Avistar

chapter 1

The moon was up in the starry night sky. The forest was a cacophony of life, with towering trees and a thick underbush that seemed to pulse with energy. the air was thick with the scent of earth and pine. The rustling of leaves was a constant whisper that seemed to speak of secrets. Melody of hooting of owls, chirping of crickets circulated in the deep forest.

The occasional snap of a twig broke the silence as he ran deeper into the forest, the ground shifted beneath his bare feet, sometimes soft and spongy, sometimes hard and uneven. Every now and then, a small stone or twig would stab at his toes, reminding him of his vulnerability.

Leaving behind the group of soldiers he was running away from he slowed down till he was just shuffling his feet. He stopped near a large tree, leaning forward slightly into the tree to keep his balance.

Leaning on the tree, he brought his feet up to look at the painful sight. Covered in blood and dirt. The noble wasn't used to be in this harsh state, but the need was much greater than his condition right now.

Taking a deep breath, he pulled away from the tree and stepped forward to start his journey again only to stop when he felt a sharp, sudden pained. examining his left foot, he winced at the lingering ache. Pulling out the thorn with a sharp tug which followed with a stinging sensation.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps shattered the stillness, staccato beat that echoed through the trees seemed to draw closer with every passing moment.

Panic arose in him and he began his run again. The thought of his daughter shuffling in his bed and calling out to him in pain the other night, in a way motivated him to run faster.

His steps caused the dry leaves and twigs on the ground to rustle and crackle, drawing the attention of soldiers. Aware that his state will not allow him to get away from the soldiers surrounding him he still tried his best. Trying to trick them with going through different trees but it only slowed his progress.

The nobleman has never been in a situation like this. His status gave him trustworthy men whenever he needed but, he couldn't trust on anyone for his daughter life.

a harsh push and a pull from his tunic's neck collar had him losing his balance but the strong hold from behind kept him upright.

"who are you? What are you doing on the borderline? The announcement in morning was clear stating no villager will be allowed to roam or move out of the kingdom "said captain Gilliot coming out from the group of soldiers.

Kingdom Avistara was under attack two days before, directly aiming for the king's chamber at night. There was no clue, which kingdom dared to make enemies with king Alastor but its concluded that there is a person from castle who helped in their attack.

Captain Gilliot is kings guard as well as captain of the army of Avistara.

Forwarding his hands to the cloth hiding your face.

Sensing his intentions, you turned your head and thrashed in the soldiers' hold making more of men to hold you down on your knees. Avoiding to look up at the captain in a futile attempt to save yourself from showing your face.

Seeing a familiar castle man's face will make the king suspicious hence bringing unwanted attention on him. All the calculated path shows danger

But knowing being in the captains' grasp at these hours he has already failed his mission. No-one can rescue him out of the future danger. Though he did not fear for himself but the young lady in his chamber.

The cloth was pulled away in a swipe when he was in his thoughts, gasps and mutters erupted from the men but none from the captain.

Upon seeing your appearance, the soldiers left your hold and backed away.

Bowing down in respect.

Captain Gilliot eyed the soldier briefly, making them aware that they acted without his command.

"lord Ozer "he addressed him with the stern look.

Getting up, he gave a nod at the soldiers and took a step back from the intimidating figure. captains unsurprised reaction earlier had made earl Ozer suspicious of him.

Slowly reaching his hands towards his thigh band he prepared for his attack but retreated his hand back because that would be a reckless decision. His identity is already in front of the warriors and his attack will do nothing but confirm the suspicion of betrayal to the king.

"why are you out here lord ozer? "captain Gilliot stepped closer, knowing there is nothing he can do he let him.

"I apologize my lord, what I am going to do is highly disrespectful but looking at the circumstances I am obliged to do this as my duty towards his highness" Ozer met his sincere eyes which showed no emotion.

in a swift motion he pulled out the knife, bending he attacked it across his thigh making the leader grunt in pain. The surprised attack distracted the warrior and he pulled his way out of group but the distraction lasted only for few seconds as they followed behind him.

-884 words