Chapter 10

Surrounded by warmth I feel at ease. A lullaby, singing softly, comforting as fingers gently brush through my hair. I hazily open my eyes.

Mother…

She is looking at me with eyes that can be only described as the night sky. 

"Have you been well, my darling?" her voice, soft, yet fleeting.

"Mother…" I whisper, hugging her. 

Her embrace—grounding, warm. 

I don't want to let go…

"I've endured so much, mother. I've died and come back many times," my voice filled with sadness.

"I'm sorry little one. I'm sorry I left you alone," she says, caressing my hair.

"You must remain strong. You must live. It's time to get up now," she grabs my face and kisses my forehead. 

She fades like a soft breeze, drifting into the light before I can call her back.

"Mother…" I reach out, sighing.

I wake up to emptiness. The room looks bleak, drained of color. My sigh spills into my hands. I get up to use the bathroom before leaving town. Something catches my eye when I walk past the bathroom mirror. I freeze, then take a step back to face the mirror. My hair is showing, my real hair. The scarlet hair that I've hidden for a long time. I graze the strands of hair with my fingers, examining the bright red.

"I'm tired of coloring it", the reflection staring back, eyes hollow but steady. 

I get ready, upholding my inconspicuous persona. I get breakfast and sit down at a table in the corner of the room. Remaining unseen, observing my surroundings while I eat a hearty meal.

Just as I step out the door after my meal, someone brushes past my shoulder. Not paying heed nor apologizing they begin to shout.

"I'm here with an official decree from Duke Alaire!" he bellows, "you are to turn in the princess, the daughter of Duke Alaire! If you do not, you will receive punishment as it seems fit!"

I quickly turn away, holding onto the hood of my robe. I untie Orphnaeus and quickly climb on his back. No time to scribble down my destination. I take off towards town gate, that'll lead me to the next town over. 

"I knew I shouldn't have stayed this long," I mutter, biting my lip. 

Looking ahead, panic grips me, I yank the reins.

"Shit." the word escapes my mouth before I can think.

There are guards swarming the gate. Each person is being inspected. My heart beat quickens. My eyes dart right to left seeking a way out.

The guards at the gate turn my direction. They begin running towards me. No time to hesitate, I make my decision. I steer Orphnaeus towards the alleyway,

"Ha!" 

We hide in the dark, watching the guards pass by. A sudden wave of confusion hits me. 

"Were they not after me?"

We come out of the alleyway to see why they are running. It's a daylight drunk. He's using his magic abruptly, flames bursting left and right.

Thank God!

I take my chance and quickly leave the town. 

It's hard to tell how they located me. Many suspicious characters lurking, I cannot seem to catch a break! I groan.

On the long road ahead I take off my hood. A breath of fresh air from feeling cramped, and hot underneath the hood. 

I pull out the book and write,

"Next destination, Shadow Grove."

The orb appears out of the book, guiding me forward. We follow the orb until midday, the sun scorching down, we find a shady spot under a tree to rest. I accidentally doze off, while I sit beside Orphnaeus. 

A butterfly brushes past me with its sudden appearance. I turn around to watch it fly freely in the sky. 

Ah, I'm dreaming again…

In the distance I see myself. Long, fiery scarlet hair flowing in the wind. I look different than I do now. She seems strong. Her posture, her commanding demeanor, the air around her feels heavy– much more than Duke Alaire can allude. 

Like a reflection, as I walk towards her, she does the same. Mimicking any and every movement I make. 

We meet eye, is what I want to say, but it looks more like she's looking down on me.

She stands before me, tall. Her condescending look sends shivers down my spine. The hairs on my body rise, like a warning. I look small next to her–even though we are the same person. Her muscles, beautifully built, resembling mother. 

My neck hurts looking at her,  I rub my neck.

In her right, she wields a sword. I watch her gracefully raise the sword with poise. Alluring. The blade glides, cutting air. A small glare reflects from the tip of the blade, the world turning upside down. I see myself standing headless.

Ah… how ethereal…

I watch her store the blade in the sheath, then close my eyes. I slowly awaken, time has passed. It is now late evening. I stare at the grass for a moment, then decide to rise to my feet. 

"Let us leave Orphnaeus," I call out to him. 

His ears perk up.

"Come now, enough rest. We must get to the house," I command him. 

He gets up and signals me to climb his back. I chuckle at his behavior and hop on.

We continue our journey following the orb for the rest of the day until night arrives. I can see the stars in the night sky. For the first time, I don't feel afraid of the dark. 

"Wow," I whisper in amazement.

Orphnaeus stops in his tracks. He slowly takes a step back. I hold onto his reins tight. He sees something or feels something I cannot. Taking his cautious behavior to heed, I slowly draw my dragger. I whisper to Orphnaeus to keep walking backwards slowly. Loud thudding begins to grow closer. 

Oh please! Now of all times? Are you kidding me?

The creature emerges from the dark. It's a troll. A large intelligent being with not only physical power but also magic. It wears skulls around its neck as a necklace. Body tattooed with spells. Skin dark green, camouflaging with the surrounding. 

We backtrack steadily without making noise. Holding our breath, hoping not to be noticed.