Twenty-four

Duncan's heart leapt into his throat when he manoeuvred his way around the trees and sighted a girl in a red Cape sitting on the floor with her fingers clutched around her ankle. Fresh blood oozed out of the wound, which still had an arrow sticking out of it.

"Me and my big mouth," she said with a soft voice as she covered her mouth with her palm, glancing furtively around the woods.

It was difficult to get her facial features because the oversized hood of her cape covered her face.

His heart twitched, and he pressed his back against a tree, becoming visible once again before he stepped out from behind the tree, but the girl still appeared to be oblivious of his presence.

"Hello, are you alright?" He started, inching closer to her as remorse washed over him.

"Do not come any closer," she rasped, fear oozing out of her skin, and she tried to stand on her wounded foot.

"I am here to help," he said, and then proceeded to add, "I promise."

He got closer to her, but his nose itched w