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15. The route back home
Last Updated:
2023-08-08 19:10:03Related chapters
FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 16. Home at last
She had been walking for some time, the shade from the trees was her only comfort at the moment as she was now very thirsty. Her eyes barely stay open and her legs dragging along slowly. If the barbarians were on her trail, they might have gotten to her right now and dealt with her as they deemed fit and necessary. The gods were probably cruel; they were toying with her as a human, a mere weakling. What was all this; they helped her escape, shielded her path, even fed her when she was hungry, now they would leave her to die of thirst?... Arawa could not believe in her wildest dreams that she would die in such a manner. But looking on the bright side of everything, she might have not gotten any better resting place than this. It was really cool and filled with beautiful scenery. She smiled slowly as the thought crossed her mind when suddenly; she felt the ground before her really cold beneath her feet. That was strange; as much as the place was cold; it was just cold, not wet
Last Updated : 2023-08-08FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 17. Nursing the wounded Brian
Adrian had stayed back with his brother, nursing him back to health carefully. The wound reopening had not been easy to tackle at all. The doctor himself noted that and it was not easy. The stitches from earlier had been tampered with cutting through his skin and flesh. It was a sore sight and the twin could not wait to get that woman. He had a thousand and one ways to make her wish for death. Brian had managed to stay stable and Adrian had no idea why he wanted her alive. But he had his own plans and ways to get things done. Of course, he told the other guy that the woman was being sought after but he had given orders that she be killed on sight if she resisted. Also, if she was found, she was to be taken down to his personal underground dungeon. He could not have Brian getting a wind of the fact that she had been found. As he stood there watching his brother in pain, he might have cried. There was a piece of clothing between his teeth, to prevent him from crushing his tongu
Last Updated : 2023-08-08FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 18. I am coming with you
“Scout ahead!!!! Open the gates!!!! Open them!!! “, a person was saying outside. Adrian quickly rose up and caught sight of his brother trying to struggle up amidst pain. He pitied him and asked that he stay inside while he addressed whatever it was but stubborn as always, Brian was having none of it. Adrian decided to assist him get up. Just as he was about to get up, the scout was ushered in, saving them the stress of having to go out.It was a message from the captain who was leading the chase and he wanted to inform his lord on what happened so far. Adrian could not believe his ears and he lashed out at the scout. How can they, well trained soldiers give the excuse that a mere woman had bested them. This was bad really and he was going to hunt her down himself. Looking at Brian, he concluded on what to do. He was going to take soldiers into that forest and bring her and her people back here in chains. He dismissed the soldier scout as he needed to reason with his brother.
Last Updated : 2023-08-08FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 19. The warriors duel - preparation
She had listened to everything Orau had told her, for her own good she had explained to her. They were too old for the feast that night. This surprised Arawa as she had expected that they would be done. It was then that Orau explained to her that it was her father himself that had caused the delay when he sent warriors to scout the forest, searching for her. This was rather strange in the ears of the princess as she knew that her father had nothing but hate and disdain for her. She decided to wave it aside as a lie told to her by her mother to make her feel better. If only she had known how much Kuka blamed himself after it became obvious that she just might be dead. He put the feast in a slow pace of progression as he had demanded that every able man out there joined the search for his daughter. It was surprising really especially to his wife who had thought that all along, he hated the girl. Hated her, he never hated Arawa for real. He only blamed her for replacing his w
Last Updated : 2023-08-08FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 20. Let the duels begin
It was not easy really, getting the girl ready as she looked feminine by all ramifications. She pushed her hair into a ponytail and made the puffy clumps of hair warriors bore. The face paint was artistically done with great care and in such a way that no one could recognise the princess. The will of the gods as Kili had stated had to be done. By the time she was done, Orau could have sworn that Arawa did look like a warrior. Next she handed her a basket shield and a sword. It was time. Mark my words, the people of the people needed more men alive than dead, so they had blunt swords for duels and the sorts. This was what Arawa was given at the moment. To decide a winner during the games, warriors were made to duel in a ring, he would was able to push another out of the ring is a winner, he who was able to tactfully put another down on his back was a winner and he who was the able to get another to yield was a winner. See, it was rather a very simple and enjoyable game of wits
Last Updated : 2023-08-08FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 21. Arawa masked participation
She suddenly felt intimidated which was unlike her most times. She remembered at that very moment that she was the only woman in the group. She wanted to give up and turn away but then she saw Orau looking in her direction, a question mark evident in her face. She stood there for sometime trying to make sense of what she was trying to tell her when suddenly a warrior yelled from behind her and crashed into her. Arawa was nearly floored but thank the gods she had found her footing. Sudden rage flooded her veins as she saw what mischief he had intended. She had her back on him and he had taken that advantage to strike out. This was weakness on display obviously, Arawa thought as she recalled all that Orau had taught her. She looked around her briefly, everyone was fighting and then in front of her, the same warrior had taken a stance and was preparing to make another advance. He seemed too confident and Arawa decided to use his confidence to floor him. There she stood, waiting and takin
