Chapter 11: The Sanctuary

Azrel

Azrel gripped his sword. He winced as the slash in his arm made it hard to lift the sword very far. His tunic was wet with a mixture of blood and water from the river. Although he wasn’t fully recovered, he tried to sit up. The last words of his dream faded from his mind.

"When you wake up, run as fast as you can."

He struggled to his feet and stumbled along the river's edge. He had fallen into the tall river bed. His sword dragged beside him in the dirt. He stopped when he heard voices and pressed his body up against the riverbed wall.

"Where is he?" A voice right above his head muttered.

Azrel summoned his strength. He reached up and grabbed the foot of the person who had spoken. He pulled with all his might and brought the man tumbling to the ground before he rolled into the river.

"Where’s my sister!" Azrel sputtered.

"Azrel! You're alive?" The man on the ground struggled away from the dazed prince, falling into the small stream.