Chapter 10

Emma collapsed on the ground, she was tired and sore. She had just finished learning the basics of hand-to-hand combat, and Emir hadn’t just pretended to hit her, he actually had hit her in an attempt to teach her well.

            “I am going to be covered in bruises.” She said to him. He looked over at her and sighed.

            “You’ll live.” He said, standing up. “I’m going to try and find some dry wood for a fire. You try and relax, because we resume training tomorrow.”

            “Tomorrow? You’re kidding right? I’m not going to be able to move by tomorrow!”

            “Yes you will. Stop being such a baby.” He said, leaving the cave. “While I’m gone you should practice your aim with that dagger.”

            She grumbled and reached for the dagger. She stood up, groaning as her body protested against the slightest of movements. “I’ll practice alright…I’ll just pretend the tree is your face.” She mumbled. She looked at the tree and threw the knife. The knife hit, but didn’t stick into the trunk. She groaned and went to get it.

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            Emir gathered some wood that had been protected from the rain and while he was at it looked for some nuts and berries they could eat. While he was out he thought about Emma. He wasn’t sure what it was about her that had made him save her. He just knew he couldn’t let her die. He knew what he told her, but it was more than just morals that made him act.

            If he was honest with himself, there was something about her that intrigued him. She was spirited and feisty, not what you would expect from Pasivian royalty. She had stood up to Caleb, and refused to give into him. Seeing her bravery had given him the courage to decide he too could stand against Caleb. He had wanted to leave the Rogues for years, but had never been brave enough to do so. She had given him a reason to do so.

            He sighed and shook his head. He needed to keep focused. Get Emma to the gate, warn them of the danger, and then leave before Caleb could find him. Whether or not Emma went with him was up to her. He tucked the wood under his arm, and with his free hand stuffed some berries and nuts into his pockets. He made his way back to the caves.

            He saw her practicing when he got back and smiled a bit at the determined look on her face. He dropped the wood on the cave floor and took the food out of his pockets.

            “You look awfully determined. What happened to being sore?”

            “I’m pretending the tree is your face.” She said, looking at him with a raised eyebrow. He started laughing.

            “You must really hate me.”

            “No…I’ve changed my mind again. You’re tolerable once more.” She said, crossing her arms.

            “Thanks for the update princess.”

            “Emma.” She said, “Not princess.”

            “Fine. Emma.” He said, emphasizing her name. “I have some berries and nuts for dinner.” He said, starting to build the fire.
            “Good, I’m starving.” She said, retrieving the knife and retreating back into the cave. She sat down and watched as he built the fire.

            “There’s enough for us both to be filled up for the night.” He said, getting a spark to take and set fire to the branch.

            “Thanks.” She said, taking a few berries and nuts. She ate them slowly, savoring the flavor. He grabbed some, eating as well.

            “No problem,” he said.

            “How long now until we reach the city?” she asked.

            “At least two more days.” He said. “Maybe less depending on how fast we travel. Maybe more depending on the weather.”

            She nodded, “it doesn’t seem like it should be so far away.” She said. “It doesn’t feel like I’ve been gone that long.”

            “I understand.” He said. “When I was banished, the days dragged on at first…but it gets better.”

            “How can it get better?” She asked. “My own father banished me because I refused to follow tradition.”

            “It gets better because you don’t have rules dictating every day of your life, telling you how to dress, how to act, whom you can talk to.” He said. She looked at him, furrowing her brow. He was right. Had they not been banished, they never would have interacted, at least not on this level. “It takes some getting used to, but I’m actually happier than I ever was as a priest.”

            “Really?” she asked.

            “Really.”

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            Caleb’s trackers had come back, informing Caleb of where the two were hiding out. “Benett, do as we agreed.” He said, “And don’t fail me.”

            “Yes sir.” He said, giving a small bow before taking off. He followed the trail that the trackers had left. He hated being so scared of everything. He was scared that he would be killed by Emir immediately, but he was more scared that Caleb would kill him if he failed or refused.

            Sometimes he hated himself for being so weak. He hated that he didn’t stand up for himself or try to change what he hated about himself. He sighed, kicking a rock, as he walked along.

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            Emir looked up, hearing something in the distance. “Stay here.” He ordered, leaving the cave.

            “Don’t tell me what to do.” She said, walking with him.

            “I’m trying to keep you safe.” He said, “Now get back in there!”

            “No!” She snapped.

            “You leave me no choice then.” He said. He turned around and picked her up, throwing her over his shoulder.

            “Put me down!”

            “Gladly.” He said, dropping her on the cave floor. “Now stay here or I tie you up.”

            “You’ve just gone from tolerable to being hated again.”

            “Thanks for the update.” He said sarcastically as he left her in the cave. He had his bow with him, an arrow notched, ready in case an enemy was nearby. He heard a twig break and he turned around, bow aimed right at Benett. He lowered the bow. “Benett? What are you doing here?”

Reviews

[NoelHC]

No comments for this one, I didn't see anything, I am rather disappointed that I only have one chapter left to read, as I can"t see this long story being wrapped up in the next chapter. How many chapters do you have in your mind, or do you know yet?
Love, love, love the tale.

[KMC]

I have no idea how long it is going to be! :D It's not over yet though!