Chapter 31

Suddenly,the oil lamp in my room was turned up. Miriam stood at my bedside. "You must dress quickly." Once she was sure I was awake, she began pulling the meager assortment of clothes that had arrived in a package with no note.

I got out of bed and began to dress. "What's happening?" There was no clock in my room. I could only note that it was dark outside.

"You need to leave." Miriam's expression was stern.

Was she throwing me out? I paused, lacing my boot, and stared.

"The Leader will demand that you be released into his guards' custody in the morning. I cannot stop him or them. Only The Lady knows what would happen to you."

I didn't like the sound of that, so I pulled on my other boot. "Where will I go?" I had no options. I had no idea how to survive in this part of the world, with no tools or weapons and limited cash. I had accepted that I had no friends here. Talia, Bredon, and Sig had disappeared from my life.

Miriam zipped the tote and stood. "I know the Leader sent Bredon and his man on a trip. The ward cannot leave her rooms. He could kill you, and nobody would know. He could claim ignorance, and their ire would fall on me."

Her words made me shiver. "Where is the closest airport?"

"You are thinking too big, human." Miriam patted my good shoulder. "My brother will take you to Henstridge. From there, a bus runs to Resolute Bay. They have a small airport."

She placed my purse on the bed. I unzipped it and checked for my passport and wallet. Everything was there. "Thank you." Tears filled my eyes.

"The ward saw to it that you had your things." Miriam looked around the room. "She knows the Leaders of the Redds have a long history of abusing women without guilt."

My body jerked in shock at her words. Bredon and Talia had dropped hints or used vague references about Anton's treatment of others. I needed to formulate a plan because my life depended on it.

"I'm including a jar of salve. You must rest when you can. Your body has not fully healed."

"Will you get into trouble for this?" I asked as I followed her through her small cottage.

"I will find your bed empty in the morning." She did the one eyebrow lift thing that I found frustrating and then innocently widened her eyes. "What do I know of humans? Perhaps you decided to take a walk and were eaten by a bear."

"There are bears?" I paused to catch my breath.

"The world is filled with predators, girl. You would do well to remember that. They prey on the innocent and those weaker than they are."

There was a slight rap on her front door. "That is Maurice." She led me to the door. "You will need to get over your habit of coasting, Sage. The Lady has blessed you with intelligence. Use it and your instincts to survive."

I felt like I was receiving good advice while being criticized. Currently, Miriam was my lifeline, and she was right. I had to be smarter. "Thank you for everything."

"May The Lady keep you safe." Miriam opened the door and spoke to the man standing there. "There is no moon. You should go."

Maurice's truck was old, and although the heater was on high, it was still cold inside.

The man said little, only answering questions about how long the trip would be. I noted that he had stopped checking his mirrors after about forty minutes.

"Rest. You will need it." He continued looking straight ahead.

It was still dark when we arrived in the small town. However, people were up and moving. A few businesses had lights on, and vehicles were on the streets.

Maurice slowed as he approached what looked like a large barn whose sign proclaimed Trading Post. "You can buy your bus ticket inside, to the left at the register."

"Thank you for this." I gathered my purse strap and reached between my legs for the handles of my tote bag.

"For doing what?" He looked at me and winked. "Trust no one, little human."

I climbed down from the truck and walked to the entrance of the building. I didn't look back.

"The bus won't depart until eight," the man at the cashier station told me.

"Is there someplace close where I can get coffee?"

"Other side." He pointed. "People will start lining up about twenty minutes early."

I nodded as I stuffed the ticket and other papers in my purse.

The airport was small but had an ATM. I was running low on cash but didn't know if my card would work here. I'd heard too many stories about machines eating cards and users being stuck without money.

I puffed out my cheeks as I tried to figure out my plan. I'd used my credit card to buy my plane ticket, so it would be no secret that I was alive. If I lost my debit card, I'd need to survive on the meager snacks provided on my three upcoming flights. I inserted my card into the machine and hoped it worked.

I secured the bills and card in my wallet before heading to security. Once I had reached the other side, I found a bathroom. Although both the truck and bus were chilly, I felt sweaty from nerves. I wanted to change my sweatshirt.

Once I boarded the plane, I needed to plan my next move.