hurried across the small garden. A pebbled path led through patches of white petal daisies, yellow coneflowers and purple butterfly bushes. At the stone wall a bench was conveniently pushed against it and Kyle paused standing on the seat.26

“Up and over, then wait behind the hedges, he whispered.27

I nodded, and then stepped onto his laced hands. I was quickly over with only minimal scratches from the rough stones. Moments later Kyle landed and was beside me. Again he rested his hand in the middle of my back and the comforting warmth returned. I smiled despite where we were.28

“Kyle, what are you doing behind that bush?” a voice asked behind us.29

Kyle turned, shielding my body from sight. I peeked over his shoulder and saw Carmen standing between two large men.30

Carmen was tiny compared to the hulking masses standing beside her. They looked like boulders with heads and hair. Their thick limbs were crossed over muscular chests, covered in hardened leather. Their wrinkles were imbedded with dirt upon their pale faces, adding a desperate look to their already dangerous demeanor.31

Carmen stood with her hands on slim hips. Waist-length raven hair swung free. A few strands tickled her pale cheek in the lazy breeze. Her dark eyes smoldered with rage as they narrowed when they caught sight of me.32

“I’m very disappointed in you, Kyle. I had thought you better than this peasant.” She tilted her chin my way.33

I could see the confusion on Kyle’s face. “What are you talking about, Carmen?”34

Carmen just shook her head.35

Kyle’s arm tried to stop me as I stepped out from behind him. “Carmen.” I paused. I wanted to say this next line as softly as possible. I didn’t know her part in all this, but the appearance of the two men beside her looked suspicious. “Carmen, Kyle is mine.” I grabbed his hand to show her. “I’m sorry, but we are together now. You need to move on. There are lots of boys in the Academy.”36

I stopped, confused. She was smiling, but it didn’t look like a smile of joy, but one of triumph.37

“Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure about that.” She motioned to the men. “Once you are out of the way, he’ll be mine.”38

“Are you crazy?” The time for being gentle was over. “Do you seriously think you can get rid of me?” 39

The boulders with legs continued forward.40