Everything You Once Knew

Paige

"My dad!" I exclaimed, "But, he's, he's been dead since I was six." I told my uncle. My uncle's face was expressionless.

"Yes, Paige, he has served countless kings, faked countless deaths, biding his time waiting for you." he said.

"Look Josh, I'm glad that you have taken care of me and I know you feel like it was your fault he died but you don't have to build my memory of him." I stated, my mother died giving birth to me and my father died six years later. "Why would he be waiting for me." I asked giving in.

"You're the one of the prophecy. Paige, you're the one meant to.." he said.

I interrupted."No, I'm not the one meant to save Corvet!" I yelled, "I haven't even left this small town which by the way, is hardly considered part of Corvet anymore." He stood up towering over me.

"Yes, Paige you are." He handed me a bag, "In here, is everything you need, money, a map, warm clothes,and food. The horse is ready outside. Be safe."

He opened the door and I walked toward the horse. "Are you ready for this boy." I asked him. I kicked Grey into a canter.

When I came to the forest I was dark and I was tired. I knew we needed to stop and break. As I laid out my bedroll I saw fire coming from a faraway town. I cringed at the thought of leaving in the middle of a war. It was a straight shot to the base where my dad supposably was being held captive.

There was a rustle in the brush and I sat trying to convince myself that it was the wind. When it happened again I stood going over to see what it was. It was a girl, she stood clumsily. "I-I'm sorry. I'm Allison." she said offering her hand. "My friends call me Alli." she said.

"Hello." I answered, having no idea where she had come from.

"I'm sorry to bother but my town was burnt and my mother, she told me run, and I did. But I don't know where I am. I saw you and thought that maybe you would help." It was then I realized how young she must have been, she looked to be only twelve. She looked frightened and on the the brink of tears.

"You're in Corvet still, but if you go about sixteen miles that way." I pointed east, "You'll end up at my uncles." I looked up the sky threatening rain. "or you can stay with me tonight." She collapsed onto the ground not quite crying but breathing heavily.

"Will my mom be okay?" she asked me. I look towards the bright orange flames licking the sky. I bent down hugging her gently.

"I hope so." I answered.

When I woke up Alli was still asleep. She looked like she'd had nightmares considering her frown. I woke Alli up and placed her on Grey. We moved slowly. "Alli, what happened to you." I asked though I assumed she'd fallen asleep.

"My dad is fighting. My brother too, my mom and me are home alone." she choked on her words, "I think my mother died in the fire. It was so big and hot. I'm so lost and unsure and I just want my family." I didn't know what to say. I looked at the trees instead. They were littered with arrows.

"Lean into the horse. I don't know if there are still people in this place." I could feel my senses heightened. When an arrow whizzed past us, I kicked Grey into a run. Allison screamed, there were at least thirty soldiers in front of us armed with weapons. I pulled Grey back trying to turn quickly.

"Stop." Someone said evenly behind us. I could feel the hair on the back of my neck rise and pulled Grey to a halt. "Turn around, slowly." I did what they said. "Off the horse." I jumped down to help Alli. Noticing that she hadn't only screamed because of the soldiers but she had an arrow in her calf.

"You hurt her!" I exclaimed, anger growing. I walked up to the man.

"I want her in my office. Get the other one and get out that arrow." he ordered. Two men came up behind me and forced me forward. They opened the door into a small shack and shoved in, closing the door behind me. I looked up to see the man already there.

"Paige. My little girl" He said in relief.

"How do you know my name." I asked. Suddenly it hit me. "No." I exclaimed, "No you aren't you're, you've been dead!" I started to cry, suddenly wishing he'd never left for years, only to get a letter two months later, telling us he was dead. But I could tell now that it was him.

"I need your help." he told me. I looked at my feet."Take this." he handed me a paper. "You'll need to follow the course Josh has already plotted for you and take this to General Young. Whatever happens, if you're caught just make sure it's gone." he told.

"But...what!" I answered. "I haven't seen you for ten years and this is the first thing you tell me! No explanation, no reason why you didn't tell me you were alive. I can't believe it. You're, you, you weren't ever there." I said choking on my words, "I've missed you."

"Take it, and go." he said handing me a scribbled note. I took it.

"What about Alli?" I asked. He nodded, which was strangely reassuring.

I got on Grey and rode at least eight hours before seeing signs of life. When it became more obvious I slowed and followed the river. I went to get water, when a trap went off, trapping me. I grabbed the paper and ate it and swallowed, I didn't know my dad very well but trusted him. Finally someone came by, it was a boy. "Let me out."

"You're a Coranian." he stated simply. He went about rummaging through my things. I watched him silently. He was a simple boy around my age, in tattered well used clothing.

"And you're not?" I said.

"Not what?" he asked, "Not, a Coranian, no I'm Halifian, and your on my land."

"Yours? What are you, a king." I mocked.

"Yes." he answered solemnly. I sat there dumbly. "I'm sorry." he answered. I saw him cut the rope which had been suspending me in the air, then my world went black.