Fate

Chapter 1

She walked through the woods unaware of what lay ahead of her. All these years, she had been under the domination of her drunk father. But he had crossed his limits this time. He had tried to sell her in order to pay off the debt.

He was the reason of her mother's death, but she never showed anger towards him. She walked and walked...as far as her legs could carry her. She felt weak, still she continued to walk. Living away from the city is the reason why she had to walk so much.

She sat on a log and started staring at the trees. The woods was becoming thinner, signalling that she was not far away from the town. She would work like a maid or even pursue with her love for tailoring. Maybe marry one day. But she would never look back to the place which she used to call her home.

She could hear the trotting of horses and rustling of the dried leaves, signalling someone was in the forest. She quickly got up and looked around. But there was no one. Suddenly someone tapped on her shoulder

A man clad in a silken robe was looking at her. His horse neighed. She backed off a little. It was a shame to stand in front of such a royal looking man in nothing but a tattered dress and robe. Her hair was uncombed and greasy. She didn't have the luxury to wash her hair for the water was too cold for her.

"Who are you? Do you need help?" The politeness of the man threatened tears to fall from her eyes but she controlled herself. "No my lord. I am well. I was just on my way to the town. Thank you for asking," she answered hesitantly.

The man wasn't convinced. "Do I know you?"

Surely you do. I was the girl whom my father tried to trade to your friend last week. Here I am running away from him- she said to herself. She knew who he was- Lord Byron. But she didn't want him to know her.

"Your face isn't familiar to me," she replied casually. The man was about to go when his eyes landed on her locket. How could he forget that? It was her! The girl who stirred new emotions in him that night...whom he pitied and wanted to save.

"You are Julia Barn?" That came out more like a question. She stayed still. Her heart skipped a beat. He surely recognised her. She simply nod her head.

"Come with me," he said politely.

Julia looked up and saw mercy and concern. But she didn't trust him. Afterall, he was present there in bar, gambling with his friend and father. Gamblers aren't someone whom you could trust easily.

"No I won't," she replied sternly.

"I have no means of harming you my lady. I want to save you. A young spirit like you needs shelter and I have one to give you. And I do know you cannot trust me easily, but I am thinking about your welfare. I wanted to protest against your father, but you ran away. Did he beat you after that?"

Julia looked up at the man. She could see a hint of anger followed by concern does it really matter to him? Her father did hit her. But she shouldn't talk about it to a stranger.

"That's none of your business. And what if he did beat me?

A drunk gambler like him can do anything," she scoffed.

"That old man is in trouble now. I hated him from the first meeting. Joe doesn't even know whom to befriend. Here my lady, please allow me to help you. For I am extremely sad and guilty about whatever happened that night."

Julia trusted him and he helped her get up the horse. He placed her in front of him and she snuggled close to him, his heat giving her comfort. She had never rode a horse and was scared. But she wanted to be free and she was already tired from running and walking. She was uncertain of the future, but right now, she wanted some food, clothes and a shelter.