Chapter Five

Chapter five;

As of the moment, Lissie and Quince were locked in a dark shed, which was half underground. Lissie had actually cried, and Quince had shut up�"two impossible things had happened in one day.

Lissie had been doing the dishes again, for the third time this week. Her father came raging down the stairs, and when Lissie turned to face him, he slapped her as hard as he could. Lissie was confused, and her face burned.

“W-what do you need?” Lissie asked, standing back up but still shaking.

“You fool!” He shouted at her, and Lissie knew something was terribly wrong. Quince was the first thing she could think. That stupid stupid Quince. Her father shouted many things at her then, but she blocked it all out. She knew what she did wrong, and she knew basically around what he was going to do to her.

She had only been locked in this shed one other time besides this, when she was seven. Lissie had failed to keep her secret visiting of her friend Frelda a secret. When her father found out it went down the same as this; she received a slap and was sent to the shed for two days. Only this time she was stuck in here with Quince and it was three weeks instead of two days.

Lissie was filled with mixed emotions. She had seen her mother today, and she could barely keep from tearing up. The minute her mother saw her, she turned away from Lissie. Just like her father always did. What upset her even more was she looked at Quince, and kept her eyes fixed there, not once stealing a glance at Lissie. Lissie cried silently to herself. Her mother she had been longing for her whole life ended up being just like her father. When Quince asked what the matter was, Lissie glared at him through her tears, and he hadn’t asked again.

Lissie looked nothing like her mother. Her mother had short bushy hair, and a busty figure. Lissie had long, curly, mahogany hair, and was thin and lanky, like a willow tree. Her mother’s eyes were dull and grey; Lissie’s where hazel, with a copper tint. Maybe she had gotten it from her dad…

This is why Lissie trusts no one. Anyone and everyone just get close to her to hurt her. Lissie’s mother had only got close to her father so she could hurt him. Her father only kept her in the same household and raised her to hurt her. Quince had only pretended not to know about her secret to hurt her. Lissie trusted no one.

When Quince and Lissie’s mother arrived at their door not long after Lissie had been smacked, the story slowly unfolded. The story they all knew�"the one of their past, was told again. Then came the story of how it happened.

“I was in the town square running errands for my father,” said Lissie. “There was a big crowed, and I was pushed in. The mage there happened to be Quince. I had no idea at the time of a brother. I threatened him with my dagger, but he easily disposed of it. In return, I agreed to answer a few questions. When he asked about mother, I got emotional and left. That’s it.” Lissie confirmed. “Later when I asked father about it, he refused to tell me anything about Quince, but later that night he came to my room and told me everything.” Lissie’s mother’s face stayed solid.

So here they were; locked in the shed.

“This is your entire fault.” Lissie said, wiping her last tear from her face. “You had to question me that day in town. Quince, I hate you.”

“To think I liked a girl like you!” Quince bickered back. Lissie said nothing in return.

Lissie was sure that it had to be getting close to morning. It felt like it had already been days in the shed. Two plates clinked under the door.

“Dinner.” Lissie’s mother’s soft voice said.
      “It’s only just time for dinner?” Lissie gapped. She couldn’t believe it. At least in the shed Lissie didn’t have to clean dishes.

Within the next three days, Lissie became an expert at braiding hair. Her hair was tightly wound in a braid ball on the top of her head. Although she couldn’t see it, she liked the way the weight felt on the top of her head.

On the fourth day, the door opened a crack. Immediately, crisp mid-morning air filled the dusty shed, and Lissie nearly chocked from the sudden change.

“Lissie, dear. Your father needs you.” Lissie obeyed her mother. She was disappointed when her mother also let Quince out.

“You’re not needed.” Lissie had said, but he ignored her. Just like everyone else had been doing.

“What is it father?” Lissie asked as she entered the house for the first time in awhile.

“About your huge mission.” He turned to face her. His face was still tight with wrinkles. “Recently, me and your mother have found our love anew…” Lissie stared at him. “After talking, we’ve decided to keep Quince. He seems more useful,” said her father. Lissie was confused.

“What do you speak of? You plan to keep Quince? What of me?”

“I’ve a feeling you won’t live through your mission. Once I assign it, your mother and I are kicking you out of this house.” Lissie throat was dry. She couldn’t quiet grasp what they were aiming at.

“Why can’t we both stay?”

“That would be far too expensive.”

“I could rob more often, I swear. I would do anything you say!” Lissie pleaded.

“Makers sake, girl. Why on earth would I have you rob someone?” He glanced at his old wife, and back at Lissie.

“You lair.” Lissie spat. No one acknowledged her reply.

“Come with me, girl.” Her father emerged from his seat, and guided her outside. “Now, I’m fairly confidant you will not survive. But my plan is this; the royal palace of Denrim is holding auditions for their soldier league for this year. Go there; show them what I’ve taught you. Once you make it into their leagues, which I’m sure you will, get close to the prince, gain his trust.” Trust�"how Lissie hated the word. How could she expect others to trust her when she herself trusted no one? “Am I clear, girl?”

“Yes.”

“After you’ve done that, ask about the Tyughel Sword. Pretend it’s out of pure curiosity. Once you’ve got the locations discovered, go for it. When you get it bring it back here, your rewards will be worth while, trust me.”

“I’m your daughter.” Lissie pleaded, although she herself hated that fact.

“What of it?” He said cruelly.

“…How do you suppose someone like a guard in the Leagues will get close to the prince?” She asked.

“Surely a prince inspects his followers. He’ll be drawn to a pretty girl with combat skills right off the bat, I swear it.”

“I don’t want that�"“

“This isn’t about you, Lissie girl.” He squinted his eyes.

“Of course. It’s never about me, why should this be any different?”

“That’s right.” He nodded.

“And what if I refuse?”

“Then I kill you right here and now.” He wasn’t lying. Lissie bit her cheeks.

“As long as I don’t have to kill anyone.” Lissie pushed her eyebrows together. “Then I’ll do it.”

“It may come down to it, but I have no guarantees.” What was Lissie supposed to do?