5 Alone

Ebony seemed to know the way out of the forest. I held on tight as she kept running. It was dark and I felt tears stream down my face. I was so scared. I know I only knew him for a day but he had kept me safe.

After what seemed like hours Ebony started to slow down. I looked up seeing what looked like the end to the forest. I slowly sat up and started rubbing Ebony's neck.

"Good girl. You can rest now."

As if understanding me she stopped and I got off. I looked at her and felt as if I could feel her pain. I wonder how long she had been with Erevan. I heard a howl in the distance and decided we weren't far enough. But I didn't want to push Ebony any further. So we walked slowly to the exit of the forest.

When we were finally out it was like a complete change of scenery. It felt automatically brighter and I could see the sky above me. The moon was full and the stars shined. Ebony yanked me forward a bit as if to tell me to keep going.

"Aren't you tired? We can stop here and wait for Erevan."

Ebony sighed and pulled me forward again. I looked back at the forest and felt my stomach turn. He could be dead now for all I know. And it would be all my fault. My first day here and I had killed someone. I felt so sick thinking about it. Ebony was getting restless so I turned back and started walking with her.

After what seemed like hours my legs started to ache and I wanted to stop. I wanted to just fall to the ground and sleep. But Ebony wouldn't let me. It was still dark but I could see a lake over in the distance to the right of the path we were following. As we approached it I lead Ebony over and she accepted the water. I sat down next to her on a large rock and sighed. I didn't have shoes on and my feet were worn out and covered in dirt and it had only been hours.

I looked up at the sky and started to see that it was getting brighter. It was already becoming dawn. I couldn't help but remember what had just happened.

"He's going to be ok, right?"

Ebony didn't answer me. I laughed a little to myself. It's not like she could answer me anyway. I watched as the sun slowly rose. It was official. This wasn't a dream. I'm really here. What for? I have no idea. But I was alone now.

Alone.

I didn't like that word. It meant more then what it suggested. Not wanting to think about it I got up and nudged Ebony to start walking again. It took a while for her to listen but she did. By now the sun was up and it was a new day. We went back to the path and headed down it.

By midday I saw a village up ahead. Happy, and hungry, I started running toward it. For Ebony it was nothing more then a trot but she kept up with me. It was a small place and I didn't see anyone out and about. One house stood out from the rest and I thought about going in.

"Wait here," I said easing Ebony down to standing beside the building.

I walked in and saw a rather large man cleaning a counter he was standing behind. He didn't bother to look up. Maybe he doesn't get many visitors. I stood there waiting not sure what to do exactly. Getting a little irritated I cleared my throat.

"Listen Michael, it's too early for a drink I-"

The man stopped when he looked up and saw me.

"Oh goodness! I'm so sorry about that miss!"

He dropped the rag he was using and walked over to me with a big smile that was completely fake.

"Welcome! How can I help you?"

"I'm sorry I've been traveling for a bit and I don't know where I am."

"Ah well allow me to help you my dear! This is Barnsey. We are know for our berries from the farms around this area. But we don't get many visitors like yourself you see."

He said that last part as he looked me up and down. I felt uncomfortable seeing I had a different body and I wasn't exactly the cleanest.

"I'm sorry I'm really not from here. I just need some food and a place to rest for a bit and I'll be on my way."

"What's the rush? We have a festival in the upcoming week. Why not stay till then?"

I thought about Erevan and wondered if he'd ever be coming out of the forest alive.

"I-I'll think about it."

I looked around the room and realized this must be a tavern, or at least something like that. If that was the case he'd want money.

"Wonderful! Now, let me get you a room and some food."

"Wait!"

I stopped him from running off and bit my lip.

"I don't exactly have money..."

I watched as anger flickered across his face. I felt anxious standing here.

"Well then I'm sorry miss but I cannot help you."

I nodded my head and started walking out the door. I should've thought about things a little more before walking in. But I had other ideas. This was a farming village. Surely someone would let me in for the night.

Ebony was waiting for me and I went over to pet her neck. I sighed and felt my legs ache. I knew she had to be tired as well. I knew going to a house in the area wouldn't be the best idea so I decided to go out a bit until I found a farm. It took a while but I found one. I knocked on the door and waited for someone to come answer.

An older man answered it and he didn't look so pleased.

"Excuse me, I know this is a lot to ask but I need a place to stay just for the night. My horse is tired and so am I. If it isn't too much trouble would you be willing to let me stay?"

He didn't answer at first. He just looked at me. He slowly turned back to look inside the house.

"Mary! Get some fresh water. We have a wonderer at our door!"

I was confused. What did he need water for?

"I'm sorry, is that a no or...?"

He smiled and opened the door wider for me.

"Don't worry your pretty little face miss. We got plenty food for the night." He looked over at Ebony. "And plenty for your horse too."

"Oh thank you! Really you have no idea how thankful I am!"

He nodded his head and stepped out of the way to let me in. When I walked in he walked out and lead Ebony off to where I assumed he was going to let her stay. I looked around at the room I was in and saw two little girls playing on the ground. They stopped when they saw me though. I leaned down and smiled at them. They seemed a little frightened at that so I didn't say anything to encourage it.

I heard footsteps and looked over seeing a young woman come down. She had curly black hair and was quite beautiful. She looked at me with large brown eyes and took a step back up the stairs.

"Don't be scared Mary. She won't hurt you."

I looked over seeing the old man back again.

"Now, go start a bath for her. Let her feel welcomed."

Mary nodded her head and walked off and out the door.

"Thank you again for this. You know, I never did get your name."

"George miss. And yours?"

"Isabelle."

George walked over to the two little girls and they laughed as he patted their heads. He looked at me and smiled as if he saw something I didn't.

"Welcome to Barnsey miss."