Desperate Forest Read online

  I hesitated.

  Here I was, about to leave my once comfortable and safe home, terribly ill-equipped to handle myself in the menacing forest before me. Was I more likely to last longer in the woods, where death was probable the moment I entered, or here in the castle with my uncle, where death was inevitable the longer I stayed?

  My chances of survival were slim either way, but I had to choose the option that gave me a chance.

  I pushed myself off the wall and gracelessly descended the other side, the rough rope burning my injured hands if I moved too fast. Looking below me, I saw only a few feet remained, so I released the rope and tumbled down, landing on the mossy forest floor.

  It was done. I pulled a torch from my bag, striking it fast against the stone to light it. I yanked out my compass and consulted the map where I had previously planned out my route.

  I only had until morning until my disappearance was discovered, so I needed to cover as much ground as possible. My direction set, I placed my bag upon my shoulders and faded into the thick trees.

  Chapter 3

  The next day, every muscle in my body ached. With every step, my bag felt heavier and I grew weaker. I had been walking for hours, my compass guiding me in the right direction, but my exhaustion made me feel as if I’d been walking in circles. The thicket of trees surrounding me seemed endless.

  One thing was certain, my easy castle living had not prepared me for the hardships of this journey.

  My stomach protested having to last the day on nothing but cheese and bread. My throat was dry and burned for water, which I had to preserve.

  The only thing keeping me going was the promise on my map of a river ahead. I expected to reach it in a few days, but until then, I needed to save what little water I already had.

  Hoping to get my thoughts off my uncomfortable circumstances, I directed my mind to happier things. Soon I would see Darius again. My uncle could no longer keep us apart.

  I remembered the years when my father was alive, and we would travel to Marcsnovia together every summer. It was a custom started between Darius’s father, King Charles, and my own because they had long been friends.

  Our visits ensured good relations between our kingdoms, and there were always whispers of a possible match between me and Darius. Over those summers, my love for Darius had grown.

  He had always been strong and confident. I admired the way he seemed at ease in any situation. Quite the contrast to me, who felt uneasy in most situations, especially social ones.

  When we were younger, Darius had not paid much attention to me, much to my chagrin. But over the last year, our friendship had grown and blossomed into something more.

  Now, I wished for nothing but to relive one of those carefree summer days. How could I have known that before long, my father would be ripped from me, and I would be running for my life?

  Unfortunately, when tragedy struck it had not done so singularly.

  A few weeks ago, Darius’s father, King Charles, had been killed.

  When I had heard the news, I was devastated I couldn’t be with Darius to help him during his grief. I was also greatly disheartened because I knew Darius would have no way to come for me anytime soon with his own kingdom in such distress.

  My only hope was that once Darius and I were reunited, we could help each other get past the loss in our lives.

  I steadied my steps and pressed forward. That thought was enough to keep me going even though my aching body protested.

  Soon we’ll be together and have the life we were always meant to have.

  ✽✽✽

  A few days later, I trudged through the forest, trying to ignore my weary body. According to my map, today was the day I would reach the river. A necessity, since I’d depleted my meager water supply yesterday.

  Night would be falling soon. In the dimming forest light, I struggled to study my map and compass. Normally, this was the time of evening when I hunted for a safe, hidden place to sleep. But tonight, I needed to find the river, or I would not rest.

  My throat burned and my head swam. My body was telling me to give up, but I knew I couldn’t yet. I had to cover as much ground as possible before the forest grew dark. Then I couldn’t search unless I used one of my few remaining torches—a risky move because light and smoke could attract unwanted attention. I shoved my map and compass back into my bag and continued up the next hill.

  Just over this hill, I tried to coax myself, knowing I was minutes away from losing hope and dropping from exhaustion. That’s where it’s got to be. Just a little farther now.

  A few minutes later, I reached the top and gazed upon the most beautiful sight I’d ever seen. Below was a clearing, and in the pale light of dusk, I could see the rich flow of water. My legs moved faster than I thought possible.

  As I raced toward the river, I prayed it wasn’t just a mirage, that my mind hadn’t failed me, taking me into the first stages of delirium.

  At the bank, I fell to my knees and scooped a handful of water. I drank for what felt like hours, then filled my bottles. I splashed the cool liquid on my face, arms, and hair. I’d never realized what a luxury it was to bathe myself.

