Running in dresses had been one of my childhood troubles. I had spent countless hours trying to convince my mother to let me run in men's pants. They were much more comfortable and easier to run through the woods in. Of course, every time I was shot down.
It was in this way that I became an expert on running, fighting, and climbing in even the most constricting of gowns. And it was also the reason I was able to run swiftly through the trees without planting my face in the mud.
"I'm gonna get you girly!"
I push branches away from my face, sweat covering my hairline.
"Come on pretty! I won't hurt ya!"
A branch hits my cheek, I feel blood drip from my face.
I go to wipe it, and trip over a half-buried rock.
I catch my fall on my wrist, hearing a sickening snap. I scream in pain. But it's nothing compared to the pain I knew I would endure should they catch me.
I stand to my feet, forcing them to move.
"Gotcha!"
The mans yellow teeth and bad breath come into my vision. I push him away from me, but he grips my arms tight. He twists my arm.
"Ah! Please!"
He sneers, "You May be a better fighter then me, but you haven't the strength to hurt a fly. Give up now, and I'll only hurt you a little."
"Let her go!"
Both of our heads are drawn to the sound of the new voice. A boy stands there. His face is pale and his hair dark. His clothes are old but not ragged. He wears a red scarf round his neck. His face was serious yet calm.
"Keep your nose out of other people's business boy!"
The boy shakes his head, "Let her go at once!"
"Listen here b-"
The horrid man never got a chance to finish, because a large rock lifted from the ground and flew straight at his head. It socked him right in the face, taking him out with one blow. Both the rock and the man fall to the ground with a muffled thud.
I stare at the man for a moment before sinking to my knees to catch my breath.
The boy runs over to me, his face full on concern. Weather it was for me or him (because Magic is forbidden) I could not tell.
"Are you Alright Miss?"
I shake my head, pushing my pale gold hair from my face.
"Yes. I'm fine. Thank you for saving me. It was very brave."
He nods, his face becoming more nervous, "You won't tell any-"
"You must be very strong the throw that rock at him." I give him a meaningful look.
He smiles in understanding, "Indeed."
He takes my hands to pull me up. In our conversation I'd forgotten my injury.
"Ah!"
"Goodness, are you alright. I'm so sorry!"
"No, no. It's ok. My fault. Will you help me to that log there?"
He nods, "Of course."
His arm winds around mine, giving me the support I needed to hobble over to the log, without putting pressure on my wrist.
I sit down gently. My blue dress probably being ruined by the wet moss on the old log.
I reach down and rip off a piece of my white under dress. I look up to the boy.
"You mind?"
"Not at all."
He takes the strip of cloth and wraps it around my wrist, making sure to wrap it in a way that would keep me from using it too much. At least until I could reach a doctor to mend it.
"I'm Merlin by the way."
He smiles up at me. His white teeth completing his handsome face.
"Nice to meet you Merlin. My name's Elizabeth. You can call me Liz."
He ties the strip and sits down on the log next to me.
"What's a nice girl like yourself doing with a man like that?"
My voice goes cold, and I can't look Merlin in the eye. "I'm not with him. It was just a misunderstanding. I'd rather not talk about it if you don't mind."
He nods, "I understand. I didn't mean to pry."
"I am traveling to Camelot. I'm going to be staying with a family friend."
I nod my head, pulling my hair back to cool my neck. "That sounds wonderful. I happen to be traveling to Camelot as well. Or, I was until I met some trouble."
"Perhaps we could finish the journey together."
I lean back, taking a breath, "I would like that very much."
"Just don't get anymore injuries. I know I look strong but I don't know if I could carry you all the way there."
I laugh, for Merlin looked like he could have trouble lifting a bucket of water.
"Of course. Can let looks fool you."
He chuckles, "Well, I'm going to get some firewood. You've done enough for the day. We should reach Camelot by tomorrow afternoon."
Merlin returned a few moments later with an armful of sticks. He sets them down on the ground. He pauses, looking between the wood and myself. He seemed to be debating something.
I chuckle, "Merlin?"
He blushes, "Well, you already know about my talents so do you mind if I..."
"Go ahead Merlin."
He stares at the sticks, his eyes glowing a hawkish gold. With a pop, the fire ignited into flames. The heat radiates off the wood. Warming my skin and soothing my aching muscles.
Merlin takes a seat next to me once more. "The woods are beautiful this time of year."
I look up at the treetops. The leaves were brown, red, and gold.
"Yes. Yes it is."
And there we sat together at the fire, surrounded by falling leaves.
YOU ARE READING
The Last Dragon Lord
FantasyIn a land of myth, and a time of Magic, the fate of a kingdoms future lies in the hands of a young girl. The Last Dragon Lord.