To Keep Her Safe

CHAPTER ONE

The years of war had ruined the people, it became unsafe for women, that's why no female could be seen on the streets, it was almost like they had disappeared when the war ended.

But there was an exception..

Freen Chankimha..

After the war, her father had to give up his land, their land was a part of the territory king gave up. It was only then Freen took the responsibility to find the source of income for the family but it wasn't much of a help, the only thing she could do was collect firewood and fruits from the nearby forest.

She was only able to fill the family's stomach for one meal because people weren't interested in buying firewood and the fruits were too valuable to her to sell it in the market, the reason behind it was that the forest from where she collected the food from had a reputation of being dangerous.

Not because of the wild animals but because of the tempting fruits that were filled with poison, no one had the knowledge to differentiate the consumable ones from poisonous fruits.

Freen got this ability from her mother, the mother who had studied science her whole life but due to old age she wasn't able to accompany Freen to the forest, she passed on her knowledge to her daughter, to make her capable.

As for Freen's father, he had completely changed after the battle, ever since his land was forcefully taken from him, he had become more violent and alcoholic, he used up all his savings in this, he left the family with no choice but to work themselves to provide food for the family. Her father had accepted the fact that he had become useless, he had no more talent and ability that could be used to earn money.

Freen was on her daily duty to gather firewood and fruits, she carried a bow and arrow with her for the safety, just in case she stumbled upon a wild boar or any animal that could be hunted and its meat could be eaten but it was a rare thing, the hunters of the empire had reduced the population of animals to almost non existent.

The desperation in every person was visible, the only motive was to satisfy their needs.

" Freen, this doesn't look safe ". The woman whispered, usually Freen would be alone when she goes to the forest but this time, her neighbour, Heidi had accompanied her, Freen was hesitant, she didn't like the company of the woman or anyone but the girl had insisted so she had no choice. It was the only time, Heidi had gotten out of her house in the past month.

Her father was very protective of her because of her beauty, he was thinking about selling his daughter to a gentleman belonging to a different kingdom if he is in dire need of money, the woman was too naive to realise her father's true intentions and there was a probability that her marriage was going to happen soon, Freen is sure that the girl's father would not even ask for her permission and wouldn't even let the girl meet her future husband.

" You could go back to your house, I can handle it here ". Freen shrugged, when the girl was trying to be clingy, Freen got awkward, she doesn't like physical touch of people.

" It is okay, maybe I would learn some things with you while I am here, it would be helpful in the future right ? ". Heidi chuckled and smiled towards Freen who just nodded, knowing that the girl didn't know what was coming for her, her own father had decided her future and it didn't include living the life she wanted to.

Freen had reached the spot from where she regularly collected firewood and if she sees a plant that could be used in making medicines she takes that with her as well, her mother had taught her well, she knew the benefits of the plants.

Freen took out her axe from the bagpack she had being carrying throughout their journey, she was wearing her father's pants and a loose shirt whereas Heidi was all dolled up, she was wearing an elegant dress, almost out of place, Heidi wasn't made for the wild but Freen wasn't sure why the girl had begged her to take her with her.