  On a whim, I removed my heavy traveling dress and shoes and waded into the river, still in my slip-dress undergarment, not bothering to take the time to loosen the back corset laces and remove it. I undid my hair from my gold hairclip, an heirloom of my mother’s, the one sentimental item I justified bringing with me on my journey. I placed the clip carefully on the shore, then walked in deeper until the water was almost up to my shoulders.

  At first, the cold river shocked me, but I relished feeling the days of sweat and grime disappearing from my skin. I ran my fingers through my wavy, light brown mane. For the first time in days, my fear and strain subsided.

  I had reached my first goal. I had survived this far. I, who hadn’t been outside the castle walls in months—and certainly never alone—had successfully navigated through the treacherous forest for five days. I knew my father would be proud of me.

  I tipped my head back, letting the cold water soak around me, revitalizing me and lifting my spirits.

  Perhaps my journey wasn’t so hopeless. Perhaps I really would reach my destination. Darius and I could be together, my father could be avenged, and my kingdom could know happiness again.

  I straightened, then caught sight of something long and sleek gliding toward me. I let out a shriek, stumbling backward. A giant black eel leapt from the water, striking the bare skin of my arm.

  Immediately, an electric shock pulsed through my body. My painful scream was quickly muffled as I fell forward into the river, the shadowy depths enclosing me as I lost consciousness.

  Chapter 4

  My mind was fuzzy as I awoke, coughing violently. My ears rang and my body tingled, gradually regaining feeling.

  As I struggled to get my bearings, expelling water from my lungs with every cough, I felt the strange sensation of a gentle hand on my back, rubbing it, coaxing me to consciousness.

  “That’s it . . . you’re all right,” a deep voice said, although I could barely hear the words above my gasping and choking.

  I shivered uncontrollably, my wet skin exposed to the cool evening air. The hand on my back retracted, then I felt the gentle warmth of soft material being draped over me.

  My breathing steadied slightly as I rested against the hard ground, appreciating the feel of the delicate grass against my cheek.

  Slowly, the sensation in my limbs returned, and I lifted myself onto the palms of my hands. I looked around to see who had saved me from drowning, but there was no one there.

  Pulling the warm fabric closer, I sat up and turned completely, wondering where my rescuer had gone.

  I saw and heard nothing except the lapping of the river that almost claimed my life and the soft swaying of the trees leading into the forest.

  Did I imagine the voice?

  Immediately, I dismissed the thought. I certainly hadn’t pulled
myself from the river after being shocked unconscious by the eel.

  Pushing my wet hair from my eyes, I looked down to see I was wrapped in my own cloak, inside out, so the purple crest of Tover sewn proudly onto the lining was visible.

  I dried myself with my cloak as coughs sporadically racked my body, then put on my traveling gown.

  After I finished buttoning my dress, I pulled back my partially wet hair with my gold hair clip and threw on my warm cloak. I glanced uneasily over my shoulder, wondering where my savior had gone.

  My feelings were torn between gratitude over being rescued and apprehension that he hadn’t stayed around long enough for me to thank him.

  Apparently, I was not the only one in this forest who didn’t want to be discovered.

  I walked up the hill, leaving the river and clearing behind. As I stepped through the trees, my heart sank.

  I’d spent too much time at the river, and now, under the heavy cover of leaves and branches, the forest had grown almost completely dark. I would have trouble finding a safe place to rest tonight.

  Walking slowly, I felt my way through the branches. I squinted, hoping my eyes would adjust to the darkness soon. I felt the rough, enormous tree trunks, trying to find one with a hollowed-out base where I could conceal myself for the night.

  The optimism I’d felt earlier was replaced with fresh fear. I had many long days ahead of me, and things would only get harder the deeper I ventured into the forest.

  Could I really make such a journey on my own? My foolishness at bathing in the river without a thought of what might be lurking only confirmed my suspicion that I was terribly out of my element here.

  Missing my father more than ever, I prayed he would find a way to guide me. His compass and maps weren’t enough. I needed his presence.

  Without warning, I stumbled against something protruding from the ground. Instantly, a large net fell from above, tangling me as I dropped to my hands and knees, crying out in surprise.

  Struggling to free myself, my heart gave a sickening lurch as I heard footsteps approaching. A rough hand grabbed my shoulder, and I turned to see a young man looking at me angrily.

  “Who are you? What are you doing in these woods?” he demanded.

  ✽✽✽

  After failing to bluff my way out of my predicament, the unknown man had grabbed my knife and forced me to walk alongside him. I had no idea where he was taking me or what he would do to me when we got there.

