(Page 1 of 6) Bhabyl (chapter 5) by M BaeSUMMARY: The Shakespear lines are straight from Anthony and Cleopatra, act 4.15, lines 2-9.Chapter 5
If I dreamed, I did not recall it when I woke up. I had found that sleeping on a wooden floor, without the freedom to bend my limbs, was a slightly more uncomfortable task than I'd have liked. Behind my aching back, Theo's steady breathing was the only sound. I was certain he was very tired from all that he'd done yesterday. Had I slept like he was sleeping now, last night? I reflected that I'd have liked the boy, had we met under a more... friendlier context.
I was wide awake, and the world was still dark. I looked out the broken window, surveying the night sky.
The moon had become full, I saw. That was quick. It had been a crescent last I saw, atop the cellophane forest night before. I had a strong impression that moon ought not to change so quickly. Just about everything about this world felt a bit too much for me. I was estranged in a world not my own, and it finally got me in the stomach, then. I belonged nowhere, a stranger even to myself... The moonlight pressed sadness into my heart, gentle yet irresistible. I thought of a phrase or two to soothe my forlorn sentiments.
It was a surprisingly nice way to spend the silent moments. Besides, it wasn't like I had anything better to do, really. I knew full well that I couldn't take the initiative—not like this anyway, all bound and helpless. No amount of plotting would free me until something happened. So why not relax the mind? It would help if something did come up. I would have to seize the opportunity, take chances. And I would play it well.
The universe must've heard my silent vow, because something did happen shortly thereafter.
The sky was still void of light, though an hour or so had past since the first cock-a-doodle-doo. There were growing noises from below, from the tavern. I pressed my ear to the plank and heard: clinking of metal, along with heavy footsteps. Instantly I visualized the keep's guards, clad in chainmails and all. The noise was growing, and I could make out voices.
"Where are they?" a man's voice inquired.
"Upstairs, sir," said another.
The latter had been the innkeep's voice, I realized. Did he rat us out? For what?
"Theo!"
There came no answer, and I rolled over to the hay bed and pounded myself against it.
"Mmm, master... What time is it?"
I pulled the blank down from his body with my teeth.
"Wake up, boy! I think someone's coming for us."
"Wha— what?" said Theo, as he slid out of the bed. "Are you sure they're after us?"
"I'm not, but we'd best prepare," I said, struggling to stand on me knees. "Unbound me, please." It was worth a shot.
Theo seemed to be considering for a moment, rubbing his eyes. My optimism was shot down by a chuckle.
"If they are after someone, it is you, not me. Nice try, though. Too bad sleeping doesn't make everyone stupid."
My jaws made an involuntary clenching of teeth. If my hands were free, I'd have strangled him. So much for the possibility of fondness.
Theo let out a lazy yawn, got up, put on the boots, and made use of the piss bucket.
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