The Oread: Part Four
Read the previous Oread series’ here:
Part 4 – Out
By Mikaela Zemaitis
Tensions were at an all time high ever since the guards realized that I knew they were starving Aaralyn. Though, given my options, I figured that I would much rather have them hate me for being a bit too observant than think I was planning a getaway. Sure, it made everything that much harder, as they were watching me more closely than before, but they seemed too focused on the blood aspect to see what this was all really about.
As for how they covered it up, Nikias had come up with a bullshit reason as to why the packets were lighter than usual. He claimed that they were having difficulties getting enough blood for Aaralyn. So instead of giving her the same amount and running out quicker, they were giving her less to make it last longer. The thing was, I knew it was a complete and utter lie, since Alkaios was involved in the blood bank operation.
On the topic of Alkaios, calling him was just one of the many things that became increasingly more difficult with the heightened surveillance. Fortunately, I found a way around it. Instead of going into the break room when no one was around, I made the calls in Aaralyn’s room instead. I had to speak as if I was chatting with Aaralyn instead of my vampire father, just in case any listening ears heard, but it worked.
Since I was her only way out, Aaralyn tried her best to help with my plan. She did so by speaking here and there so that it sounded like an actual conversation. I liked her, so conversation was a normal part of our day-to-day routine, making it appear normal. It also helped that I wasn’t calling Alkaios every other hour, but more so that I called him once every few days for an update.
While on a call one day with dear old dad, I pulled the phone away from my ear and spoke directly to Aaralyn. “So, how are the nymphs with each other? Are you guys close?” Depending on her answer, I had a plan for our escape. I knew that each type and group of nymphs were different, but I was hoping for Aaralyn’s sake that they were close.
“Nymphs in general, or specifically Oreads?” she asked as she twisted a section of her snow white hair around her finger. Most likely she hadn’t thought too much of my question. Sure, my ear was away from the phone, but the call wasn’t over. It wouldn’t be too much of a stretch for her to think that I wasn’t actually talking to her.
“Either or, but I think I’m more so asking about Oreads,” I said, watching as one of Aaralyn’s eyebrows shot up. The fact that I actually responded to her question let her know that I was in fact talking directly to her. Within a matter of moments her eyebrows went from alert to furrowed as she looked upwards, trying to make sense of the importance of such a question.
Even though she was lost about the relevance, she responded anyways. “In general, I’d say we’re pretty social. As for my group of Oreads, I always thought we were quite close. I regarded them as sisters, though I’m not sure they would still feel that way, given what I’ve become.” I nodded and raised the phone up to my ear, pleased with the response that I received.
“Interesting,” I began, speaking to both Alkaios and Aaralyn, but more so to Alkaios, “Nice to know you have such a close bond. I bet they miss you.”
“That would be nice,” Aaralyn said with a sigh, thinking about the family she once had while Alkaios simultaneously spoke on the other end of the line.
“So you want me to get in contact with the Oreads? I’m not sure this sounds like a great idea, Dakarai. What if they want nothing to do with her? Then you’re stuck there for longer than necessary and I know that the guards can’t be liking you all too much…”
“Yeah,” I replied. I couldn’t say “I’ll be okay, Dad” as that made no sense for the conversation I was supposedly having with Aaralyn. Instead, I simply listened to Alkaios let out a sigh of resignation, knowing that the conversation was essentially over with. He and I both knew the ramifications if I were to get caught, and the best way to avoid being caught was to keep conversations brief.
“Alright, Dakarai. Just please don’t make it so I lose another son. I couldn’t bear it,” Alkaios said, nearly cutting himself off as he hung up, the phone call ending as soon as the words left his mouth. I could feel his resentment towards the task at hand and his bitterness at being inconvenienced by Aaralyn’s existence once more. I knew all about Kleon, and yet I was willing to put him through the same sort of ordeal once again.
Staring at the phone in my hand, I silently hoped Alkaios wasn’t disappointed with me for what I was trying to do. Staying at the prison was a risk I was willing to take; I could only hope he cared enough to make my efforts worthwhile.
—
A week of silence went by before Alkaios finally replied to my various attempts at communication. I had been trying to keep tabs on the situation with the Oreads, making the silence on his end worrisome. I could give him extra time if need be, but, in all fairness, time was of the essence. Therefore, I needed to know as soon as possible whether I should be attempting a plan B or not. So, when I received that incoming call, it only made sense that I’d be eager. “Finally!” I whisper shouted- even when excited I couldn’t put the escape in jeopardy.
“Finally? You do realize what you asked of me? You had me go see the Oreads. Do you know what Nymphs are like?” Alkaios said, frustration evident in his voice. I rolled my eyes at that, not seeing the problem. Sure, they were alluring creatures– I mean nymphomania was named after them for a reason– but it wasn’t like I asked him to contact Hades for help. They might be enticing, but they were still kind and caring.
“Oh terrible. Surrounded by beautiful creatures.” I muttered, finding it hard to keep the sarcasm out of my voice. Alkaios began to protest, sensing that I wasn’t taking him seriously. However, I immediately cut him off, because truly there was no time for excuses. “Anyways,” I began again, trying to get the conversation on track once more, “enough of that. What did they say?”
“They said that they’re in,” Alkaios said with a sigh; he was tired with my impatience as I was with his long winded stories. At the sound of those words I could feel a grin stretch across my face. Aaralyn smiled back softly, knowing what he had said simply from my facial expressions, and, more importantly, that we had our way out.
Copyright © Mikaela Zemaitis (2018) All rights reserved.
