Read Online Golden by Cameron Dokey - Free Book Online

you are the girl who was faster than any of us,” he said. He made a gesture, as if both calling attention to and dismissing the rich garments that he wore. “As you can see, we have both grown up.”
    â€œYou have done well,” I said.
    He shrugged. “My father died young and I am hisonly son. But I ...” He paused and took a breath. “I have never forgotten the day we met.”
    The things you saw in your own heart,
I thought. But I did not say so aloud. For this I did remember clearly: Not even he had been able to hold Melisande’s eyes.
    â€œAnd so I came to offer you and the sorceress this warning: Leave this place with all possible speed, or you will answer with your lives.”
    I exhaled a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding in.
    â€œYou came to warn us,” I said. “Not to drive us off.”
    â€œThe first will accomplish the second, so I’m not sure it makes much difference,” he said. “But no, I did not come to drive you off. I failed to defend you once. I would prefer not to make the same mistake a second time. Consider this the payment of a debt.”
    He moved then, striding across the yard to mount his horse. Then, for one moment only, he looked down.
    â€œI do not think that we will meet again. Go quickly, and fare you well.”
    Then he spurred his horse back into the lane and vanished down it in the same cloud of dust with which he had arrived. But the serving boy, freed from his master’s presence and his fear alike, was not quite done. With a great cry, he aimed his horse through the gate, straight at me, acting so quickly I had no time to step aside. With one fierce gesture, he yanked the kerchief from my head.
    â€œI knew it! I knew it! You
are
cursed!” he cried.
    With a final flourish, he tossed the fabric high into the air, then sped after his master, the horses legs eating up the road. And it was only then that I turned and saw Harry, standing at the corner of the house. In one white-knuckled fist, he clutched the tallest of our pitchforks.
    Slowly I crossed the yard, retrieved my kerchief, shook it out, and put it back on. I did my best to keep my spine straight, like the stems of the black-eyed Susans that I so loved. Only then did I realize what strength it took to stand up so tall and straight and unafraid, no matter what comes.
    â€œI’m sorry, Rapunzel,” Harry said.
    â€œYou didn’t do anything,” I said. “You don’t have anything to be sorry for.”
    â€œDon’t I?” Harry asked. “Thank you for reminding me.” And he came forward then, taking several steps and driving the pitchfork, hard, into the parched ground.
    â€œWhat are you talking about?” I asked. Every bone in my body seemed to ache, all of a sudden. Even my brain ached, for it felt worn out and tired.
    â€œHow can you ask me that?” Harry cried. “I just stood there. I stood there while he hurt you and did nothing. It was over before I knew what should be done.”
    â€œHe didn’t hurt me,” I said.
    â€œOf course he did. Why else are you crying?”
    And it was only as he said this that I realized itwas the truth. My dusty cheeks were wet with tears.
    â€œI’m crying because I’m angry not hurt,” I said as I dashed them aside.” The wound he wanted to inflict was over and done with long ago. We’ve done nothing to them. Nothing! But still they’ll come to drive us from our home. All because we’re different, and they are fearful fools who require a scapegoat. Where’s Melisande?”
    â€œHere,” I heard the sorceress call.
    She stepped out into the yard. On her back she had tied her own bundle. She set mine down at her feet. Her sewing basket rested in the crook of one arm.
    â€œThe cat and I have been coming to an arrangement,” she said. “He agrees not to scratch or cry out, if we agree to keep him in this