Ashera: Chapter 11

A story by Writerial.

​NOTE: Sorry I hadn’t posted Ashera in a little bit, there was some personal stuff going on and I was super busy. I’m trying to do my best :) Anyways, enjoy chapter 11!

    “Jail?!” Ashera asked. “No, no, that can’t be right-I didn’t do anything.”
    “Oh, you certainly did something,” the guard said, holding a hand to a large gash across his forehead. It was then that she noticed how beat up he looked-the gash and many other cuts and bruises were scattered across his face. He stood in a way that let her know that he had probably injured his leg, as well. “Huntington will be in the infirmary for another week because of you.”
    “I don’t remember anything!” she protested.
    “Well, that’s understandable. You were about as sober as a kid at a carnival,” the guard scowled. “Honestly, it’s a wonder you could walk, much less fight.”
    “Where’s your proof?” she asked.
    “What?”
    “Where’s your proof?” Ashera repeated. “You human prisons need proof, right?”
    “You’re a human.”
    “I’m an elf,” Ashera declared.
    “Oh yeah?” the guard laughed. “Where’s the ears.”
    “Listen here, bud,” she started, lunging at the guard. She grabbed the front of his shirt through the bars and pulled it closer to her.
    The guard jumped away. After he took a moment to recover, he glared at me. “Apologize.”
    “No.”
    “I said, apologize,” he said through gritted teeth.
    “I said no,” Ashera repeated, all of the emotions that she had kept inside of her bursting through her tough exterior. Tears filled her eyes and she turned away.
    “You’re coming with me,” the guard growled.
    “What?” she said, sniffing.
    “You’re coming with me,” he ordered, opening up the door to her cell and grabbing her by the arm. “We’re going to the Head Guard. He’ll decide what to do with you.”

“Wait, but-”
    “Officer,” a familiar voice cut her off. She looked up and saw none other than Ryan Howe, striding towards the two of them. He wore an outfit identical to the one the other guard was.
    “Ryan!” Ashera exclaimed. He looked panicked for a second, but he quickly composed himself.
    “Excuse me?” he hissed.
    “Do you two know each other?” the guard asked.
    “Of course not,” Ryan scoffed. He was awful snob for someone who was kissing her a few days ago. “Why would I associate with a common criminal? That suggestion is an insult to my career.”
    “I’m-I didn’t mean-I-Who are you?!” the guard stammered.
    “Officer Duke-your superior,” Ryan said, putting emphasis on the last word. “Honestly, you would’ve thought that a senior officer would be treated with some respect.”
    “Right, right, of course. I’m so sorry, sir,” the officer stumbled. “How, how can I help you?”
    “Where were you taking this prisoner?”
    “To the Head Guard,” the guard said. “Unless you think that’s a bad idea, that is.”
    Ryan considered this for a moment. “No, it’s an excellent idea. In fact, I’ll escort her myself.”
    “Oh, you don’t want to be alone with this one, sir,” the guard said. Ashera bit her lip to stifle a laugh and she swore she saw Ryan’s lip quirk up in a smirk. “She’s incredibly dangerous.”
    “Oh really?” Ryan asked.
    The guard nodded furiously. “Gave me this cut, she did. Attacked a group of five of our officers and almost won. If she weren’t as drunk as a skunk, she might’ve.”
    Ryan glanced over at Ashera, his eyes widening slightly in admiration. “Is that so?” he asked competitively.
    “Yessir. Of course, she claims she doesn’t remember any of it.”
    “Well, if she was as drunk as you says she was, I don’t doubt it,” Ryan said, straightening. “However, he antics won’t be a trouble for me.”
    “Are you sure you don’t want me to call in some reinforcements, sir? She’s a tricky one, she is, even without that damn blade.”
    “That won’t be necessary-I am more than capable,” Ryan said.
    “Right, of course,” the guard said. “I’ll leave you to it then, sir.”
    Ryan grabbed Ashera’s shoulder roughly and waiting until the guard was out of earshot before he let go. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry about that! Are you hurt?”
    “I’m fine,” Ashera said. “Thank you so much! That was brilliant!” She reached up to hug him, but he stepped away quickly, his eyes filling with pain. “What?” 
    “Nothing,” he said.
    “Did something happen last night because I was drunk out of-”
    “It doesn’t matter, let’s just get away from the damned town as fast as we can,” he said, leading her away.
    
    They stopped at the armory to grab Ashera’s equipment and then made their way down to the main hall. Ryan seized up as he saw the large number of guards in the room. He grabbed Ashera’s soldier roughly as a guard strode over to them.
​    “You, officer, what are you doing with that prisoner?”
    “Oh, I was just…” Ryan trailed off, trying to think of something. “She requested some time outside.”
    “Is that so?” the guard asked. “You do understand that this prisoner attacked five of our guards last night, correct?”
    “Uh, yes sir,” Ryan said.
    “What’s your number, officer?”
    “My number?” Ryan asked weakly.
    “Yes, your number,” the other guard repeated. 
    Ryan stared at him, open-mouthed, trying to think of some response. That’s when Ashera saw it. A flash of red. Her eyes moved to it, but it was gone as quickly as it had appeared. Ashera looked around in confusion, and saw the guard that was talking to Ryan slump to the ground.
    “What the-?” Ryan asked. 
    Ashera saw a head peak out of a doorway. Red hair. Fox. She grinned smugly and gave a thumbs up.
    Ryan face palmed as guards started swarming over to him and Ashera. He turned to her. “Get ready,” he sighed. “We’re in for one hell of a treat.”

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