Anti-Mage

Unexpected Companion

It was dark, cold and scary. I managed to escape yet again. 

Emotions just filled me. I fell on my knees and started crying. I had no home, friends or family left. I had to run for my life not knowing why I am being followed. And Eric had to pay with his life for helping me. 

And now here I am alone in the forest full of wild creatures and it will pure luck if I make it out of here alive. I have to fight, otherwise my brother's sacrifice is meaningless. 

I gathered myself up, put my cloak and hood on and got ready to walk to the further village.  I need to make it to the village before curfew. 

They will not expect me to go to Eldron. It will make my way to the border longer, but that is the only option right now. 

I was walking, looking back and flinching after hearing any noise. After hour I have finally reached the river which meant that Eldron is close. I drank water and washed my face. Suddenly I felt someone's stare. I looked back and saw something white disappearing in darkness. 

I stood up quickly, increased my pace and finally got to the village entrance. I tried to hide my face with the hood. 

Name and reason for visit? The guard asked. 

Krista Low. I am traveling to my sister in the south. I just wanted to have some rest and a nice meal in your village. 

Entrance fee? 

I handed two coins to him. 

Open the gates, the man said. Once I was inside I breathed out. So far, everything went smooth. I just need to find a place to stay now. 

There was only one Inn in the village. It looked quite shabby. A large woman with very masculine voice welcomed me. 

We have no food to serve as it is late, but we can give you a room on the second floor, she said. 

As I nodded she shouted Rachelle where are you for hell's sake? Walk the customer to the room. Rachelle was a young beautiful woman who seemed to be of aristocratic origin, though she was sad and looked unhealthy. I usually don't stick up my nose into other people's businesses, but I was curious how she found herself to be in such a place. I hope at least her story is better than mine. In any case I was not in a position to help her anyways. 

Rachelle quietly showed me the room and also prepared a bath. 

I took my cape off and smiled at her. Is there really nothing to eat? I asked. 

I can bring you some fruits if you are hungry. 

That would be nice, I said.

I took a bath and when I was back in the room, she came in with a plate of fruits and wine. 

Thank you, Rachelle. Come sit with me. I am happy to share. And don't try to say no. She bowed and sat at the other side of the table.

Can I ask you a personal question? What a lady like you is doing in such a shabby place?

She looked at me surprised. My father gambled and he found himself indebted to the owner of this Inn. I had to come and work here to repay the debt, Rachelle sighed. 

I have nowhere to go, she added.

This was a sad story but quite ordinary. I felt she was uncomfortable, so I changed the topic. I had to ask where in the village could I buy a sword. She looked surprised but suggested a blacksmith nearby. 

After the meal, tired after a long day I fell asleep at once. 

Thirst woke me up in the middle of the night. Unfortunately the jar in my room was empty. I put on my robe and decided to go downstairs to get some water. I was almost in the kitchen when I heard voices and whimpers. I heard Rachelle pleading and crying asking someone not to touch her. I opened the door. 

Everything was clear, her so called master was holding her hands pushing her against the wall and she had tears in her eyes. 

I couldn't ignore it. I hit his head with the jar and he fell. 

Rachelle fell on her knees. She was shaking. 

What should we do now? Is he dead? He will report you to the guards, she said biting her lips. This is all because of me. 

No, I helped you because no one deserves to be in that situation. I did the right thing. He is alive by the way, I said checking his pulse. 

Rachelle, I need to leave the town earlier than expected now. I stood up and hurried up to my room to start packing. 

Wait! Take me with you. I cannot stay here, she said. 

You don't know me. I am in danger. It won't be safe for you to come with. 

You are a good person. And I am not safe anywhere. I am going with you, Rachelle stated. 

Fine, I don't have time to argue now. Be ready in 10 minutes, I said. 

What do I do with him? 

Nothing. Leave him, we have no time. 

Moving as quick as I can I thought that my problems are getting bigger by every second. We left Eldron in a haste. At least now, I was no longer alone. But for how long?