《Pace》

Chapter Six

**Nathaniel**

She's towering over me, looking panicked- probably at my bruised and bloody self.

"What happened to you?!" She whispers, trembling.

I chuckle, "Isn't it obvious? Can you help me up?," I ask. She nods, and uses all her strength to peel me up off of the pavement. She eyes a deep cut on my bicep- from when I caught the corner of a clothing cart...Who knew wood could hurt so bad?! Kira gave me a sad smile and grabbed my wrist- pulling me along the path toward the palace.

"Kira... I can't go back, you of all people should know that."

Ignoring my pleas to let me go, she continues to pull me along the path. Once we turn the corner and are out of sight of prying eyes, she speaks very quickly to me, without breathing or missing a beat.

"Nathaniel! How stupid are you? Stealing from the marketplace. You know what they do to theives in these parts. They'd have you strung up by your toes, bruised and broken. If I wasn't there to rush in, you'd probably be picked over by the crows by now! I understand sometimes money can be tight, but stealing is not the answer!" She pressed a few golden coins into my palm and grabbed me by my wrist, turning in the opposite direction of the palace. If I wasn't so weary and weak, I would have fought against her grip and went on my way, but sadly, that's not the case. So we drag on..

After a few minutes of walking through the forest, we come across a small cabin with smoke billowing out of the chimney and light pouring from the windows.

"Kira? What are we doing here?" I question, my eyes never leaving the cabin.

"It's a safe house, of sorts. Don't ask me how I know of its whereabouts, for I cannot tell you. Nathaniel, listen to me well. And do exactly as I say, or else no good will come to you from this. Once you walk in, it will not look of anything interesting. However, that's not the case. Once I send you on your way, knock twice on the door and immediately walk in. Don't wait for a response. Once in, find someone within the house and say you are here to deliver a message. They will take you to a private room, where you will tell them, "London has fallen. All is lost." They will understand, and give you the help you need. Nathaniel, good luck. But once you exit the safehouse, never return. Trust me on this. I bid you good luck."

She turned away quickly and walked back in the direction of the marketplace, leaving me speechless, of how someone could be so kind to another they just watched break the law.