me! Is someone out there? I fell
in the well!”
She sat still and listened, desperately
hoping for a sign that someone had heard her plea. Dirt fell into
the well. Someone was out there. Yes, someone must have heard her. Bless the Gods.
“Who’s there,” she asked, standing. “Make
yourself known, I demand it.” More dirt fell. Whoever was out there
was certainly enjoying throwing soil at her. “I know someone’s
there!”
“And what will you give me if I help you?” a
man asked.
“Let me see you. I demand it,” she said.
“You demand it? How comical that someone
stuck at the bottom of a well declares a position to command
anything from anyone,” the man said, laughing.
“You dare mock a princess?” Lela asked. She
would have this imbecile of a man punished for his treachery.
“You’re not my princess,” he said. “I
don’t owe you allegiance. Now then, let’s return to my question.
What will you give me if I help you?”
Lela chewed her lip, an attempt to keep from
cursing the man. Despite her fury, she was a princess and would
therefore behave as one. Instead, she silently cursed herself for
allowing herself to be in such a dilemma.
The sun set and darkness overtook the well.
Lela was sure she would never see her father again.
***
“Help me, I beg you. I’ll give you whatever
you want,” Lela said, crying.
“It must be very dark down there. It is up
here and I have a torch. Are you scared?” the man asked.
She was more than scared. She couldn’t see
anything. Something came to her mind that sent sharp pain up and
down her body. Why had her father’s men not found her yet? Her
father must have sent his men to look for her when she didn’t
appear at the dinner table. She never missed a meal with her
father.
Ever since her mother had vanished she and
her father ate every meal together. Her mother had enjoyed their
meals together, just the three of them laughing, joking and telling
each other stories of all the adventures they would someday have as
a family. Her mother was the happiest when they were together
because she knew that no matter what happened in their lives, even
if their entire Kingdom was suddenly swept into the sea, they loved
each other deeply and their moments together would live forever. Oh
how Lela missed her.
“You still there?” the man asked.
“I’m here,” Lela said, wiping her tears.
“Move to a wall. I’m throwing down a rope.
Tie it around yourself and holler when you’re ready for me to pull
you up.”
“Bless you,” she said.
“Save your blessings. I haven’t gotten you
out yet.”
She did as the man said. In the next moment,
the end of a rope hit the ground.
Wasting no time, she took steps away from the
wall and felt for the rope. In shadows, she tied the rope around
her waist.
“Are you ready?” the man asked.
She had a choice. Remain in the well in the
company of the dead or take a chance with a stranger. She scooped
down and searched for the ball. Once she had it in her arms, she
exhaled and said, “I’m ready.”
The man started pulling her up. She prayed
her father’s men would find her soon.
“You’re a heavy girl,” the man said. “Not
surprising. You’re a princess accustomed to eating whatever you
want whenever you want.”
“Pull harder,” Lela said, ignoring his
comment. Her feet were only inches off the ground.
“Are you holding something? I’m sure your
father will replace whatever it is you feel you can’t leave
behind.” Slowly, the man pulled her higher above the ground.
“Remember your words. You’ll give me whatever I want.”
“And what is it that you desire?” she asked,
her stomach twisting.
“Ah…you shall know what I covet when I have
succeeded in rescuing you.”
Higher she rose until she reached the well’s
opening. There she was hanging in the air, feeling completely
stupid. Her savior could decide to let go of her at any moment and
what then? She’d fall to the ground yet
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