The Unkowns

Leaving Thorn

-Chapter 2-

As the sunlight streamed from the window and hit my face, I knew morning had arrived. Yawning and stretching, I lazily tossed my blanket on the floor and forced myself up.

Casually glancing out the window, I saw my people frantically packing up their things and I let out a string of curse words.

How could I have forgotten?

Quickly tossing my few possessions into my saddlebag, I then pulled on my hunting outfit and strapped my bow and arrows to my back. It was time to put my plan into action.

It has been two years since Sasha's kidnapping, two years since the day my sister was ripped out of my life.

I was determined to get her back, so a year after she left I waited for The Unknown's arrival and begged him to take me with. He refused, and when I tried to follow him he tied me to a tree until a villager found me a day later.

No words can describe the burning hatred that I feel towards The Unknowns. They ruined my life and instill fear into my people. I needed to save my wounded pride and get my revenge. I also intended to find my sister and bring her home.

Rather than spend my time grieving my losses, I allowed my anger to fuel me into taking action. Running and training every day, I grew in strength and could fight better than any man in our village. Although the villagers made fun of my unnatural orange hair and quick temper behind my back, no one dared approach me. But that was exactly what I wanted. I was a strong, independent woman who could take down an Unknown any day.

As I increased my physical strength, I also painstakingly plotted ways to get the revenge I deserved. Part one of my plan, which I almost missed due to waking up late, was convincing every family in Thorn to pack up and leave before The Unknown arrives.

If the village hates me, then how did I manage to convince them to listen to me? Simple. I told them what truly occurred the day my sister was taken. They agreed that retreating to the woods was in their best interest.

Today I finally got to put my plan into action.

A few hours later the entire village of Thorn was deserted. As I passed each empty cottage an eerie feeling crept over me and I shivered, uncomfortable with this silence. I soon reached the center of town and leaned against the well, watching the sun disappear over the mountains. This was my sign that The Unknowns would arrive soon.

Sure enough, a man wearing brown breeches and a white shirt approached me. The Unknown was different each year, so this one had bleach blonde hair and dangerous blue eyes. He was smaller than the one that took Sasha, but he was still pretty large.

Terror filled my body and I began to shake in apprehension.

Be strong, Ara.

Unconsciously, I reached for my bow and gripped it tightly in my hands. This was what I had been training for for two painstaking years. I could not back down now.

"Where are the others?" The Unknown barked in a rough voice.

"There are no others. Just me," I stated proudly, puffing my chest out to show him I was not afraid.

"Alpha will not be pleased," he groaned under his breath.

I inwardly smiled, pleased I had already succeeded in making him angry.

"Let us depart now," he sighed and turned towards the mountains.

"Where are we going?" I asked defiantly, crossing my arms.

"You will see," he responded curtly, swiftly walking out of Thorn.

I grumbled to myself and hurried to match his quick pace. Turning back to look at the only home I've ever known, I grinned in satisfaction. The Unknown was so stupid he did not even pause to think that I could be withholding the truth.

"Here I come, Sash," I whispered.

Part one of my plan was complete.