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13. Escape from the barbarians
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FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 14. Being chased
It was not easy for her through that forest trying to make her way through that forest in the dark. It was not easy but Arawa knew something, she needed to get back home to the village. It was better to sit home disregarded by her father than get captured by these blood sucking barbarians, she thought. Nothing seemed familiar out here anymore as she continued plunging into whatever path she came across that her hasty mind decided upon. The barbarians were upon her, following her even into the depths. She thought that by now they must have tired of pursuing her but that was not the case, their mind was made up and there would be no mercy whatsoever for her. She just might have pissed off their king or someone of great importance. She could hear them barking out orders to one another as they spread out the search, Arawa continued running not minding the thorns and thistles she brushed through. She was quite sure that she would be made to treat them by her mother. Speaking of h
FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 15. The route back home
Arawa woke up with a start when she almost slipped off the trunk where she had passed her night. She realized with horror that she was drooling. It was unusual and this could have either been as a result of over exhaustion or the fact that she had slept in the most uncomfortable manner. Arawa sat up and using her back hand, she cleaned the spittle from her. The forest was oddly quiet and the first light was beginning to cross the sky. It was time to get on with her escape. She began finding her way down the big tree. Taking her time carefully as she swung around trunk to trunk; finally, she made it down. Her stomach began its rumblings and grumblings, she was starving. She needed to eat but with the impending danger and risk of getting caught, Arawa decided to avoid hunting for wild animals. Probably, if the gods were benevolent enough, they would send her food across her path. The basic thing at the moment was getting far away from where she was standing. Looking around he
FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 16. Home at last
She had been walking for some time, the shade from the trees was her only comfort at the moment as she was now very thirsty. Her eyes barely stay open and her legs dragging along slowly. If the barbarians were on her trail, they might have gotten to her right now and dealt with her as they deemed fit and necessary. The gods were probably cruel; they were toying with her as a human, a mere weakling. What was all this; they helped her escape, shielded her path, even fed her when she was hungry, now they would leave her to die of thirst?... Arawa could not believe in her wildest dreams that she would die in such a manner. But looking on the bright side of everything, she might have not gotten any better resting place than this. It was really cool and filled with beautiful scenery. She smiled slowly as the thought crossed her mind when suddenly; she felt the ground before her really cold beneath her feet. That was strange; as much as the place was cold; it was just cold, not wet
FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 17. Nursing the wounded Brian
Adrian had stayed back with his brother, nursing him back to health carefully. The wound reopening had not been easy to tackle at all. The doctor himself noted that and it was not easy. The stitches from earlier had been tampered with cutting through his skin and flesh. It was a sore sight and the twin could not wait to get that woman. He had a thousand and one ways to make her wish for death. Brian had managed to stay stable and Adrian had no idea why he wanted her alive. But he had his own plans and ways to get things done. Of course, he told the other guy that the woman was being sought after but he had given orders that she be killed on sight if she resisted. Also, if she was found, she was to be taken down to his personal underground dungeon. He could not have Brian getting a wind of the fact that she had been found. As he stood there watching his brother in pain, he might have cried. There was a piece of clothing between his teeth, to prevent him from crushing his tongu
FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 18. I am coming with you
“Scout ahead!!!! Open the gates!!!! Open them!!! “, a person was saying outside. Adrian quickly rose up and caught sight of his brother trying to struggle up amidst pain. He pitied him and asked that he stay inside while he addressed whatever it was but stubborn as always, Brian was having none of it. Adrian decided to assist him get up. Just as he was about to get up, the scout was ushered in, saving them the stress of having to go out.It was a message from the captain who was leading the chase and he wanted to inform his lord on what happened so far. Adrian could not believe his ears and he lashed out at the scout. How can they, well trained soldiers give the excuse that a mere woman had bested them. This was bad really and he was going to hunt her down himself. Looking at Brian, he concluded on what to do. He was going to take soldiers into that forest and bring her and her people back here in chains. He dismissed the soldier scout as he needed to reason with his brother.
FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 19. The warriors duel - preparation
She had listened to everything Orau had told her, for her own good she had explained to her. They were too old for the feast that night. This surprised Arawa as she had expected that they would be done. It was then that Orau explained to her that it was her father himself that had caused the delay when he sent warriors to scout the forest, searching for her. This was rather strange in the ears of the princess as she knew that her father had nothing but hate and disdain for her. She decided to wave it aside as a lie told to her by her mother to make her feel better. If only she had known how much Kuka blamed himself after it became obvious that she just might be dead. He put the feast in a slow pace of progression as he had demanded that every able man out there joined the search for his daughter. It was surprising really especially to his wife who had thought that all along, he hated the girl. Hated her, he never hated Arawa for real. He only blamed her for replacing his w
FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 20. Let the duels begin
It was not easy really, getting the girl ready as she looked feminine by all ramifications. She pushed her hair into a ponytail and made the puffy clumps of hair warriors bore. The face paint was artistically done with great care and in such a way that no one could recognise the princess. The will of the gods as Kili had stated had to be done. By the time she was done, Orau could have sworn that Arawa did look like a warrior. Next she handed her a basket shield and a sword. It was time. Mark my words, the people of the people needed more men alive than dead, so they had blunt swords for duels and the sorts. This was what Arawa was given at the moment. To decide a winner during the games, warriors were made to duel in a ring, he would was able to push another out of the ring is a winner, he who was able to tactfully put another down on his back was a winner and he who was the able to get another to yield was a winner. See, it was rather a very simple and enjoyable game of wits
FOREST BRIDE (a gift from the river god) 21. Arawa masked participation
She suddenly felt intimidated which was unlike her most times. She remembered at that very moment that she was the only woman in the group. She wanted to give up and turn away but then she saw Orau looking in her direction, a question mark evident in her face. She stood there for sometime trying to make sense of what she was trying to tell her when suddenly a warrior yelled from behind her and crashed into her. Arawa was nearly floored but thank the gods she had found her footing. Sudden rage flooded her veins as she saw what mischief he had intended. She had her back on him and he had taken that advantage to strike out. This was weakness on display obviously, Arawa thought as she recalled all that Orau had taught her. She looked around her briefly, everyone was fighting and then in front of her, the same warrior had taken a stance and was preparing to make another advance. He seemed too confident and Arawa decided to use his confidence to floor him. There she stood, waiting and takin
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