章節 9: Determined Part 2

Kaila walked through the streets that were, once again, crowded with people. Men, women and children rushed by to get groceries and other goods from the stores and markets that lined the sides of the road. The sun was high in the sky but dark clouds had started to appear far off in the distance near the mountains. She'd have to hurry to avoid the nearing thunderstorm. Kaila visited almost every store in search of a job, but nothing had come up. Sighing, Kaila decided to go look at what some of the shops had to offer since they didn't need to spend every cent she earned on food and mortgage. After looking at numerous shops, she decided on buying both Matthew and her some clothes that acturally fitted them properly; a few comfortable t-shirts and pants for Matthew and a short black skirt and a new pair of combat boots for herself. After paying for everything and folding them neatly in her bag, Kaila left to look at the local book store. The small building didn't hold nearly enough books to be called a library but it was still amazing. When she was younger and Ellie was busy babysitting Matthew, Kaila would escape out of the cramped inn and head over to the comforting building, spending hours snuggled in a chair lost in a book.

As she entered the shop, an elderly man smiled and walked towards her. His whispy grey hair that was carefully combed back. He had a long, crooked nose and faded green eyes that were framed by big, round glasses. His mouth turned up into a huge smile as Kaila entered.

"Kaila how good it is to see you again!" He smiled hobbling up to her holding a worn cane. Kaila couldn't help but smile back.

"Hey Jack, yeah it's good to see you too." She said to the elderly librarian. Jack had arrived in the town almost 30 years ago to set up his proud little store after retiring from hunting. He was an outsider, different, just like Kaila and her family. He'd gladly let her stay in his store when she'd needed comfort, but lately work and the constant need to provide for her and her brother made it almost impossible to visit.

"So how have you been?" He asked happily, his eyes twinkling. Her smile grew wider.

"Just the usual. Hey, has there been any new job positions available in the area?" Kaila asked. The old man's smile faltered for a split second, but it didn't escape her sight. Even after all these years her parents consistent training was still hard-wired deep in her brain. Kaila scowled mentally at herself.

"Hmm," Jack said, scrunching his face up.

"Oh there was a job at the lake for new boatman for the fish market, umm apple picker at the orchard. Thats about all I can think of at the moment Kay."

Dang it.

"Oh well thanks." Kaila smiled weakly. Jack noticed the change in her voice, his mouth turning down slightly at the edges.

"Kay, is everything alright?" Jack asked, worry etched into his wrinkled face.

"Yeah I'm fine, Jack." Forcing a smile back upon her face, Kaila responded.

Giving her a suspicious look, Jack sighed.

"Alright, but be careful Kay. Don't get hurt." Jack warned, authority creeping into his voice. She have Jack a stiff nod in response. Seems like she wasn't the only one still having trouble forgetting. His smile reappeared and ater giving her a warm hug, Jack left to check on the other customers. Being careful not to lean too much on her injured ankle, Kaila peered through the books on the shelves. Picking out a few, she paid for them and bid Jack goodbye before leaving reluctantly.

Outside the temperature had dropped considerably. Shivering, Kaila pulled her jumped tighter around her body. The sun had disappeared, replaced by ominous clouds that darkened the sky and the land. Most of the town had retreated back to their warm homes with only a couple stall owners finishing cleaning up their shops. The wind had picked up and drops of rain began to fall. Drawing up her hood tightly around her head, Kaila ran through the streets towards the safety of the inn. The rain picked up easily soaking through her ragged clothing, worn boots sloshing through puddles as loud thunder boomed over head. White lightning flashed, illuminating the sky and darkened streets releasing another thunderous roar. Thank god she'd brought her hunting bag to keep all the new clothes dry. Even though the bag provided some relief, water continuously poured down her pale skin, collecting in droplets on her eyelashes and blurring her keen sight. As the rain grew impossibly thicker, Kailas clothes useless against the weather and stuck tightly against her freezing body. Suddenly she collided with something hard, knocking her backwards onto her butt. The cold water sliced straight through her body and seemed to seep into her bones. Through the thickness of the rain, Kaila managed to make out a tall figure standing under the cover of the Inn.

"Hey!" Kaila shouted over the rumbling thunder. She shakily stood back on her feet and limped under cover.

"You ok? I'm sorry I didn't see you." The figure asked, his voice comserned. Kaila wiped away the water clouding her eyes and glanced towards the man. His black hair was dripping with water but his immaculate suit seemed dry. The man had dark skin and a handsome face. His eyes were gentle and were unusually dark blue.

"I'm fine. Why are you out here in the rain instead of inside?" Kaila asked. A boom of thunder and a blinding flash of light made her jump. A smile curved onto his face.

"Just wanted to get some air. How about you, what are you doing out here instead of inside." He asked.

"Escaping the rain, I guess." Kaila replied. She started to wring out her jumper, water splashing on the ground.

"I'm Elijah." The man said. Hmm cute name.

"Oh Kaila" She replied. "Well I have to go get warm otherwise I'll catch a cold, it was nice to meet you Elijah."

Kaila walked inside the big building and up to her room. The room was organised and the fire was raging. Matthew was tucked into bed and fast asleep. Maybe some of the maids, probably Ellie, had come up to bring Matthew dinner. Kaila thought. She made for the bathroom and took a hot shower, relieving her cold body from the rains wrath. Dressing, she hung her soaked clothes by the fire to dry and unpacked the items from the market on a small table near the window. Her stomach growled fiercely, reminding Kaila of how hungry she was. Well she wouldn't need to starve here would she. Kaila grabbed her jumper and quietly walked down the hall towards the kitchen. Grabbing a small bowl of warm stew and a sweet bread roll from this mornings breakfast, she started to creep back towards the staircase to eat her dinner in peace in her room.

"Kaila? Is that you?" Ellie's figure called from the lounge doorway. Crap. Her beautiful hair was tied into a bun and she wore a pink fluffy dressing gown and matching slippers. Kaila walked towards her.

"Can I talk to you for a second?" She said gently. Kaila looked down at her small dinner and nodded reluctantly. Ellie turned and walked down the hall towards her office with Kaila trailing slowly behind. Once they were inside the small room, Ellie sat down behind a small desk and motioned for Kaila to take a seat.

"Kaila I heard you were looking for a job, is that right?" Ellie said, a motherly note somehow making its way into her voice.

"Thats right." Kaila replied.

"Well I found a new position for you. You still have to work as a maid and might have to work much harder, but the pay is better. I would've given the position to one of the other girls but you need it more." Ellie explained. Her warm brown eyes stared into Kaila's piercing blue ones.

"They offer accommodation and provide food to all their staff. Plus this would be a good opportunity for you to get away from Riverrung for a while." Kaila turned it over in her mind. Hmm well it would help both Matthew and me to get back on our feet, plus it was time to move in order to stay hidden. Yeah, sounds good.

"Sounds fantastic, when do I start?" Kaila replied. Ellie smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. Hmm what is that about?

"Oh you start tomorrow. I'll ready a carriage to help you get there on time."

Great packing again. After leaving Ellie's office, Kaila made her way up to the room and slid under her quilt. She felt excited at the new job, but an unsettling feeling had started to gnaw at her stomach. What if they found them? She wasn't going to let Matthew grow up the way she did. Kaila was going to do everything she could to stop her sweet, innocent Mattie turning into a bloodthirsty hunter. Not. A. Chance.