7.4 Journey

Taking in deep inhales, you slowly calm your breath while straining to listen to your surroundings. After a moment it seems as if the area is clear. Stealing your nerves, you hesitantly make your way forward through the brush. It has grown quite dark out, the only light coming from some of the nearby windows along with the half full moon hanging above. Wincing slightly as the pain in your shoulder continues to seep in, you silently slide out of hiding. Keeping your back along the wall, you continue forward. It is of little doubt that your method of escape will soon be discovered and retraced. Your only hope of making it out is through maintaining your lead. Hearing noise in the distance, you quicken your pace towards the border of the property. A large fence runs along its edge, forcing you to come to a stop.

Glancing towards the exit, you're sure it can only be completely surrounded by guards. Exhaling somewhat begrudgingly, you instead advance towards the portion of the fence you're currently facing. Looking over the long planks enclosing the area you find the only way past in your current state is by slipping under. Grimacing as you lower down, you slide under taking care to keep your weight on your good side. Part of your back becomes scraped in the process, however, you're eventually successful in your endeavor. Once on the other side you waste no time making your way to the forest line. Even after entry you cannot shake the need to continue your distance. Compelled by moderate fear and adrenaline you walk deeper into the forest, guided only by the slivers of moonlight that illuminate your way.

Eventually, the rush begins to wear off and the pain takes over. Panting lightly, you lean precariously against a tree while catching your breath. Glancing at your shoulder, you're quite sure you've neglected it long enough. Closing your eyes, you pause for a moment before leaning over on your other side. After taking a deep inhale, you quickly pull away before slamming back onto the tree. Exclaiming out in pain, you feel your shoulder snap back into place. Cursing under your breath, you slowly slide to the ground, leaning your back against the tree. Deciding you have likely progressed enough for one evening you continue sitting in place until dawn arrives. Battered and slightly beaten, you costively begin heading in the general direction of the city. Despite being reset, the pain in your shoulder remains progressively distracting.

The warm sun beats down on your back as beads of sweat run down the sides of your face. Exhaling deeply, you feel yourself growing weaker with each step. It had taken a couple of days to travel out of the city by horse, meaning it will only take all the longer to return by foot. The first day proves to be quite arduous, as you seem to pass through a thicker portion of the forest. Being **** to return to the road until you have put enough distance between yourself and the politician's estate forces you to remain in the difficult terrain. The decorative sandals on your feet do little to protect them from the uneven and often rocky landscape. By the second day you find yourself lightheaded and somewhat delirious from thirst. It is no small fortune that you eventually stumble across a small stream cutting through the compact area.

You pause to take rest after downing grateful mouthfuls of the surprisingly cool water. Seeing as it is late in the day you decide to spend the rest of the night by the source of water. While the days have remained unbearably hot, the nights have been more mild and accommodating. It had crossed your mind to attempt starting a fire for its light, however, you oddly feel comforted by the night. Feeling as if its darkness blanketing around you adds an additional layer of protection. As the sun is setting you do you best to find a comfortable position, lying out near the stream. The rhythmic sound of the water lapping and splashing as it rolls by is a soothing change from the previous still of the night before. Exhaling deeply, you feel your tense muscles relax slightly as your eyelids grow heavy. It's not long before you slip into a deep state of unconsciousness.

Half way through the night you suddenly sit up, completely awake. Blinking in surprise, you look around disorientedly as your eyes adjust to the darkness surrounding you. You're aware of the sound of the stream beside you but hear nothing else but the silence of the forest. Shivering lightly, you have a nagging urge to remain alert despite the seeming lack of threat. The silence continues throughout the night as you continue to sit at watch, unable to regain any sense of peace. Finally, when the sun begins to rise does the odd sensation finally dissipate. Shaking away the remaining negative thoughts, you spend a few minutes taking in as much water as you're able before heading out once again. Assuming you are nearing the halfway point urges you to increase your pace in spite of your weary body.

