Nyx was on watch when it happened. I felt myself being shook awake.
"Avis? Avis? Avis! Avis wake up!" she hissed into my ear. "I-I heard something in the bushes!" I immediately woke up and grabbed Father's knife out of the sheath which I kept next to my makeshift bed this whole journey. I drew it as we scouted the bushes.
Suddenly, a group of 4 bandits burst out of the bushes. I used my arm to draw Nyx behind me. Two of the men had swords, one had a short hunting bow, and the last had a stone club.
"Alright, ladies! Hand over the precious stuff. You little girls have to have some jewelry." Their leader said. I shook my head.
"No. We have nothing. And plus, what do you care, leave us alone!" He smiled carelessly.
"Well, girly," he said, rubbing his finger down his sword blade. "I could just make you give it to me." he suggested.
"You could try." I said, braver than I felt. Then he attacked. He rushed forward with Other Sword Guy and Club Man trying to flank us. Bow Dude stayed back, trying to knock an arrow. Sword Guy, aka the leader, swung at me. I parried the blow with the knife, which was surprisingly strong. His sword glanced off. Bow Dude finally knocked an arrow, so before Sword Guy could strike again, I swung my knife to break the bowstring. I parried another shot with Sword Guy. I realized we were outnumbered and would never win.
"Nyx, when I say, run. I'll help you." I whispered and she nodded. I parried another stroke. "Well, now I'm scared!" I said to Sword Guy, faking terror. He grinned.
"You should be."
"But, I have one last plan."
"What?"
"I can-" I said, cutting off. It was an old trick to distract your opponents. I pretended to throw the knife, a move I could never pull off while yelling "RUN!" to Nyx. I never released the knife and turned and ran. I helped Nyx with her ankle limp along. We didn't have much time so I turned around to face the angry men. I held them off until Nyx could hide in the trees. Then I tried to turn and run. Sword Guy grabbed the back of my collar and held me back. He swung his sword, cutting me down my thigh.
"AH!" I gasped in pain. I twisted out of his grip and ran as fast as my leg would allow. They luckily left us alone. I hobbled towards where Nyx was hiding.
"Avis! What happened!" she exclaimed. I explained to her my escape. I ripped off the sleeve of my shirt and pressed it against my wound. It stanched the flow. We stayed there for the rest of the night.
YOU ARE READING
The Long Way Home
Short StoryAvis and her twin sister Nyx lost their parents to illness. In despair, they ran away from their home, although the road provides many challenges and hardships. Are Avis and Nyx ready for the journey? Will they ever find somewhere to call home...
