Chapter 3

Adrenaline pumped through my veins and my heart rate soared. I kicked him in the gut and took off running. I knew my feeble attack wouldn't hold him off for long, but it would but me a little time. I zigzagged through streets and alleys, trying to lose him. Surprisingly, not only was he able to follow me, but he was catching up to me. I ran faster, desperate to get away.

I cannot be caught. I cannot be caught. I cannot be caught.

The same four words repeated them selves in my mind, spurring me forward.

As we neared the gates, I whistled for Tommy as loud as I could. Hopefully she would be able to hear me over all the commotion.

I shoved past the guards and bolted into the forest. I could hear the elf following me while calling out something in elvish. His voice quickly grew louder as he got closer to me.

C'mon, Tommy. Save me.

My silent prayer was answered with the sound of hoof beats. My horse ran up beside me, allowing me to haul myself up onto her back. I urged her into a full gallop and we sped away. I glanced behind me to see that the elf had stopped running and was now watching us ride away. Others ran up beside him, but he waved them away, never taking his eyes off of me.

I made Tomahawk run until I could no longer see Rivendell over the tops of the trees. Only then did I allow myself to pull of the mask and calm down. We slowed our pace and stopped beside a stream. I slid off her back and realized that we left the saddle back by the city.

Oh well. We'll get another one. It's not like I'm short on money.

I stroked Tommy's red and white coat and watched her take a long drink. The saddle was a minor inconvenience, but it would cost me a lot of time. I sat in a shady patch of soft grass and thought of my options. I would have to head to Gondor. There was no getting out of that. I had already exhausted all of my funds, and I would have to head home to collect more. Sighing, I pulled out my map to decide a route.

I determined I was at the edge of the Trallshaws forest, likely not far from the Last Bridge. I studied the map for close to an hour before I decided to take a route that skirted Lorien and took me through Rohan. I could probably find some work there. I knew it was probably the longest trip I could take, but I would do anything to prolong my absence from home.

"Well, Father. Looks like your beloved daughter is finally returning."

This chapter is pretty short, but a lot happened. I'll try to make the next one longer and reveal a few secrets. Thank you all for your support. I love your enthusiasm. I might get the next chapter up later tonight, if you're lucky. Please Follow, Favorite, and Review! It means the world to me.