The Escape

More than five years have passed and I am nearing my 18th birthday. By this time I am very proficient at the sword and I can hold my own with Hector and I have even bested him in recent months very occasionally in our sparring matches. He taught me how to fight to survive and I have learned a lot from him. I am really strong now too thanks to our continued strength training over the years. My father took notice of the change in my body around my 16th birthday when a dress I wore was tight around the arms. By then it was too late for him to do anything about my training so he just let it go since I have been doing everything else he asks as the crown princess. I trained so hard to be perfect in everything so that Father would not give me any grief. I have worked so hard these past 10 years and I have come a long way. I have learned to be the perfect queen though I refuse to accept this position. 

It is nearing the time I need to put my plan into action. Since I will be running away from home using a fake kidnapping as a cover. The person I am entrusting to hire the kidnappers is someone who tormented me the past five years with her dark magic, Bella Ruiz. She might have ignored me the first night, but after continued failed attempts at acquiring Tristan's affections. She could never beat me in a physical altercation, but she would stage "accidents" with her magic and physically bully me when I was hurt and restrained by those tentacles of hers. I couldn't fight back when there were no witnesses. One time she cut the stirrups on my saddle and blinded the horse I was riding with her magic causing it to freak out. When the horse bucked, the cut stirrup broke, causing me to fall and get a concussion. I was unconscious for 3 days and could have died. There is nothing more she desires in life than for me to be out of the picture. I also desire to be out of the picture. If not by an escape, by death if it comes to it. I don't trust her personally, but I do trust her hate of me and have a strong feeling she will come through. My father always said that people don't have to like you to be useful to you. 

My plan for after the kidnapping is using all of the knowledge I have learned and my abilities. I will apply all that and be a wandering healer. My 'kidnappers' will drop me off at a predetermined location close to the church but not at the church in case they get caught or questioned. At the temple Father Xavier is where he will cut my hair off and provide me with priest garb for my journey. We have already discussed the details of the plan. My plan is to disguise myself as a wandering male warrior priest. I will heal people on the road for tiny offerings if not for free and live a life on the run healing as many people on the way as I can. Father Xavier made me a leather chest binder custom ordered so my breasts will be concealed during my travels. Everything is set up. I haven't made any more familiar friends yet, but that is mainly because I haven't met any new friends yet since I have been so busy with all the lessons, training and hanging out with that obsessive and flirty idiot. After my journey starts though that is sure to change though. Everything will be put into motion on the night of my coming of age ball. 

On the day of my coming of age ball, the prince sent me a forest green and black dress. I went through the whole routine which was obviously just for show but I put on the act of being a good little princess. We are using the royal carriage and Tristan will be riding with me. He doesn't know I have been learning swordsmanship and knows nothing of this plan. This plan is only 'Need to know' if they don't need to know then they aren't told. My plan needs to be kept tight-lipped so as to prevent unforeseen events. I didn't even tell my mother or May so they will probably think this is a real kidnapping. I am really glad we are taking Tristan's carriage because we don't have to worry about Hector accidentally killing the hired help. 

The duke would have been suspicious if Hector was with us and not one body of the kidnappers was found dead. I get in Tristan's black and gold carriage and we stop abruptly according to plan enroute to the castle and I hear a brief commotion and the kidnappers are using nonlethal paralytic poison darts on the knights guarding us and the prince came out of the carriage to fight with the sword on his hip but right after he pulled his sword he got hit with a dart and collapsed unable to move while still conscious witnessing everything. Then the 'kidnappers' approached the carriage and grabbed me, "You're coming with us." I pretend to put up a fight as they take me away and they knock me out in front of the prince to make it look convincing. Everything went black just like I had planned.

I start to stir awake on the way to the church a good ways away from the carriage. The kidnappers put me down and I walk alongside them so they don't have to carry me anymore since the coast is clear at the moment. While we are walking I rip off some of my dress and take my sword out and cut my hand to get blood on the dress fragment. I call Sky down for a bit and hand him the dress fragment. We planned so no words would be necessary. He nods and takes the bloody dress fragment far away in a misleading direction, then will return immediately. I immediately heal myself and we continue on until we get to the predetermined location in the woods around 300 meters from the church.

