TFL ch. 26

I had thought the worst of my troubles were over when I left the camp but unfortunately... I was extraordinarily wrong. I am lost in the darkness of Rhodenheim's forests. Hoots and screeches penetrate the air, hauntingly resounding in my ears. I see everything, and nothing all at once. The pine trees give no hint as to which way Sicota lies and they point in all directions like a weather vane dancing about in a whirlwind.

The crisp scent of the pine needles tugs at my nose and tries to calm me. Yet every time I step, I jump from the crackle of the underbrush. The thousand whispers of the wind call my name as I walk away from the camp. I must have walked at least a mile by this time. The moon is hidden by the trees, though still clearly past the zenith.

I hear a rustle several feet behind me. Unsheathing Castra, I ask, "Who's there?" The leaves rustle in response, but no voice answers my question. I doubt that no one is there, though. Has my escape already been noticed? Have my captors come in pursuit of me? I rush away from the spot, deeper into the woods.

The night sky slowly blushes with soft hues as I reach a clearing. Sighing in relief, I heave myself onto the ground. Every muscle is stiff and moans in pain. I fight constantly to keep them moving, but a moment will not hurt, right? All I need is a moment's rest.

Sucking in a deep breath, I lie down in the grass. I still have no idea which direction to head toward. Sicota lies in the heart of Rhodenheim. I could be going in the complete opposite direction! Yet anywhere but that wretched campsite is bliss!

I close my eyes. Sleep beckons me, its soft,lilting voice so gentle. My breathing deepens and my thoughts become hazy. If I could just rest, just sleep, all will be well.

A deep chuckle sounds from behind me. Stirring, I turn to find the ominous form of Wesson leaning against a tree. "I must say, you are the boldest girl I've ever met, Lee." He steps closer, "I can't think of one other girl who would have the audacity to slip into my tent and steal something right out from under me. An extremely foolish move, but bold." His impressed smirk and laughing, cold eyes are tinted strangely by the dawn light.

I stand to my feet despite the dizzying tiredness consuming me. "I couldn't allow you to have Castra." I state, the words barely coherent in my mind.

Wesson sneers, "So you risk your life for a silly sword... Didn't your prince teach you better than that?"

Anger sweeps through me. What right does he have to ridicule me? I unsheathe Castra and lunge at him, rage clouding my vision. He skillfully meets my sword with his, and evades my every strike. As the sun rises, his strength grows with the light while mine ebbs. Fatigue weighs tons when one has had no food and no water. Each powerful strike only hurts me more and more until finally I lose grip of Castra once more.

Grabbing my waist with one hand and sheathing his sword with the other, Wesson pushes me against a tree. Breathlessly, he murmurs, "Goodness, I can't stand feisty women." His breath fans across my cheeks, sending pulses of revulsion throughout my body. His eyes wander down to my lips and he leans in. Closing my eyes, I turn away. His other hand quickly snatches my jaw and turns it back. He crushes his lips against mine, bruising them with the harshness of his kiss. I press my lips together and push him away. Let him kill me but I will not allow him to force himself on me!

His eyes flash with fury and glare at me. He throws my body back into the tree, this time pressing my body with his. He forces his lips onto mine and I groan with disgust as I desperately try to shove him off. My muscles are so weak, however, and I barely move his solid body. He presses harder, ignoring my trembling.

"UNHAND HER!" Wesson releases me at the strong voice's command. I immediately smile. Eric has come.

Wesson looks at him on his magnificent horse. Eric glares at him, his hazel eyes burning. Wesson discretely bows. "Your highness--"

Eric cuts him off. "Get out of here, you perverted scum of the earth. Be glad that I don't kill you right where you're standing." His voice is deep, cutting, with every word over-enunciated as he grinds his teeth in rage.

Wesson nods and slinks off with just a whisper, "Not now, not now. But this is not the end. " He glances at me and mouths, "You will be mine." I shudder as he turns and runs into the woods.

As soon as Wesson disappears into the woods, Eric leaps off his horse and rushes to me. He brushes a strand of hair from my face. "Are you all right? Did he--?"

"No." I whisper. Tears of exhaustion and joy blur my vision. Scenes from the past two days run through my thoughts. Relief floods my body. He came for me! I try to step towards him but all strength leaves me, and I collapse into his arms. Just as the world goes dark, I feel Eric's arms sweep me up against his chest. He whispers sweetly as he holds me close, "It's all right, 'Melia. I'm here. You're safe." I sigh and let the world flee from me. With his arms around me, there is nothing to fear.

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Hello, lovelies! Wow, that was an intense scene to write! I hope you enjoyed it! It's a bit shorter, but this matched the scene best.

What type of person are you?

A. Early bird. Because they always catch the worm right?

B. Party all night, sleep all day

C. Sleep 24/7

D. I barely ever sleep.

I have to say I love to be up late and be up early. I'm strange. Lol

Dedicated to lynnb37. Thanks for answering the question and being such a faithful fan! You are one reason why I keep writing!

Have a great day everyone!!!