Last Updated : 2023-08-08FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 22. Arawa fights
She stood there, her eyes fixed on her mask that was already on the floor. She was busted as she knew well enough that the markings on the face would not hide the fact that she was female. Besides, she had been sweating and must have sweated out part of the paint. There were gasps around her and then murmurings. "Arawa?", she had heard her father say and she knew she was doomed. Of course she could not let him know that Orau had a hand in this plan or Kili, so she turned around and faced her father. For a moment, she tried to hold his gaze and then she suddenly felt bad seeing the look of worry, anger and disappointment written on his face. She knew the rules and had just broken a big part of it. He could not accept nor forgive this. He had to do something about it whether or not she was his daughter. Although, thanks to his behavior towards her, she was cock sure that he would not be doing much to save her. He walked down and into the ring to where she stood. The warrior crush of h
Last Updated : 2023-08-08FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 23. Short-lived victory
Whatever was giving her such a boost in morale, Bron wondered. The woman was simply something else, beautiful, graceful yet there was this hint of danger in her eyes . He had actually always had his eyes on her but dared not approach. She was a curse after all. But now, standing there watching her stand across from him panting and all, he might have lost his head in the clouds for a while. She was simply beautiful and captivating. He had never seen a woman So fierce and yet so alluring. She had surprised him even more when she suddenly threw down her shield to merge with his vulnerability. She was in charge obviously. A good part of him asked that he yielded at that point at least, saving his image and leaving the people in assumptions. They would be confused as some would think he pitied Arawa, while others would call him a coward that yielded to a woman. He snapped out of his thoughts. No way was he going to let her take any glory, not in the very least. He was going to fight it ou
Last Updated : 2023-08-08
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FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 85. Would you be taking her to the capital?
Brian had been in his room obviously tidying up. He had just finished his bath after breakfast as he had been really hungry after waking up. Upon his insistence, Arawa had stayed although she still refused to take anything from him. But he could tell she was hungry, her stomach still sang the hunger song before him. That morning when he had woken up and found her sneaking out of his room to get her bath, Brian could not help but wonder if she really was the same person who had been singing the previous night. She just did not show any reaction even when she returned with Booma and the girls. Arawa had become much better with handling his affairs. He was glad that he would not be needing to dismiss Booma as Arawa would be accompanying him to the capital. When she came inside, she tried not to meet his eyes when she noticed he was staring. However, he had seen her from the corner of his eyes looking worried at him. Brian still wondered exactly what had happened that drunken moment, had
FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 84. Coming of the barbarians
His hand held her still but although his eyes were open, they seemed glassy. Almost like he was in a trance. She tried to pull away. "Please mom.. Stay." he said again. Mom? Arawa could not believe her ears. He was such a grown man after all, so why on earth would he be calling for his mother like some little baby. Nevertheless, she did as he asked as somehow she felt pity for him. She sat by the bed and began observing him, where their mother was, she wondered. She recalled at the moment that since she arrived, she had not seen anyone being referred to as their father or mother. Could it be that the barbarian brothers had none. Her hands stole up of their own volition and brushed away his hair scattered on his face and forehead, caressing his forehead. He looked so peaceful as his eyes slowly began to shut. Arawa noticed now that even though his eyes were closed now, his hand still gripped her. It was not like she was planning on leaving him there but she wanted to shut the door a
FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 83. Paying home a visit
Arawa felt the need to panic and she actually did as she first brought a finger to his nostrils. Thankfully, he was still breathing and she had never been more relieved. She knew she needed to do something about his condition but she was at loss on what exactly she should do. She did not even have any idea why he was like that and had to dash off outside to seek out the one person she trusted with such delicate situations, Booma. As she ran, she could not help but notice how quiet the entire place was save for the soldiers huddled together around fires and those on the walls. This was their duty. She tried her bestest to be less noticeable. "Halt woman!!!" she heard someone behind her. It was a soldier who had noticed her and she had to turn slowly. He was there standing and his companions seated around were all staring at her. He demanded that she stepped into the light where he could see her properly. A fearful Arawa now walked out to the light where he could see her. "Oh. It's
FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 82. Excited about the forges
