Clockwise

She was not alone.

Aideen had grown accustomed to the sound of her own footsteps as her boot met with the wetness of newly rained on soil, the mud streaking the leather like paint strokes on canvas. She knew what it sounded like to be alone...

And that was how she knew she wasn't. But the trees were like a labyrinth, in a few moments her stalker would lose her, for she was certain they didn't know how to navigate the forest. Certain they knew nothing of the line of water trickling to the river, or the backwards footsteps she purposely left behind to lead the Inferior astray, as they didn't even know how to follow someone without being detected.

She pulled the hood over her muddy face, continuing to act clueless. Her ears managed to catch quiet panting from the tree south west of her, they had been tailing her for less than five minutes, so their lack of air was not caused by her quick paced walking. They, too, were running from something. And with their own lack of company, she had to assume they were one of the Rogue; those who travelled alone. Belonging to no group of people. Outcasted. The Rogue were non-existent before the fall of Pangaea, when all things were in harmony, and mother Kassandre reigned. But ever since the Inferior rebelled the against the higher power - the Elite - the Earth's continents split once again. And mankind ran rampant in the streets, no order, no law. Anyone could have power, and the Elite were hunted down. But those who didn't seek to join a group were pronounced Rogue.

It was a rarity to encounter one, as no one in their sane mind would want to be alone, not in this world. But they were never without a trail of the Inferior following after them. Any minute now she may hear howling war cries, and her stalker would be forced to run or hide, as would she. But they didn't often survive long.

She tightened her grip on the strap of her satchel, and her other hand reached to her chest, checking for the chain hung around her neck. Thankfully, her fingertips met with the cold metal of the small clock locket, she let out a silent sigh and tucked it into her shirt, a quiet clink as it fell, resting on her bare skin.

Her heart skipped a beat when she heard them hollering. They arrived sooner than expected, which meant her stalker was inexperienced, likely a new outcast if they couldn't manage to buy themselves more time. What an inconvenience.

She broke into a run, heading straight for the most crowded thicket of trees situated on a small hill. The higher her ground the better, but not up the trees. There were arrow watchers with a deadly accuracy who scaled the branches with unmatched speed, the sooner she found a bush to camouflage in the sooner she would be rid of them.

She took a leap of faith over the hill, her landing was less then graceful and harsh on her toes but thankfully she landed in the safety of thick wild shrubs growing in the area, the mud she applied to her face let her blend in better with the dirt and twigs. With a swift movement, she turned herself over, her stomach resting on the damp ground, the smell of rich soil strong on her nose.

Through the bush's small gaps, she could see a tall, brown haired male, his face contorted into a scowl. He looked to be middle aged, a handful of people stood warily behind him, some held knives and others wielded bow and arrows.

"Where did he go?" he barked. Judging by the authority in his voice, he was the leader of that particular group. She scanned the area best she could, searching for the one who followed her.

A cry of pain came from above followed by an arrow, shooting dangerously close to her hiding spot. A hard thud, as someone dropped from the tree beside her, landing on his side, clutching a bleeding leg. She saw a glimpse of golden locks before another thud as someone landed not too far away from the injured male. The shooter started walking slowly towards him.