To Walk

Followed

So! I completely forgot to post a pic of Ava in the last chapter, so next time her POV comes up, I'll post it... ok??

I hope to soon add more art into the chapters...I know it's not the smartest move, but I simply don't have the time to draw all the fight scenes and such I want in time! So, If you go back when this story is finished, I'll probs have more pics of the characters and scenes!

I know, long intro and all, so ENJOYYY!!!

RECAP

Damon Rivers' POV

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          She shuddered, whispering so I could barely hear her, "Is that even possible?"

          Squeezing my eyes shut, I turned to walk out of the door, "I... I don't know."

          Jasher followed me, shutting the door softly. We left silently, nodding to the blacksmith as he entered the house to check on the girl.

          Picking up the rest of our supplies with the barest minimum of conversation, we left the town, still in silence.

          I didn't notice the bandits trailing us until it was too late.

          A nearly always fatal mistake.

Damon Rivers' POV

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          The haunted look in young Lydia's eyes had stolen my focus, drawing back into my mind the memories I had been so careful to bury, to forget.

         Until the time was right.

         Until I needed the strength all that anguish and pain could bring me.

         The day I and all my followers would face HIM.

          I hardly noticed passing through the gates and making my way into the forest, a horribly sloppy and deadly mistake. I didn't even pay attention to the gate as it opened and closed only a few minutes after us.

          By instinct, I knew where to meet with the rest of my band.

          I should have known, by instinct, to sense a follower.

          A sudden blast of pain shoved my shoulder forward. I inhaled sharply, biting back a cry.

          I cursed, feeling hot blood start to run down my back.

          It dawned on me.

          We'd been followed.

          Beside me, Jasher cried out and the thud of his body hitting the earth angered me into action. I was furious with myself.

          I let my pack fall. Ignoring the burn of the crossbow bolt in my right shoulder, I let a savage war cry tear from my throat as I spun and reached for one of my twin axes, only to grasp air. I cursed again, remembering I had left them behind to make myself look harmless at the gate. Reaching down, I gripped the long knife in my boot and took a ready stance, though my shoulder throbbed.

          Our assailants were concealed behind trees, that much I could tell, for I only saw the barest indications of movements behind the great oaks and bushes surrounding us, never a sure target. It wouldn't have made a difference had they been out in the open, as I would have been able to throw my knife once.