Jane: the Curse, the Lost, and the Lovers (draft 1)

~11~

i clung to the reins as the horse sped on towards the forest. We jumped over a tree that lay bearing the path easily, gaining speed. In the distance I could hear dogs howling, chasing after us. I urged the horse faster, pleading to the moon goddess for protection.

We made it out of the forest. I could no longer hear the dogs that hunted us, so I slowed the stallion to a walk. “be still, dear friend. They haven’t found us yet.” I whispered.

I had been woken up by Lilly yelling at me to flee Monte. She sobbed as she threw garments at me  as well as a bag full of food. “please, Jane, you must hurry before they find you!”

I ran for the stables, and saddled up the fastest horse, a bay stallion by the name of Paladin. As soon as we exited the stables, I heard dogs howling, and saw several guards on horseback heading straight towards me. I ran and the chase for us began. I do not know why I was pursued, but I ran. I didn’t even say goodbye to Dixie.

I didn’t even know I was crying until I swept the hair out of my face. What was going on? What would happen to Dixie now that I was gone? Would Bella hurt him? Kill him?

Eventually, after what seemed like hours, a caravan appeared on the road ahead of me. the wagons were being pulled by palominos. All perfectly groomed and shining like the sun. they even had jewels in the harnesses. Of course, it was nobility. A man who seemed to be a scout rode up to me. Even though his face showed that he was many years my elder and scarred, he was handsome.

“good evening, madam.”

“Good evening.”

“Where are you going, miss? Why do you not have an escort? You seem to have a regal look to you, which prompted my last question. Please forgive me if I was seen as rude.” He reached his hand out to me. “Captain Louis of Lindensdail. It is a pleasure.”

I shook his hand firmly as my father had taught me. “Argentum Hemerson. The pleasure is all mine.” I lied. Another thing that I was taught to do. When asked for your name, use your middle name and the last name of your best friend. You’d stay alive a lot longer if captured.

“Where are you going, Ms. Hemerson?”

“Im traveling, searching for a new place to settle and raise my family. Where are you journeying to, captain?”

“I am— wait, you’re not from Monte?”

“I am, but I haven’t been paying attention to the latest news beside her highness’s marriage arrangements.” The statement is true enough.

He smiled. “I am escorting the king to Monte in order to form a peace treaty. I too have heard of the princess’s plans, but the king said that we must push for negotiations. The Sea Elves already are our allies, and perhaps the prince’s presence will push the princess to agree to our terms.”

“Why are you telling me this sir? I will never live in Monte again.”

“you have a trustworthy face. And there are few anyone will trust nowadays. I have a feeling our descendants will meet and get along fine.” He smiled, and turned back to the caravan, waving his hand. It moved towards us slowly, as if I was a sleeping dragon they didn’t wish to wake.

“It has been a pleasure, Ms. Hemerson. Perhaps we shall meet again.”

Sudden sickness woke me from my sleep. Bile rose in my throat and I couldn’t swallow It down. I got out of my sleeping roll and ran for the bushes, where my last meal made an appearance.

I wiped my face. Where did that come from? I have never gotten sick from the food that came from the castle, and I haven’t noticed any signs of me being ill, so what is wrong with me? I stood and brushed off my dress. Perhaps I should change into the trousers that Lilly packed for me. At least then I would look like a traveler, rather than a runaway. Should I also cut my hair?

I changed, and was somewhat scared to see how tight the shirt fit. Oh well, at least everything fits, and to my surprise, the pants were rather comfortable. I reached for the hunting knife, and kissed goodbye all the womanly dignity I had for myself.

Slice. My hip-length hair was now lying on my lap, the hair I didn’t cut off tickled my neck. I bit my lip as I put the hair in a small bag. All the pride I had in myself for being a woman disappeared, and I nearly started crying. I had spent years trying to get my hair that long, and now… At least the loose strands wont fly into the breeze and allow Bella’s dogs to track me.

After I put on the cap, I saddled up and rode, the moon still high in the air. “Goddess, why did you bless me with this hair? Do you purposefully give me torments that nearly destroy me? Do you have any pity for me at all?”

 But of course, the moon didn’t answer. She never does.