Lyra had gone into hiding.

Somewhat.

She spent most of her days in her home. Waiting. Lyra had no idea if she was to be killed. So she waited. And waited. And waited.

Oddly no soldiers came to town yet. Fenrir was completely empty of authority, and executions hadn't taken place in at least three days. Of course, one would then think the town would diverge into chaos; with no authority, there was no rules.

But the king had left a scar too deep in the land. Many men, women, and children had died at his hand, and it struck fear into the hearts of the people in Fenrir. All wanted to go into hiding, afraid the town would be blown up or destroyed, but all were afraid to stop working as well.

So, it was business as usual, but you could see the fear in the air. Airships still came down to pick up shipments and goods, but they passed by quickly, without any word from the king.

Lyra kept taking in the few customers she had, but never left her home. She wished she hadn't used War Playing. If only she just had ran away, and none of this would've happened. Of course, less people were executioned, but she could sense people were angry. And they were angry at her.

Lyra found herself in a bit of a business slump. Everybody was both afraid of being around her, and angry at her.

Either way, the people believed she would bring about the the wrath of the king. And if you were smart, you wouldn't want to take any risks.

Lyra leaned on her window sill, and sighed. So many herbs going to waste, and her violin was out of tune. And the only person who came was the crazy old hermit across the street, who only came to eat the herbs.

She began to tap her fingers on the glass, and stopped. Snow still fell from the sky, but she saw red in the falling mass. Oh no. It's the king.

He only came by about once a year, to make sure the townspeople were still working.

And to make sure no one was rebelling.

Nonetheless, no one wanted to be in his way while he went around town. Lyra watched the red carriage reach the center, next to the execution block.

A skinny man walked out, who was practically bald, with sharp black eyes. He pulled out a large parchment. He cleared his throat, and began to speak in a scratchy voice:

"The king has declared a statement: Whoever reveals the location of Lyra Grey will find work in the Capitol City. Any who keep her hidden, will be tortured, and then killed immediately."

Lyra paled. How much trouble had she really gotten herself into? Should she go? Or should she continue to hide? Considering the stakes, the people might drag her out without a choice. Lyra suddenly heard a banging at her door. She panicked. If anything, Lyra couldn't use War Playing. She was already in trouble. But she grabbed her violin anyway.

A man broke down the door, along with his wife. Lyra recognized the woman as James' mother. She looked down guilty as Lyra saw her. "Please...don't do this," Lyra begged them. The man looked away. "I'm sorry Lyra. But lil' James needs to eat, miss. And I woulda think you of all peoples, you woulda understand." Lyra's face slowly turned to horror. "N-no..."

She turned around and began to run when James' father grabbed her foot, and dragged her backwards. "Stop!" Lyra turned around, struggling against his grasp. He grabbed her arm, and twisted it backwards, careful not to break it. His wife grabbed her violin, and looked away.

They dragged her out into the town square, and pushed her in front of the skinny man. Lyra quickly stood up, and bowed. "S-sir," said James' father. "We have found the girl you are looking for."

The skinny man raised an eyebrow. "The king always rewards his followers. In the next year, an air ship will take you to the Capitol City." He said lazily.

"As for you," he turned to Lyra. "The king has requested your presence in the Palace, post haste."

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Sorry I put cliff hangers at practically the end of every chapter. But they are really fun! ;)

-Clo