Awakening

Chapter 1

The cold winter wind whistled past my ear, tugging at my braid and threatening to toss me off the branch I was perched on. Gritting my teeth and pulling my fur cape closer around my body, I focused all my attention on the ground below me. There, the albino stag I'd been chasing for days was nibbling on an exposed branch.

Widening my stance, I notched an arrow in my bow and drew the string. I was lined up for the perfect headshot- a clean, easy kill- which was ironic after the rugged terrain this elusive beast had dragged me through these past days. Just as I was about to fire, a loud snap came from somewhere in the trees, causing the stag to bolt and my arrow to land far from its target.

Cursing under my breath as I watched my prize get away, I sheathed my bow and started the tedious task of climbing down the evergreen tree I was hiding in. I was about half way down when I heard voices, and I froze. Praying that my white fur cape and stillness were enough to hide me, I glanced down at what I know realized was a walking path beneath me.

I'd been too focused on the stag to realize how close to the town I'd gotten, which could be a deadly mistake for me and my people. If one of the Mages discovered me, it would only be a matter of time before they hunted everyone else down and captured them too.

Lucky for me, there was no Mage in sight, just a trio of young girls dressed in fancy velvet capes with fur trim and matching fur mittens. They looked to be sisters, and the eldest looked like she was close to coming of age. I sighed with relief, even if they did see me, no one would ever take their stories seriously.

"Lucy, I heard that Archmage Lorris' son is going to ask for your hand at the festival this year!" the youngest said, bouncing up and down in excitement.

"There is a chance yes, but he's also got his eye on Emily Warsaw, and she's far prettier than I," the eldest said, head bowed.

"Oh rubbish! She's all skin and bones, and everyone knows you're a far better cook. Don't sell yourself short!" Chimed in the middle sister.

"I suppose I might have a slight chance," she blushed, "now we should probably head back or momma will get worried."

The other girls nodded in agreement, turning around and leaving the same way they came. As soon as I was sure they were out of ear shot, I dropped to the ground with a soft thud. I readjusted my hood, making sure it hid my long blonde hair.

If I hadn't run away three years ago, I would have been just like Lucy. I would be wasting away my time, trying the latest fashions, honing my cooking and homemaking skills, praying that I caught the eye of some well-to-do mage. Or, in my case, one that could at least afford to get food on the table most nights.

I shook myself, forcing myself to focus on finding my way back to camp. That was not my life anymore, and never would be. I'd chosen the way of hardship and freedom instead of a comfortable prison.

Men had magic. Women did not. Men had power. Women did not.

Here in the forest, where I was a huntress, I had power. I was more than a profit margin for my father, more than a piece of property, and definitely more than a prettied up slave.

I saw a thin string of white smoke waft up into the sky, the only sign our camp even existed. I entered the clearing, stopping at the communal fire pit to warm my hands for a moment before retreating to my own tent. Once there, I strung up what I had managed to catch, which was a few pitiful birds with little meat.