If there was something he dreaded most right now, it was being back with his father and getting to watch that look on his face. It was a constant reminder of what he had done in the past and this brought him guilt. Why on earth would Dorian send for him instead of Adrian. After all, the latter was supposed to be his favorite after what he had done to come short of his love. This act right now was uncalled for and he had defeated his purpose by going to get the king's order. Prepare in a week, nah, he would not even be prepared in a year if he wanted. His initial plan was to run to this place as he had, get well and return back to battle with his uncle. However, that plan had changed after coming in contact with his brother's plan. Were you thinking he had changed his mind because of Arawa, hell no. Left for Brian, even though it hurt him, he would leave her with her own kind. She was just a woman and there was no place for her in the battle grounds. Give it a period of a year or two,
FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 81. Father wants me to return to the capital
It was not easy for Bron, not in the very least as he laid down there waiting for the slithering thing to get off. He was becoming scared again and managed a great deal to keep himself from shaking. But inside his heart was pounding as loud as anything that made him really scared that the snake would hear. Bron continued biding his time and waiting for the right moment. Eventually , his time came as he had been laying down there panting heavily. The snake had gone down and gradually, he started rising up and then took his sword from the upper part . He had been really lucky as it happened that it had been crawling into its hole on the ground. Weird. The hole would not have been noticed by even the daytime as it was buried underneath the dry leaves covering the area. Bron felt angered and before the tail would finish disappearing, he braced himself, took it by the cold slimy tail and pulled it out. The speed and energy with which he had done it was all he needed and he slammed it hard
FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 80. Flouting his orders
He woke up before her that morning and spent a while watching her and drinking in her awesomeness. She was still fast asleep and luckily, it was still a bit dark. That meant that he got to watch her thanks to the light from the fireplace and torch. The reflection of the light on the few exposed parts of her skin was magnificent. It made Brian crave for her and want to touch her body. But then, he just could not do so as he needed to prove beyond every reasonable doubt to himself that he was not in love with Arawa. She suddenly rolled over and stretched herself now facing him. She yawned heavily and must have not thought that he was there. Her mouth actually reeked of some foul odour thanks to the fact that Arawa had not properly brushed up for two days now. In fact, she forgot. One would not blame her completely, in Wuwa after all, they only rinsed their mouths with water in the morning. He grimaced and quickly replaced it with a beautiful smile. Just then, she popped open her eyes a
FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 79. A crocodile in Wuwa River
It had been a while since he last came to the dungeon and somehow, it reminded Brian of the early days in which Arawa had been kept there. He had to find a way to push aside thoughts about her. "I take it that you're still thinking about the savage woman's brother, " Adrian said as he noticed his brother had stopped moving and seemed to be in a trance. Actually Brian was not aware that he had stopped moving at the moment. He seemed to be drinking in the air and quickly snapped out of it. There were important discussions and talks to be made at the moment. Adrian smiled at him as they advanced inside. Caleb alongside the other four selected to accompany the princess company were waiting patiently for them. “Gentlemen, shall we?" Adrian said as they exchanged greetings. They had managed to put up what seemed like a round table and seats. Adrian had to ask to be certain that nobody saw, of course they had been careful with that as they did it all when it was dark already. That seemed
FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 78. You make this one really special
"I don't like her here and I want her to leave with me, " she said "Her? Who?, " Adrian said feigning ignorance"The slave woman, " she blurted out "What slave woman?" he asked her, with a serious expression of confusion on his face Of course, Adrian needed no soothsayer to tell him that the princess had been referring to Arawa but then he had to make it as though she meant absolutely nothing to him. It was also frustrating her and he could tell it. Women, why would she even begin to think such nonsense as taking Arawa with her. What in heaven's name gave her such guts or possibly was she beginning to think that she was the lady of this place. It made him angry but he had to control everything. He was a man on a mission after all. "I'm referring to the woman you had been holding in your arms at the stables, " she said shamelessly. It was obvious that this was a topic she was not willing to give up on. He wondered if she had felt offended. To reassure her of his undying love for h
FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 77. Where were you Arawa?
By the time they had finished cleaning up the place, Arawa was beginning to sweat it out. In fact, they both were and had to leave the rags in the pail to have another quick bath. It dawned on Melissa that dinnertime was already close by, that being if they had not started yet. She knew that if they would be meeting up, they would have to hurry up. Bathing this time did not take them long, a couple of dips in the water and they were done. They were just getting dressed up when a couple of slaves began trooping in, Melissa smiled. Possibly, they were still in time for dinner but nonetheless, they needed to hurry up. Bearing the pails in hand, they rushed to where they would be rinsing and spreading out the rags. “Why is that place always lit?” Arawa asked, referring to where she had seen that light for days now at night. She had been curious about the place and would have taken a sneak peek had it not been for distance. The said area was seemingly far from where they were. Melissa to
