The wind rushed past us, whispering secrets I couldn't quite catch. The landscape blurred by in a haze of greens and browns, an unfolding tapestry under the setting sun. Despite the beauty around us, a tension lingered in the air. The path beneath Hei Hei's hooves seemed to change, morphing with a purpose I couldn't see but could sense. A sense of anticipation built within me, a mix of anxiety and curiosity. I clung tightly, my knuckles whitening against the reins, as if holding them tighter would anchor me in this moment of uncertainty.
Now the sun had fully set. We had ridden for hours and were certainly far from home. My stomach grumbled loudly with hunger, but the speed and determination with which Hei Hei was running—like there was something urgent we needed to reach—made me keep quiet about it.
Soon, we found ourselves at the gates of the Kingdom of Kent. From my home, it was at least a day's journey to Kent, yet somehow Hei Hei had brought us here in just a few hours.
The impossibility of it should have puzzled me, but my thoughts were entirely consumed by my empty stomach. As if sensing my need, Hei Hei slowed her pace upon entering the city, her hooves clattering softly on the cobblestones. Before long, we stopped in front of a bustling tavern, its warm glow spilling into the darkening streets.
The rich aroma of roasting meat and fresh bread wafted from the tavern, instantly soothing my frayed nerves. Relief washed over me—I wasn't going to starve tonight. I slid off Hei Hei's back, but as I took my second step toward the inviting doorway, I suddenly remembered—I had no money. A wave of frustration hit me like a punch to the gut. I turned to Hei Hei, nearly in tears, and leaned against her, feeling utterly defeated. She shook her body abruptly, jostling my head from where it rested on her back.
"Hey!" I snapped, raising my head to glare at her. But then I noticed her gaze was fixed in a particular direction. Following her line of sight, I saw a small crowd gathered around a betting stand down the street. My lips curled into a smile. Indeed, Hei Hei was nothing less than my mirror image.
I got the message immediately: "If I wanted to eat, I had to be ready to earn it."
Without wasting another second, I marched straight to the betting spot, my hunger dulling any second thoughts. I decided to gamble with the only valuable thing I had left—my sword. I wasn't thinking clearly; I simply acted on instinct. Fortunately, I won a small pile of coins and a few pieces of jewelry, but luck wasn't entirely on my side—I lost my sword.
Still, I didn't care. I made a beeline for the tavern, clutching my winnings, eager to finally get some food in my belly. I ordered a hearty meal and didn't forget to grab something for Hei Hei; though she hadn't shown it, I knew she must be hungry too. As I chewed, my mind started to clear, and a reckless idea began to form.
I wasn't known for backing down from a challenge—or for being cautious.
If I had to eat, I would earn it; if I lost my sword, I would win it back. That was how I had always been, and Hei Hei was no less stubborn.
Once I had eaten my fill and regained some strength, I slipped out of the tavern and returned to the betting stand. This time, I didn't come to gamble. I came to steal back what was mine.
Moving quietly, I waited for the right moment—when the crowd's attention was on the game and the man who had won my sword was distracted. I darted in, snatched it up, and took off running before anyone could react.
"Hey! Stop!" someone shouted, but I was already gone, sprinting toward where Hei Hei waited. She seemed to sense my urgency and stamped her hooves eagerly. I jumped onto her back, and with a swift kick, she took off like an arrow released from a bow.
The wind whipped against my face as we tore through the city streets, dodging carts and startled pedestrians. We didn't stop until the city was far behind us and the night stretched out before us, filled with stars.
After what felt like hours, Hei Hei began to slow her pace, her breathing steady despite the long run. I patted her neck, feeling the tension still humming in her muscles. "Where to now, girl?" I murmured, half-expecting no answer. But she flicked her ears back, almost as if she understood, and turned down an unfamiliar trail leading into a dense forest.
I had no idea where she was taking me, but something about the way she moved—swift and purposeful—made it clear she had a destination in mind. The path grew narrower, branches clawing at us as the forest deepened. Shadows thickened, and the moonlight barely pierced the canopy above.
We rode deeper into the woods, and a strange feeling settled over me. It wasn't just the eerie quiet or the rustling leaves that sent a shiver down my spine—it was something older, something ancient. Hei Hei's ears perked up, her eyes scanning the darkness as if searching for something. Suddenly, I realized this wasn't just a random path we had stumbled upon. She was leading me somewhere—somewhere important.
The hours passed, and hunger began to gnaw at my insides again, but I kept silent, trusting Hei Hei's instincts. Then, as the first light of dawn broke through the trees, we emerged from the forest onto a mist-covered plain. There, in the distance, I saw it—a towering stone gate, half-hidden by the morning fog.
"What is this place?" I whispered, though no one could answer. Hei Hei trotted forward, the gate looming larger with every step. A chill ran through me. I had never been here before, yet it felt oddly familiar, as if I had seen it in a dream.
Hei Hei stopped just before the entrance, her ears flicking nervously. She snorted and pawed at the ground. My eyes widened as realization struck me. Could this be the kingdom I had been born in—the place I was banished from at birth? My heart raced with a mix of fear and excitement.