Chapter six

     I dash into the forest on the outskirts of my village. My feet pound against the tough dirt. Clouds of dust trail behind me as I continue hurrying away. My lungs tighten and burn with each breath I take. Slowing my pace, I stop, placing my hand on a nearby tree. My mind whirls as a headache begins to form.

     Looking behind me I don't see my parents. I sigh, placing a hand on my chest. The thumping of my heart can be felt through my thick outerwear. My breath trembles, as tears slide down my cheeks. Was running really the best option?

     I crouch down placing my head on my knees. I knew mother wanted me out and married. But to try and make me a mistress? I don't understand why she would want that. Gripping the roots of my hair I groan.

     Lowing myself completely to the ground, I rest my back against the tree. I look up at the sky beginning to calm myself. As I gaze upward I wonder if anyone noticed how pretty the sky is today. The blue is bright and soft all at once and the clouds sail by with sweet serenity. They pass gently over, carrying with them the hopes of the world. My eyes rest upon the wispy tops of the clouds and follow the infinite grays that blend harmoniously with one another.

I continue to watch as the clouds continue to drift ever onward slowly darkening. As time goes by the sky goes dreary, slowly turning to dusk. I stand, brushing the dirt off my skirt.

     Gazing at the sky, I breathe in deeply. Reaching into the pocket of my apron, I pull out a bronze coin.

     This should be enough for a night at the inn. Tucking the coin back in my pocket, I turn heading back to the village. I drag my feet across the dirt path, kicking up dust as I go.

     My body jolts, hearing a sudden scream. I clutch my skirt, my knuckles turning white. Picking up my pace, I try and hurry back to the village.

     "Please, someone help me," a woman's voice calls out.

I stop, turning to glance behind me. Looking up at the darkening sky I sigh. Wringing my fingers together, I stare at the ground.

I should see if she needs any help.

"H-Hello," I call out.

"Please, help me," she screams back.

Her voice sounds closer than before. I take a step back, my heart thundering. Suddenly the woman burst from the forest, falling to the ground. I jolt at her unexpected appearance. Taking a deep breath, I place a hand over my heart, trying to calm myself.

My legs tremble, as I approach the woman. Her brown hair sprawls on the ground, mud matted into it. I crouch down, rolling the woman over.

     "Are y-you alright?" I ask.

     Suddenly the woman's eyes open. Her red irises staring back at me. I flinch, pulling my hand away from her. Standing up, I take a step back. Calmly the woman sits up. My muscles tense, as I begin to back away.

      The woman reaches out, grabbing my ankle. I cry out, as she yanks me to the ground. Holding onto me, she begins to pull me closer.

     "L-Let go o-of me," I scream.

     The woman laughs, as she stands up. She continues to hold my leg keeping me from moving. I struggle against her hold, but her grip is too tight. She pulls a cloth from the pocket of her apron.

     Dragging me by the leg, she pulls me close. Reaching down, she presses the cloth against my nose and mouth. I struggle against her, thrashing my body about. But she holds me down, never loosening her grip. My body begins to go limp, as the world starts to grow hazy. I fight to keep my eyes open, but as the air leaves my body, my eyes close.

                                         ***

     My head throbs, as my eyes open. The space around me is shrouded in darkness. I blink trying to see where I'm at, but I still can't. A cloth shoved in my mouth keeps me from speaking. I shift, my are brushing against someone next to me. I jolt, feeling the heat from another person.

     I struggle against the rope that holds me but to no avail. The skin on my wrist burns, as I try to break free. Tears begin to form in my eyes, as my heart starts thundering. I breathe in sharply through my nose, trying to calm myself. Muffled cries escape me as I continue to struggle.

***

My eyes meet Pyotr’s deep orange ones. I can feel my chest tighten as I think back to that day.

“I-I was returning to my village a-around dusk. I had heard a-a woman calling out for h-help, so I-I went to see if she was alright. But t-the woman was bait, and ended up capturing me,” I tell him.