Danielle: Goodness gracious... I've never... Swam so hard... In my life...

 

 

Danielle clambers from the water, hauling her trembling body up creaking wooden steps. When Colleen ordered her to escape, Danielle battled with the decision for what seemed like hours. In reality she knew it was only a few minutes; maybe not even that. It didn't take her long to find the hatch leading out. It was nothing more than a sawed open hole in the floor with a barrel lid placed over it. After kicking the lid aside, she leapt down and plunged into the frigid waters below. It wasn't hard to figure out where to go; the city of Solitude literally rested above her, spanning across a massive mountain arch. 

After recovering from the initial shock, she sucked in a breath and swam faster than she ever would have thought possible. 

 

 

Danielle: I am so tired... So... So tired...

 

Jolf: Uh, ma'am?

 

 

Danielle: Ah, the wood is so warm... If I could just fall asleep right here...

 

Jolf: Excuse me? Ma'am? Don't fall asleep. Are you alright?

 

Danielle blinks a couple of times, bring her eyes into focus. After giving a light shake of her head, she forces herself up to a sit. With a slight tilt of her head, she stares at the ferryman groggily, as if just waking up from a nap.

 

 

Danielle: Oh. How long have you been there?

 

Jolf: Uh... the entire time? You don't look so good. Here, I'll take you into the city.

 

Voice: That won't be necessary.

 

 

Voice: You're Danielle, I presume?

 

Danielle and Jolf both turn timidly to a well groomed Argonian, towering resolutely before them. He pauses for a moment after asking, but doesn't wait very long for a response, immediately stifling the silence before the two of them can process it.

 

 

Voice: You don't have to answer. I already know. Thank you, Jolf. I can take care of her from here.

 

The Argonian narrows his eyes and gives Jolf a brief and knowing nod. After Jolf does the same, the Argonian turns to Danielle.

 

 

Sid: My name is Sid. 

 

 

Sid: I'm an associate of Colleen. 

 

Danielle didn't get the chance to protest, but with the soreness in her body, she knew there wouldn't have been much of one anyway. Sid scooped her up and quickly ushered her into a nearby building, all the way up to a small nook in the second floor. He guided her into a chair, ignoring Danielle's insistence that she was capable of doing so herself, then sauntered over towards the back corner, near the stairway's entrance. He hung there for a few moments, eyeing the way down with attentive eyes. After a few agonizing seconds of silence, Danielle decided to break it herself.

 

 

Danielle: So, uh, Sid. That's a unique name. Not really fitting for an Argonian.

 

Sid pulls away from his vigil and crosses his arms.

 

 

Sid: Not for an Argonian elsewhere. But here it works quite well. Racism festers beyond the walls of Windhelm. While I don't agree in assimilating to make one's life easier, I find it to be quite helpful in my profession.

 

 

Sid: My Cyrodilic name is Smiles-In-Darkness. S-I-D. I've always thought it fit me quite well. Wouldn't you agree?

 

Danielle scrunches her brow. Does he really expect her to answer?

 

 

Danielle: Uh, I don't know. In fact, I don't even know you. Why should I even trust you, for that matter?

 

A twinkle flashes in Sid's eyes.

 

 

Sid: Very good. A healthy suspicion keeps us alive. I could give you a list of reasons to trust me, but in my experience, actions are the only things worth merit. So let's just get down to business then, okay?

 

 

Danielle sucks in a breath. Sid is confident and assertive. Using those traits, he has already imposed his role as leader in this conversation. It is a common play in politics, most notably used by Danielle's potential suitors. Sid certainly has experience, but so does she.

 

Danielle: Not yet. I may not yet know what is business is, but I like to know who I am partnering with. Tell me about yourself, Sid. What is this profession of yours?

 

Sid cocks his head. He meets Danielle's stare, but doesn't hold it for long. 

 

 

Sid: To our mutual foes, I'm an ambassador and business man. To those who should know, I am someone else. A spy.

 

 

Danielle: A spy? For whom?

 

Sid shrugs.

 

 

Sid: Right now it is to the highest bidder, but even before I was not esteemed among nobility.

 

Sid pauses for a moment and casts Danielle a cautious glance.

 

 

Sid: How much do you know about Colleen?

 

Danielle purses her lips and peers at him dubiously. The question seems odd by itself, despite it being asked out of the blue.

 

 

Danielle: I know all she has told me; which I suppose it a lot for someone I have only just met. Why?

