𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘴, 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘪𝘦𝘴

The Girl in the Woods (part 2)

Another day in the woods. Another day away from his father. The boy knew that soon his father would be called to fight in the Battle. It was coming. Everyone with a small amount of sense could see that. His mother was in denial.

He shook his head at the thought. Nothing about his home should enter his head whilst he was in the woods. It would stop him from leaving the torture behind and he would never get away from it. Instead, he busied his mind on hunting and gathering.

He was so much in his own thoughts that he didn't notice the girl with the long brown hair ahead. When he saw her, he ducked behind a tree before peering round the truck to watch her.

She was alone. But why? She was a Princess. She needed protection. Maybe she was forbidden to leave without permission so that was why she was in a different part of the woods from the last time - she was trying to remain secret.

The boy watched her for a while before he decided it was getting strange and, reluctantly, he left Princess Hilda alone.

Why was she alone? She was training alone. Using weapons without people taking care of her. Was this allowed?

***

A few days later, his father was sent out to Battle. The town was not allowed out of their homes and he was getting hungry.

The boys friend felt the same, he soon found out because before long, there was a tap of stones on his bedroom window.

Looking down, there was a boy with dark blonde hair smiling up at him.

Before he know it, they was running through the trees together. Running away from their lives. Away from the torture.

"We should hunt for a while." Kamden said as they slowed to a walking pace.

"Yeah, I haven't eaten since yesterday morning." He agreed.

"Wymond," the blonde boy said, "why don't you let yourself have just a small amount food?"

"I can't. Mother's poorly and she needs all the strength she can get. I can sacrifice myself for her."

"That's bullshit." Kamden said. "You still need to eat because what will happen when you starve to death and there is no one there for your mother?"

"She won't live long enough to see me starve." Wymond said, ending the conversation.

The silence helped them to find a kill. They started a fire and began to cook the rabbit.

"I have come here three times in the space of about two weeks and each time I have seen Princess Hilda training with a bow and arrow." Wymond decided to tell Kamden all about the Princess.

"Really?" Kamden said, intrigued once Wymond had finished his story. "Is she any good?"

"Yes, but that is not the point. Don't you think it is strange that a Princess is out in the woods on her own, using weapons?"

"It's her choice I suppose. I don't really follow what the royals are up to!"

Wymond rolled his eyes.

"How old is she now?" Kamden asked - so he was not ready to drop the subject just yet! "I mean, she must be pretty much our age."

"I guess she is 14 now." Wymond replied.

"And her sister? Lena, she is two years younger?"

"Something like that... I thought you weren't interested in the royals."

Kamden rolled his eyes and smirked as he took a bite out of the rabbits leg.

***

The sun was beating down on they boys' backs as it streamed between the branches and leaves of the trees above.

Wymond watched Kamden take off his jacket. As he did so, he noticed the marks on the other boys back.

Kamden turned and caught his eye.

"How is it?" Wymond asked.

He just shoot his head. "You know how it is."

"All too well. At least mines gone. You still have yours."

"Not for long hopefully. With the Battle being such a bloodbath, they will be calling for more men soon."

Wymond moved closer and put his hand on Kamden's shoulder. "Stay strong, mate."