The Viking Chase

Chapter 4- Shadows in the Forest

Author's Note: So I'm really sorry I haven't updated in a while I've been so busy and stressed out lately. Thank you though for the positive feedback, it really has motivated me to keep working on this story. I hope you like this chapter.

Please remember to vote and comment, I love to hear what you guys think of this story so far

.

******************************************************************************************

.

.

Aoife's POV-

.

.

.

Somethings out there. Or rather someone. I can feel their heavy glance on me as I swiftly move through the trees. The hairs on  the back of my neck stand out as I weave through the dense forest. I try to act as if I don't notice their presence yet so I can buy time to think of what to do next.

.

I can't go back to the tunnel with the being behind me, not knowing if it's foe or friend. I have to lose them and quick. But then again what if it's not the enemy but rather someone injured and scared?

.

Although I want to run as fast and as far away as I can, I need to know what I'm running from first. I would never forgive myself if I left someone innocent at the mercy of this forest or the warriors.

.

Coming up with a plan fast, I acknowledge that I know the person's there by racing through mother nature. At first the being stops as if confused by my sudden bolt but soon I hear their loud footsteps crash after. Not bothering to be quiet anymore they storm through the trees at a pace far faster then the one I carry.

.

Heart beating fast in fear, I hike up my skirt as I push my legs to carry me faster. I use my small size to my advantage as I take sharp turns and narrow paths, running to the beat of my galloping heart.

.

The being starts falling behind as I look left and right for a good place to hide. Up ahead is the fast current river the villagers used to fish at. Pushing myself even faster I run and slip across the sharp rocks poking up through the water. The water, moss and my blood that now leaks from my feet makes it hard to make it to the other side without falling in but somehow I manage. 

.

As I scramble up the bank of the other side I hear my stalker's splash as they were not as lucky as I was. Grabbing fistfuls of mud and grass I finally pull myself up and start running as fast as I can until I find a little clearing that is perfect for what I have in mind. 

.

Looking around I find the perfect tree to climb. Ripping my dress I manage to get myself high up enough to be unseen seconds before a dark figure crashes into the middle of the clearing. I lean forwards a bit, hoping to get a glimpse of who it is when they move into the middle of the clearing where the moon light shines. 

.

I quickly cover my mouth as I gasp in shock. There is no doubt in my mind who this man is and I become thankful that I didn't blindly lead this warrior to my people. This man is one of the warriors that invaded my home and killed so many of my father's men. This is the man that almost discovered me as I made my escape from my life long home. This is the man that in his blood soaked armor found and kept my precious locket that I dropped.