Trails Of Silent

I've seen how their minds work. They may appear pious and honorable on the surface, but beneath it all, they are like snakes. Patient and calculating, they bide their time,waiting

for the perfect moment to strike.

They don't care how many lives get

entangled in their plots.

~Bahar

The sprawling woods extended for a staggering two hundred and twelve kilometers, creating a natural barrier between the northern and southern clans. Safah currently found herself deep within the southern part of this massive forest, with her ultimate destination lying to the north. Provided they kept moving without significant interruptions, it was possible to emerge from the forest within a span of just two days.

This forested expanse was an unclaimed territory, home to nomads led by an even more mysterious sorcerer. The stories surrounding these nomads were shrouded in darkness, with whispered tales suggesting that they dabbled in nefarious magic, possessing the power to transmute a person into a frog or inflict madness upon them. These ominous tales served to deter most people from venturing into their domain. Safah was a logical thinker, so she couldn't help but believe that there must be more rational explanations behind these unsettling stories. She reasoned that, at its core, the woods were simply a forest inhabited by those who foraged for fruits and hunted game, nothing more.

She had traversed this forest once before in her childhood, accompanied by her mother and a group of women. On that previous journey, they had been surrounded by a heavily armed escort that provided protection against potential threats. This time around, as she rode on horseback through the woods, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling of exposure and vulnerability in the heart of the vast forest.

The seemingly foolish man displayed an uncanny sense of direction as they rode through the woods. He led the way, forging ahead of her and only pausing when they had traveled for an entire day and night. As they came to a halt, Safah's wound, a deep gash on her back, began to bleed again. Fortunately, Xara had thought ahead and packed fresh bandages in Safah's satchel. Safah attempted to change her bandage, but the wound was difficult to reach, causing her frustration to grow.

"Can I help you with that?" Bahar offered his assistance, and Safah agreed, allowing him to take over. His hands were surprisingly gentle as he carefully wrapped the wound and cleaned away the blood that had soaked her back.

"That's quite a nasty gash. How did you get it?" Bahar inquired, attempting to strike up a conversation.

"Lord Azar," Safah began, pride in her voice. "He inflicted it with his sword. He underestimated me, and I left him with only one eye." She recounted the encounter with a sense of triumph, remembering how she had pierced his eye with the arrow that had also pierced her back. The loud wails of Lord Azar as she had made her escape still echoed in her memory. He had thought she was an easy target, intending to subject her to unspeakable horrors before taking her life. But he had underestimated the resilience of a Baldar woman. She had fought fiercely, even though he had ultimately succeeded in taking over her home. Safah was determined to avenge her family and come for his head, having inflicted her own measure of retribution upon him.

After Bahar had finished wrapping her wound, they continued their journey through the woods. The forest was vast and dense, with towering ancient trees that cast long shadows. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, creating a dappled play of light and shadow on the forest floor. The air was filled with the earthy scent of moss and decaying leaves.

Bahar's voice carried a mix of bitterness and sorrow as he continued to share his family's tragic history. "I'm convinced that my grandfather was framed for the treason. He was the most loyal man, his allegiance to the Ashraf house had never wavered until his last breath. But those power-hungry mongrels cut off his head without a fair trial and dismantled our family."

In the dimness of the forest, his words resonated with a poignant truth, and Safah could sense the depth of his anger and pain. The betrayal and injustice his family had faced mirrored her own desire for revenge against the Rezaygat clan.

As they rode deeper into the woods, Bahar spoke more about himself, sharing pieces of his own story. He explained how his family had fallen from grace, their noble name tarnished by accusations of treason. They had been exiled, their lands seized, and their future shattered. Bahar had been one of the few who managed to escape, fleeing to the wilderness to avoid the shame and persecution that came with his family's downfall.

Listening to his tale, Safah couldn't help but feel a sense of empathy. She understood the weight of the burden that honor and family name carried among the nobility. It was a shared understanding of loss and exile that seemed to bind their destinies together. Despite the difficult circumstances that had brought them together, Safah began to sense that Bahar was not as untrustworthy as she had initially believed.

