Royal Disaster

Chapter 3: Stranger in the woods

Emrose

We live in a village outside the palace, almost near the Ethandun-Merica border but not quite. My parents arranged for this setting to keep us out of harm's way. According to them, it was the brink of Ethandun's civil war when I was born. To steer clear from the random murders of the King, they took my brother and I as far away from the court as possible. Although the evacuation made positive outcomes, being so close to my family as possible for example, the longing for the crowd and court still ignited me every now and then. I can't exactly point out what and why I want to be there, I just felt I needed to be...

The morning following my brother's return felt like a typical morning in the our household. Mother making breakfast, vegetables and bread again, no doubt. Father on his axe, while Elchard and I gathered fruits and firewood together.

"Have you given it a thought already, mother?" Elchard approached her in the kitchen.

"Can we please postpone that topic after you've settled in for a few days, son?" Mother answered him smiling.

"It's not that I'm forcing you to decide immediately, it's just that..." Elchard was unable to finish his statement when mother spoke again.

"Don't worry, son. I will keep reminding myself about your proposition. Just give your father and I time to think more sternly about it." cupping my brother's face in her hands. Elchard answered by nodding.

Disappointment was all over my brother's face.

"Why are you hesitant about this offer mother? It's the best one we had so far. We can't just live here all our lives, can we?" I asked out of the blue.

It seemed as if mother was not surprised of my question and was rather expecting it instead. "Emrose, what you're saying is true. This chance has been the best one so far, after all the hard work your father and I have put through just to make ends meet. But darling, all those hard work had a purpose. It was to keep you both out of the palace and all its chaos." Mother paused before speaking again, seeming to catch her breath. "18 years, your father and I have been successful in doing that. 18 years and we are still safe, we are still alive. Can't you both consider that and understand why I'm also having a hard time with this ordeal?"

I felt ashamed for even asking her that question. I immediately apologized to redeem myself. "You are right, mother. I'm sorry for even asking that silly question. We all know the reason why we're here. To be far from that madness as possible."

Mother sighed, "I'm so happy you understand, Emmy."

I stood up from the table and went to hug her. "Ofcourse I do mother." I fought so hard with my head to believe what I've just said. Elchard then came forward to hug us both.

Later that afternoon, I went to my happy place again. Elchard was back yes, but that didn't mean I have to abandon what kept me company when he was away.. The path to the meadow was quite eerie as always, but that feeling unfailingly fades away when I reach the place. Now I just have to do that.. reach the place.

"Elchard? Is that you again?" I yelled after hearing thumping noises. I spun around for a few times but I saw no one. I considered turning around and heading home, maybe if I do, Elchard comes out from his hiding place. But then I heard the noises again, this time much closer. It seemed like someone was running so fast.

"Move out of the way!" I turned around and I saw man in his horse, bawling at me. It took a second before I realized I should have listened. "Stop boy! Stop! Easy!" The man was already whipping the horse, causing its buttocks to flinch. When I finally moved, it was too late. The man was already thrown off the horse's back and into the ground. The horse then ran away to God knows where.

I can tell it was a pretty bad fall as he clutched his right arm and cussed. "Damn it! Ugh!" He cussed again.

"Are you alright, sir?" I rushed to his side and tried to help him up. He didn't' even give me a glance before saying, "You stupid woman! I told you to move! Now look what you've done!"

"You arrogant ass! Who ever told you to run on your horse so fast? Are you that dumb not to know people are walking in the woods too?" I steered away and let him go. He seemed to be baffled at my response that he finally turned to face me.

A few seconds of silence passed before he spoke again, "Well, you could have stayed out of the pathway. I assume you know horses run in the woods too."

"I'm not so sure about that. I've been here 18 years and this is the first time I've seen a horse aside from my family's. And I'm pretty sure we don't ride like that here." I still gave him a frown.

This time he did not argue with me, but he did groan out of pain. He was still clutching his right arm. "Come here, let me help you." I offered.

He came closer and I helped him stand up. "My house is not far away. my family can help you there."

"Absolutely not. I don't know who you are. You might kill me when we get there." he hesitated and gave me a slightly frightened expression.

"Excuse me sir, but from what just happened a while ago, I'm quite certain it was you who tried to kill me out here and not the other way around." I paused, "Now, seeing that your horse fled, it's either you find him by yourself and cry in pain at the same time or you come with me so we'll know what to do with that arm. Take your pick."

And that was it, we were ten steps away from my house before I know it.