 

A light sigh passes from Sid's snout. He looks to the floor and bobs his head, as if pondering something. After a short while, he faces Danielle once more.

 

 

Sid: I was curious if you knew of her time as a smuggler. You see, it was the two of us that got into the business together. We both had...

 

 

Sid: ...unsavory... pasts. We wanted to devote our futures to preventing the same pasts from happening to others.

 

Danielle furrows her brows. Colleen did tell her of how she would smuggle slaves to freedom and the tragedy of her childhood. Sid seems to be telling the truth, but definitely not all of it. Danielle can't forget how Colleen, and maybe even Sid, smuggled enemy troops behind her father's defenses. In that scenario, they were not preventing anything. They were aiding in a war.

 

Danielle: I believe you. Or at least, I believe that you believe you are doing justice. But Colleen smuggled soldiers into my father's kingdom for... who knows how long. Certainly that doesn't fall under that same philosophy.

 

Sid breaths in deeply. His eyes narrow, not quite in anger, but in contempt, to what she said, or to herself as a person, Danielle doesn't know.

 

 

Sid: And what makes you think King Durai was the hero in that scenario? Do you even know just how many enemies he had accumulated before he met you? The whole of High Rock was against him. You know he had no allies. Did you ever question why?

 

Danielle clenches her jaw. 

 

 

Danielle: My father was a great man! He cared deeply for me! He-

 

 

Sid: King Durai was not your father.

 

Danielle cuts off. Surely she misheard him.

 

 

Danielle: Wha-What?

 

Sid sighs, but maintains his menacing aura.

 

 

Sid: King Durai was a conqueror, but not a monster. Though the same cannot be said for his underlings. Either way, he tried to ensure that no children were ever harmed. Even going as far as to meet with them.

 

 

Sid: If you ask me, speaking with the children of the parents he just ordered his men to butcher, is sickening. None-the-less, it worked. For the most part. Then one little girl caught his eye.

 

 

Danielle's eyes grow wide.

 

Danielle: N-no... I would remember. I- How would you even know this?

 

Sid: You were only four years old, Danielle. As to how I know this...

 

 

Sid: You lived in the same village as Colleen. She's been trying to save you ever since.

 

Danielle's head shakes. She doesn't know whether it is trembling or denying Sid's claim. She has no reason to believe him, but she also can't come up with why he would lie. Even so, she can't shake the feeling that there's something more to it; that Sid is hiding something.

 

 

Sid: Look, you don't have to believe me. Right now, Colleen is being dragged through Solitude in shackles and down to the prisons. I can get her out, but time is not on my side.

 

 

Sid: I need you to stay here, unti-

 

Danielle: I will do no such thing.

 

Danielle leaps to her feet, causing Sid to stagger back, startled.

 

 

Sid: Excuse me? 

 

Danielle: You heard me. I'm not just gonna sit up here like some helpless damsel while you rescue the girl who allowed her own capture to offer me escape and, according to you, has spent years trying to save me from my kidnapping.

 

 

Sid scoffs.

 

Sid: Oh, don't act like you actually believed me. As true as the story may be, no one is gullible enough to accept it right away.

 

Danielle: Whether I believe you or not, doesn't concern you, Smiles-In-Darkness.

 

 

Sid: Don't call me that.

 

Danielle ignores him and continues, unimpeded.

 

Danielle: Because if you leave, there's nothing forcing me to stay put. So I'll just go and try to rescue her myself. Without you.

 

 

Sid lets out a long, exaggerated groan.

 

Sid: Ugh. By the gods, you're just like her.

 

 

Danielle: So? What's it going to be?

 

With a snarl, Sid spins elegantly on his heels and marches down the stairs.

 

 

Sid: Fine. Fine! But you will stay close to me and do everything I say.

 

Danielle: Ha! Yes!

 

 

Sid: Please tell me you understand.

 

Danielle: Oh, right. I understand, Smiles-In-Darkness.

 

Sid groans.

 

 

Sid: Just come on.

 

Breton Slaver: Now you just sit tight, slave. Someone will be in here soon to strip you and inspect your value.

 

 

Breton Slaver: Got it?

 

 

Colleen turns away without even a huff. The slaver got plenty of grunts from her during their parade through the city. As if being led shackled before onlookers wasn't humiliating enough, he would continuously grope her, eliciting yelps and snarls from her and laughter and sneers from those who were watching. Colleen never expected to breath a sigh of relief when she entered the solitary confines of a prison. "There's a first time for everything," she thinks with a sigh.

