CHAPTER 5

Temeria, 1209

A whistling breeze blew over my cindered body as I lay on a bed of soft grass. Clutching at the roots of the earth, I felt the crisp and cool ground beneath my fingers. In an instant my whole being had been flipped over on itself and a sickness rose in the back of my throat. Leaning over, I vomited on the grass with a cough and splutter.

I can still feel the searing pain coursing through my legs, but there's no flames nor are there any people. It's just me and a peculiar silence, besides the distant cricket of insects and the rustling of leaves. It seemed as if I'd been taken to another place entirely, and I wondered if I might be dead. I'd been tossed into the middle of nowhere, with only myself and the images of what had just transpired.

It was only seconds ago as I stood tied to the burning post that there was a flash of bright light. It'd seemingly come from nowhere, so blinding like a holy beacon. I heard the sound of thunder as it shook the ground beneath my feet, and I saw their eyes widen in fear before I vanished. The feeling was indescribable, but whatever it was it saved my life; although absent another.

Rolling onto my aching back with a wince, tears rolled down the sides of my face at the haunting ghost of Bartha's screams. She was right behind me, burning away in agony, and I just left her there to die. The horrible truth sunk its sharp fangs inside of me; filling me up with shame and guilt. Shrieking into the open air in anger and grief, my heart was left shattered into a thousand pieces – irreparable.

Lying on the ground I sobbed and wept until the rivers of tears ran dry and I was left awfully numb. Shuddering as the air from my lungs turned into trails of white smoke, it was obvious that it's rather cold out here. It only meant that wherever I'd been transported too is far away from the clutches of Redania – a safe place for now.

Sitting up from the ground, the glowing light of the moon made it easier for me to take in my surroundings. The dark edging of the horizon meant there's no sign of life for miles. I haven't a clue as to where I should go. However, my sense of direction became the least of my concerns as I looked down at the festering wounds that covered my legs. I won't make it for long if I don't get help.

But where am I going to find any?

Wrapping my arms around my body to keep the warmth in, a grimace of pain slipped from my lips as I tried to move my legs. They'd gone stiff and heavy and with every effort I made only pain followed, but I can't let it deter me. I'd managed to escape from my own execution. I refuse to give up now and let myself die out here in this wilderness – alone and lost.

My hands pressed firmly into the dirt and my teeth gritted themselves tightly together. Mustering all the strength I have left, I got up from the ground. Leaning against a nearby tree, I clutched it like a newborn to its mother; not wanting to fall. Squinting through the sea of darkness, I looked up at the night sky to observe the stars. There's ones that never move or change, and if I learnt anything from Bartha it's how to find my way back.

The stars told me I'm somewhere south of Redania, but not very far; most likely Temeria. A place of great wealth, it's also the rival of my own region. I highly doubt the people here would gladly accept a foreigner like myself, but I have no choice in the matter. Propping myself up against the tree, all I can do now is hope that I stumble upon somebody willing enough to help me.

Taking my first shaky steps, I moved onward in a straight and narrow direction. With my head kept down and my arms wrapped around myself, I staggered along with nothing but the sound of nature to keep me company. Travelling for what seemed like hours, hunger and thirst continued to build with every second and I can't remember the last time I'd eaten. All I know is that if I could catch anything in this blackness I'd surely devour it without a thought.

Stumbling toward a glimmer, I noticed a certain shine to the ground that wasn't there before. And when I looked up towards the sky I saw it to be none other than the moon, as it shone down in its full glory. It was at this point I realised I'd come upon the edge of the woods and onto a clearing. A seemingly large paddock with a wooden fence running as far as my eyes could see, a cluster of cows stood inside; huddled together to keep warm.

Looking further out in hope of life, a house stood just a little ways ahead. Its windows are brightly lit with candle light and a sense of a relief washed over me. I'd walked endlessly and tiredly with no true guide and now here I am; standing in the presence of a humble home. But the relief was quickly overrun with caution. I don't know who I can trust anymore.

Is anyone worth trusting?

