Far from Home

Save me! Please, save me!" she pleaded in his dream as Elim struggled to wake up. Finally rousing himself, he found Asha staring at him, hands clutching his sword.

"What are you doing?"

"I was just curious! I want to learn to fight! Maybe I can protect my family if I do!"

Elim chuckled at her words, holding her firmly, his dark eyes locking onto hers.

"It took me years to master the sword. How long do you think it'll take you? And you seem weak," he said, rising abruptly, causing Asha to retreat in fear and stumble to the floor.

"You'll only get hurt by running from me. The real danger isn't me; it's the men in your village and those who'll come after us. We must leave before the sun comes out!" Elim urged, watching Asha brush off her dress. She was definitely feeble but very feminine and attractive. 

"But where are we off to? I haven't even had a decent bath in days. And I am hungry again!"

"I thought you were tougher than the silly noble daughters of chiefs in Maribah."

"I am!" Asha insisted, lifting her head high to show how tough she was. But there was still a hint of unshed tears in her eyes. 

"Good! You need it if you are to live the life of a fugitive! Eat that quickly and we will be off!" He handed her a chunk of roasted meat and some water which she guzzled quickly. 

"But where are we off to? I'm not used to this life on the run!"

"No more questions! You'll find out when we get there!" he snapped, his voice intense, making her shiver.

Seeing the pain in her eyes, he felt a pang of sympathy for the first time. Slowly, he approached her, drawn to her, but she backed away..

"I am not used to being free and kind to people. I have lived most of my life alone, traveling around and learning to provide for myself. Having you as part of my journey is hard!"

Asha listened to him and she could see behind the troubled look on his face that he was handsome and maybe kindhearted. She smiled at him and was about to thank him when he barked at her.

"Now, eat that and let's be gone!" 

He was so unpredictable, she thought as she took another gulp of water and he helped her up the horse. Elim's hands touched her slender waist and it sent waves of desire through him. He knew he had to get rid of her quickly; he couldn't trust himself not to lose control around her. Grumpily, he resolved to take her to the only place he knew he could hide her.

——

He avoided entering through the front of the lively parlour, where Ada's parents hosted entertainment and drinks, to prevent drawing attention to himself and Asha. Given the possibility that some men in the parlour might be associated with Odomudo's gang, he knew he had to be even more cautious now, especially with Asha as part of his journey.

As they arrived at a bustling village which was different from the dull and sad vibe of Maribah, Asha took a gulp of water to soothe her parched throat and weary body.

"Where are we?" she asked.

"Where you'll stay until the king of Maribah is no longer a threat," he replied.

"Are you going back to kill him?"

"Enough questions! You must keep a low profile here, never revealing your true identity or origin. There's no telling if the king's spies or men are already here. And stay indoors at all times!" he warned as they approached the back door of a house.

Elim knocked, keeping Asha by his side. He saw her eyes light up with curiosity but before Asha could ask him again who they were going to meet, he covered her tiny mouth with his hands. 

No more questions," he said sternly, gazing into her eyes.

As they stood in this awkward position, Ada opened the door to find Elim with a mysterious girl. Her emotions swirled between joy at seeing him again, anger for his sudden departure, and jealousy at the sight of him with another woman.

"Elim! You're back! Why?" Ada demanded.

"I need to speak to your parents," he replied.

"Why? And who is she?" Ada's gaze flickered to Asha, waiting for an answer.

"She..." Elim hesitated, unsure of what to say. "She's someone I must protect at all costs."

Ada's heart twisted with anger as she heard Elim's fierce declaration and saw the warmth in his eyes when he looked at Asha.

"Fine, let me fetch my parents. They're not pleased with how you left! So, don't be surprised if they turn you away, especially now that you've brought another stranger," Ada said plainly, closing the door in their faces.

"Do you mean for us to stay here? Can't we find somewhere more decent? A parlour for men and drinking…she wrinkled her nose in disgust when she heard the thunderous laughter and cheers from inside the house.

"You're no longer a chief's daughter. You're just an ordinary woman now. This is our reality. Pray they accept us, or you'll be forced to live the kind of life I've endured for years," he warned.

"Come, both of you. Father wants to speak with you! You can come in now!" Ada suddenly appeared, opening the door and announcing their invitation. Elim led the way, pulling Asha beside him. Ada greeted the pretty girl with a smile, but her expression turned green with envy as they passed.

"Why have you been following me? What do you want? Are you a spy?" Nena demanded, turning to find Nemere behind her.

"No, I'm not a spy! I'm..."

I know who you are! I've seen you with Asha many times. Please, leave me alone. I need to get back to fetching water for the queen," Nena said, waving off Nemere's presence as she continued drawing water from the river, her thoughts consumed by her missing sister. Was Asha still alive?

"I'll leave you be once I get this off my chest. Please, forgive me!" Nemere pleaded, dropping to her knees in front of Nena.

"Why? Get up! I'm just a servant like you. There's no need to kneel," Nena insisted.

"I can't! I've been tormented by guilt for betraying Asha. She was the only decent person in Maribah, and I lied about her in front of the king because my mistress and Prince Mayo pressured me to. She wasn't involved in the plot to kill the king. We were..."

"To spy on Mayo and Soma and that's why he wanted her to be blamed for the king's murder. I know, but it doesn't change anything now! My sister is gone and my family has been reduced to nothing. Just get up and let me be!"

"Please! I am sorry. I just want to you to know that I am on your side in case you want revenge for your sister!"

"Why would you say such? Who sent you to trap me in another dubious plot?" 

"No! I… I am not trying to trap you…"

Before Nemere could finish, Nena lifted her pot and left the servant kneeling on the wet sand on the river. Their father had told them not to trust anyone in Maribah and keep their thoughts to themselves. Even if she wanted vengeance for her sister, how was she to go about it all alone? And will that even bring her back?