 I give them even more money than agreed upon, "Here is extra if you agree to say that you guys forced yourselves on me, beat me and sold me into slavery on orders from an unknown party." They gladly took the money. The brutal lie is necessary to lower my 'value'. In this dumb society, women who are not virgins lose marriageable value. Men are so disgusting to put a value on us women like that. I continue to say, "Thank you guys so much for everything and I really do hope you guys do not get caught. Take that money and go somewhere far away." One of the men says, "Wait, if we are going to say that we forced ourselves on you, why not actually just do it?" He says with an evil smirk. The one that appeared to be the leader said, "We aren't getting paid to do anything, but as of this point the job is done. I won't stop you from doing anything." They thank me so much for the job and they immediately leave. 

The pervert starts to approach me. I pulled out my sword which was under my dress. I had to be prepared in case Bella hired them to torture me instead which would be in character for her. He laughs, placing his hand on his sword hilt, "Do you even know how to use that?" I say readying my stance, "Why don't you find out?" He pulls his sword and charges at me, accepting my challenge. To be an assassin, he isn't that skilled. At least compared to Hector. I parry his strike and in the same motion I sweep his leg while hitting him with the butt of my sword in the back of his head in a fluid motion.

He gets knocked out and I go up to him to remove his shirt to use it to bind his arms. I can't use my dress because if he is found by a search party they would know I overpowered him and they might not think I am taken anymore. He wakes up after I take his shirt off and then he pushes me on the ground immediately and rips my dress in the front showing my cleavage. I bend my right leg and push off using that self-defense move Hector taught me flipping this pervert over. Once I am on top I proceed to punch this pervert in the face over and over until he gets knocked out again. Once he is out I bind his arms and I start to head to the church immediately before he can wake back up again. 

I get in the church and Father Xavier is expecting me. He sees the state of me and goes to touch me, but I can see him second guess himself assuming the worst had happened and asks, "Oh by the goddess, are you ok? Here, come inside right away." I put my hand on his shoulder, "Father, I am ok. One of them tried to get a little handsy, but I took care of it." I say while showing my bloody knuckles. Father Xavier sighs, "That is good. NOT good that you were attacked, but good that you kicked his ass." I gasp hearing him curse for the first time since knowing him. Father giggles, "What? You never heard a holy man curse before?" His giggle turns into a laugh. I smile at his silliness. 

He then composes himself then takes me to a separate room. Here he helps me out my dress and leaves so I can change in privacy into the under clothes for my priest's garb and throw on a robe like we used in the snow room and sauna. I also make sure to wipe all the makeup off of my face. I call Father Xavier back in so he can then cut my hair off. After he cuts off my hair to the best of his ability, he leaves me and I change into the priest clothes and grab my gear I stashed here for my journey.

Before I leave on the horse he prepared I turn to Father Xavier and hold his hands, "Thank you so much, Father Xavier. You have helped me immensely, and I owe you a huge favor." He pulls me in for a hug, "No favor is needed. Just live your life and use your magic like you want, and I will consider the payment paid. Be happy, Ariela." I responded, "Ariela is no more now. My name is now Ari." He then says, "Ok then. Ari, be vigilant and don't trust just anybody. Try to make friends that can help protect your secret. Please be sure to visit when things die down. I know that will be a long time down the road, but I will most definitely miss you. Please take care." He pats me on the head like he used to do and I reach up and kiss him on the cheek. I finally tell him what I have felt this whole time, "I wish you were my real father." 

Father Xavier pulls me in tight in a hug when I say that and says, "Oh, you just know exactly what I need to hear. I love you, my child. I will gladly take on that role as your father on your behalf." I start to cry, "I will miss you, Father Xavier." He then pulls away and wipes my tears, "Hurry and go on to the next town. There is a woman there in the inn that has a private room set up for you with access to a private bath for your situation. Her name is Marie and she is expecting you around a little past midnight. If you leave now you will be right on time." "Bye father, I love you. Stay well and may the goddess guide you." Father Xavier echoes, "And may she guide you." I then get on my horse and set off in a full gallop. 