 

 

Breton Slaver: Ignore me all you want. You won't be able to do the same with my boss.

 

He smirks as he hops from his perch against the wall. 

 

 

Breton Slaver: He's been waiting for you.

 

The words slither out conspicuously. Their secretive, and somewhat... evil, undertone is enough to grasp Colleen's attention.

 

Colleen: What? Who are you talking about?

 

 

The slaver chuckles as he makes his exit.

 

Breton Slaver: You'll see.

 

 

Colleen: What...

 

Colleen slouches back as the slaver disappears around the corner, the echoes of his footsteps slowly fades away as he descends the staircase out.

 

 

Then she is left in silence.  

 

Colleen wiggles her fingers and flexes her wrists; fortunately her arms haven't grown numb despite the soreness in her shoulders and elbows. She'd never say the words out loud, but the device keeping her captive is well made and aggravatingly comfortable. Sure, she appreciates having blood flow to her hands, but she should be screaming to have the thing off. 

Colleen shakes her head. She shouldn't focus on what she can't solve. Who is the boss the slaver was talking about? And why would he have been waiting for her? 

 

Before she can begin to formulate answers, the door suddenly flies open.

 

 

Voice: Damn it.

 

The familiar voice rings in Colleen's ears. Sure that she is mistaken, she looks up and her jaw drops.

 

 

Colleen: Y-you?

 

 

Xalter turns his gaze aside and shakes his head.

 

Xalter: I told them Danielle was more important.

 

 

Xalter: But I'll make do with you for now.

 

Sid: Alright, say it to me again.

 

 

Danielle sighs, earning an glower from Sid. She rolls her eyes and repeats the lines once again. For the fourth time now.

 

Danielle: My name is Felicity. I'm an ambassador from House Nithlan of High Rock. You and I have become acquainted from our many caucuses.

 

 

Danielle: My Lord and Lordess seek to acquire new slaves, and have sent me to find, inspect, and purchase a few worthy of their requirements. Because of our mutual friendship, you are allowing me early preview prior to the official auction. 

 

Sid smiles and gives her a firm nod.

 

 

Sid: Good. Just let me do the talking, okay?

 

 

Danielle: Then what if someone talks to me, Smiles-In-Darkness? Should I tell them I'm a mute?

 

Sid: Wha-Then you talk! And a mute can't tell them that they're a mute! Obviously. And don't call me that! I-

 

Sid cuts off when he catches notice of Danielle's smirking. Huffing, he spins around ushers for her to follow.

 

 

Sid: Just come on. 

 

Danielle struts behind Sid as he leads them through an archway and into the Castle Dour courtyard. As soon as they enter, Sid stops before a pair of guards. Giving each of them a respectful nod, he turns his attention to the one on the left.

 

 

Sid: Jeremiah! How do you fare?

 

The guard bobs his head from side to side and shrugs.

 

 

Jeremiah: Not half bad, I suppose. Guard duty was pretty dull until some slavers dragged a nice ass through 'ere a bit ago.

 

Sid beams with an aura so convincing even Danielle was fooled for a moment. 

 

 

Sid: It seems like our encounter was destined then! I have come with a dear friend of mine, Lady Felicity of House Nithlan. Her noble house has paid high price for early viewing of the slaves.

 

The guard smiles back, clearly overtaken by Sid's compelling attitude.

 

 

Jeremiah: Ha! Well that sure is a coincidence. Where is this, uh, House Nithlan, was it? 

 

 

Sid: You are correct. House Nithlan is a from the great province of High Rock. It-

 

Jeremiah suddenly cuts Sid off with a wave of his hand and gestures to Danielle.

 

Jeremiah: The lady can't answer a question about her own House? What is she a mute 'er somethin'?

 

 

Sid falters.

 

Sid: Wh-Well no. I just-

 

Danielle: Apologies for Lord Sid, sir. He only is looking after my best interest, though I am perfectly capable of answering your question.

 

Danielle flashes Sid a quick smile. He chuckles, responding with an admiring nod.

 

 

Danielle: House Nithlan is old, and rather unknown. With the recent downfall of House Durai, however, we have risen in wealth and prominence. My Lord and Lordess seek to celebrate with some new slaves, which is what has brought me here.

 

Jeremiah lets out a breath and shakes his head.

 

 

Jeremiah: Aye. Been hearing a lot about that war lately. Glad to hear that menace, King Durai, has been defeated though.

