The Shadows of the Sun

Chapter Five

            I continued my sprint away from the castle, debating on how to lose the vampires behind me. If I took a bunch of turns they would follow my scent. I had no idea where a body of water was, besides, that did not work out that well last time. If I could get a big enough head start I might be able to throw them. I pushed myself faster. It was a while before I could smell the ocean in the distance. My goal was to avoid water, but it still seemed my best bet. For the first time I wished for the gift my mother used to possess. She could manipulate water. It fit her. She was as whimsical and free flowing as the sea, but still had a powerful storm. I was always more down to earth, hence my gift of metal. I always had an interest in weapons as well, not really using them, just admiring them. I guess that worked out well in the end. Now I have to use them constantly, to survive. I brushed off those thoughts as I tried to figure out my next moves. I would probably have to flare right before I hit the water, otherwise I would lose valuable time. I had to try to swim underwater as long as possible to avoid being spotted. I would need rest soon, and some way to warm up, I could not afford to get sick. I guess I would have to figure that out later. The smell of the water got noticeably stronger as I came onto a small cliff. My stride faltered for a second. There were already three vampires at the ledge. I could do this. It would not be easy, but it was possible, or at least I was going to make it possible. I had come too far to give up, who knows what they would do to me when I got back there. They would be much more careful. I increased my speed to the point where it hurt, the vampires were getting nearer and nearer. I knew what I was going to do. The time was coming, closer, closer, Now! I pushed as hard as I could off the ground, aiming to leap right over their heads. One of the vampires leapt too. It met me in the sky, latching onto me. I fought with it. The sea was getting nearer. I had to flare back to human soon in order to swim. I gave it a powerful kick with my hind legs, sending it spiraling back toward the cliff edge. I flared a second before I hit the water. Immediately I launched into action. I swam as fast as I could. I only came up for air when I really needed it. I kept on like this for what felt like forever. I was dizzy, but I had done it. I was free, for now. I kept on until I could not any longer. I eventually found land. I needed sleep. But I needed to be sure I was safe.

I dragged myself ashore. I could barely move, I was so exhausted. I quickly realized I had no way of making sure I was completely safe. I could only hope I had lost them, at least for now. I could not go on any longer. I collapsed on the sand. I could only hope that no one would find me. My mind disappeared into a swirling world of black.

I groaned, taking a deep breath, and inhaled a mouthful of sand. I sat up immediately, spitting and hacking due to the sand now in my mouth. I was insanely sore. I registered that it was sunny, probably midday, and I also had no clue where I was. I had a deep sense of triumph at my escape. I wonder how many others had done this, I also wondered about their fates, probably not good. It was with great difficulty that I hauled myself to my feet. I should not be this sore. It was only a day or two that I had not spent running. I guess I did spend those days clad in onyx. I briefly wondered if I should see if I could find food, or I should just keep moving. They were probably drawing closer by the moment. Although, I would need my full strength if they happened to catch me. I decided hunting was the wiser decision. I found a small deer. I felt bad for taking its life, I should not be justified in killing it only because I needed food. Yet, I still did it. I made sure it was as painless and quick as possible. I ate in my Atheris form to save time. Once I finished I debated the best way to proceed. I wanted to end in the United States. If my direction was not off then I would run into it if I swam the Atlantic Ocean, not the most appealing option. I could turn and go down to Africa. It may be a shorter swim in the end. It was times like these where I wished I had the necessary documents, and funds to fly. Taking a plane would be so much easier. But, alas, I had to swim the ocean instead. Meanwhile, the Volturi were probably guessing my plan and sitting comfortably in a plane to intercept me. I decided on taking the Africa route. I ran all day. When I was too tired to go on, I guessed I was somewhere in Mali. I wanted to swim from Liberia. I guessed tomorrow was another day of running, and the day after that I could swim. Then another day of running, and I should be able to settle back into my nomadic lifestyle once more. The thought made me smile as I finally surrendered to sleep.