 I get to the next town without any issues after a few hours of galloping. I find the inn that Father was talking about and they have a trough outside to hydrate the horses. I tie up the horse and Sky who had been flying overhead this whole time then comes down and rests on my shoulder as I approach the receptionist, who is a beautiful middle-aged woman. She greets me with dark circles under her eyes, "Good evening, I hope your trip was uneventful so far." I replied keeping certain details out, "You must be Marie. You can call me Ari. So far so good. No real trouble yet, but trouble will certainly be waiting for me in the near future. I would be a fool to assume everything will go smoothly forever." I say with my habitual elegant poise that seems natural now.

Marie replies as she grabs the key to my room, "Glad to hear it, Ari. Let us get you to your room so you can get some rest. There is a private bath attached to your room so you do not have to worry about bathing in front of the other guests. Father Xavier told me you have special circumstances." I replied, exhausted myself and yawning myself from the long day, "Thank you so much, Marie." Marie guides me to my room and says, "You will find the private bath in your room where you can freshen up. If you are hungry I have some leftovers from dinner that you are free to have though it is cold now." I reply, perking up at the talk of food, "That is perfect. Food is food and I am starving right now. I haven't eaten since breakfast. However, I will need to wash myself first." 

Marie then says after another yawn, "The food is down stairs in the room next to the receptionist desk. That is where the kitchen is and where I have the plate for you. I will be retiring for the evening since I am very tired. Are there any other questions for me before I take my leave?" I shake my head, "You have been more than helpful. Thank you so much. May the goddess provide you restful slumber." With that she takes her leave and I go into my room and take a bath. This private bath is very convenient. I will definitely have to make sure I get a room like this in every town I go to for my privacy. I finish washing up and put on my binder again temporarily just in case someone is out and about in the inn and throw on a regular shirt and some trousers to eat my dinner and I share with Sky as well. Afterwards I fell asleep almost immediately because I was so tired. 

The next morning I get up and throw the binder on first thing and put my warrior priest garb on and head downstairs. Marie is awake, looking refreshed and greets me, "Good morning Ari. Our complimentary breakfast is ready for you and it is still warm. I have taken the liberty to feed your horse as well." I rub my hands together in an elegant fashion, "Fantastic. I didn't know breakfast was complimentary, that is a very pleasant surprise. Thanks for feeding my horse as well. If you keep up this customer service, I might not ever want to leave. Before I get distracted with food though, is there anybody here in the inn that needs my healing magic?" Marie shakes her head, "Not here in the inn, but there are many people in town that could use your healing. I will take you to the town square after you eat so you can get the public's attention and have them come to you." "Sounds like a plan, Marie. I won't be long at all." I say as I head to where she is serving the complimentary breakfast.

After eating breakfast (sharing with Sky obviously) I head out with Marie. She takes me to the town square. There is already a crowd there listening to someone spouting news and so far none has reached here about my disappearance which is good news. I approach the herald giving him a silver and tell him I can heal everyone here if they need it and to announce a healing event that is a 'pay what you can'. I told him to announce that if they couldn't offer a copper or a copper's worth of food, or they can stand aside until all healing has been completed and they can help take extra food to the local orphanage as payment. He makes the announcement and the huge crowd starts bustling and a line starts forming. Commoners here don't have access to healthcare because only the wealthy can afford the healers prices. He goes in between his regular announcements and the one I gave him and I go ahead and start healing and after I send each healed person away I tell them "May the goddess guide you." Since I am acting as an emissary of the goddess, I must keep my cover. Sky is flying above providing overwatch on today's operations to make sure nobody that is looking for me spots me. 

If someone does come for me though I will need him to keep his space, because anybody looking for me will know I have a bright blue bird as a familiar. I need to see about maybe finding a way to color his feathers without weighing him down. That is something I can ask Marie later. I heal countless people that were lined up which took all day since there are a lot of commoners in this town with ailments without access to any kind of healthcare. Sadly this is a reality in most places in the kingdom and I want to help with this as much as possible. Ever since I learned the state of affairs in my training, I was even more determined to escape.

After spending all day healing people I have a pile's worth of offerings of coppers in my purse and an actual pile of food. There are several people who couldn't afford to pay who are standing to the side. There was still more waiting to be healed in the regular line so I told them to come back tomorrow morning. I heal the ones who couldn't afford the single copper or copper's worth of food and then have them carry the extra food and show me where the orphanage is. I thanked them and then one of them said, "If anybody should be thanking anybody we should be thanking you. You took this help as payment when others with your powers only serve the nobles and wealthy. We really appreciate all that you have done for us." 

