#1 Fates of Meriel. Chains of Fatum

Chapter 11. Farewell to Bertleben

Chapter 11. Farewell to Bertleben

They were running. Richard's heart was pounding in his throat, his side was pricking, and his head was spinning from everything that had happened. The guy was surprised at how fast Groff was moving because their neighbor always limped, but now he didn't pay any attention to his injury. If only he and Veya could keep up with him.

His cousin didn't say anything, so as not to lose her breath. Her eyes were wide with fright, and she sometimes glanced anxiously at her brother and the wall behind him, but said nothing. She just followed Groff and Richard, trying to keep up. There will be more time for questions and discussions as soon as they are able.

"As soon as they did, what?" he asked himself. Groff had a plan, but he had not.

Maybe Veya was right that they needed to trust him. If Richard hadn't been so stubborn, they would have left before they were attacked. But what's the use of regret now?

His cousin was often right about everything, and that's what made her so stubborn and self-confident. What about him? Everything was fine, they were doing well. Up to this point, maybe all the troubles are due to his fearlessness. Or rather, recklessness. He easily believed that they would be able to keep Livia safe from a host of enemies, and almost everyone in Meriel had one. Elves, elvins, everything unusual and incomprehensible, alien, wrong, different. All this has no place on this side of Dridvinn.

Instead of being intimidated, he was drawn to it, just as Veya was. How many more such people live in their kingdom? Those who are capable of compassion and empathy assist someone who is in difficulty, regardless of whether they are similar to you. Is Groff one of them?

The old man led them straight into the forest, but not in the direction of their hut. Beheaders for elvins fell behind. Richard often looked back, but the hunter was out of sight. He's up to something. Maybe he wants to grab them all at once? Is he exhausted? Or is he waiting for his allies? What if the hunters hadn't found Livia yet, and they were going to lead him to her?.. For some reason, Richard had the thought that this stranger could smell them. He shuddered.

"Done!" Groff breathed, rubbing his leg. "We're here."

Richard and Veya doubled over from their run, their vision blurry, but they were soon startled by the sound of a horse neighing. Looking up, they saw four horses tied to a tree, kicking their hooves excitedly on the ground.

And next to them was Livia. She changed into her light dress. She carried a curved sword, and Richard's bow and quiver were slung over her shoulder. Furthermore, she looked belligerent, if a little agitated, but that expression was immediately replaced by extreme concern, with a mix of regret and joy at the same time. She'd been worried about them, and now she should have let her breath out since everything was fine, but her emotions were all mixed up.

"Thank the stars and the sky!" she blurted out. "I was so worried! What happened to you?"

"The Beheader almost grabbed them, but we got away in time!" the old man answered, after catching his breath and starting to untie the horses.

"We're safe," Veya told her. "What about Ilda?"

"She's headed to the north, she'll be fine," Livia confirmed, which made Richard feel a little better. Groff hadn't lied after all.

Livia moved closer to Richard and Veya, "That's what must happen. I knew it, sooner or later they'll find me. I am very sorry, but now you're involved too."

"What do we do now?" Veya asked weakly, still not believing what was happening.

"There is no other way. We must run away from Bertleben, as far as possible," Groff croaked, his voice hoarse from running.