I self consciously watched Jara walk away with the crate she confiscated, the humans we had employed said nothing and continued to work as if they saw nothing. It was by design as the workers were spares enslaved for hard labor by Amos.
I wanted to apologize but I kept my mouth shut; After a moment of self reflection I began to lift and place the crates in earnest. There were many eyes on me and some weren't too friendly; It felt like someone was burrowing holes through my skin. With me and Jara working it didn't take long for the ships to be ready to set sail. As the passengers boarded one after the other and the ships departed I realized I had forgotten to ask how they were going to get them through the stormy waters around that horror infested Island.
a half a month later in the enchanted forest of the Naverok kingdom...
"You're moving pretty fast Rise!" I said as I followed Rise through the forest. Rise was now able to glide and climb without issue. It was a new experience for me and I wondered momentarily if this is how a parent felt about their children. the feeling of love and pride I had at that moment I was sure Rise could feel it too; if the prancing and chest popping was any indication. It had been a while since we last saw that strange man which meant this was the perfect time for Rise to practice on a more difficult course than a few logs and rock piles.
"Stop at the clearing ahead!" I called out as I started to fall behind. I jogged with a smile thinking about how peaceful life had been these past 2 and a half months. The village I once hated was now a place I loved and called home; I wasn't being insulted or struggling to survive, and lastly I had someone who would be at my side always. It was almost too good to be true; I had never thought I could truly love Apricot let alone that I would come to live there by choice.
It was in that same moment that I heard a horrible child-like scream echo through the trees.
"Rise!" I screamed. I could feel my pulse quicken with alarm; and with a new vigor in my step I used magic to accelerate my running speed . clearing in seconds; the scene in front of me caused my heart to stop.
Rise was caught in a bear trap and surrounded by strange men.
No one had ever hunted with traps in Apricot as it was seen as unnatural and cruel, nor did I ever think to teach Rise on how to identify them; because I never thought anyone would hunt this close to a village, let alone this deep into a monster ridden forest.
I wasn't sure where to begin to defuse this situation but I decided to try for diplomacy and so I began to walk slowly forward.
"Well it seems my comrade has tripped your trap..." I was now 10 steps away.
"I do apologize for the inconvenience." 6 steps away..
"Thats enough!" Said one of the men in a stern voice. He wore a crooked smile that sent chills down my back. I stopped 5 steps away from Rise; who was in tears. My heart clenched at the sad sight; my poor baby..
"This animal is ours now." one of the 7 men said. I could feel my face as it warped with anger. with steel in my voice I shouted back.
"What bullshit! Rise obviously belongs to me!" WIthout warning I used my magic and charged forward I was but 5 steps away and with enhanced speed that was all I needed to grab Rise, the result causing me to unwillingly take the bear trap with me. I began to run blindly into the underbrush; I was miles away from the nearest road and even further from the nearest civilization. All I could do was run; the enchantment I had helped but something told me I had to keep running. I looked down at Rise who looked up at me in pain. The usually perfect fur was matted in places with dried blood and dirt.
" I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Don't worry I won't let them hurt you. I'll get you free once we are somewhere safe. I pro-" Unexpectedly my words were cut short and I felt a stabbing in my back. I tripped then and forced myself to land on my side; as I couldn't stand the thought of hurting Rise further. worried I quickly moved to undo the bear trap; I wasn't sure how far away those 7 men were but they were close enough to send an arrow into my back and that was enough to be too close for comfort.
"Run Rise! I'll find you I promise. you know how to avoid bear traps now right; be mindful and go. I love you." I urged Rise to move and it gave me a desperate look, I pet Rise once more before it took off. I knew it; it could understand me this whole time. I tried to get upand failed, the arrow had poison in it.
"Damn it" My legs weren't responding. I quickly removed the arrow from my back as I felt my arms beginning to go numb. I could hear the distant foot falls of people coming in mass and dreaded it; it sounded like there were more than 7 people now. I let out a sigh as I lost the feeling in my neck and just layed there. This brought back the memory of the first time I found myself at the hands of a wild band of men. would the forest guardian come to rescue me again? I wanted to laugh but I couldn't feel my face. why would the guardian of the forest help me anyway; it was hunting me last time too wasn't it.
"HA! told you I could get that bitch from there." said a rowdy man with a buzz cut. He was surrounded by an even more dysfunctional looking group of men. they gave him pats on the back and well dones in turn causing my irritation to spike.
"Well, Well what a pretty looking one." Said one of them. this one got so clsoe to me I could see the faded scars on his face; his mouth formed a disgusting smile; then suddenly a look of surprise and greed grow on his face.
"Would you look at that. this bitch is an elf! and not just any elf, she's a dark elf!" A laugh of triumph escaped his lips along with some others, he got up and smirked evilly.
"We can sell her for a fortune to a collector." he kicked me onto my back and in that moment I was so happy I had removed that arrow. I watched on; numb as one of the men looked at me in a perverse manner.
"Hey boss I haven't been with an elf chick before. can I try the merchandise?" no! no! I wanted to scream; I wanted to run but right now I couldn't even blink. my mind was racing but my body just couldn't respond, in desperation my thoughts began to beg; please someone help me..
"What the!" drawn from my thoughts I watched as the men in front of me were suddenly and ruthlessly slaughtered. I knew there were a little more than 10 but the amount of limbs and blood that came into view made me think there were hundreds. organs rained down like a hail storm and mixed with the dirt in an unholy manner. The last man standing was the one who asked if he could 'sample' me, ironiclly he stumbled and fell on his butt in my line of sight. That's when I saw him; It couldn't be but every fiber in my being was telling me it was; Amos, Amos had gotten so much older, but how? it hadn't even been that long. his thickened, muscular build and handsome features were breathtaking. so different from his charmingly, lean and boyish looks from before.