They wave as they take their leave and I knock on the door to the orphanage. A nun comes out and sees everything and gasps excitedly, "Is this all for us?" I nod, "Yes, sister." She then says, "Thank you so much, father. Can you help me bring the supplies in for the children?" "With pleasure." I say as I grab supplies and bring them inside. The nun then asks, "So don't take my curiosity as being ungrateful because I am most definitely grateful, but what brings you to donate to us today?" I then replied placing a crate of food down inside, "I am just a wandering warrior priest that heals commoners. For those who can't pay with a copper or food, or they can help carry the food to you." The nun replies placing the crate she is holding down next to mine, "Well you are doing the goddess's work, priest -" "Ari." I say answering her inquiry. She continues and asks as she picks up the last crate, "Priest Ari, will you be in town long?" I responded while assisting her carry that crate and place it down with the others, "Once I have healed all I can here, I will leave so I can do the same in the next town." She sighs, "That is understandable, but it is sad that we will be losing a good servant of the goddess. We will gladly take whatever aid you provide while you are in our humble town." 

Some kids run into where we are talking after realizing there are treats, "Mother, can we have some?" She smiles a motherly smile to the children, "Why don't you call the others and everybody can enjoy some of these treats. Remember everything tastes better together." They run off to get the others and I tell her slightly and elegantly bow, "Let me get out your hair. I will be back tomorrow. May the goddess guide you." The kids come running back in the room with us and she places her hands affectionately on two of their heads while they get some treats, "May the goddess guide you as well. We will be looking forward to it." She says with a smile that lights up the room as I wave and take my leave. 

 I get back to the inn and it is pretty dark at this point. Marie is at the desk and greets me, "Welcome back. You were quite busy today. Here let me warm up the food on the stove for you so it is hot for you." I replied , "That is great, thank you Marie… Can I ask you a question?" As she is walking to the kitchen she says looking at me, "Sure, go ahead." I look around to make sure nobody is in earshot and ask, "Is there a way to change the color of my feathered companion?" She replies quickly not needing to think, "That actually is a simple fix. There are different magical accessories that are made for glamour purposes, though some people use them to disguise themselves. It actually will be best if you also get one too for your journey, considering your circumstances. There is a shop near here that sells a bunch of glamour items. I will take you before you head to the square tomorrow morning." "Sounds like a plan. Thank you so much for your help during my stay." I say with a smile, elated at the news that I will also be better protected on my journey.

 She replies with a shocked yet warm expression, "That is the first time I saw you genuinely smile since you have been here. You have a beautiful smile, Ari." I blush at the sudden unexpected compliment and she giggles as she sees my reaction. By now we have reached the food which she has already gotten together and back on the stove. She then says as she stirs the food in the pan, "I hope you can find a point in your journey when you can relax and smile like that everyday." I sigh, hoping for that same future, "I hope so, too." I sit and put my elbow on the table and hold my head up with my hand in an elegant manner. 

Sky comes in and Marie says, "Hello there, little one. Are you hungry, too?" Sky chirps, "Yes." Marie responds giggling while continuing to stir my dinner, "I don't need a translation to know that is a yes. I will prepare something on the side for you." I reach over to pet Sky and tell Marie, "Thank you so much. Gotta take care of my best friend." Sky nuzzles into my hand as I say that and Marie sees it and says, "Awww now that is too cute. I wish I could have that image of him doing that and your face was too cute. If only someone could have captured that moment as a painting or one of those new rare light magic orbs that capture a moment. Those are really expensive though. You are one very adorable man." She says with a wink when she says 'man'. I blush at the unexpected compliment and she giggles again. 