 

He quickly perks up and shakes his shoulders out, a smile returning to his face.

 

 

Jeremiah: Bah! There's no need for such bleak talk. I won't hold you up any more, go right on in!

 

 

Sid lets out a hearty laugh and accepts the invitation, clapping Jeremiah on the shoulder as he walks past.

 

Sid: Indeed! Thank you very much, Jeremiah.

 

Jeremiah: Always a pleasure, sir. 

 

Despite the heat of the fire, Colleen trembles. When Xalter came in, her mind filled with countless words to spew at him, but she found herself unable to say any of them. Yet when he grabbed her by her hair and dragged her to the wall, they spit out like venom. Even she doesn't remember everything that she said. When he pinned her to the wall, they started as accusations and demands. But when he began to tear away at her clothes, her words morphed into insults and scorn. 

It was when she was completely nude that what to say suddenly fled her from lips and her body began to shake. The feeling is terrifying, and vaguely familiar. Throughout her life she has only felt it once before. Helplessness.

 

 

Xalter: I'm going to remove your boots. Struggle again, and I won't hesitate to break your jaw.

 

 

Colleen fidgets, trying to quell the shaking in her body. She feels like a thick bag has been forced over her head. Her breaths come out shaky. Every bit of her body displays the fear she feels, except her expression on her face. The scowl she wears is the one thing left she can control. It will not be taken away from her.

 

 

Xalter: Lift up your foot.

 

Xalter speaks calmly, contradicting his earlier actions. Since he first entered the room, he was aggressive and brash. But his voice was always placid. Colleen refuses to do the same.

 

 

Colleen: Make me, bitch.

 

Xalter exhales slowly and scowls at Colleen.

 

 

Xalter: You will refer to me as Lord Xalter or Master. Do not call me anything else again.

 

Xalter drops down to one knee.

 

 

Xalter: Understand?

 

Colleen: What? Absolutely not! If you think I-Hey!

 

He snatches Colleen by the ankle and pulls her boots to him. 

 

 

Colleen: Let go of me!

 

 

Xalter: Slaves are required to be completely nude.

 

He quickly yanks her boot free, doing the same with the other before Colleen gets the chance to resist. He then returns to his feet crosses his arms.

 

 

Xalter: You understand that is what you are now, yes? 

 

Colleen makes no effort to respond. 

 

 

Xalter: Whether you understand or not, it'd be wise of you to accept your status sooner rather than later. But no matter.

 

Colleen keeps her stare focused on the ground. She can feel herself start to shake once again as Xalter runs his eyes up and down her body.

 

 

Xalter: You really aren't worth much. 

 

 

Xalter: Small hips and even smaller breasts.

 

 

Xalter: Not to mention that hideous scar.

 

 

He groans.

 

Xalter: I suppose there's really nothing for it.

 

Colleen's hands dangle behind her like nothing. As she stands there, with no option but to listen, she feels as if her spirit is being sapped. It's humiliating. Xalter's opinion should mean nothing to her, but for him to blatantly ridicule her and deem her worth... As if he even has that authority! A rage boils inside of her, but one not strong enough to burst. On the outside, as her body trembles, all she can feel is insecurity.

 

 

Colleen: S-stop it.

 

There's no sign he even heard her.

 

 

Xalter: I'll just have to wait until they're both here.

 

Xalter pulls away from his thoughts and glares at Colleen.

 

 

Xalter: Where is she?

 

Colleen looks up, taken off guard.

 

 

Colleen: W-what? Who?

 

Xalter lets out a loud, contemptuous scoff. He rolls his eyes and shakes his head then looks directly at her.

 

 

Xalter: Your sister.

 

As soon as the words come out, the rage building inside of Colleen bursts. 

 

 

Colleen: You lay one finger on her and I swear I'll-

 

Xalter: Shut up.

 

Xalter turns around and begins to pace across the room.

 

 

Xalter: You can't do anything.

 

Colleen grits her teeth. As much as she deigns to admit it, Xalter is right. She can't.

 

Colleen: Then what is it you want with her? Huh? Or me? What's your fucking problem?

 

 

Xalter: My problem is that your sister rose to a status she did not deserve. Resulting in the downfall of the most powerful house in High Rock.

 

Colleen leans back, incredulous to what she is hearing. 

 

Colleen: What? Are you talking about House Durai? 

 

 

Xalter: You and your sister are of common birth. Yet King Durai thought it fitting to raise your sister's status to that of nobility.