"I know you're a classless bandit; but man to man don't you think it's absolutely wretched to break code, and try to sleep with another man's girl?" said Amos in a chilling baritone. I felt my insides shaking in fear and excitement; How and why?! my mind was reeling. the man from before said nothing and simply stared in fear at the overwhelming existence in front of him.
"Well you won't make the same mistake twice right?" the man quickly shook his head in conformation and Amos nodded as if to agree; then replied in the happest tone.
"Of course you won't; after all you're already dead." The man in front of him shook momentarily and then began to scream and flail around madly as if he was trying to escape from something. He reached up as if he was drowning while Amos's mad laughter echoed through the trees. the man began to act like he was choking, griping at his throat with a strange gurgling sound. Amos then looked on as if he was bored and sliced the man's head clean off sending blood everywhere. my mind froze as it splattered against my face. I was aware I was already covered in blood; but none of it had reached my face until just then. I felt suddenly sick as Amos approached me, a mix of fear and joy made my stomach into knots. this man was cruel, I don't know what he did to that man but I knew that man spent the last moments of his life in fear and suffering. the men he killed before that, the way he did it was absolutely merciless; this man was a walking paradox I just couldn't figure out. was he kind or was he cruel, could I trust him or should I run away? My mind was going in circles.
"You're an impossible woman." said Amos and he picked me up and cradled my paralyzed body in his arms. with a sigh he nuzzled my blood covered neck and began to walk.
"How is it you can find trouble even in the middle of nowhere?" he looked around and then stopped. the sudden feel of bloodlust poured out of Amos like a river.
"Creature, I suggest you to come out now." his icy voice could chill bones. my eyes searched for what could make him act in such a way; and that's when I saw Rise timidly walk out into the clearing. I began struggle to open my mouth out of fear; Amos would surely kill Rise. I could negotiate with Don but Amo's was a different matter.
"Mine." I managed to get out; my voice was weak but I was sure he heard me. Curse this poison! I thought to myself. Amos looked at me then at Rise and then smiled. his Killing intent was gone instantly, replaced by a sudden warm demeanor.
"Oh.. Is this our child?" what? What was this man saying? our child, OUR CHILD?! My head swam. He then bent down and motioned Rise over, he even patted my lap as if welcoming Rise to sit. Rise was cautious but eventually hopped into his arms; and the resulting look on Amos's face was one of pure delight.
"Ha! I am a father." He spun once causing me to feel dizzy. Rise just stared at him with a puzzled look.
"Oh right. Dear you probably have some questions; but I'll have to ask you to hold on those as I'm still busy. but fear not I am always here." He began to walk while speaking more nonsense. I looked down at Rise and I could see from Rise's eyes that we both agreed that this man was either delusional or not all there.
It took me a moment to realize that he was taking us back to the village. to my surprose a sudden feeling of discomfort came over me knowing we would be returning to the same place we were recently attacked. our home was compromised and yet we had nowhere to go.
I was beginning to gain feeling back in my limbs and after a while I could move again. Amos seemed to know exactly where we had chosen to sleep and this brought about questions I wasn't sure I wanted answered.
"Amos." I said his name half quiet and he looked at me with curiosity. He had just saved my life; Amos wasn't always pleasant let alone friendly if one wanted to be honest. He was a threat to my life on many occasions in fact; but I had to thank him still right? looking down I took a deep breath.
"Thank you for saving me." I said it as a blush rose onto my cheeks; but I was met with silence. I looked up to find that Amos was already gone. his sudden disappearance made me feel uncomfortable and dare I admit it unsafe; I looked over at Rise who just tilted it's head. reminded of the wound the poor dear had suffered I began to clean it's wounds and administer aid.
"What are you doing?" I heard Amos's voice from beind me and looked back to see that Amos now had a bucket full of water and many herbs in his hand. I looked on dumbfounded; didn't he leave?
"A patient shouldn't be moving around. sit down over there and take off your shirt." His stern tone had authority I couldn't ignore so I did as I was told. He then proceeded to apply first aid to Rise before turning his attention to me. I had taken off my shirt as ordered but I still couldn't help but feel self conscious. dear gods what am I thinking?! Amos's voice next to my ear suddenly caught my attention and I could feel my heart jump in my chest.
"When you look bashful, it makes me think you want me to tease you a little." My mind was frying when the cool wetness of water chilled my back and caused me to jump. I heard a chuckle from behind me and steadied myself.
"This may scar if I don't use my blood..." I could hear him trailing off. I turned around to see a regretful look on his face. Why did he look like that? Suddenly he pulled me into a hug.
"I'm sorry." his words were sincere yet I couldn't figure out what he was apologizing for. what had he done that could make him this way?
"Amos I don't understand. I want to say it's alright but; I don't think I'm the one you should be apologizing to." Amos pulled away with a sigh. then said with a withering smile.
"You're wrong. It's my fault; If I had been watching you more closely I could have stopped them before you got shot with an arrow. Honestly I thought that Manticore was using you but after seeing the way you acted towards it and the way it didn't abandon you; I feel more regret suspecting my own child let alone letting the little one get hurt." he then bit into his wrist and proceeded to apply the blood onto my wound. I wiggled slightly at the strange feeling coming from my back.
"There all fixed up. However don't move around too much for the next few days. I'll have a servant come and take care of you for a while." a mischievous smile spread on his face and I got the sudden urge to move away. what exactly was he thinking?