|
Kara had been a little worried when Ruthven had simply disappeared, leaving her hanging from the windowsill. She hoped it wasn't in retaliation for that accidental kick, but whatever the reason she was still in a bit of a predicament. Straining her arms she tried to lift herself up, but couldn't get a good enough grip to do so. Left with two options now Kara considered just waiting for someone to turn up and help her down, but Aedhel was too busy with Frodides to either help her or fetch anyone else, and there was no knowing how long it would be before anyone else appeared.
Sighing she looked down between her feet. The drop wasn't huge but it was larger than she would ever voluntarily jump. She remained undecided for a few moments, gently swinging back and forth, until the wood she was holding onto began to creak and made the decision for her. As the material splintered beneath her fingers Kara let go and closed her eyes, hoping the ground would be soft.
A few seconds and a soft thud later and she was back on solid ground. Shifting all her limbs Kara was relieved to see that she was, again, unharmed, and thanked her lucky stars that something was keeping her safe today. Thankfully the rain that had caused all of these difficulties had softened the ground and so the landing was not as hard as she had feared it might be. She saw that Aedhel was still keeping watch over Frodides and offered help, but the girl waved her off, saying she was doing fine by herself. Happy to leave the cook in Aedhel's capable hands Kara moved off a little way and sat down, glad for the rest.
Moments later Thornden and Degas appeared round the corner of the building. Kara assumed that Saeryn must have told Eodwine and the others that Frodides was now free, and felt surer of this when the men didn't appear suprised at the sight of the cook laying on the ground. Thornden saw Aedhel tending to her and turned his attention instead to Kara.
"Are you the one who was left hanging?' he asked. 'We were told someone else was in quite a predicament, but it looks like you are alright, unless you were hurt when you jumped back down. Are you alright?"
"I'm quite alright." She replied smiling. "But Frodides is not. Could you help us get her inside? We need to get her out of this rain."
Thornden nodded and motioned to Degas to help them. They helped Kara and Aedhel get Frodides to her feet and slowly, with most of the cooks weight resting on the broad shouldered men, they made their way inside. So much of the downstairs was now in disrepair that it was suggested they take poor Frodides upstairs, so she could be in a warm and clean room. This was done, and after they had helped the cook onto her bed, Thornden and Degas left to give Eodwine news of what had happened, while Aedhel and Kara stayed to keep an eye on Frodides.
|