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Chapter Three

I couldn't of been walking 5 minutes before I felt a massive spike of hate and anger from the 'merry' band of men that were chasing us, told me that they had figured out that we went in the other direction. Now it didn't worry me that much that they had found that they had been tricked. No it was a minute later when they were speeding to us faster than they should be able to on foot.

Leif was exhausted and fast asleep in my arms. I doubt he would be able to run fast or a long time. But that didn't really matter because the settlement was approximately 15 minutes away if I could run unhindered. Which wasn't because I was carrying a little boy with me. Breaking into a run, I dashed through the forest and prayed to the Gods and Goddess' that we would make it at least out of the forest and in the sight of the settlement, before the men mange to catch us.

I could sense that they had picked up our trail again as the triumph and glee momentarily over took the malevolence of their auras, heading towards us at a fast pace. Leaping over a fallen tree trunk and landing a bit awkwardly shook Leif awake. Startled, he looked behind over my shoulder and started to panic.

Looking at his wide and fearful blue eyes I had an idea. Skidding to a stop I shrugged off my carry bag and moved Leif so he piggy backed me, then shortening the straps I told Leif to put it on like I had.

"Hold tight. I no hold you." Feeling him nod against me and tighten his arms and legs around me. I set off running again, this time it was easier as I could move better than before. The men couldn't be more than 40 metres behind us but fortunately the trees slowed them down a little bit. I couldn't continue to track the men anymore I was too tired and concentrated on running to the settlement as fast as possible. That and dodging the trees.

Finally I broke through the tree line nearly crying when I saw the rise before the settlement but hardly slowing down I pushed forward the sound of horses hooves behind us driving me to go faster. Leif was terrified and hopeful all at once it was so much that I nearly fell flat on my face.

"Erik! Brother! Help me!" Leif shouted as we reached the top of the rise, torches lit up around the edges of the little village as well as pits spread around the different huts. A tall man with long blonde rushes out of one of the huts nearby, joy pulsing from Leif's small body as he sees what I think might be Erik.

Just as Erik spots us and starts forward to were I am standing with Leif when I remember the horses chasing us. The horse calling out sharply right behind us, grabbing Leif's leg wrapped around my waist and pulling round him quickly as I turned and dropped onto my back at the same time. Sliding backwards as the horse and it's rider flew over them. Rolling us over I stooped to a low crouch over the terrified boy under me.

Suddenly I heard an enraged roar as a flash of blonde hair and a sword fought one of the men that had fallen off horseback. Three others started to circle round me and Leif, and begin to taunt and jeering at us.

"Little girl, you stole the boy from us. Does that mean you want to play with us?" The one to my left jeered, drawing a sword from it's stealth at his hip. The clashes of metal and loud voices broke through.

"Just grab both of them. By Thor! We need to leave before our lives are forfeit!" Said the man, he seemed to be their leader, average height with big thick muscles and beady black eyes. "The blonde warrior just killed Irgon, move out." he ordered and raced back over the rise.

Carefully I took my bag off Leif, unzipped it, and took out the bike pump that I always kept in my bag. It was made mostly of metal and my only weapon. As the men came closer and was just in arms reach, I lashed out and hit the nearest horse hard in the face. The unfortunate animal reared and took off, leaving the man struggling to get up after his fall. The other horses were spooked and one man came up behind me and on my left, hauling me onto his horse. Pulling me over in such a way that my arms were trapped as laid on my front, the saddle horn poking me painfully in the ribs as he sped away.

Being so angry and frustrated could only explain what happened next.

"You fucking idiots!" I couldn't translate them into Old Norse but saying them made me feel better, it also startled the rider that rode with me. "You've chased me for a goddamned hour! After the Little Prince, now you want to take me as well! AHHHHHHH! PIGS! SWINES! PUT ME DOWN! Skit! Ditt äckliga svin!"

My kidnapper fed up with my yelling, punched the side of my head viciously with his fist making my head throb and my anger intensify. It made me think clearer and the fog of fear cleared my mind. Stilling my body, so that he thought I was subdued. Grabbing hold of the saddle horn sticking in my belly, I shifted my weight forward over the other side of the horse, I swung my leg in backwards kick. That with the momentum carrying me forward I managed to connect with his head, unseat the man riding.

As he fell he landed on his neck and with a sickening crack his aura flickered out of life. I was half hanging off horse, but now that the man out of the way, I rolled onto my back and somehow ended up riding backwards.

It wasn't one of my better moments I have to admit, and looking in front of the horse was a good reason why.

In front of the horse was the river Leif and I had waded in earlier, the only way I would definitely survive was to jump off the horse. Now normally that wouldn't be a problem except that the horse I was on now was a stallion. It also looked like it was at least 14 hands high. I was bricking it.

"Oh god." I whispered, taking a deep breath. I jumped from the horse just as it was near it, rolling sideways as I landed.

When I came to a stop I just turned over onto my back and laid there. Exhaustion was creeping in and I didn't want to move. I was happy to lay there and sleep. Just as I was about to drift off I heard my name being shouted.

"Katarina!" It sounded like Leif, and he was getting closer. "Katarina! Where are you?" I could feel several energies making their way towards me.

"Here, I here." I raised my voice slightly, listening to the running of feet. Stopping nearly as soon as it started. Leif crouched over me concerned and upset.

"Tired, Little Prince." I said when he asked if I was well. "So tired. Not safe."

Another face appeared above Leif's he said something quietly to the older man and looked back at me.

The older's face was blurred as I tried to stay awake, but it was a losing battle. As my eyes closed a warm, calloused hand stroked down my face gently. The scent of sandalwood and earth filled my senses and a masculine voice said "Sleep, Little One. Your safe now."

I could feel myself being picked up bridal style, the man carry me, made me feel safe and secure. Snuggling deeper into his arms I finally allowed myself to sleep.

I regret to say that i won't be able to update for a while. Our house has just been sold, so we need to find a new one and move.

I really hate moving house :(

But, if people review on the story i will make the effort to put it up sooner :) aaaannnnd i'll make the next chapter longer.

TBC...

Review pretty please!

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