Forever Unfaithful

~4~

The sun was just hitting the branches of the trees and we were just before the last check point before the walls of the kingdom.

"We are almost there, we will have to split about a mile before we reach. It's a straight shot, just follow the trees that I have made marks they should have a star carved in them." I explained as I took a quick glance at our surroundings.

"Wait why do we have to split I thought you were coming back with me?" He asked in a worried and confused tone.

I looked back at him before continuing I smirked at his ignorance, " the high archers will see us far before we even step foot on the kings territory. I have to split because unlike you I could be sentenced for coming out here." A look of realization crossed over his face.

"Ok but are you sure you will be ok on your own?" He asked concern as if I didn't just lead him back to the kingdom without any problems. I am trained and I am also quick on my feet, I have no concerns about being in these woods.

I'm more worried when I'm within those tall suffocating walls. They claim it is there to keep stragglers out, but I could bet a weeks pay that it's there to keep us in, to keep us as prisoners.

Without subjects there is no king, and no king, there is no kingdom.

"I'm perfectly capable, you should be more concerned about yourself." I defended, his lack in confidence in me is insulting.

"Anyway if you are going to be a soldier you need to toughen up. They will put you through much harder tasks than this. This is only the beginning." I stated trying to be brutally honest with him. I'm not going the sugar coat it, he needs to know what is expected of him.

"How would you know, it's not like you were ever a soldier. There had only been one woman chosen to be apart of the kingdom's defense and that didn't end very well now did it. He said in a playful tone while nudging my shoulder.

"I know a lot more about the guard than you would expect." I stopped at the tree that was marked by my carving and brushed back the branches for him to see.

"These are what you will be following, make sure you are aware of your surroundings and I would hurry if you want to make it before sun down." I started to turn and walk in the opposite direction making my own way into the kingdom.

"Wait, thank you, I owe you. I hope to see you around." He said with a slight smile.

"You won't." Is all I said before giving him the most awkward wave that I could muster up. I am anything but social, I can be social, but I don't like it.

With that we split paths and went our own ways. I have never been one to get super close to people, but there is something inside me that keeps nagging. I feel as if I must protect Milo, he seems to kind for that type of life, not that the one of a commoner is any better.

Actually I would say it is worse, but at least he would have a fitting skill set. Milo is helpless with a sword. He's too bashful for combat, and is too innocent to take a life.

Soon I came to the clearing by the woods, the sun was setting and the guards would change shifts in about an hour. They have fifteen minutes between each change. That's when I will make my way over the tall, old wall. I hid just in the edge of the clearing making sure I could see the guards but they couldn't see me.

While I waited I decided to sit back and enjoy the peacefulness of the nature while I can. Once I'm in those walls I have responsibilities, I have duties ones that I never expected me to take on.

Never did I expect my life to be what it's like today, but here I am. I never thought that I would be on my own so soon. Everything I once knew was ripped right from under me with no warning.

But that's the hard part about life, warnings are a blessing that we aren't normally lucky enough to receive.

After a little while the guards were changing shifts and this was my moment to take action. I quickly gathered my things and hiked up my dress as I ran as fast as my legs could carry me.

When I got to the wall I fallowed the cracks in the bricks until I found the loose one and gave it a rough shove.

A secret door opened that led to the pitch black tunnel that had been abandoned for years. These tunnels have been vacant for years now, there were times where I would stay in here because it was the only shelter I had at the time. I have grown accustomed to them over the years and I know them like the back of my hand.

I entered the dark door and as soon as I let pressure off the brick the door started to close, leaving me in complete darkness.

Patting down my pockets I found the pice of flint and a no lit torch that I had put together earlier with the dried brush in the woods.

I stroked the flint against the old stone wall and sparks flew through the air. Soon enough fire ignited and it casted a warm glow around me.

A low whistle from the evening wind echoed in the dark distance. And as I mindlessly navigated through the ancient tunnels I thought back to what all I missed and how I am will defiantly have to make up for it somehow.

I live in the orphanage in the village not far from the main road that houses all of the venders. Tomorrow I will make my way through and see what damage I could do.

The Orphanage is more like work than a home for me and the other parent less youth of the kingdom.

Madam Tess and her husband Matthew who run the Orphanage also own the towns pub. Me along with a few of the older ones work there in exchange for a roof over our heads. The littles are to tend to the garden and the cleaning.

We all earn our keep. And nothing more, we are to provide the rest for us. Foods such as fresh bread or some spare cheese were a rare gift for us.

Most of the time I'm the one who is rummaging through the pub's garbage and trying to find the least mold infested piece of bread.

I have been here since I was 7, and in a year I will have to be out on my own.

I will most likely leave the kingdom I am not one for being kept in a cage and live under anyones rules.

No matter where I go I will be under someone's rule. My best bet is in the far end of the Middle land. Then again that is unknown territory, and there are many different species down that not even the bravest soldiers have yet to face.

I shall be the first.