She is enjoying making me self aware and there will definitely be more compliments in the future. I haven't really gotten compliments like this from anyone other than my mother or May and it hits differently coming from a beautiful mature woman who I don't see as family. I hate appearing bashful. While blushing I turn away and say, "Stop saying weird things or you will make me misunderstand. I don't know what all Father told you about me, but I like women." She replied, smiling into the pan she was stirring, "He didn't tell me that detail but after hearing the story of you escaping your arranged marriage and seeing your reactions to me I put two and two together. Sorry I was having too much fun teasing you because you are just too cute. Believe it or not, Father has used me before to help others like you both men and women trying to get out of arranged marriages. Most of them are because of their sexual preferences. There are others like you out there and many of them found happiness along the way and wonderful partners. I love hearing success stories when they send word after getting to their safe place. I hope to hear one from you one day, too. So don't you forget about me and leave me hanging out to dry. I will be sick with worry thinking something happened to you." As she says this, it looks as if she remembers the good stories which fills my anxious heart with hope.

 I reply feeling the comfort of her support during my time of need, "Don't worry I won't forget about you. You and Father will be the first people I notify when I reach that place." She pulls the food off of the stove and starts putting it on a plate for me, "That is good to hear. Now eat up you two. You have both earned this meal today. Try and get some rest, Ari. You, too, little one." She says as she places the plate in front of us. Feeling grateful for the effort she put in I say, "We will and thank you for the food." I start to dig in eating with my elegant posture and a neutral expression and she smiles and says, "Alright well I will leave you two to eat in peace. I will go ahead and start closing up the inn and starting winding down for bed. So if you need anything else try to catch me in the next 10-15 minutes then I will be retired to my room for the evening." "Ok." With that she leaves and we eat our food pretty quickly and we retire to our room as well and I wash up and go to bed. 

 The next morning I get up and go downstairs to eat breakfast and Marie then takes me to the glamour shop. There they showed me the selection for disguise artifacts. They are separated by color change effects. There was an earring that was shaped like a small hoop that had a solid snap lock on it that was a black color change. That is perfect for Sky. It can snap on his ankle with hardly any weight added. I buy that and I continue to look and see a ring that changes hair to a light brown almost blonde color. That is perfect for someone like me with dark hair. It fits perfectly on my index finger. 

I buy this and equip it immediately. I thank the shop keep and whistle for Sky and throw the small hoop earring on his ankle. His feathers turn black immediately and it is really cool. He looks at his reflection in the glass and is checking himself out, "I look good black." I replied smiling at him admiring himself, "You do, friend." He then looks at me, "You look good with your hair lighter, too." "Thanks, friend. I think you would be pretty any color though, Sky." He does a bashful wiggle, "Aww stop. You are making me blush, Ari." I say with a smile while stroking his feathers a bit and continue, "Hmmmm, I don't think I will. Alright, let us get to the town square so we can continue healing today while I continue to compliment you." Sky sits on my shoulder and talks with me until we get to the square. He then takes flight to provide overwatch.

 The herald was a little surprised to see my new hair color, but after seeing the silver coin again he knew what was up and started circulating my announcement with his own. People lined up again and we continued doing the same thing we did yesterday. I eat some of the food offerings during the day like I did yesterday around lunch time, and save the rest for the kids at the orphanage. There are a lot of supplies just like yesterday and there were enough people that couldn't pay that could help me tote these supplies. Everything worked out today as well and not one person mentioned my hair color change which was a little unexpected. I thought that maybe the ones that were turned away yesterday would say something but they just accepted it. I did keep my hood up the whole time yesterday so the shade provided from the hood most definitely helped. Hopefully I am worried for nothing. Maybe using glamour items is more common than I initially thought? Well regardless, I got this handy dandy ring now so I don't have to worry as much about being found out now though I can't let down my guard yet. After dropping off the supplies at the orphanage I go back to the inn.

 After a week I was able to heal all the commoners in this town and I pack up my gear and I go up to Marie before heading out, "Thanks again for helping me while I have been here." She smiles, "Now you know it is me who should be thanking you. You have helped this place immensely since you have been here. The townsfolk are going to keep donating food to the orphanage when they can since they were inspired by you. This town has become quite lively again and that is all thanks to you. You will always be welcome here in our humble town." I reach out and grab her hand for a farewell shake, "I will send word when I get to my final destination." "You better." She says as she squeezes my hand a little before letting go.

