The Forest Behind Bars

Chapter XV: Run

 As we are running, the footsteps of the running guards behind us seem to get closer with each step we take. I know how to give us both a chance at living through this, but I don't want to get separated.

I might survive if they catch me, but Aster won't. They have no use for him, so will kill him on sight. He has a better chance if we split up.

I pull Aster with me behind an enormous oak to hide us for the time being. I then turn to him and grab him by the shoulders.

''We're going to split up. You have a better chance of surviving if I lure them away.''

Asters mouth falls open, ''You said we would escape together! I'm not just gonna leave you for them!''

I smile weakly at him, ''We did escape together, now we are just splitting up for a better chance.''

He opens his mouth again, but I cut him off. ''I will survive if they catch me. Chief won't kill me, but I can't say the same about you.''

I look around me as I hear voices getting closer.

I turn my eyes back to him. ''Listen, you need to run west, that way,'' I point, ''a few kilometers from here there is a cave with a round entrance. Go inside. The cave looks shallow, but continues around the right corner. Follow through until the cave widens again. There is an underground lake there. Ask the forest mermaids to shelter you.''

''Forest mermaids?'' Aster looks puzzled.

I hope he can remember everything in my bewildered state of explaining.

''Mermaids who have given up the sea and came to the forest ages ago. I gave them shelter so they kind of owe me.'' I quickly explain.

He nods and I continue; ''If I'm not there by tomorrow's sunrise, ask them to take you to Sivelle. She's a friend of mine and will know what to do.''

''But... you will be there, right?'' His voice is soft and my heart melts.

He got pulled out of his life one day, locked up in a ditch, and saved by me. The only person who helped him, is going to leave him.

I nod, unable to speak.

Before I press Tuebor into his hands, I send a little of my magic into it. My magic hasn't strengthened enough to be of actual use yet, but the dagger accepts it hungrily.

Protect him. I tell it.

It would be my pleasure. The response is solemn and tinged with nostalgic goodbye. It was an honor to serve you, Queen Avery, Goddess of the Forest.

I smile sadly as my heart breaks slightly.

I wrap Asters' hands around the dagger and pull him in for a hug.

I feel dreadful leaving him, but it is a slight comfort that Tuebor will protect him.

''It's going to be alright. Now remember to run and don't stop. No matter what.'' I pull away to look into his glistering eyes.

I flick my wrist over his head and a flower crown quickly grows on his crown.

His hand touches the delicate purple flowers. ''Are they...?''

''Aster flowers.'' I finish with a smile.

A thin smile lightens his face before he turns west and starts running without looking back.

I take a deep breath and turn the other way. I need to lure them away from his path.

To make as much noise as possible, I run through the dry leaves littering across the forest floor. I let out a loud yelp as I 'trip'.

In the distance, I hear more loud footsteps and shouting. They seem to catch up to me rather slowly, so I decide to slow my running.

Another shout, closer this time. I speed up slightly, actually fearing they might catch up to me.

The trees flash by my side as I run through the forest.

I used to love this, racing through the glorious planes full of life. Now it seems to have gotten a darker twist, as I am not running with life but with death.

I can almost hear death whispering in my ear; time comes for us all, my dear. Even you cannot escape it.

I shake my head and keep running. Until the shouts are no longer behind me. Panting, I slide to a stop. They wouldn't give up, would they?

Suddenly I hear something in front of me, a rustle of leaves. Knowing the forest and its inhabitants so well, I know it's not one of the creatures that live here.

A human, not just any human if I'm able to make out the signs correct, a guard from the prison. Multiple guards.

I spin on my heel and prepare to run once more.

''Over here!'' A voice shouts and the footsteps increase to a running speed.

Shit.