The Sorceress

Chapter 3

She sprinted down the stone passageway, hair flying out behind her, and breaths coming out sharply. The sword's hilt was clutched in her hand tightly, and she drew strength from its presence. For it was her only defence, her only way to get out of this strange place.

She came to a sharp corner turn and ran straight into two sentries, leaning against the rough walls. They instantly unsheathed their weapons, cries of fear and surprise tearing out of their lips. She swung her sword at one of them, angling it so she would pierce their heart. The sword slipped through their skin with minimal effort, and caused blood to seep out and spray across her face.

She quickly pulled out her blade, and turned towards the next sentry, who was muttering words under their breath. She had barely any time to think as their magic unleashed itself upon her, and she slammed against the rock-hard wall.

Her hiss of pain echoed down the hall as she launched herself at the sentry, and decapitated them with one well timed swing. She stood there for a second, heaving in breath, as she felt a drop of blood trickle down her neck. She had to get out of here as soon as possible.

As soon as that thought passed, she was running again, trying to navigate her way out. But the twists and turns seemed to go on forever, and she started to doubt that there was actually an exit, let alone one that could be opened without any power.

A handful more sentries got in her way, but she dispatched them effortlessly, since they were so surprised that it took them a few seconds to register the sword flying at their face. Her swordsmanship far surpassed any of the sentry's in this place, but she had no idea why she was so proficient with the blade.

She changed her run into a walk now, making sure to stay alert, since the sentries were beginning to become thicker the more she went on.

Eventually she came to a flight of stairs, which led to a small reception room. At the end of the reception room, which contained a beaten up chair and a small, worn table, there was a large wooden door. Pinned to the smooth oak panels was a miniscule sign which read 'Exit', and underneath that was a tiny latch. She almost cried with relief. Finally she was free!

She hurtled down the staircase and hastily undid the latch, which slid smoothly in her hand. A soft click emitted from the door, and it swung outwards, causing sunlight to pour in. She stood in the doorway, trying to adjust to the light, to the clear, pure air. She could feel the wind beating against her face, could hear the chirping of the forest birds.

She walked out into the plain of grass, arms spread wide. Arms which instantly fell into a defensive position as a loud voice echoed across the landscape.

'Shoot her! Do not let her leave alive!' The rough voice cried as fifty arrows were aimed at her person. Instantly she started running towards a forest, which she hoped would provide her with cover. Arrows flew passed her, missing by a hairsbreadth.

She charged into the shelter of the trees, praying that the thick canopies would protect her from the onslaught. A horrible feeling was beginning to develop in her side, and she gripped her hip firmly with one hand, the other still clutching her sword.

She ran for ages, her gait slowing with every passing minute. Her lungs were bursting for a proper mouthful of air, until finally they became so insistent, that she stopped running. Her knees buckled and she fell onto the forest floor, sweat running a river down her forehead.

Her eyelids felt heavy, and all she wanted to do was close them, but her mind told her not to. 'No', it said, 'find something to cover you first'. So she dragged her body over to a hollow tree trunk, which was dirty, with little creatures crawling over the bark, but it would do.