'I'm gonna make it', I thought to myself as my eyes fell upon my escape. The Kingdoms' territory would end in just a few hundred meters. I'd be free, finally, and no one would be able to tell what it is I need do for my future. It would finally be my choice, my decision truly, my life.
Hearing a piercing scream I look back to see Mrs. Haggan charging towards me with a shotgun at the ready. Her green eyes crazed as she followed behind me, she smirks and I know what's coming next. Swift as she is Mrs. Haggan is predictable in most cases, but especially when it comes to matters concerning me. Today I think I might have pissed her off a bit more than usual, seeing as I ran out off on Royal Inspection Day. Glancing to my right I stare into the Forbidden Forest, a mangled mass of dark wood blanketed in a thick fog. For a moment I swear I see something staring back at me from between the trees . Though before I can try to make out what it is I hear the gun cock from behind me and I groan.
'Here we go.', I think running faster.
I hear the gun go off and veer to my left, the bullet just barely missing me. I count to six and sure enough another shot rings out and I jump to the right keeping momentum as she misses me again. As I said predictable, my triumph is short-lived as the Royal Guard comes to a full stop right within my path. I skid to a stop dropping to the ground to wait for Mrs. Haggan to catch up. She stomps up to me nostrils flaring and hair thrown haphazardly atop her head. Her chest rising and falling quickly as she visibly tried to catch her breath.
Gripping my hair she yells, "This will be the last time you make a fool of me, you wretched girl!"
"It is not as if I asked you chase me. You're a persistent old hag I'll give you that.", I say letting her swing me to and fro.
The sound of scraping against metal comes from behind me and Mrs. Haggan freezes, hands still buried in my hair. I can't turn to see who has joined the conversation so I sit silently. Hands still in my hair she stands up straight my neck strains to find a position to accommodate her incessant pulling.
"Mrs. Haggan I'll have to ask you to release Runner.", says a smooth voice with a familiarity I can't quite place.
"With all due respect Sir Anthony, but this child is my ward by Lady Philias' decree. She is mine to do as I see fit.", she replies hastily.
I groan, of all people it just had to be Sir Anthony, youngest appointed Captain of the Royal Guard. He earned his position at the age of fourteen. The man is overly confident because the kingdom fills his head with dreams of grandeur. Mrs. Haggan hand loosens slightly and I take the opportunity to look up at the knight. I'm met with the calm blue and purple swirling through his irises
