Chapter 2: The esc
The bluish luminescence emanating from Seth's hands faded as quickly as it had come. What remained was a feeling of warmth, a tingling sensation that now ran through his whole body. He felt strangely revitalised, full of energy, despite the exhaustion and fear that still gripped him.
Eldric stared at him with a mixture of awe and disbelief. 'What was that?' he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Seth shrugged his shoulders. 'I don't know,' he answered honestly. 'I've never felt anything like it before.'
They were silent for a moment, listening to the sounds of the forest, the rustling of leaves in the wind, the distant howl of a wolf. Night had fallen over them, a dark cloak that hid the horrors of the day. But the silence was deceptive, for danger still lurked.
'We can't stay here,' Seth finally said. 'The Kik might find us.'
Eldric nodded in agreement. 'But where should we go?'
Seth looked around. The forest stretched out in all directions, an impenetrable labyrinth of trees and undergrowth. He had no idea where they were, how far they were from their village.
'We have to head north,' he finally said. 'That's where the Niut territory is. Maybe they can help us.'
The Niut, the people of empathy, were known for their peacefulness and willingness to help. They lived in harmony with nature and avoided conflict and violence. Seth had never met a Niut, but he had heard stories about them, stories of healers and seers who spoke to animals and could sense the feelings of others.
Eldric hesitated. 'But it's a long way,' he objected. 'And dangerous. We could encounter wild animals, or...' He faltered, not daring to speak the name of their tormentors.
'We have no choice,' Seth said firmly. 'We have to try.'
He stood up, his muscles aching, but he ignored the pain. He had to be strong, for himself and for Eldric. He was the older one now, the one who had to make decisions.
Together they set off, deeper into the forest. The moon was their only guide, its silvery light casting long, eerie shadows between the trees. They walked cautiously, listening for any noise, any sound, however small, that could signify danger.
Hunger gnawed at them, thirst rasped in their throats. They found a few berries that looked edible and quenched their thirst at a small stream. But fear remained their constant companion, a shadow that was hot on their heels.
The next day, they reached a clearing. In the centre stood an ancient tree, its gnarled bark covered in moss and lichen. Its branches reached up into the sky like gnarled arms, its canopy of leaves offering protection from the sun.
'Let's rest here,' Eldric suggested. 'I can't take any more.'
Seth nodded. He was exhausted too, but he also felt a strange energy in this place, an aura of calm and peace. He sat down at the foot of the tree, leant against the trunk and closed his eyes.
Suddenly he heard a noise, a soft rustling in the undergrowth. He opened his eyes and saw a figure emerging from between the trees. It was a girl, barely older than himself, with long, black hair and large, dark eyes. She wore a simple dress made of woven leaves and had a small bow over her shoulder.
Seth jumped to his feet, his heart hammering in his chest. Was it a kik? Had she come to kill them?
But the girl smiled at him. 'Don't be afraid,' she said in a soft voice. 'I am Lyra. I belong to the Niut people.'