Chapter 4

Elara took Fenrick's hand, not that she had much choice in the matter. She wondered if she could put the ring in a pouch or something. There had to be a way she could carry the ring without being in blinding amounts of pain. While her mind whirled through possible escape scenarios, Elara did her best to keep her eyes focused on anything that wasn't Fenrick. This included the ring itself, even though it was the only thing she could think about. 

Her previous captor hadn't exaggerated how far away it was to the next city. By the time they had reached the gates, it was nearly nightfall. Elara shuddered, thinking of what may have happened. Her eyes glanced up at Fenrick's shoulder, wondering what might still happen; her body tensed, an impressive feat considering all the soreness she felt. It was a 70/30 shot that her arm was at least fractured, and if she didn't rest soon, Elara was sure that she would collapse. A frightening thought, considering how being unconscious was more dangerous to her now than facing her living nightmare head-on. 

Fenrick's hand nudged Elara gently on the back. He leaned down, "If we hurry, we'll make it to the registration office before they close. Are you able to move faster, or do I need to carry you?" His voice lacked any humor or darkness. His question was posed in the same way a grocery clerk asks, 'paper or plastic.' 

Elara contemplated and then was unsure how to answer him. She raised her brow and slumped. The momentary stop of her body had suddenly made the pain that she was ignoring rush through her. Everything hurt; she had never felt this bone tired before in her life. Her feet ached from walking for so long, and she felt the cuts and blisters, even if she refused to look at the mess that used to be her perfectly pedicured toes. Elara didn't even look up as she felt Fenrick pull her arm upward, slinging her around his back, as one would do to a child giving them a piggy-back ride. Something that Elara would have baulked at, if she were home. Back then, she would have fought anyone who tried to lift up her tiny frame. That sense of pride seemed buried now under all the bruises, cuts, and abrasions. Elara hoped that soon she could uncover that pride again; she would not lose her humanity, at least she would try not to.