Creative Writing: The First Kitchen-Raid Audra

Giggling, they rushed from the room, calling over their shoulders to the door guard they were headed for the kitchens and then to retrieve Maxen. The young guard did not seem to know what to do, so he remained at his post and grunted his acknowledgment. Audra and Una flew into the kitchen and spotted Mae, the former slave and newlywed, straight away. This was the first kitchen-raid Audra had been on since Petra died, and Audra’s excitement evaporated. How could she enjoy pilfering food when Petra was not here to make jokes and share moments of friendship?
“Ladies.” Mae curtseyed. “Can I help you?”
“Well… We came to raid the kitchen,” said Una with a shrug.
Mae’s eyes brightened, and she took Audra and Una’s hands. “I know all the best food to steal.”
Audra allowed herself to be dragged along. While new friendships

Through clenched teeth, he whispered, “Gods’ sake, Audra, stay back.”
Huw adopted a defensive stance and maintained a high guard with his weapon. “This is not the tournament, Maxen. There are no rules and I will win this time.”
With a grown of fury, Maxen advanced.
If Audra had thought the tournament was nerve-wracking, that had been nothing compared to the sheer terror of watching Maxen fight for his life and hers. Huw, as always, moved like an undulating snake, twisting and feinting, then lashing out with venom. Audra wanted to intervene, but understood her interference would cause Maxen to lose concentration and his life. Trembling, she remained silent.
Huw and Maxen’s swords met again and again, and each slang of metal on metal made Audra’s heart jolt. Now, their blades were locked up and they stood face to face. Whoever had the most strength in this case would be the victor.
The men growled at one another, equally matched, neither able to shove away the other. One would weaken soon. Whom would it be?
Periodically, Audra glanced at Una, who lay in a crumpled heap on the ground. Was she even still