 She waves me off and I take my horse and head to the next town. The timing was perfect because at the end of the week was when the herald was saying news of my abduction. I wonder why it was so delayed since this town is so close to the capital. I make my exit cleanly and with finesse. When we get a good way away from town Sky comes down and says, "Our friend here says she would like to do the familiar contract with you, Ari." "Ok." I say as I stop. I dismount the horse and stand in front of her and place my head on hers while sending my healing mana to my forehead. I then hear a new voice, "Can you hear me, Ari?" I reply stroking her face while my head still in on hers, "I sure can, friend. What is your name?" She says, "The owner I liked before you named me CoCo and I like that name." "CoCo. That is very cute. I love it." Coco does a cute prance to my words and I fall in love. This horse is just too sweet. MY HEART. I pet CoCo's face, "Ok let us continue, friend. Let me know if you need a break at any time. Especially let me know if you get hurt so I can heal you. Since you have become my familiar, I will need you to be honest with me since we are officially family now. Family takes care of one another. Your new name shall be CoCo Romo." She does another happy prance and I mount her again so we can continue our journey to the next town. 

 The trip to the next town is a few days away on horseback so after riding most of the day while there is daylight I stop and set up camp and let CoCo go off to graze on grass and drink water as needed from a nearby creek. This road is going straight through woods and I can maybe see people being able to use these trees to set up an ambush. I need to be alert. I set up my hammock in between two trees a ways off from the road in case people are traveling overnight so they don't stumble across me. The weather is nice out so I don't have to worry about a fire which works out since the light from the flame would give away my position to anybody traveling near. Though there are ways around that Hector taught me but they take a decent amount of effort by digging a hole and putting the fire in the hole. It only works well if the hole is vented and it takes a lot of energy. I won't worry about doing all of that now since it isn't needed. After setting up the hammock, I ask Sky, "Are you hungry?" He flies down to me from where he was perched and excitedly says, "I am starving!" I grabbed some food rations I bought before leaving that town and shared some with Sky. We have our dinner and then I do a quick wipe down at the creek before going to bed. I put my binder back on to sleep in since I never know if someone may come up on me in the night.

 I woke up thankfully with no surprises overnight. I break down my hammock and pack it back up and get a little food in me and Sky before we hit the road. CoCo was already grazing when I woke up and said she was good and didn't need anything more so to not worry about her for now. After eating I saddled CoCo up and we hit the road. Around midday we came across someone passed out in the middle of the road. I am deeply suspicious since this is a perfect spot for an ambush, but I am posing as a priest. Hector told me to not stop for these guys on my travels, but it doesn't look too good for a priest to run away from anyone in need whether or not it is real or not. I can't exactly pass up someone asking for help even if it is a trap. 

I get off CoCo and tell her to run ahead and take cover in the trees away from the enemies and that I will whistle when the coast is clear. I smack her butt and approach the man and ask, "Excuse me, sir, are you in need of some healing?" He groans seemingly in pain, "Uuuuuuugh, yes." I get close and he pulls a knife and since I was ready I pull my sword out in defense and quickly dispatch that bandit. Bandits storm from beyond the trees and surround me. One of them says, "Ok, Mr. Priest. Why don't you put that sword down before you hurt yourself and give us all of your valuables if you treasure your life." 

I don't like my situation but I have a feeling I can handle it since these guys are nowhere near as talented as Hector. I responded sarcastically with an air of elegance outside of my control, "I am good, thank you for the offer. Why don't you try and show me how to use a sword instead." They then start to swarm me. Sky is calling out their positioning to me so I can block and parry when they try to sneak up on me from behind. I am trying not to kill them, but not really trying to keep them alive either since I am trying to live to see another day. After a few minutes they are all down. Several of them are dead and the rest are wounded and incapacitated. 

I then whistle and Coco starts running back. As she is running back I say a prayer over the deceased, "I am sorry my goddess. I had no choice. Please watch over their souls as they go to their next life." When CoCo arrives, I waste no time mounting her and galloping away before any of them can regain consciousness. After galloping for a few hours we stop and set up camp. We are far enough away that I don't think we have to worry about the bandits. I don't think they will be able to catch up now. The ones still alive were still heavily wounded and may have possibly bled out after we got away. I have a hunch that we don't have to worry about them, but we still have to be vigilant about others. They might not be the only group of bandits in the area. I ask Sky if he can find a spot like last time a ways off from the road and near a water source. It took him not even a few minutes and he found a great spot and we set up camp.