 

Colleen listens in shock, forcing her mouth shut. As much as she would love to interrupt his insensitive monologue, she can't deny her curiosity.

 

 

Xalter: Before, House Durai was a feared name. I was honored to be one of the soldier's that gave it such a reputation. 

 

 

Xalter: For years we toppled countless rival houses, claimed hundreds of acres of land, and killed even more. But we always spared the children.

 

 

Xalter: I hated King Durai's rules for them. It was unbecoming for a man of his stature to meet with you pathetic orphans.

 

 

Xalter: You were conquered. By rights we should have owned you! 

 

 

Colleen: Are you kidding me? After fourteen years, you still claim to such an evil belief? 

 

Xalter turns and faces her.

 

 

Xalter: That belief is the way the world works, slave. And when King Durai went against it, it only led to his downfall.

 

 

Xalter: He grew lax as a father. He stopped expanding his territory, he let other Houses take over the borders of his land. But he didn't care. He just wanted to be a good father for his little adopted daughter.

 

 

Colleen: So what? You're going to hunt down all the kids you failed to enslave back then?

 

Xalter shakes his head.

 

 

Xalter: No. Only the two I never killed.

 

His words tumble out in slow motion. As they pass through Colleen's ears, her fists grow tighter, her eyes wider. As she stares down the man before her, a loathing like she has never felt before surges through her.

 

 

Colleen: It was you! You took her from me!

 

 

Colleen: You cut my eye! You bastard! Bastard!

 

 

Colleen: Gah!

 

Xalter: Shut up!

 

An earsplitting crack ruptures from her jaw as Xalter crashes his fist into it. Colleen doubles over, her head ringing.

 

 

Xalter: You'll stay locked in a cell until I find your sister.

 

 

Xalter: And then, once you're both enslaved...

 

 

Xalter: I'll make sure you never see the light of day.

 

Neither Danielle nor Sid shake off their facade until the door shuts loudly behind them. Sid drops his shoulders and rolls his head with a groan. Danielle, on the other hand, only lets out a soft exhale. Sid made it sound like the encounter with the guard would be a much more significant obstacle. 

 

 

Sid: I'm impressed. You handled yourself well out there.

 

 

Danielle smiles.

 

Danielle: I'm not as incompetent as you'd like to believe.

 

Sid: The thought never crossed my mind.

 

 

Sid: More so, you did not flinch when Jeremiah spoke so unkindly about King Durai. Did his words not affect you?

 

Sid leads them out of the bright, open lobby down a shadowed, narrow stairwell. The warmth of fire fades from her back as she passes underneath the archway, following Sid into the darkness of the passage.

 

 

Danielle: My feelings will not impact my actions. No matter how much turmoil they may be in of late.

 

Sid nods his head.

 

 

Sid: Good. I understand how you feel, Danielle. Harsh truths are carried by heavy hearts.

 

 

Danielle: And what is your truth, Smiles-In-Darkness? What led you to his life that has become so intertwined with mine?

 

As they come to a door, Sid halts. He stands still for a moment, as if in deep contemplation. Then, taking a deep breath, he faces Danielle and shakes his head, sternly.

 

 

Sid: The circumstances of my upbringing are irrelevant. Right now, we have a more important task at hand.

 

Danielle sighs, but nods in agreement. Now isn't the time to get a grasp on the enigma who has been such a help to her.

 

Danielle: Very well. How do we proceed?

 

 

Sid: Quite simple, really. A guard will escort us to Colleen, assuming she is in a cell, and we will take her away for... private viewing

 

Sid puts emphasis on the last couple of words, quoting with his fingers as he does.

 

 

Danielle: Surely it isn't that easy.

 

Sid shrugs and makes his way to the door.

 

 

Sid: It will be if all we see are the guards. If we encounter someone else...

 

Sid takes a deep breath.

 

 

Sid: Just make sure you stay close to me.

 

The torch burning on the wall does nothing to help against the cold. Against Colleen's bare skin, the stone making up the floor and walls may as well be ice. 

 

 

She huffs and runs her fingers across herself, rubbing where goosebumps have accumulated the most. She hoped her arms would be freed when she was locked in a cell; it's not like she would be able to do anything anyway. But that was too optimistic an expectation.  

 

 

Colleen: At least give me a blanket... 

 

Guard: She's right in here, sir.

 

 

Colleen looks up as a guard speaks just outside her cell door. She narrows her eyes and listens more intently. Why would someone be here for her already? It hasn't even been an hour since she was tossed inside. 

