Finding Freedom

Finding Freedom - Part 2 Chapter 4

Chapter 4

            It took us two days to attain the Little Bridge, the path that crossed the Silver River, and half a day from there to a clearing by the road where we would build our home. When we passed the river, I half-expected it to shine silver like the Golden Stream shined gold, but it didn’t. The cloudy sky reflected in it did make it look more silver, however.

            On getting to the designated clearing, I broke into a small argument with Martha. She thought that because I was the one who found the cure, increased by the fact I was a princess, I should be the one having the title on my name. Lady Heather of Foreston.

            “No, Martha, I argued. Without you, I wouldn’t even be here; I’d probably be wandering in Northanger, or worse, kidnapped!”

            “Well I refuse to be titled higher than you. You’re a princess, for Lily’s sake!” she answered immediately.

            I thought for a second, trying to find a compromise. “In that case, we’ll both be ladies.” I said before dismounting. She seemed like she wouldn’t take it as an answer, but Dean came up to her and helped her get off her horse with a polite “Milady”. When she heard that word her cheeks blushed, and both Dean and I laughed.

            We set up a tent to sleep under, because the overcast sky was threatening to make us sleep in the rain. Sitting in a square inside it, we started to make plans for the layout of the land. There was a small water path nearby, with clear water we would be able to drink. Luke decided we would name it Crystal Creek because of its crystal-like clearness.

            “We’ll also need a real house, and then I’ll build a stable.” He added.

            “No, argued Martha. Build the stable first. It’s faster and the horses need a shelter before winter comes. We humans will sleep under the tent for the while being.”

            And so we did. All of us were useful in the building; Martha directing, Luke with his expertise, Dean with his strong arms and me who did all the commissions on foot or horse. I was surprised that Luke knew how to build a house, but he explained one night.

            “When I was a boy, I lived in a small farm in Iryllia. I was taught by my father what he thought was appropriate for every little boy to learn: building, planting, and harvesting. I couldn’t read or write; we had no books at home.”

            Dean and Martha lay back on their covers; they obviously knew that story already. But it was new for me, and I listened, curious. I knew nothing of their past.

            “I had two older sisters and three younger brothers. One day, my youngest brother became sick. The disease quickly spread to all of us. We were lucky that Williamson found us. Williamson was a travelling doctor, like me now. He knew the disease, but our advanced cases couldn’t be helped much by his science. I was the only survivor.”

            There Luke paused, and I felt sorry for him. I couldn’t imagine what he would have felt, being the last survivor of his family.

            “Williamson was old, and he knew he wouldn’t be able to travel much longer. He was a fervent believer that travelling doctors would one day save DiamondIsle. He took me as his apprentice. I was curious and eager to learn. He taught me everything he thought a little boy should know about being a doctor. We kept travelling as long as he was strong enough to do so, touring DiamondIsle at least twice. He passed away while we were visiting his family. Not long after, I met Martha, and we’ve been travelling ever since.”