Not Her 1

In the forest, Astrid is about to chase after the last man when something prevents her.

*Astrid's POV*

I felt something preventing me from moving. No not something, someone, a hand grabs me... I turn my head to see who had the nerve to stop me.

My once fierce and angry look quickly melted and disappeared, now replaced with shock and emotion I couldn't describe.

But the next thing I knew, I just burst into tears as I stare at those pair of eyes, one I've come to know and find solace in. She pulled me in and hugged me, consoling me.

I didn't know why I was crying, considering a moment back I felt happy not being helpless, that power, that feeling, the energy surging through me.

Yes, I remember, I pull from her hold and stare at her, then the question left my mouth...

"What am I aunt Nerissa?" I asked in between sobs.

"You are you, you are not a what, the question you should ask me is who are you, Astrid? But there isn't time, they'll be coming for you any minute now, we must hurry and leave this forest".

"Who! They... Who is coming?" I asked all the more confused.

"They Astrid, they. Now let's go."

With that said she held my hand and we ran back to where we were coming from as fast as our legs could carry us.

We ran for a while then she suddenly stopped and I crashed into her back.

"Why did you... "

I was cut short with a hand to my mouth, "Shhh, bend down."

We both hid in the bush close to the entrance of the forest, then she removed some leaves blocking our view, I was shocked by what I saw...

Lots of soldiers following the same line, were marching forward, coming from the road near the village and heading straight to the forest.

After aunt Nerissa scanned the area and made sure no one was around, we dashed out of the forest and made for our house.

Lucky for us, our house was at the outskirt of the village. 

Aunt Nerissa quickly asked me to change, took a bag and began packing some things. I quickly picked a dark blue gown and changed.

Then went to meet her, she handed me my cloak and wore hers, I did the same.

She handed me a bag containing some supplies, I took it and hung it over my head, so the strap was across my chest. Then we set out to leave.

"Where are we going to Aunt Nerissa?" I asked not feeling any need as to why we were leaving.

"Astrid not now, trust me, we must leave now."

"And go where?"

"Anywhere far from here. We're not safe here. Come on."

And so we rushed out of the house, as we were about dashing, crossing the road leading into the forest, we heard a voice.

"Halt in the name of the king!" The soldier shouted.

Aunt Nerissa held my hand tight and whispered to me, "Bend your head low, do not look at him, let me do the talking."

The soldier on a horse rode close to us, I briefly looked at him from the corner of my eye, good thing my hood covered my face well.

"Where are you going to in such a hurry?" He asked.

"Nowhere sir" Aunt Nerissa replied.

"Nowhere, then why these bags with you? Who are you?" he asked again.

I was beginning to get angry, "Stupid soldier what's your business with who we are, just move along already," I thought to myself.

"We are heading for the forest to get some herbs, sir."

"Why did you lie then? Who are you?"

"We are simple villagers sir. I didn't want to worry you with these poor servants. Please do not bother with us."

"What are your names?"

"I am Dina and she is... "

Aunt Nerissa was about answering when he raised his hand cutting her short.

"Not you, let her speak," he said pointing to me.

"My name is Rina" l lied.

"Raise your head let me see your face."

Aunt Nerissa cut in, "My sister is not feeling too fine sir."

He ignored Aunt Nerissa, "Raise your head I said."

Aunt Nerissa held my palms tight and I used my other hand to rub her hand, telling her it is okay. I carefully and slowly lifted my head, but rather than looking at him, I closed my eyes.

"Open your eyes let me see you, such beauty... "

"The sun is affecting my eyes, I don't want to open them" I lied once more.

He seemed to be getting impatient, as well as his companions. I could hear the sound of footsteps, another soldier was walking up to us. "This is trouble," I thought to myself.

"Open them in the name of the king or I'll have them seize you."

I did as he said and opened my eyes, he was shocked out of his wits, as he saw the different colours in my eyes.

"You... " before he had the chance to say anything else, Aunt Nerissa slapped his horse hard and we dashed into the forest, running with all the strength left.

*Author's POV*

After Nerissa hit his horse they ran into the forest not looking back, the horse raised its front legs throwing the soldier to the ground.

"Quick, catch them" he shouted from where he was on the ground. In the next seconds, the soldiers ran into the forest chasing after them.

"Run faster."