 

Guard: Just acquired as well. Feisty personality from what I've heard, but I bet she'll break easily.

 

Colleen scoffs. Like hell she will.

 

 

Voice: Hmm. You think so? She might be worth examining then. Go ahead and unlock the door.

 

As she hears the familiar voice, Colleen's heart soars. She scoots herself up on one knee and looks at the door in anticipation.

 

 

Sid: So you're the new acquisition.

 

Colleen can't suppress the smile as her friend unlocks the door and saunters into the cell.

 

 

Colleen: Si-

 

She quickly cuts herself off.

 

 

Colleen: What do you want slaver bitch?

 

Sid grins and flashes her a wink.

 

 

Sid: Mind your tongue, slave. I have good news for you.

 

Colleen smirks back at her accomplice. The two of them have played this ploy countless times before.

 

 

Colleen: Really now?

 

 

Sid: A noble ambassador wishes to view some slaves prior to auction. You have been honored with selection.

 

Sid juts out his thumb, gesturing behind him.

 

 

Sid: Come with me.

 

As Sid marches out of the cell, Colleen smiles broadly. This will be a cinch. She makes sure to wipe the glee from her expression as she exits the cell, yet as soon as she does, a different sight wipes it for her.

 

 

Colleen: What the...

 

 

Danielle: Um... Hi, Colleen.

 

 

Colleen's jaw drops. Danielle should not be here. What is Sid thinking? He must know full well who it is that is after them and that he is somewhere in this very prison. How could he be so irresponsible? Colleen snaps from her thoughts as Danielle casts her an apprehensive look. The displeasure roiling her thoughts must have tumbled into her own expression. Knowing full well that they won't simmer down anytime soon, Colleen immediately directs her glare at Sid.

 

 

Colleen: What the fuck is she doing here?

 

 

Sid: Be quiet, slave or I will be forced to gag you.

 

 

 Colleen: No. Sid. Drop the fucking act. She should not be here.

 

Sid shakes his head and shrugs.

 

 

Sid: I warned you.

 

Colleen: No. Sid! Don't you fucking-ack! Mmmmphf!

 

 

Sid: There. 

 

 

Sid: Rules are rules, slave. The sooner you learn to obey, the better.

 

Colleen: I-pphf-ooo-kmmg-iff-woo

 

 

Danielle: Er, was that really necessary?

 

Sid turns away from Colleen and chuckles.

 

 

Sid: Yes, actually. It is a rule that slaves should be gagged when outside their cell.

 

 

Sid: But Colleen also has a nasty temper and doesn't really think about what she says. Better safe than sorry.

 

Colleen: Ecphf-ooov-mfff???

 

 

Danielle: Yeah. I can see that.

 

Colleen shoots Danielle a glare, immediately turning away after. No point in arguing now.

 

Sid: Now follow us, slave.

 

Sid takes the lead, gesturing for the two girls to follow, as he guides them to the prison's exit. Before they even make it to the passage, the guard from earlier stops them.

 

 

Guard: Woah, uh, sorry, but I'm afraid I can't let you leave. Just a new policy.

 

Sid cocks his head.

 

 

Sid: That shouldn't apply to us. My lady here has been given permission to view this slave in her own privacy. It suits her much better than this...

 

Sid waves his hands through the air and grimaces.

 

Sid: ...unsanitary environment.

 

The guard continues to rub the back of his neck, awkwardly.

 

 

Guard: I don't know, Lord Sid. I haven't heard anything like that from the boss so...

 

As his voice trails off, Sid perks up.

 

 

Sid: Ah! I see. This is simply a small matter of miscommunication. I spoke to his Lordship only recently about this, the order must not have come through to you just yet.

 

At this, the guard suddenly straightens up. His face flushes a light pink.

 

 

Guard: Oh! That makes sense. I haven't left my post for hours. I'm sure we can go ask him right now.

 

Sid lets out a hearty laugh and nods gleefully.

 

Sid: Splendid. Lead the way, sir.

 

The guard makes his way down the hall, Sid striding elegantly behind him.

 

 

Sid: I'll return shortly.

 

 

Sid: This should be a quick resolution, so don't go anywhere. Okay?

 

 

Danielle: Of course, Lord Sid.

 

Colleen: Mmmmphf.

 

As Sid disappears around the corner, an uncomfortable tension fills the room. Danielle fidgets in place, staring down at her heels as she twists her toe against the stone floor. A few moments pass. Danielle peeks at Colleen from the corner of her eye. She also fidgets around, flexing her fingers and stretching her arms as best she can. Her eyes are downcast, glued to the floor below.

