Sapienophobia

Chapter 4

I knew that the humans were too distracted to notice me escaping. The race home was a blur.

I tripped and scraped my knee on the way up the porch. I didn't even feel it. Usually, Father would've coddled me when I whined over similar abrasions...

I can't avenge you, Father. Vengeance? The desire to spare others a similar fate? Those are privileges of the brave.

I didn't bother standing up again as I flipped over the doormat searching for the spare key. I checked the baseboards of the door and found it wedged between the hardwood of the porch. It takes a bit of anxious picking with my nails to free the key.

I ascended the stairs and threw Father's traveling bag over my shoulder. It wasn't light, but the miscellaneous items I pressed in it fashioned it a survivalist's training weight. Medicinal herbs, money, snacks, clothes, and some of Father's sharp tools. For carving or fire-starting.

Father made certain Root knew as much if the unanticipated ever occurred. I sat in on his lessons out of jealousy and childlike stubbornness. I figured I could be just as learned and reliable as Root regardless of my age.

A silly notion now.

I won't warn the other villagers. It'll waste time. Time I'll need to get out of this district. Houses will burn quickly because the foundations are dry and densely packed. Sorry, guys.
More likely than not, those humans came from the right district so I should head to the left. I'll check it out to make sure.

The right province was closer to the royal capital.

I didn't lock the door as I bolted away. There was no need. Each step made the sack tug at my shoulder, making me sluggish. My stamina was laughable. I tried to walk briskly at least. I figured sentiments would've made me waver so I tossed the house key as soon as the west gate was in view.

Seems my deduction was correct. Two Anides stood guard, dozing off. Blissfully ignorant.

I sighed at the small consolation they offered.

The first sun will set soon. If I hurry, maybe I can make it through.
It shouldn't be a problem, the devils are more concerned with keeping Anides out rather than holding them in. They'll be more than happy to see me out.

Gaining passage into the district shouldn't have been that difficult but in hindsight, a child with a heavy suitcase and no adult supervision would've been quite conspicuous.

Luckily, I knew this gate.

Notched between the handles of the doors, laid a thick metal bar. I didn't hold my stare.

"Shin! Long time no see! You should come over more often! How's your fath-"

I slapped off the hand the familiar stranger went to pat my head with.

"Please! The school! Humans are planning on burning down the village! You have to hurry!"

I didn't remember her name but she was one of the older siblings of the school children. I feared that if I made eye contact with her, I would've emptied my stomach contents on the spot so I feigned shock.

She believed me immediately, even the most mischievous child wouldn't lie about something like this. I knew that I was sending them to their deaths but I didn't care. They wouldn't have been able to save themselves if they confronted that small army, much less anything else.

Hurry, go.

"G, take Shin somewhere safe then meet me in town. I'll go on ahead," she commanded, then took off.