Casimir's Journey Read Free

cup onto a tray that sat on a chest near the door of the room, then she brought over the chair from the wall to the side of the bed. “Now, we must speak.” She smiled and continued. “I have, at great expense to myself, saved you. And now that I have saved your life, I am responsible for you. I knew that I would be, but by that same token you now owe me.”
    “I am eternally grateful, madam—”
    “Catrin,” she said. “My name is Catrin.”
    “Catrin, I am grateful. I was willing to die, even though it was not my choice. However, in spite of the great boon I owe you, I alone am responsible for my life. So with that, I ask when you think I might be able to return.”
    She leaned back in the chair and crossed her arms, smiling at him. The sunlight that streamed into the room seemed to dim a little.
    “You think so, Prince Casimir? Well, we are all entitled to our own thoughts on matters. The fact that you have a life at all, however, is due solely to me. There’s also the small problem that all who know you believe you to be dead.” Her smile didn’t have the warmth it had before.
    He was instantly reminded that her skill with sorcery alone made her a frightening woman. He decided to take a different approach and see how he fared. “How is it exactly that I’m alive?”
    She gave him a pointed look. “Haven’t you guessed?”
    “I understand nothing, madam. To the contrary, I am seeking answers.”
    “I saved you.”
    “I cannot thank you enough. I would have my father, the king, thank you for your kindness when I am well enough to return to his castle.”
    “You will not be returning to your father’s castle or any other.” She gave him a smile.
    He sat up suddenly without thinking and said, “What do you mean? I need to return to Thea!”
    “Why? The people there executed you.” She turned back to the tray.
    “I did not fulfill the terms of the agreement. My death was the price I was to pay for failure. I’m ever grateful to you for my life, but I must return and find a way to free Thea and her sisters.” He was forced to lay back again. He didn’t want to admit it, but he wasn’t going anywhere until he could not only sit up, but get out of bed.
    “No.” She crossed her arms.
    “What do you mean?”
    “I saved you, and I didn’t do it for that wretched king and his selfish offspring. You will have a chance to lead a meaningful life, one free of the machinations of kings and courts. Your death did happen. You did die. I took your body and your head, set them to rights, and made them whole again. ”
    “How is that possible? Who are you to decide whether I live or die? This is my life!”
    “No, Casimir, you threw your life away for that worthless girl. I took it back from the reaper, and were I not a sorceress, you would be turning to worms and dust below ground. Since I have saved you from that fate, I will decide the path you now take.”
    “I don’t understand. Why save me if you have no intention of allowing me to live my life as I choose?” The room, which had felt so comforting when he awoke, took on a more sinister air. Nothing had changed: the sun still shone brightly through the window, the bed was still comfortable. But Casimir felt a shudder run through him. He swung his legs over the side, intending to stand up and get away from this woman. She didn’t say anything, or try to stop him. Merely watched him and continued to do so when he staggered from the weight of his body on his legs.
    “I saved you because you are a good man. Like your father, you will do much for others, to the point where you sacrifice yourself. Your Thea allowed that, have you thought of that? She let you walk to the block. She watched as the axe rose above you and then fell. You are destined for more than that, honorable fool though you are.” Her voice lowered. He could tell she was trying not to be angry. “You will not be able to walk normally for some time. It will take time for your body’s