The Witch and the Wolf

Stay or Escape...

[Emi]

It’s been three days since our adventure began, and I haven’t heard the voice calling my name since my first encounter. The journey has been long.

Everyday, we wake as soon as the sun rises and begin walking. I haven’t walked this much since my high school gym class. I’m exhausted and hungry.

Almost everyday, we have been eating "Breadle buns" as Max calls them. To me they are just dried biscuits with the random nuts and berries we have found along the way. At this point I would do anything for a real meal. Steak. Potatoes. Pasta. Sushi. The thought just makes my mouth water.

Today started the same as every other day. We woke as the sun rose. Thankfully, my body is slowly adjusting to the new schedule.

"We're making a stop today," Max said with a smile.

It seemed like he had already been up for quite a while. I doubt this man even sleeps sometimes.

"Oh?" I said curiously. "Where are we going?"

"We are stopping by an establishment that is in need of some assistance," He continued. "You will be able to rest whilst I take care of the matter."

I couldn't help but let out a small girlish squeal. I was so happy. I wasn't sure if I would make it another day if I didn't get some R&R. I started day dreaming about a lavish hotel with multiple floors, cozy beds, huge tubs, and a pool.

What seemed like a few hours had passed when the questions began again.

"So, tell me what is it like in this New York City where you are from?" Max questioned curiously.

During our journey together, most of our conversations have been about me. I feel like I'm being interrogated. It's always "What is this like? What do you like? Why do you do this?" All day. Everyday. It wouldn't be too bad if he would talk about himself every once in a while. Anytime I ask a question about him, he deflects and changes the topic. Don't get me wrong. He is handsome and strong. Definitely my type visually. He's just a bit strange. I woke up one night to discover something off. He barks and growls in his sleep.

"It's busy and noisy. Lots of people, cars, and pollution." I said in an uninterested tone. "What did you say we would be doing at the inn?"

"We will not be doing anything. It will be best for you to wait at the inn with the others and relax. We still have 5 more days until we reach the castle."

I'm unimpressed with what he has to say. "I can help if you want. I mean with your task or whatever."

He gives me an annoyed look and in a low growl says, "You will stay with the others where it is safe."

I could tell he was getting upset. His thoughts were murderous growls and barks. I knew I needed to stay calm. He doesn't know about my gift yet, and I don't plan on telling him anytime soon. With an almost submissive, apologetic tone, I whispered, "I'm sorry, Max. I didn't mean to upset you. It's just this is all still so new."

He cleared his throat and his expression softens, "As long as you know."

With that, we continued in silence. I feel uncomfortable and unsafe. This isn't the first time he's barked orders at me. I can't stay with him. He may be a knight, but I will not be talked to like that.

Hours later, we finally arrived at the inn. It was dark and dreary. This was nothing like I imagined. The sign above the door said "Dark Wolf Inn." It reminded me of the inns you see in the Renaissance movies and shows.

We walked into the building. The inside is cold and drafty. A lit fireplace flickers, illuminating light throughout the room. It was one room littered with random lanterns and tables surrounded by chairs. A single bar was along the northern wall lined with bar stools. With maybe 10 people in all being there, it seemed quite empty.

A woman, wearing what I could only guess as wench clothing stood behind the bar, welcomed us.

"What'll it be?" she said with a cheerful tone.

Max looks up at her with his knightly, entitled attitude, "I'm here to take care of your..." He lets out a small cough. "misfortune."

The woman looks at him and motions for him to come closer. Max looked at me and pointed to the fireplace. "Go rest over there," he barked, and with that he walked to the woman and they began whispering.

A few minutes later, Max returned to my side. "Listen, I need to leave for a few hours. Don't go anywhere and don't talk to anyone except her." He pointed to the woman at the bar. "No matter what." He finished. Max stood up and walked through the door without another word.

So much for a gentleman. I felt like a puppy that must following her master's orders. I hate being told what to do and he continues to do it. What gives him the right to order me around like that? I'm at my limit. I can't handle this any longer. I need to leave.

About an hour passed as I came up with my escape. I'll walk up to her and find out where the restroom is. Go in, lock the door, and jump out the window. Perfect plan!

I approached the woman at the bar cleaning the bar. I cleared my throat. "E-Excuse me?"

"Yes my dear?" She looked up at me but continued with what she was doing.

"Do you have a bathroom?" I managed to get out nervously.

"Bath-room?" The woman looked confused.

I keep forgetting that I'm not in my time or world. I haven't quite figured out if I am in a new world, a time, or just a different state or country.

I looked at the woman and tried to explain, "A bathroom is a small room with a toilet and other hygienic necessity."

The woman let out a chuckle. "Listen miss. I'm not sure where you come from, but we don't have anything like that here."

She continued laughing, 'He said she was crazy, but I didn't really understand what he meant until just now. Bathroom. What she think this is? The palace? I would let her go out and squat behind a tree like the rest of us, but he said not to let her out of the building until he gets back.'

"Okay fine. I'll say this in a way you'll understand." I got closer to the woman. "I am going to piss all over your bar in the next two minutes. I need a toilet or a place to pee. NOW!" I glared at her to show my seriousness, although I was faking it. Thank god I took those acting classes in college.

The woman thought then looked up at me and said, "Fine. Around back with you. We ain't got a fancy toilet but we got some trees you can squat around.".

With that, my plan for escape was set into motion.