Chapter 2: In the Woods

     Morning Star nickered, and nuzzled Avia gently.

    “What is it girl?” Avia asked, waking up slowly.

    It was the middle of the night, and Avia listened to see why Morning Star had woken her up.

    “Search everywhere!” Avia heard a male voice yell. “She has to be around here somewhere! Capture her!”

    Avia knew that voice. It was the captain of the guard. The voice was a good mile away, so she could probably get away, if she was quiet enough. She got up, and saddled Morning Star.

    “We have to be quiet, Morning Star.” Avia whispered. “Let’s go girl.”

    Avia and Morning Star went quietly out of their hiding place. They went slowly in the opposite direction of the voices. The voices grew fainter and fainter. Once Avia felt she was far enough, she urged Morning Star into a run and went as fast as she could go. After about an hour of going, Morning Star started slowing down.

    “Good girl.” Avia said, patting Morning Star on the neck.

    After climbing off Morning Star, Avia looked around. Closing her eyes, she pictured the map she had studied. She still had a day’s ride until she reached the edge of the forest. Half a day if she kept Morning Star at a gallop, and took fifteen minute breaks. Avia walked over to her saddlebag, and grabbed a loaf of bread, some fruit, and some oats for Morning Star. She spread the oats on the ground in front of Morning Star, and then sat down next to her horse to eat her food. It was still very dark, and Avia couldn’t see anything. Then night sky had no moon, and the stars weren’t shining very brightly. Avia guessed it was around 2 in the morning. If she were at home, she would be studying astronomy with her professor at around this time.

    “Ready to go, girl?” Avia asked, climbing back on Morning Star.

    Avia urged Morning Star into a gallop, and they rode until the sun was peaking over Mount Corolith. Now, she was about halfway from the edge of the forest. Avia looked around for a stream that Morning Star could take a drink from, and that she could wash up in. She saw one, and walked Morning Star over to it.

    “Here you go, girl.” She said, climbing off her horse. “Have a nice, cool drink. We’ll get moving again here in a few minutes. I’m gonna go wash my face right over here, okay?”

    Avia went downstream a little way, dipped her hands in the cool water, and splashed a little on her face. Avia never dipped her face in the water because she had to listen for the castle guards. After a few minutes, Avia got back on Morning Star and rode until she reached the edge of the forest.

    “Halt!” Avia heard a gruff voice say.

    “Are you Gotheus, the noble centaur?” Avia asked.

    “I am.” Gotheus replied. “How do you know my name? And who are you?”

    “I am Cora.” Avia replied. “I met Othelion yesterday, and he said to give this to you.”

    Avia got out the slip of paper, and handed it to Gotheus.

    “Thank you, Cora.” Gotheus replied, taking the slip.

    After reading it, Gotheus handed a bag to Avia.

    “Here is some extra food for you.” Gotheus said. “You’ll find the quickest way over the mountain is the trail to the right of the sign ahead.”

    “Thank you for your help.” Avia smiled at Gotheus.

    They grasped forearms, raised them, and went their separate ways. Avia rode forward toward the mountain. She would have a couple of hours before she reached the sign. Now that she was out of the forest, Avia felt more scared and on edge. She kept looking around, fearful that the guards were going to come upon her any minute. When she reached the sign, she looked at the two trails. The left trail led to the Cave of Koeleil, where the Conqueror’s Sword was. Just as she was about to take the trail to the right, she heard a voice.

    “Princess Avia?” a male voice said.

    Two elves came out from behind the sign. Avia had never seen elves before, and the sight of them shocked her.

    “Who are you?” Avia asked, one hand on her dagger.

    “I am Archer.” The taller one said. “This is my brother Mikel. Oliver sent us to bring you to him.”

    “You know Oliver?” Avia asked, taking her hand from the dagger. “What’s all of this about?”

    “He would like to tell you that himself.” Mikel replied. “Follow Archer. He is going to be ahead of you, and I will be behind you, and our friends will be circling to keep watch. It’s all for your safety, Your Highness.”

    “Alright, thank you.” Avia replied. “Should I stay on Morning Star?”

    “Yes, stay on her.” Archer said. “Oliver is waiting at the end of the trail, and if something happens to us, you’re to ride full speed to him.”

    Avia didn’t like the sound of that plan, but she nodded her agreement. They started off. Avia looked around. She saw two more elves walking on the sides of the mountain. Avia could feel the fear rising in her chest. Breathing deeply, she focused on her riding, and counted the steps they took. After she counted 153 steps, Avia felt herself growing calmer.

    “Would either of you like some food?” she asked.

    “What do you have?” Archer asked.

    “Bread,” Avia began, “fruit, dried meat, some fresh veggies, and I have a couple canteens of water.”

    “I’ll take some bread, and some meat please.” Mikel said, catching up with Avia.

    “I’d like some fruit and water.” Archer grinned.

    Avia handed the two elves the food, and grabbed some for herself. They all went along the trail in silence, enjoying the food. After they had finished eating, Avia looked up at the sky. By the sun, she concluded that it was about noon. She had not gotten much sleep, and she was ready to rest for the night.

    “Do you know how much farther it is before we get to Oliver?” Avia asked.

    “We still have a couple of hours.” Archer responded. “We know you haven’t gotten much sleep, Princess, but we need you to hold on just a little longer.”

    “Okay.” Avia yawned. “I’ll try my hardest.”

    There was nothing much to look at on the trail, so Avia had to fight to keep her eyes open. After a while, Avia could see the end of the trail. She could also see a man standing there. He was tall, and dark, and reminded Avia of a man she had seen at the castle when she was five, the Count of Coretria. She was betrothed to the son of the Count. If this was him, what was her life going to be like now that she was indebted to him?