During their journey through the woods, Safah couldn't help but notice the complex nature of Bahar's character. He was a man marked by deep-seated issues, a wary disposition that manifested in the form of trust issues. It seemed he was ever on guard, always vigilant, as if he believed that everyone around him harbored ulterior motives. Their time together had made it evident that Bahar struggled with trust, and Safah often found him growing more and more apprehensive of her as they ventured deeper into the forest.

Their rides through the forest were frequently shrouded in silence, only occasionally punctuated by Bahar's attempts to strike up conversations. These conversations, however, rarely lasted long, and Safah didn't mind the reticence. She understood that Bahar's history had left him scarred, making it difficult for him to lower his guard and confide in others.

Despite the unease and tension that colored their interactions, Safah sensed that Bahar was not entirely without virtue. He was a survivor, shaped by the hardships he had faced, and she admired his resilience even as he struggled with trust issues that made him hesitant to embrace genuine connections.

"I spent my childhood in the Ashraf court," Bahar admitted, his voice laden with a mix of bitterness and familiarity. "I've seen how their minds work. They may appear pious and honorable on the surface, but beneath it all, they are like snakes. Patient and calculating, they bide their time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. They don't care how many lives get entangled in their plots."

Safah nodded, understanding the treacherous world of nobility all too well. "It's not just the Ashraf; most of the nobility are the same. Ambitious and driven by desires for land, power, and influence. They're willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals."

Bahar's grin was mischievous, yet tinged with a touch of unease. "You should know, I'm a wanted man in the north. If I'm recognized, I'll be beheaded."

Safah reassured him, her tone unwavering. "You're under my protection, Bahar. Trust me, no harm will come to a lady's escort." It was a promise, a small offering of trust in a world where trust was a rare and precious commodity.

Bahar's voice carried a hint of bitterness as he spoke. "I was once under the protection of the Ashraf house and when the time came, I was discarded like a torn satchel. Please, don't take offense. It's just that I've lost my trust in noble blood."

Safah offered a understanding nod. "No offense taken, and you're right to be cautious. I completely understand. Just guide me through the forest as far as you can. From there, I'll find my own way. I don't expect much from you." Her words were tinged with a touch of resignation, acknowledging her vulnerability in his presence. She could only hope that Bahar wouldn't betray the trust she had placed in him.

A somber silence enveloped them as they continued their journey. Safah's wound throbbed with pain, and she could feel every step her horse took. She slowed their pace as the agony became too much to bear. After a while, Bahar noticed her struggling and dismounted his horse. Gently, he helped her down, and she lay down on the forest floor. The pain had become unbearable, and before long, Safah's consciousness gave way, and she slipped into unconsciousness.

Safah's world dissolved into darkness as her consciousness waned. Bahar watched over her, concern etched on his face. He realized the direness of her condition, and for a moment, he questioned the wisdom of aiding her on this perilous journey.

Hours passed, and Safah remained unconscious. Bahar contemplated their situation, the weight of responsibility resting on his shoulders. He knew they were deep within the woods, far from any settlement or help. He sighed, resigned to the fact that he had to do his best to ensure their safety.

He scanned their surroundings, looking for any signs of danger. The forest seemed eerily quiet, as if it held its breath, and the dim light filtered through the dense canopy of leaves above.

Bahar kept a vigilant watch, ready to act if any threats approached. The minutes stretched on, and the forest remained still. It was a tense and uncertain wait, but he was determined to protect Safah, the lady he had reluctantly agreed to guide through these treacherous woods.

In the stillness of the midnight hour, Safah stirred and let out a soft groan as her eyes fluttered open. Bahar, who had been keeping watch, jumped in surprise. Her entire body ached, and the wound on her back throbbed with pain.

"I've found a perfect hiding place," Bahar said with a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. "We can make camp there and wait a few days for you to regain your strength."

