As promised, I started training Freya early the next day. We had been at it for a few hours now, I had taught her the stance and what to do to guard and attack. She just needs to gather the courage to attack instead of hesitating.
"Counter!" I yelled to her as I dashed to her, knife in hand.
Our weapons clashed as the sparks flew, I started to push her back slowly. I could tell her mind was racing, but with what? That was one of her weaknesses, she thinks too much... it's hesitation and it's what will get her killed...
As she was lost in thought I sidestepped behind her, the dull end of my knife to her neck. She let out a defeated sigh. I sheathed my knife.
"Let's take a break. You'll get there eventually, princess." I told her as I walked into the shop via he back door, leaving her sitting in the field.
I sighed a little and sat at my dining room table with a glass of water.
She'll get there soon. I don't know if soon is soon enough though.. we have to work on that hesitation...
------
I walked through the town early in the morning doing my normal rounds of material hunting. I looked up at the morning sky as I smiled slightly. I've finally gotten used to life here and it's pretty relaxing.
I continued walking through the town when suddenly a hand comes out of the shadows of an ally I was passing by. It grabs me and pulls me in.
It took a moment to regain my composure as I turned around to the person who grabbed me just about ready to say something when I caught a look at who it was, Lucian, one of the leaders of The Council... my body immediately tenses and I could feel my heart racing.
"Aleah, you haven't completed your mission yet."
I opened my mouth to talk but he placed his hand up, ordering my silence. I closed my mouth and looked away.
"You do understand that you have to complete a mission assigned to you, correct." He was scolding me like a toddler, I mean yeah they raised me but I'm an adult now...
I simply nodded
I could see the smirk come across his face, it sent chills down my spine. Lucian was one of the newer Council Leaders, he was a six foot tall, muscular, black hair that came down to his shoulders, his hair was straight as a board. And his eyes, those piercing, yellow eyes...
He wasn't an elf like I was, nor was he a halfbreed like Freya. He was more like a vampire but he doesn't call himself a vampire... either way he is a creep and I hate dealing with him...
He ran a finger across my cheek and under my chin as he raised my face up to his.
"Then what is the problem?" He asked
"I don't want this mission." I replied coldly, I could see his expression darken.
"And why not?"
"I just can't, I won't. If you want it done so bad give the mission to someone else.."
"No," he started "you will either do it on your own free will or we will make you do it."
My body stiffened, I've heard stories of The Council Leaders being able to shut off someone's emotions and make them into ruthless killers. I've only witnessed it twice... once was a girl I knew that refused to do a mission because she fell in love with the boy. They took away her emotions and made her kill the man. The other time... we won't speak of that time...
I clenched my fists, there is no way I'd let them put me under that spell!
I looked up at him, laughing a little. He raised and eyebrow to me but became very angry "Aleah I will make you finish your mission one way or the other!!"
I smirked "you have to catch me first." And with that I rammed his head against the brick wall he stood in front of and took off. That should give me a decent head start. I hurried to the shop.
I burst through the doors of the shop and hurried to the back of the shop and up the stairs before either Freya or Benjamin's could stop me. I reached my room, throwing a small rucksack on to the bed as I shoved a few clothes and essentials into the bag. I felt Freyas presence grace the room as soon after she spoke.
"What's wrong?" She asked, worried.
"I have to go for a while.." I replied
"Why..?"
I shook my head and kept packing. I was looking for my sword...
"Aleah please tell me... you can tell me anything."
I paused, turned around to face her.
"Do you value your life?" I asked her, I could tell the question caught her off guard.
"I- Y-Yes, I do!" She replied, more worry spread across her face.
I walked up to her, grabbing hold of her shoulders, I was shaking a little and I hoped she didn't notice. "Then I would get as far away from this place as I could... you're in danger, Freya..." I stated. Her worried look turned into shock.
"I-I don't understand.." she said, looking dead at me.
I sighed a growl a little, of course she didn't understand. How could she? She doesn't know I'm supposed to kill her, she doesn't know anything of the outside world besides this shop and this town. How could I possibly think she could make it as a runaway...
My head was spinning, I knew The Council would be here any moment. I didn't want Freya to be caught up in my mess, but she already was... I gritted my teeth and let her shoulders go as I walked over to my closet, shutting the door behind me. I didn't want to bring my armor out in front of Freya, I knew she'd know who I was if I did... but I had no choice. I quickly slipped on my armor and walked back out of the closet. Before Freya could say anything else I grabbed the bag and her wrist.
"I don't have time to explain everything that is going on but you're going to have to trust me, is there a way we can get into your room without anyone knowing?" I asked.
She just nodded, staring at me.
"Good, lets go. Benjamin. I'll be back soon, I promise..."
Ben just nodded "I'll make sure the store is in tip top shape when you return, Aleah." I smiled and nodded. Hurrying out the door with Freya.
Great... Now I've put someone else's life in danger too...
