The veil of truth

***

When I woke up again we were on our way into a small camp in the forest. I looked up at the stranger's face. He had sun kissed skin, a long scar starting on his left eyebrow and ending on his jawline, full lips and dark blue almond shaped eyes. Thick dirty blonde hair and a rugged beard surrounded his sharp facial features. He had a strong nose.

He glanced down and I quickly looked away. When we arrived at the camp he smoothly jumped down from his horse and then pulled me down. He walked over to the fire and sat down. I stood by his horse, unsure of what to do. He looked at me as I finally decided on sitting down next to a big tree. As I gazed at the fire I saw a mean looking man sitting next to it drinking ale and eating meat and bread. As if he'd sensed that I was watching him, he looked up at me and sneered. His dark brown eyes sent shivers down body. He chewed thoughtfully. Whilst keeping eye contact he made a "come" sign with two fingers and two undressed women came forth. They immediately began to caress his body and even as they touched his genitals, his gaze never left mine. It was disturbing. He takes in my body, from head to toe and then back up to my chest. When he's finished with eying me up he smiles greedily and licks his lips.

I instinctively pull my legs up to my chest and pull down my dress so that it covers my bare legs.

I turn my gaze to the man who saved me from the barbarians.. and even as he sits there grotesquely shoving food into his mouth I can't help but find him beautiful.

He turns his gaze towards me and holds it there for a short moment. His face blank as he stares.
He looks back at the fire, grabs some food and walks over to me. Hands me the bowl and says "Eat." in a deep hoarse voice. He stares at me until I cautiously take a small bite, then quietly walks back to the fire. I eat quickly but throughly, not wanting to waste any scrap of food. After finishing my meal I feel warm, full and safe enough to relax for a moment.

I curl up against the tree and look up, the sky had a clear blue purplish colour and were full of stars.

His horse nudges my shoulder, giving me a scare. I calm down and sits still, not knowing what to do. It stands closer and blows warm air into my neck. I quietly laugh and pats his big white head.

Suddenly the fire goes out and darkness fills every nook and corner of the forest. Anxiety fills me as I press my body hard against the tree. The horse anxiously begins to stomp and neighs loudly. I try to calm him down but it doesn't work. I searched for my savior in the shadows but can't find him. I look towards the place where a fire once had burn and find a pair of glowing eyes watching me. Without thinking I get up and run into the forest...