Danielle gulps and straightens up.

 

 

Danielle: Um... Colleen?

 

Colleen stops shuffling in place, letting her arms dangle behind her. She turns to Danielle and grunts softly.

 

 

Colleen: Hmm?

 

Danielle bites her lip and looks away, suddenly finding it difficult to look Colleen in the eyes.

 

 

Danielle: Sid filled me in on some things. About our past. 

 

Colleen stumbles back, her eyes wide. 

 

 

Colleen: Mmmphf

 

Danielle: I think I know... Well... I know that-

 

Voice: Now this was unexpected.

 

 

Xalter: When I heard someone paid a high price to view the slaves, I figured I should introduce myself. But of all people it could have been...

 

 

Xalter: ...you were the last one I expected.

 

Colleen: MMMMPHF!

 

Colleen strains against her irons. What was a mild nuisance moments ago, has now become a debilitating obstacle. 

 

 

Xalter: Struggle all you want. Those shackles aren't coming off by yourself.

 

Xalter saunters towards the girls, entirely composed. While his eyes bear into them with a despising glare, his lips curl into a covetous smirk. Danielle stares at him utter horror. Xalter should be in High Rock, with her father. What is he doing all the way in Solitude? Each step brings him closer to her, sending her thoughts into further disarray. 

 

Her eyes somehow fall onto Colleen, and things quickly snap into focus.

 

 

Whatever reason Xalter has for being here can wait. If she doesn't do something soon, both she and Colleen will end up in a far worse situation. 

 

Danielle steels herself then dashes behind Colleen. 

 

Danielle: Hold still!

 

 

Colleen: Hmmm?

 

Colleen twists around to her sister, when Danielle suddenly yanks her back.

 

Danielle: I said hold still! I think I can pull this thing off.

 

Colleen relents and holds still as Danielle begins yanking down on the device above her elbows. Her eyes fall back to Xalter and her heart starts to beat faster as he dives into a sprint.

 

 

Xalter: No you don't!

 

 

Xalter: You two belong to me!

 

Colleen's eyes dart frantically between Xalter and Danielle, her breaths coming more sporadic one after the other. She is about to kick Danielle out of harm's way when the device suddenly slips down her forearms and over her hands.

 

 

Danielle: Ha! Got it! Now let me get your ga-WOAH!

 

In a flash, Xalter is upon them, swinging out at them with his sword.

 

 

Xalter: Hrah!

 

Colleen doesn't hesitate. As the blade nears, she forces back her arm, slamming her palm into her sister's chest.

 

 

Danielle: Wooaaaaah!

 

Xalter's sword flies towards her. By some miracle, Colleen arches her back just in time. 

 

 

The blade soars past her, missing her flesh by mere inches.

 

 

Danielle: Colleen! Look out!

 

Xalter rips his sword arm back. He tightens his grip for another attack, but Colleen already has one coming. 

 

 

She fires out a clenched fist, but it comes out slow. It wasn't until now that she realized just how much her arms have been aching.

 

Xalter twists around. He smirks as the blow sails through the air, not even coming close.

 

 

Xalter: Ha! That won't work.

 

Before she can recuperate, Xalter retaliates. He clenches his free hand sends it pummeling into Colleen's jaw.

 

 

Her teeth crack against the wood bit in her mouth as she careens through the air. With a painful thud, she smacks into the cold, stone floor, grunting in pain.

 

 

Colleen: Mmmphf...

 

Xalter: Honestly, Colleen, you didn't think you stood a chance like that, right?

 

As Xalter prowls towards Colleen, lying helplessly on the ground, Danielle shoots to her feet.

 

 

Danielle: Oh no...

 

She spins in place, frantically scouring her surroundings for something. Anything! 

 

 

Danielle: I-I have to do something! There has to be something around he-

 

 

Danielle: That will have to do.

 

Colleen struggles backwards from her adversary, her feet slipping against the slick stones as she desperately tries to crawl away. Her jaw throbs painfully, amplified further by the gag prying it open.

 

 

Xalter: It was a pathetic attempt. Now turn around.

 

Xalter: After I bind your arms again, I'll teach you what it means to be a slave.

 

 

Xalter: Then I'll do the same with your si-

 

*GONG!*

 

A deafening ring sounds from behind Xalter as he suddenly cuts off and tumbles forward.