Safah, determined and unyielding, insisted, "No, I can't afford a few days. We have to leave now. I can rejuvenate when I get my army." She made an attempt to rise despite the pain coursing through her.

Bahar firmly held his ground. "It's not up to you, my lady. I'm the guide here, and I say we wait."

Safah gazed out into the dark forest, frustration etched on her face. Reluctantly, she acquiesced, "As you wish." She settled back, her eyes fixing on the stars above, a reminder of the distant hope she clung to. She nodded, grateful for the respite. Her body needed time to heal, and Bahar's offer provided a glimmer of hope in the midst of their perilous journey through the dark woods. With Bahar's guidance and this newfound refuge, they could continue their ride once she was fit enough to travel.

Morning arrived with Safah in the throes of a fever. She lay shivering uncontrollably, her body burning with the heat of the illness. Bahar quickly set to work, determined to alleviate her suffering. He managed to kindle a fire to keep them warm and left to forage for herbs to help combat the fever. Their supplies were dwindling, and the urgency of their situation was clear.

Despite her weakened state, Safah forced herself to swallow the dry bread that Xara had thoughtfully packed for her. She washed it down with water from a nearby stream, which Bahar had refilled their bottle with. The fever was a formidable adversary, but Safah's determination to continue her journey burned as fiercely as the flames of the campfire.

Bahar returned with a bundle of herbs, his face etched with concern. He prepared a simple remedy, a crude concoction using the herbs he had found. Safah could taste the bitterness as she sipped it, but she knew it was her only chance to combat the fever that threatened to consume her. He concocted another potion, this time with a soothing quality, which he carefully applied to Safah's wound. The cool sensation provided relief to the pain she had endured for so long. He was surprisingly skilled in the ways of herbal remedies, and his hands were gentle and precise as he tended to her injuries.

Safah lay there for a while, her eyes fixed on Bahar as he skillfully skinned and roasted the rabbit he had caught. Her curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn't help but ask, "How did you learn about herbs and healing?"

She noticed a shift in his mood, indicating that this was a sensitive topic for him. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke. "My mother taught me. She was a healer."

Safah's keen intuition picked up on his use of the past tense. His mother was either deceased or no longer practicing as a healer. Sensing the weight of his words, she decided not to press further. However, after a contemplative silence, he continued, "She was fortunate enough to be reclaimed by her family in the west. I didn't get to see her much after our exile. Her family couldn't help us at the time, but they were given the chance to save her, and they took it. I heard she remarried."

"At least she is safe," Safah said softly, offering solace with her words.

Bahar nodded in agreement and continued to focus on cooking their meal.

Safah couldn't help but tease, "What about hunting and cooking? Is that a survival skill your mother taught you?"

"A friend," Bahar replied with a smile. For a fleeting moment, Safah saw the innocence of a young boy in his eyes - a glimmer of a life untouched by hardship, filled with pure love and security. He continued, "We used to sneak out and hunt rabbits. We'd cook them over a fire. The first time we tried it, the meat was barely cooked, and we both ended up with stomachaches."

It was a moment of nostalgia for Bahar, a brief escape from the harsh reality of his life.

The simple shared memory provided a momentary escape from the burdens of their quest. For a while, Safah and Bahar enjoyed the makeshift meal, savoring the taste of the rabbit and the sense of camaraderie. The laughter that followed was light-hearted and genuine, a break from the constant watchfulness they had been practicing.

As they sat by the campfire, Safah couldn't help but wonder about the different facets of Bahar's life. His past, his family, and the complex web of stories and experiences that had shaped him into the person he was today. However, she decided not to press him further, understanding that some parts of one's history are best left undisturbed.

After the meal, they settled down for the night, wrapped in the comforting warmth of the fire's glow. The dense forest whispered around them, occasionally accompanied by the eerie cry of a distant night bird.

