Maji Born

08 - The Path of Resistance

Eirian stood with her back against a tree, waiting for the others to wake up. Devarak had taken the first watch and she had taken the second. Princess Lavinia could have listened for dangers, but it would have been to their disadvantage so they had decided against it.

Devarak and Lavinia were still sleeping soundly and hadn't so much as twitched in hours. They were all exhausted from their dip. Eirian's limbs were beyond heavy and it was more effort then it was worth to lift her feet. Her scalp ached from her dreads being pulled twice in one day and it was so painful that she was considering chopping them off at this point. She didn't like exposing her neck due to the discoloured blue spots that ran along her spine. They were too obvious and alienating without being covered. So Eirian left her dreads down, she knew that tying them up would only make her scalp hurt worse. The forest was coming awake now.

Birds were beginning to swoop to and fro around the clearing, watching the sleeping humans with curiosity. It was also getting brighter now and Eirian could fully make out the other's sleeping forms. The fire, which had burnt out hours earlier, was illuminated by rays of sunlight cutting through the gaps between the trees. The light was only another reminder to Eirian that they need to move on. For a moment she considered just leaving now. She didn't owe these people anything. She would have a better chance of escaping on her own, less conspicuous.

More maji would be rounded up by now and word would most likely reach the coast before they did. The messengers would be sent on horseback and they would be on foot. Eirian struggled against two impulses, fear and excitement. It was an odd feeling to be both free and trapped.

Eirian began to stand, but as she did the others began to stir, first Devarak, who sat up sharply and, realizing it was just her, relaxed once more. Slowly he got to his feet and stretched.

"Morning," he said, then he strode out of the clearing, heading out aways to take a morning piss. Eirian settled back down onto the ground once more as guilt filled her... There was no reason to leave these people.

"You too," Eirian said, her voice cracking slightly. At the sound of their voices, Lavinia began to stir as well. She sat up reluctantly and groaned.

"I've never been this stiff," She said grumpily. Devarak reappeared.

"I'll bet." There was a slight tinge of annoyance and amusement which Eirian couldn't help but catch, he caught her eye and she met his grin with a similar one, sharing the moment.

"We should get moving. They'll have sent messengers along with news of the ban and I'm sure our posters will be up on all the main routes and in the cities. We'll have to be careful." Eirian said. Devarak shifted the burnt-out fire, dispersing the coals as best he could in the dirt. "We're heading to Zedar, you're welcome to join us." He said to Eirian. She didn't reply at first, a minute ago she planned to leave them behind, she watched Lavinia rise and readjust her cloak.

"Would that be alright? I barely know you," Eirian said.

"Of course," Lavinia said, "we're all fugitives now, we have to stick together."

"I appreciate that...Thank you." Eirian turned away, feeling guilty.

After a few minutes, Devarak spoke up,

"We should follow the river to Aruzalia. We should be able to make it there within a week walking," Devarak said.

"That's if we aren't caught. They'll be checking along the river. Do you think it'll be safe?"

Devarak continued to speak, "Nothing is guaranteed all I know is that this is the safest of our choices, heading for the road will be a guaranteed way to get caught, the river is a risky path but it's also the most direct and easiest to follow. It took me three days last time I went from the sea to the capital, but I hitched a ride with someone, and wasn't on the run." He said shrugging, "We'll need to keep our guard up regardless."