'Did you hear that?' I asked Lily. I could have sworn that I heard a blade sliding out of its sheath.'No.' She shook her head. Then again I was always edgy out of the shelter of the forest.

I heard the sound of the harp, a instrument that bring back many memories of mother forcing me to act more like a lady.

'Let's go this way.' We turned down a alleyway. I heard the blade sliding sound again and whirled around.

'Run!' I shrieked. There were three men behind us, each holding spears or swords. We bolted down the alleyway, the twists and turns stopping us from running full speed. Then we skidded to a halt. We had come to a dead end. I twisted, pressing my back into the cold, hard brickwork. They were slowly walking towards us. They were grinning, taking their time.

'Get behind me.' I ordered.

'But-'

'Now.'

She retreated behind me. I got out my knives. With two flicks two were dead. The third was too close now. I exchanged my knives for my sword and readied myself, sword point at the ready. I thought of Wolfie, and what would happen if I died. Would he survive? Would he look for me? He couldent venture into town, they would kill him!

I jerked, the man had gotten much closer than when I zoned out. He suddenly cut me above my eye, opening up the old scar. The way he did it was so familiar... suddenly I realised.

'It can't be!' I ripped off his mask revealing his face.

'No!' I screamed in horror.

'Hello, Miss Riding. Long time no see hmm?' I was in deep shock. He was from my past. A problem. First at home, then in the city, now here! Would I ever get away?!?

'Lily, run when I tell you to.' I launched into attack mode, my trembling ceasing as I morphed into a zone that anticipated his moves and intentions as soon as he started them. my blade flashed with his blood, just as his did with mine. Blood from the cut above my eye dripped into my eye, clouding my vision. I faked a side stab and punched him in the throat.

'GO!' I carried on fighting as Lily ran past. She tripped and fell over something and yelped.

'GO! Get up and go! Quick!'

She didn't move. My knuckles were aching and my sword was heavy in my hand. Hot blood was running down my face and my chest was burning. I was panting and the smell of sweat mixed with blood hung in the air. I ran. Lily was lying in the floor, motionless, dead. A man had jabbed a dagger in her. I felt so helpless. Two men would over power me in no time in this state. So I ran and ran and ran away. I hid in the forest, crouching on the ground, shoulders shaking with suppressed sobs. I never cry. I never had. Except once, when she was killed... I was not crying. I denied it even as salty tears dripped down my cheeks.