Fallen Chariot

Chapter 6

I fully expected him to contemplate his answer somehow, but it flew through the small room quickly.

"When your true purpose here is achieved, or the time itself is befitting," My mind hurried to translate it into a thought, but his voice cut me off once more.

"But know for now, stay within Kattegat and live as one of them." Live as one of them? He expected me not to think about getting home, but how in the hell am I supposed to do that? That is the only thing on my mind at the moment, other than surviving.

"So are you saying that I will get home?" I'm sure he heard the twinge of hope in my meek voice, and he gave a small chuckle. He stood, slipping off towards the opposite wall. He walked as if he had walked for longer than anyone else had. The chuckle seized, and he turned towards me once again.

"You are jubilant about it now..." His voice faded off into the sound of glass clinking together. My hope disappeared, and I raised my eyebrows. I needed to know when. I've figured out that I'll get back.

"When?" I wasn't sure whether the sound that came from him was a cough or scoff, but he seemed amused. His hood shook back and forth slowly, and when I glanced up, he tipped back a vial that contained a black liquid. He carelessly let the bottle land on the ground, and turned. He sat down, and turned away from me.

"That's enough curiosity for now. You are being sought." Panic awakened on my palms and I shook my head frantically. This can't be it. I need to know more. I will never get the answers if I don't get them now.

"Please, just this last one. I just need to know this one." My legs raised me up, and I stepped closer. Fear was lacing in with my panic and I couldn't get my hands to stop shaking. Even my knees began to wobble, the thought of never getting home coursed through my mind. His face turned in my direction and motioned towards the door. The breath my lungs were holding suddenly released and I let my shoulders slump.

I'll find out sooner or later I suppose. There is nothing I can do, if he doesn't want to tell me then fine. My feet carried me to the opening of the hut. That's when I felt something ice cold pull me back and a putrid smell filled my nose. I tried my hardest not to gag, and I didn't want to look at him. His pale face was inches from mine and I tried my hardest not to run.

"When Olrun bears you to the adverse side of your own heart and soul." The words burned themselves into my mind like a brand. Sizzling along with his breath and I nodded once, hoping he would let me go. His frigid hand gently released my now burning arm and I hurried out. My mind was a clusterfuck as this point and I couldn't seem to keep my legs going. They crumbled beneath me, and I braced myself on my open palms. Olrun? I couldn't make any sense as to what he was talking about, and I began to cloud my mind with apprehension.

What was I supposed to do? I don't know anything about this life, and I can't possibly survive here. I don't want to stay in Kattegat, I want to find a way home.  Wind licked my face, and there were trails of coolness under my eyes, letting me know of my shed tears.

"Embla?" The deep voice that came from in front of me startled me from within my thoughts. My wet eyes slowly traveled up to find Bjorn's overwhelming figure above me. His brow was furrowed and his large bear-like hands reached down towards me. I pushed them away and gathered myself. My unsure legs threw me forward, past Bjorn and far away from the Seer's hut.
~
The lake had an eery feel to it so late at night. The unknown waves came and lapped at my feet, making their presence known by the slight crash against the dark sand. Each one barely making its way past my ankles. My ears would catch a large cheer coming from the Hall, but my worn mind blocked them out. This was no time for celebration.

With what information I did get from the Seer, only a small portion was understandable. Not to mention, my plan of not being seen was a complete fail. Running into Bjorn I'm sure only caused further suspicions. Thankfully, I hadn't seen anyone else since then, so that was a bit reassuring.