Chapter Seven: Heigh Ho Off I Go
1298 Words
I go into my room and grab a large travel bag. I know in my heart I can't stay here and do nothing. I fold at least a week’s worth of clothes into the bag. A second pair of shoes, undergarments, and all my hygienic products into the bag.
I get dressed in long black traveling pants, a red long-sleeved shirt, and my black velvet hooded cloak. I put on my traveling boots, grab my bag and leave my room.
I want until nightfall and then I take one last look at my home and leave heading towards the forest. I must take the forest trail to get to the town.
I had been to the town several times when we would hold our annual apple festival. How that seems so long ago now. After an hour of walking, I finally make it to the end of the forest.
The town is quiet this time of night. Only a few people are wandering around the streets. Most are in their homes with their families eating supper. I walk through town and find the stables.
I go into the store and purchase a black steed, and saddle. The owner is nice enough to have the saddle put on for me. When they finish, I get on my new horse Niven and head south.
Every man, woman, and child that lives in my realm had attended my birthday celebration. So I decided that if I am going to find my true love I need to look elsewhere.
It would be just like those witches to put our true loves in different realms from us. Just to add an even crueler twist to fate. I ride Niven until we both are exhausted.
I keep to the southern forests trail and make camp. I know I can't sleep for long. I must find a place indoors or at least away from the sun when it comes up.
I look around the trail and find a small cave near some pine trees. I go and inspect the cave, upon finding it empty I make a bed and fall fast asleep as the sun rises.
Night falls and I awake to hear a voice. “Whoa boy, its okay I won't hurt you.”
I sit up quickly and pull out a small dagger from my bag. I go to the entrance of the cave staying in the shadows and look outside. There is a man there petting Niven.
I take a step out of the cave, “Can I help you with something sir?” I ask.
The man looks up. He doesn't stand very tall. He is about 5'6 and muscular. He has short brown hair and a well-kept beard on his face. He smiles at me.
“Oh, I'm sorry I didn't mean to disturb you. I saw your horse while heading out. I wanted to stop and make sure he wasn't alone out here.” He answers with a sweet smile.
I give him a small smile. “As much as I appreciate your concern, he is here with me.”
“Not a problem my lady. Which direction are you headed?” He asks his face not showing any ill intentions.
“South. I am looking for someone.” I say trying to watch him closely.
“My Lady you know it isn't safe for women to be traveling alone on this road. There have been reports of wolves and thieves in the area. I am headed south as well. I could accompany you.” He offers.
I watch him trying to see if I can see any falseness in his words. He seems to be telling me the truth, so I give him a smile.
“I would appreciate the company.” I tell him. “My name is Lilly, and this is Niven.”
The man looks at me, and I can see that he has realized something. “Lilly, are you Lilly Snow Adrian, the Queen of this realm?”
I let out a quiet sigh and answer him carefully. “Yes, I am.”
His eyes get wide and he drops down on his knee. “My Lady forgive my rudeness; my name is Eric.”
I smile at him, “its okay you can skip the formalities and call me Lilly.”
“I was actually looking for you.” He tells me.
I give him a questioning look. “Why were you looking for me Eric?” He gets up and reaches into his long jacket. He pulls out an envelope addressed to me.
“I came to give you this. I went to the Castle, but you weren't there, so I left.” He hands me the envelope and I look at it.
I recognize the writing immediately. It is the handwriting of Brena. She rules the realm that is all the way down south. I open the letter and begin to read:
Dear Lilly,
I hope this finds you in good health and happiness. I am writing you this letter because I need your help. I know we have not yet met in this life. However, I remember us being close in our other lives. We were best friends once. things have been bad since my curse was put into play. I need a friend right now more than anything. I need you to come to the Southern Realm to see me. I would have come to you, but my curse won't allow me to. (I'll explain more when you get here.) I have sent Eric to help guide you here and keep you safe.
Wishing you the best journey,
Brena Lade.
Aka: Cinder.
I finish reading the letter and look at Eric. “Well Eric it looks like we are going the same way after all.” I smile at him and tuck the letter away in my bag. I go back to my sleeping area and pack it all up then load it onto Niven.
Eric and I mount our horses and begin our long journey to the Southern Realm. When we enter the next town on the way, I realize that my hunger has returned.
I take a deep breath and sigh as Eric secures us a room at a local tavern and inn. I see a drunk stumbling out of the tavern and into the alley, so I follow him. He leans up against the well and relieves himself.
I wait until he is finished the swiftly move in. I clamp one hand over his mouth and shove him against the wall with my other. I whisper, “Sorry.”
Moments later my fangs are buried deep in his neck. I try to keep my focus this time. I drink enough to ease the ache in my throat and then I stop. He seems to be in a daze, so I look into his eyes.
“Please, don't remember this. You were drunk and nothing happened.” I say hoping that it will work, and he will believe me.
He nods and then passes out. I carefully lower him to the floor. I look around and then leave the alleyway trying to look as inconspicuous as possible. Eric finds me and we go into our rooms.
I order food sent to my room just so he and everyone else don't get suspicious. I let out a sigh and climb into bed. My head pounding, my throat burning, my eyes full of tears.
“If I had known I would have to go through this, I never would have taken that stupid deal.” I think to myself.
As the sun rises, my eyes close. I drift off into my own world and time. When I was happy...
- Writer