 

 

Xalter: Gah!

 

Xalter crashes downwards. His head jars against the stones, creating an even more audible crack than what sent him to the floor. 

 

Colleen freezes and stares at her fallen aggressor in shock, but only for a moment, when her eyes fall on who now stands over him.

 

 

 Danielle: Uh... I... I'm not sure what I expected.

 

Colleen isn't either. In fact, she isn't sure what she feels now. An invigorating rush of shock, relief, and joy fills her as she stares at her sister, somehow looking even more stunned.

 

 

Colleen: Mmmm...

 

Danielle shakes herself off as a wave of adrenaline runs through her. She pulls away from Xalter and drops the bulky iron shackles from her hands, then dashes over to Colleen.

 

 

She slides behind her and begins working away at the rope tying the gag to Colleen's head. As she does, every thought in her head suddenly spills from her lips as the adrenaline continues to energize her.

 

 Danielle: Are you okay? Oh goodness. I've never done that before. Is he dead? I-I don't want to have killed someone. Oh geez. Uh, I'll just get this gag off of you, Hold on.

 

Colleen: MmmHmm. MmmHmm. MmmHmm.

 

Colleen chuckles at Danielle's excitement. As soon as she feels the rope loosen, Colleen spits out the damn piece of wood and clambers to her feet.

 

 

Colleen: Fuck. That hurt like a bitch. Sorry, but after not being able to talk I gotta say something vulgar.

 

Danielle smiles.

 

 

 Danielle: No problem, sis.

 

Colleen: But nah, you didn't kill him. He's just unconcio- wait.

 

Colleen stops.

 

 

Colleen: What did you just say?

 

 

 Danielle: I said no problem, sis. I know it's not ho-

 

Danielle cuts off as Colleen lunges forward and wraps her arms around her.

 

 

 Danielle: Huh?

 

 

Colleen: I knew you'd remember. I've missed you so much.

 

As Colleen's words break down into light sniffles, Danielle returns the embrace.

 

 

Danielle: I never should have forgotten.

 

 

Sid: Alright, I'm back.

 

 

Sid: But we should probably get moving no-

 

Sid bursts into the room, immediately sliding to a halt as he notices the scene before him.

 

 

Sid: Um... What did I miss?

 

At the sound of Sid's voice, the two sisters pull away from one another. They each turn to him, faces gleaming, and start spewing out their tale in a sporadic jumble.

 

 

Colleen: Sid! Oh man, it was insane!

 

 

Danielle: I hit him with metal!

 

Sid: Er, okay...

 

 

Colleen: She did! It was like BANG! And he was like CRASH!

 

Danielle: Don't forget the sword!

 

Sid: Can we just-

 

 

Colleen: Oh yeah! I dodged it so well at first! 

 

Sid: Can we talk on the way, please?

 

Danielle: Why? What's wrong?

 

 

Sid: I don't know about you two, but I really don't want to be around by the time Xalter wakes up.

 

The sea sparkles under the bright, afternoon sun. Colleen and Sid stand at the prow of their new ship, basking in the warmth and peering across the unexplored expanse ahead of them.

 

Sid: I gotta admit, this is a nice ship.

 

 

Sid: Recognizable though. You know Xalter won't give up on you two that easily.

 

Colleen chuckles.

 

 

Colleen: Let him come. While he tears his hair out looking for us, we'll work on bringing him to the ground.

 

Sid nods his head in agreement.

 

Sid: It's good to be back.

 

 

Sid: Speaking of which, how do you think she'll fare?

 

Colleen bobs her head side to side and purses her lips with a smile.

 

Colleen: I think she's proven herself already.

 

 

Colleen: I'm not worried in the slightest.

 

Danielle: Hey, guys! Check me out!

 

 

Danielle: Ahoy, maties! Let's go swashbuckling! Argh!

 

 

Sid: Please tell me she was making a joke.

 

Colleen: I... wish I knew.

 

Danielle: What?

 

 

Danielle: Was that not right?

 

Colleen and Sid share a look then burst into laughter.

 

 

Sid: Not even close.

 

Colleen: Oh, sis. Not at all. But don't worry.

 

 

Colleen: You'll learn as we go.

 

The End.

Thanks for reading the entire story! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. This is the formal end of A Bond Never Broken, but not the end of Colleen, Danielle, and Sid. I don't have anything planned for them just yet, but I made sure to leave room for possibilities. We'll see. 

 

See you all soon!