Journey of a Girl

Journey of a Girl: Chapter Four

It was late afternoon and Credence was relaxing against a tree, allowing her thoughts to drift where they wanted.

Only one day ago she was happy to forget about the woods, but after hearing the plight of the band by the river, conflict was rising within her.

Stop caring, she commanded herself. No one ever cared for me.

That wasn't the truth and she knew it.

Her family had cared for her. The Queen had kept her safe—

"I will not fight. I will not speak with the Queen. I care only for myself."

Like Ajo.

"Stop!"

She pounded her fists against the dirt.

"I cannot rely on anyone, so no one should rely on me!"

The crunch of footsteps came from behind her.

Is it Ajo? her mind asked.

"I don't care if it's the Queen's entire court."

The noise grew faint as whatever it was moved away. Satisfied she wouldn't be bothered, Credence closed her eyes and waited to fall into sleep.

***

Warm breath. Heavy panting. The smell of meat and—

Wet.

Wet and coarse.

A tongue being dragged across her skin.

Something was licking her.

Credence moaned and heard leaves rustling as feet scampered away.

She was content to spend another hour in dreams until she felt breath on her neck.

Something damp pressed into her cheek.

Teeth nipped her arms.

I'm being eaten, she thought and her eyelids fluttered open.

Yellow eyes were staring into hers.

Surrounding them was the white-furred face of a fox. It jumped back but did not run, only regarded her with amusement. Just as Credence opened her mouth to shoo it away, the fox put a paw over her lips.

"Don't be scared," it said, "or we'll hurt you more."

Credence's eyes widened, but another voice spoke.

"You mean, 'Don't be scared, we won't hurt you'."

The white fox giggled and removed its paw. "Yes! That's what I said, isn't it?"

"Not at all." The owner of the second voice revealed itself, another fox, smaller and red-furred. Around its middle was a sling and pouch made of leaves. "Apologies for his confusing speech, but he's still learning humanspeak. What he meant to explain was 'We're not here to eat you'."

"Yes, yes! That's it!"

"You should put more effort into your studies."

"Who are you?" Credence asked.

"Ser Alejandro the red, at your service." The red fox pointed to his companion. "He is Trespass the white, not yet a ser, but in training."

"You're...a knight?"

"I am, my lady." The red fox dipped into a graceful bow. The white fox attempted the same show of manners but was far more clumsy in his execution.

"We are pleased to meet you, Credence," Ser Alejandro continued. "The Queen of the Wood sent us with a message."