Victoria

Chapter 4 "The Unalata Cave"

"Victoria"

"Yes, aunt"

"Why do you seem so happy" She asked suspiciously while moving her glasses down to her nose to look at me.

"What do you mean?" I asked innocently.

She put her book down and stared at me almost as if she could find the truth by just staring at me.

"Did Damion do something? I saw him running after you when you had that embarrassing scene yesterday" She said sounding mad.

"Aunt, I did say I'm sorry, when will you forgive me?" I asked.

"When you and Damion get married and when you finally put this phase behind you. I love you very dearly Victoria and you know I only want what's best for you" She said.

My heart smiled at her love she gave me. She wasn't even my biological mother, but she's my mother. Even if she doesn't approve of somethings I do, I know it's only because she doesn't want me to get hurt.

"I know, aunt and I love you too" I said smiling.

She chuckled.

I finished my sewing work and put them down on the table. Yes, my aunt forces me to, but it's really not that bad. I'll even be able to knit little shirts for Matthew's and my children, if we ever get married.

"I'm going to go to the waterpit now, aunt"

"Alright, be back before sundown!" My aunt beamed as I went out of the door.

I quickly made my way to waterpit which was across from the waterfall near our village. I picked up the bucket by the hut and went to the pit. When I was done filling the bucket I carried it to the storage. Dragging it without spilling a single drop. Slowly for sure I made my way to the hut that stood by the hill.

I begged to hunt with the men years ago, but instead I got the water boy's job. Why can't I hunt like the men in my village?

Matthew was the only one who understood my complains which is why I loved him so much. I tried staying friends, but my dreams made it impossible and last night was incredible.

My uncle told me I shall marry the Mayor, Damion Baker. Even though my heart belonged to someone else.

I got to the hut and dropped the bucket on the floor. My one hand was sore from gripping on the steel handle the entire time. I flexed my fingers planning on going home, but then I saw it. And when I say it, I mean the bow and arrows on the table.

I kinda do need something to distract me right about now.

I looked around, making sure no one was watching. That's when I sprinted forward and grabbed the 'only-men-may-touch' thing. I grabbed the sack of arrows and again looked around.

When I saw no one I ran to the fields where the men always hunt. I could practice my aim, I told myself. Or, I grinned, I could prove that women can also hunt and that men are the foolish things and not women. I can already see the shocked faces as I was dragging the dead animal full of meat.

My eyes searched over the field when I saw something moving through the thick branches. I tried to walk closer to it for better aim, but accidentally ended up snatching a twig.

The creature stopped.

That's strange?

Usually, they run away. Or I think, I've never really hunted before.

Your wasting time! My inner self shouted.

I lifted the bow up with the arrow in place. Calming my breathing down and trying to keep my hands still as possible. Focusing on the animal, I pulled the arrow back. I aimed and let it fly through the air.

A second later my ears were filled with screams. Loud and distressed screams.

Human screams?

Did I shot a man? Oh God! I silently sent an apology to God for swearing. I quickly ran to where the screams came from. I turned around the bush to see a man with an arrow stuck in his leg.

I gasped as I saw the crimson red blood pouring down his leg.

I did this?

He was losing blood fast, my mind warned me. I jumped towards him and tore a piece off of his shirt. I first plucked out the damned arrow which I got a loud scream from.

The blood was only starting to pour down. I wanted to tie it around his leg when we locked eyes.

"You son of a bitch!" He yelled at me, clearly angry.

I gave him a stern look.

"Do you want your leg to get healed or do you want to bleed to death?" I mocked which was really, really bad timing.

He narrowed his eyes at me and stayed silent.

"That's what I thought"

I tied the cloth around his leg tightly to stop the bleeding, for now. He let out a low roar. I looked at him and he at me. Again, he narrowed his eyes.

"It's gonna be night soon"I said as I looked at the sunset.

He can't go to the village. I'll get hung for a deed like this.

"We should get you a place to stay"I tried to think of a place where no animals wonders, where no man visits.

The Unalata Cave.

"I know where I'm taking you" I told myself.

I couldn't help ,but notice the shackles around his arm and legs. The drags he had on for clothing only proved my suspicion as to if he was a prisoner. But it doesn't matter now seeing as I almost killed the man.

So much for that little distraction I supposedly needed.

I quickly wrapped my arms around his waist trying to lift him up. He weighs literally a ton for a man so thin!

"You have to help me!" I yelled.

I could feel him make himself lighter. I still struggled to pick him up, but got it right this time.

"Let's walk"

The cave was not far from here, but it was a long walk for someone with a arrow wound in his leg.

We had to stop each five minutes as the pain in his leg increased.

Finally we reached the entrance and I quickly helped him in.

I layed him down next to the fountain. I wanted to ask him how he was doing, but the next moment he was sleeping.

Sleeping, I made sure of that.

I wanted to wake him, but decided against it. I will need to come back tomorrow. I pushed aside the branches as I left the cave and looked back for a moment.

Just as I came out, the night swallowed the last bit of light.

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