Winter DO NOT READ

Chapter One - Avira

"Keep moving..." I muttered, my voice hardly audible through the cold wind. It's been days since I escaped the kingdom of Geitram, and the struggle of the journey had seemed worthless. The days seemed to never end, and the chill breeze was nearly unbearable.

It was all a tragic accident, which I regret profusely. Just one minor mistake ruined my life. And if I ever make it to Edoani, I hope I'll get a new start. No more bloodshed, no more pain, no more loss... Just the life of every ordinary peasant, filled with happiness and joy. But, with my luck, my wish will never come true.

Up ahead, trees swayed in the distance. My eyes brightened as I continued to venture through the thick layer of snow. Soon. I'll be there soon...

Many years before I was born, snow had covered the land. No, this wasn't just some ordinary winter. The snow came and never went, leaving us in terror. Many animals became extinct over this time, unable to survive through such cold. Growing up, we never got to feel the warm breeze on our bare skin, or fondle the rain dripping from our hair. It was all a mere dream, which we all knew would never become true.

No one knew how or why it started, but that didn't stop the relentless rumors. Some believed it was a punishment from the legendary faery king, Tirrell. Others were convinced it was a curse from the Great Witches of Lardosh, from those who wished to see us wallowing in fear and peril. We're all going to die, and I already know it's going to be rather painful.

The leather tunic I wore for this venture was stiff and cold, doing little to keep me warm. I should've listened to Markus when he told me to wear something warmer, but because I'm ever so arrogant, I did otherwise. But now I utterly regret it. My leather boots were covered with snow, beginning to freeze my feet. At this point, I'd be surprised if I didn't lose a toe.

I took a shuddering breath as I neared the kingdom of Edoani, reaching my destination the only thing in mind.

"Left... Right... Left..."

Quietly under my breath, I continued to mumble instructions to myself, fearing I'd soon stop all together. The lights from the village ahead grew brighter with every step I took, voices filling my ears. My hands darted towards my hood before I continued, tugging it down so it covered my eyes. Letting out a small breath, I corrected my poor posture. My pace became sturdy and quick, looking as if I were only going out for a leisurely walk.

  Well, I suppose it's time to reacquaint myself with civilization.

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I let out a relieved sigh as I stepped foot into the village, amazing smells filling the air. Stalls lined the streets, selling things of many varieties. There were merchants selling baked goods, the loveliest swords and daggers, and expensive apparel for both men and women. It took a lot of self control to keep my gaze down towards the hard ground. All I wanted to do was run my fingers over the sparkling blades of those fine swords, listening to the fine sound as I sheathed the silver cutlass. But I knew that wouldn't be wise. With a sigh, I hid myself within the massive crowd.

The village was loud, shrill voices ringing in my head. Strange bodies shoved past me as I made my way through the dense mob, aggravating me ever so slightly. But, I had more to worry about. Several men in the crowd wore the Edoani crest on their uniforms, and had swords sheathed at their sides. They were looking through the masses of people, as if searching for something.

"No! Let me go! Unhand me!"

I cringed as I heard the screech for help, my eyes searching for who the petrified voice belonged to. Disgust radiated off me as I shoved past the horde of people, coming across a larger one. The loud pleas became louder, coming from the middle of the circle. A whipping, I presume.

Without a care, I propelled myself past many, ignoring their angered protests. After the long struggle, I found myself standing in the front of the mob, my eyes locking with those of the captive. She looked quite young, hardly older than myself. Her golden hair seemed to glow from the light the sun cast, and her furious blue eyes smoldered with rage. Just from a mere glance I knew what she was. A witch.

The woman scuffled with the guards, indignant yells escaping from her. Remorse filled me as I merely watched, knowing nothing could be done.

"You insignificant fools!" She bellowed, a thin accent quite noticeable in her voice. "Must you always undertake as your queen wishes of you?"

A rough masculine voice filled the air. "Silence. Quiet yourself before I do so for you."

The alluring witch glared at the guard, mumbling something incoherent to him. Displeasure filled his eyes as he scowled at the witch. The Royal Guard grabbed onto the witch's arm, causing her to let out a yelp of pain. With one quick move, he brought her down to her knees, snow soaking into her garments.

"Oh? What now, imbecile? Are you going to strike me?" The witch taunted.

One of the guards stepped forward, a whip in hand. "Sir? Shall I do the deed?"

The guard nodded grimly at the other man, his grip on the witch tightening. "Ten lashes."

Whip shaking in his hand, the guard stepped forward so he was facing the witch's back. He stared at her with grim determination. I watched in horror as the whip smacked the ground beside her. With a low chuckle, the Royal Guard snapped his wrist, the whip striking her back.

I closed my eyes as the pained screams filled the air, stepping back. The sound of the whip colliding with flesh ringed in my ears as I backed away.

Once I entangled myself from the mob, I switched into a run. Wind smacked into my face as I bolted, my eyes tearing up. I didn't want to witness that ever again, didn't want to know deep down that I could've saved them. Already I knew that this kingdom wasn't any better than Geitram. It felt like a punch in the gut when the soldier drew the whip, and the image was repeating itself over and over in my head.

"Why, where do you think you're going?"

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Hi! I'm sorry if this isn't long, but I really wanted to get this done today.

If you could, comment and tell me what you thought of this chapter. There's many more characters coming and lots of drama. Anyways, hope you enjoyed!