Thankfully the trees have become more spaced out, allowing for easier passage through the area. While making your way through you are blessed again when finding a tree bearing fruit. After gathering some, you walk at a more leisurely pace while continuing forward. The sun is beginning to descend in the sky, creating long, dark shadows all around. A soft shiver runs down your spine as you are reminded of the previous evening. Just as you're attempting to rationalize the strange event, a sudden rustling in the distance reaches your ears. Quickly turning in its direction, you feel your heart drop as the sound grows closer. Glancing around nervously, you find yourself unsure whether to run, hide, or face the unknown. Before you can come to a decision a large form suddenly lunges out from ahead, barreling straight towards you.

Gasping in alarm, you feel your breath knocked away as something large painfully rams into your body. After your back hits the ground suddenly you look up at your aggressor. Dark beady eyes stare down at you ravenously as you feel two large paws pressing into your shoulders. Daring not to breathe, you look up petrified at the large wolf looming above. It snarls lightly, revealing it's sharp teeth mere inches from your face. Thick strands of saliva run down the sides of its mangy jaw and splash against your flushed skin. Unable to move, you lay helplessly as it lowers its head and begins sniffing at your face. To your surprise it whimpers nervously before pulling back, allowing you to sit up slightly. Frowning, you're suddenly aware of a stinging pain near your collarbone. Keeping your eye on the large beast, you hesitantly raise a hand to your chest.

Wincing slightly when your fingers press against your skin, you're dismayed to find them covered in blood after lowering your hand. The wolf continues staring at you, seeming almost wary of your presence. Feeling a rush of adrenaline, you quickly scramble to your feet, causing it to step back a few feet. "You are just as scared of me as I am of you." You muse curiously, while unconsciously moving forward. Stretching your arm out, you hold your palm out to the creature non-threateningly. After a moment, it carefully moves forward to sniff at it. Wrinkling its nose as if met by some unpleasant odor, it whimpers again softly. Frowning, you strangely feel some sense of sympathy for the animal. Somewhat emboldened, you gently run your hand over the top of its large head. To your surprise and relief it seems to enjoy the sensation and slowly lies down.

Exhaling wearily, you settle down beside the beast, leaning against its large frame. You continue running your hand through its thick fur until sleep eventually overtakes you. You're awoken suddenly the following morning when the creature quickly rises. Becoming more aware of the animal's hulking figure, you quickly stand up as well. Looking at it apprehensively, you watch it stretch leisurely before turning towards the direction you have been headed in. Frowning again, you hesitantly follow when it begins moving deeper into the forest. After traveling for some time in silence a strange yet familiar sound reaches your ears. Unwilling to raise your hopes, you continue following the beast until you're led to another stream of water. Rushing forward, you quickly sink to your knees and begin scooping up handfuls of water.

You're acutely aware of the wolf, standing a few feet behind, staring at you. Ignoring this, you continue drinking until satiated then stand back up. Turning to face the creature, you're surprised to find it begins to retreat back into the forest. "Wait!" You exclaim as if expecting the beast to understand. Strangely, it does pause briefly, glancing at you momentarily before slipping into the brush ahead. Sighing dejectedly, you find yourself completely alone again. After a moment you shake your head, snapping yourself back into reality. It is completely unknown to you why the beast not only left you marginally unscathed but seemed to assist you on your journey. Regardless, you must continue on your way if you have any chance of making it back before the day's end. After washing the dry blood from your neck, you find the wound is still slightly oozing fresh blood.

You know it is imperative you get medical attention as soon as possible. Gathering what little strength you have left, you begin moving forward again. The forest continues to clear as you finally reach its border. Eventually you're able to make out the large wall surrounding the capital. Taking in a deep breath, you push forward, feeling your strength waning. It is dusk by the time you arrive, and the gates will be closing soon. As you approach, you're able to slip by with a group of people hurrying to get inside before dark. The streets are nearly empty as you make your way towards your estate. The few people that do remain about stare at you suspiciously, eyeing your disheveled appearance with distrust. Ignoring them, you straighten your back defensively and quicken your pace. Finally, you find yourself at the large entrance of your home.