As the embers of the campfire flickered and dimmed, Safah turned to Bahar. She had wanted to express her gratitude for his support, for the guidance through the treacherous forest, and for the moments of companionship. "Thank you, Bahar, for everything," she said softly, but the only response she received was the gentle sound of his soft snores. He had already drifted off to sleep, leaving Safah with her thoughts and the hushed whispers of the forest surrounding.

Safah watched the campfire's last glimmers dance in the darkness and listened to the rustling leaves. She realized how deep Bahar's fatigue had set in. Even though they had forged an uneasy alliance, it seemed his guard was finally down in her presence.

She leaned back against a tree trunk, pondering their journey. Her thoughts drifted to the Ashraf house and the mysterious sorcerer who held the power to control the woods. The dark tales and fears surrounding the forest were a chilling backdrop to her mission. But she had come this far, and there was no turning back now. She would need to rely on her instincts, her newfound companion, and her determination to reach the North and gather the army that could reclaim her family's legacy.

As Safah's mind navigated the tangled pathways of her mission, she also contemplated the enigma that was Bahar. A man with a troubled past, marked by betrayal and exile, he held his secrets close. Despite her initial doubts, she couldn't help but feel a connection. They were two souls on a journey, united by circumstance and necessity.

In the quiet of the night, beneath the starlit canopy of the forest, Safah decided to trust Bahar a little more. She would let the morning light reveal their path, as they continued to make their way through the vast, mystical woods towards the North and, with luck, towards a brighter future.

As sleep claimed her, Safah's dreams took her on a harrowing journey. In the depths of her slumber, she saw her mother's soothing presence, comforting her with gentle words. But the image transformed, and her mother's face shifted into that of Lord Azar - a malevolent and sinister figure, filled with hunger for power. The haunting dream unfolded further with vivid scenes of her father, his life fading, and her sisters, their screams echoing through her mind.

In this surreal landscape of her subconscious, the dream took an even darker turn. Safah's gaze fell upon Bahar, who stood alongside Lord Azar, their smiles twisted and malevolent. In her hand, she held a dagger, and a shiver ran down her spine as she saw it plunge into Bahar's heart. He fell, his eyes vacant, leaving Safah to wake from this nightmarish vision in a cold sweat, her heart pounding with fear.

The vivid, haunting dream left her feeling unsettled, as if her subconscious was trying to warn her of impending dangers, real or imagined. It was a stark reminder of the perils that lay ahead as she continued her journey through the woods.

As Safah's eyes slowly adjusted to the soft morning light filtering through the leaves, she realized that Bahar was nowhere to be found. Panic began to well up within her as she scanned her surroundings, and then she heard it - faint whispers, barely audible but distinct. They echoed through the woods, a chorus of hushed voices that seemed to be conspiring in secrecy.

She strained to listen and identify the source of the whispers. The eerie feeling of not being alone settled upon her, and her senses sharpened, alert to the presence of hidden figures, perhaps watching from the depths of the forest. Her heart raced as she knew she needed to act quickly.

Characters

1.The enigmatic sorcerer (A mysterious figure leading the nomads in the unclaimed forest territory)

2.Bahar's grandfather (Allegedly framed for treason, leading to the downfall of Bahar's family)

3.Bahar's mother (A healer who taught Bahar about herbs and healing, reclaimed by her family in the west)

4.The Ashraf house (A noble family mentioned in Bahar's history, associated with betrayal and power)

5.The dark tales (Whispers surrounding the nomads' alleged involvement in nefarious magic)

16.Night bird (Heard in the forest, adding an eerie atmosphere to the surroundings)

Places

1.The southern part of the massive forest (Safah's current location within the unclaimed territory inhabited by nomads)

2.The Ashraf court (Mentioned by Bahar, where he spent his childhood)

3.The hiding place (A location suggested by Bahar to make camp and wait for Safah to regain her strength)

4.The campsite (Where Safah and Bahar sit by the campfire, sharing a meal and conversation)

5.The stream (Near the campsite, where Bahar refills their water bottle)

6.The west (Where Bahar's mother's family reclaimed her, providing safety after their exile)