Glancing over my shoulder to look at the woods behind me, it sung back with a rustle of the wind; as if wanting me to return to its depths. Maybe it was right, but a part of me wanted to hope that all the horrors of my life are over now. That I may be finally free of my past and I can find the help that I need. That I might even be able to heal.

Making my decision, I headed toward the house. Hobbling onto the front porch, my feet barely made a sound against the wooden planks as I came to stand in front of the door. Peeking lazily into one of the windows, I saw the living room and its furniture, but no one else. Surely there had to be someone here.

My tender and burnt hands reached up to knock on the door. It was weak at first and so I tried again. There was no reply, but I could hear the distinct sound of footsteps as they approached the front door "Who goes there?" a man's voice called out. He sounded young.

My chapped lips parted and I licked them lightly. I wanted to tell the man who I am, but no words could form. I felt weakness and fatigue growing inside of me. The shock of survival had worn off and now all I wanted to do is lay down and rest. My eyes fluttered and a feeble voice broke the silence.

"Help me" I begged.

I thought it might not have been enough. Maybe the man hadn't heard my attempt to call out for help. A moment longer passed and my crippled legs soon gave way under the weight of my body. Slumping against the front door, I sat on the wooden deck with my head resting against the wall.

"Please" I uttered.

The front door opened to reveal the man on the other side, but despite being so close I couldn't make out his appearance. My eyes focuses in and out and I can feel myself slipping away. The thought of death briefly crossed my mind; that perhaps this might be the end of my journey. Would I die now, just after I've come all this way? Is this what destiny had decided?

My body became light weight as the man picked me up and into his arms. Carrying me inside, we made our way upstairs and before long I was lying in a bed. The sheets and pillows felt so soothing even as they touched my charred skin. Sitting down beside me, his voice sounded like a mere whisper now. I couldn't make out what he'd said before I slipped into darkness.

The empty space consumed me as I floated across a dreamless abyss. Then a bright light struck from all around and through it I saw bulging eyes and scattered bones. Ash floated through the air like fresh snow and the earth became dry and cracked. There was nothing but death and decay for miles. Standing in the middle of it, I felt hollow. A hole had burnt its way through me and I don't know how to fill it – could I?

Waking from my vision in a drench of sweat, I felt myself burning again and I screamed thinking that I'd never escaped; that I'm still wasting away on that pyre. Two hands reached out to still me and his words forced themselves into my mind "You're alright" said the man with a firm but worried voice.

Ocean blue eyes starred at me from the side and I felt myself cooling down. I'd never seen the open waters before, but I imagined if they looked like anything it would be the way his eyes did; vibrant and enchanting. My lips parted and the man let go of me to reach for a cup of water.

"Here, you must be thirsty" he said while offering me the cup. My shaking hands reached out with not a second thought and I winced as my body moved along with them "Careful. You'll move the bandages too much"

Looking down, I saw the beige strips of cloth that covered both my legs and my hands. They felt sticky and irritating against my flesh and I could smell the funky tang of herbs. I wondered if the man had done this himself "Did you do this?" I asked hoarsely.

"No" he replied with a shake of his head "I brought in the healer. He's good. He said the burns will heal over time, but the scars – well, I'm afraid there isn't much he can do about those. You'll need plenty of rest"

Leaning back against the pillow, I stared out through the bedroom window. It could only be mid-day from what I could tell "Thank you" I whispered, not knowing what else to say.

There was a brief moment of silence and I saw the man shift to the edge of the seat "Where did you come from?"

I knew what he wanted even before he asked. It was understandable in his circumstances, but I can't risk telling him the truth. It would only be a matter of say until the news would spread and they'd come looking for me. I'd rather they don't ever find me.

"I don't remember" I answered with a lie.

"You have to remember something. Anything. What about your name?"

The false words felt more awful than the last "It's Hannah. My name is Hanna"

This string of dishonestly casted a heavy weight on my shoulders and I don't know if I can keep up with it. But times are different now, desperate. Every move I make from here on out has my survival depending on it.

"And your name?" I asked in return "What should I call my saviour?"

He gave me a gentle smile "My name is Roldan"