The IRE of Winter

Chapter 21: THE PROMISED ONE

I curled at a corner as I battled with the cold, the moon seemed smiling at my misery. It got colder and colder as the night drew deep, the snow ceased to fall but the wind's howling only grew louder, mist floated like white blanket of smoke shifting slowly as the wind blew.

Shaking, I preserved my strength by thinking rather positive thoughts. I won't last until dawn, and dawn is nowhere near, I thought, and still, conscience kept me from calling help. I must endure the cold as long as I can, for the sake of these very people who locked me up inside this half opened hell. I shivered, waiting for death to come take me.

I sat with my knees bent, arms tucked in, pressing my chest against my legs, my jaw hurt. So much I've tried to keep my muscles relaxed, I couldn't keep still. I gazed at the moon praying for a sign, just one sign before I give up and burn this fortress. For a while, I've asked myself the same question, why should I endure this kind of suffering when I haven't wronged anyone?

Deep in my heart, my intention was pure, good, but these people pushed me too far. I am not evil, and I will never be, but I'm drawn to think of dark thoughts, I thought of giving myself justice, sweet as revenge would make me feel. I could easily sweep these barricades with fire, burn everyone who would dare fire me an arrow, kill everyone that blocks my way.

I am no beast, but these people treat me no less than one.

I prayed I could endure longer, that Valar may spare me from staining my hands with innocent's blood, again, that I could keep my rage contained within my freezing hands. I turned to the distance, watching the hazy horizon of grey mountains and smoke. I heard a wolf howled behind the wall, long and loud, it was the sound of hope, but I cannot vaurg into a wolf and leave my body to freeze.

If only I could bend a human, if only it is possible. Slowly, I wobbled near the door, listening more to the noise outside, hoping to hear a sign I have been waiting for. The wooden door was thick, made of hardwood and bolted with iron. I couldn't see what's on the other side but I could feel there were people, perhaps Watchers patrolling the night. I thought of crying for help, if I was foolish enough to even try, and I knew better not to.

It's hopeless as gambling to a game I don't even know how to play.

I flinched and motioned away from the door when I heard heavy footsteps coming. This might be my sign, and I would do anything to escape this freezing hell. I stood with knees and hands trembling, my back arched. Not long did I wait and the door swung open, with no time to waste, I parried and threw a sidearm punch to the unsuspecting man. 'Let me out of here,' I kicked him hard but he quickly caught my arm, pulling me out of the cell and threw me to the ground. I landed on my stomach, my chin hit the cold ground.

Panting, I quickly rolled right and pushed myself to stand. Run, I thought, but before I could make my first step, a guard slipped an arrow from his quiver and nocked it to his bowstring, 'Don't even think about it,' gnashing his teeth.

I wiped the blood running down my nose with the back of my hand, my skin was numbed but I could still feel the thickness and the warmth.

'Crazy woman, you think you can escape just like that? I would be more obedient if I were you.' Erett hissed, breathing hard, he looked more surprised than I am.

'Erett!' I gasped after realising he was trying to help. 'I didn't know it was you. Please, help me. I'm mean no harm, I can assure you..'

'Stop babbling, stand up and follow me if you want to live.' He turned away and I quickly followed him. My body ached, every inch of me. I had my sign, good Valar, I almost lost hope. Trottling behind him, I noticed few guards roaming around but they don't seemed to notice the commotion. 'Thene thought you were lying, I thought otherwise, and the Alpha decided to spare your life. Be grateful. I expect you to show manners in front of our chief, should you do something stupid, I'd be the first to slit your throat.'