Gem (Part 1)

This road is getting longer with each step I take. They said it would take me 23 days on foot to reach the village, but they failed to mention all the obstacles. My back is aching from lugging this noticeable sized gem around. She is getting weaker and is almost unable to walk. She didn’t have to tag along, I mean I know she just wants some answers, but I could’ve sent her a letter. Even with no more obstacles, we still have 5 days to go before we reach our destination. Why did they choose me? I keep asking myself. I understand they have said it multiple times, “I am special”, but how? What is so special about a french farm boy?

“Stephen,” my name cuts me like a dagger. Her voice is hoarse and raucous from dehydration.

“Yes Cordelia?,” I force out the words. She doesn’t need to be speaking, please, save your energy.

“How long until the spring?” she asks with anticipation.

“If there isn't any more trouble, then I wanna say maybe 2-3 hours.” I wish I could give her more, but I don’t want her to get her hopes up.

She leaves it at that and goes back to sleep, each new breath not knowing if that will be the last one she takes. I wanna get upset with her, she, a princess, who had everything she needed and then some, comes with me on an unreasonably dangerous journey. Now she is almost on her last stroke of life, I wanna yell at her and tell Cordelia it’s her fault, that she didn’t have to do this. That is not in my system though, I get what it’s like to have those burning questions pick at you until you must do something about it.