Isle of the Damned

Patrol

Once Tyson and I arrived back at camp our small group ate dinner. We managed to lighten the mood a bit as we started joking and conversing around the campfire. It felt nice to act like it was just a normal mealtime. I missed home and the large window by my bedroom that I'd often eat by as I stared at the scenery. I didn't know if I'd actually be able to see it again due to the danger we're in now. I hoped that I would. 

James and Ava seemed to be getting very close. They huddled together as they sat eating. I wondered when /if they'll make it official. They definitely seem to be closer than friends. Especially when they kept looking at each other with what I presumed to be yearning and desire. I was glad that they had each other. 

After dinner, we all went to sleep. Knowing that tomorrow we'd have to pass through dangerous territory. Queen Yara was well known for her hate towards those living in Kamaria. We'd all heard the stories growing up. There was a time when people from the isle tried to cross her land to negotiate with other kingdoms and she captured, tortured and killed those that crossed. The only reason we know what happened is because she sadistically wrote a letter to my parents explaining, in great detail, what she did to those poor souls. She could be considered arguably worse than King Seth. At least he just killed my parents instead of tormenting them.

We all slept heavily with one of us on watch at all times as we couldn't afford to be caught out by sudden intruders. After waking up, eating breakfast, sorting ourselves out it was time to set off. We put out belongings on the horses and jumped onto them. I was very grateful for them as by foot it would take a great deal longer.

"I'm glad we got some decent rest," James piped up as we all finished climbing onto the horses. 

"mmm, me too," Ava said with a huge yawn. It was pretty early so we were all still waking up. 

"We'll be heading through Olenthien today?" Tyson asked. 

"Yup, though Queen Yara's land," James answered. 

"She hates my guts," Tyson said with a shiver as if remembering something terrible. 

"She hates ours too, don't worry," I said with a grin. 

"Why does she hate you?" Ava questioned curiously. 

"urrrr, I may have pushed her out of a window once for coming onto me."

"She's ancient though! I'd have done the same!" Ava exclaimed in disgust. 

"I'd have done more than push her out of a window," I remarked. 

"Yeah, I learnt the hard way not to mess with the queen of the damned," Tyson laughed.

"As fun as this is, We've got to go," James said firmly with an amused smile. 

"Right then, let's go," I said signalling to my horse to start moving. 

We moved steadily together for a few hours. Thankfully, making it so that we were close to the border in record time. The quicker we got through this the better. I did not want to meet anyone. This land was hostile and cold. Not only were the people horrid but the land itself was not well looked after. A lot of the area was barren or in ruins. Simply because Yara only cares about the area closer to the castle and she'd prefer to keep the money for herself or for weapons. She is a truly terrifying woman. 

We were about to head onto the border when I spotted a movement out of the corner out of my eye. There was a group of knights heading our way in heavy silver armour. Damn it! Border patrol. I forgot about that. Queen Yara hates outsiders and has men circle the border often. We're just unlucky enough to be here whilst they're here. 

They hadn't seen us yet so I alerted the rest of the group. An aura of panic spread between us. I motioned for them to follow me. Luckily, we'd just left the huge forest which meant if we're careful we could hide in it until they left. 

We rode quickly back into the forest. Thankfully they were quite far away when we arrived. I turned once we were in the forest to see what was happening. It seemed they were only just about to cross where were we were. They seemed to be talking quite a bit whilst riding their horses so they were too distracted to notice us. I thanked my lucky stars. Relief spread over me. 

Just when I thought we were in the clear, one of the knights looked down and noticed the multiple tacks we'd left behind. He pointed it out to the others. f**k. They were now looking in our direction. 

"We need to head further in. Quickly!" I whispered frantically as they started to head quickly in our direction. Their horses looked bigger than ours so I wasn't sure if we could outrun them but it was worth a try. 

We turned around together, running on our horses, hoping they'd just drop the trail if we got far enough. My heart was racing with panic and everything felt like a rush. We kept going, not wanting to stop. I didn't want to have to fight them, especially with the lack of warriors.

 After what felt like hours, I halted taking a look around. I couldn't see the others. They were behind me just five minutes ago. Where were they? I searched everywhere in a frenzy. I couldn't see them. 

SNAP! 

A heard a branch break in the distance. I followed the sound, expecting to find my group waiting for me. I galloped cautiously forward. I headed around a large rock and instead of my friends, I was staring into the eyes of the guards. I'd stumbled upon them by myself. I could feel my stomach drop. I prayed that I'd have to strength to be deal with this. Why couldn't anything ever be simple?