  We walked in silence for what seemed like hours but was mere minutes, my heart beating frantically in my chest. My companion kept a firm grip on my arm, leading me through the dim forest. Eventually, we broke through the thick trees into a small encampment.

  I saw tents of various sizes set up and several horses tied to trees. In the middle, a fire burned bright with meat cooking over it. Even in my fear, the smell caused my mouth to water. But what was most amazing were the people that stared at us as we broke through the clearing.

  There was a girl with curly black hair brushing the mane of a horse. A man with a graying beard pitching a tent, and another man with a slight limp carrying a bucket of water. A tall red-haired woman stood over the spit, tending to the cooking meat.

  As we marched into the camp, a willowy woman with long platinum hair ran to us. “Jay! Who is this?” Her amber eyes glared at me.

  “That’s what I’m trying to find out,” the man, apparently named Jay, said. “She got herself trapped in one of my nets.”

  “Why did you bring her back here?”

  “She said she’s traveling with knights. I think she’s lying, but we might need to move out.”

  “But it’s almost nightfall! And Gavin isn’t back yet.”

  “Just tell everyone to pack up!” Jay seemed to have about as much patience for this blonde woman as he had for me.

  “Very well,” the young woman said, shooting me one more suspicious glance before turning to rally the others.

  Who are these people? Why are they camping in the forest like this? And why do they seem to be afraid of knights?

  Jay continued dragging me by the arm until we reached a large tent. “Go on,” he said, pushing me through the opening.

  Once inside, he grabbed my bag off my shoulders and motioned to a stool by a small table with a lantern glowing on it.

  “Have a seat,” he said almost pleasantly, then began rifling through my bag as I sat down. He pulled out my maps and compass and gave me a curious look.

  “Let’s try this again, hey? Who are you and why are you here?” His expression softened slightly as he knelt in front of me. “Are you in trouble?”

  I hesitated, feeling torn between attempting to lie again and telling him the truth. Having no idea who he was, I was wary of revealing my identity.

  The lantern light cast a muted glow across his face, and I studied him, trying to determine why he looked familiar. Could I trust him?

  Now that I could see him better, I noticed his eyes were dark brown like his hair, which fell like a shadow across his forehead. His nose was large and distinguished, like it had seen a few fights and wore the effects.

  Above his left eyebrow was a thin scar. I studied his face for a few moments, noticing that although his features were rough, he was not unattractive. Hoping to gain more insight into who he was, my gaze flashed over his broad shoulders and crude hunting clothes. I could not shake the feeling I’d seen this man before, and it worried me.

  “You look familiar . . .” I said. “Where are you from?”

  Jay narrowed his eyes and clenched his fists. Immediately, I regretted my question. I cringed, unsure what he would do next.

  He stood up, still glaring at me. “You don’t get the luxury of asking questions.” He grabbed me and hauled me off the stool.

  “Hey!” I attempted to push him away. My hands pressed against firm muscle, so it was no surprise he was easily able to force me against the long wooden beam supporting the middle of the tent. He pulled a length of rope from his pocket, then wrapped my wrists securely behind my back. He fixed them to the tent stake, yanking the rope taught.

  When he was finished tying me up, he turned and stormed out, the tent flapping closed behind him.

  Chapter 5

  I spent the next few minutes struggling against my restraints, but it was no use. The beam I was tied to was buried deep in the ground, and with my hands behind my back, I had no leverage to loosen the knots.

  Ceasing my fight, I wondered where the young man had gone. He’d been unpleasant since the first moment I met him, but after I questioned his identity, he seemed particularly angry. I half-expected him to return and slit my throat.

  I recalled how the blonde woman had referred to him as Jay. I wondered if that was his real name, and if it could give me a clue to who he was and how I knew him. I pictured his menacing face again, but I could not place it.

  What about the other people at the camp? Were they thieves, outlaws, or murderers? The blonde woman who’d spoken to Jay certainly looked like she wanted to kill someone, namely me.

  I rested my head against the wooden beam and bit my lip to keep from crying.

  Clearly, my circumstances were bleak. It wasn’t likely I would last the night among this company.

  Suddenly, I heard footsteps outside the tent and two voices arguing. Jay’s exasperated voice said the name Gavin.

  The tent flap opened, and Jay entered, followed by another man who I assumed was Gavin. This man was tall, standing a few inches higher than Jay. His messy blond hair fell just above his shoulders, and his jaw was strong and defined. Overall, he was extremely handsome. He took one look at me and turned to Jay.

  “Was this really necessary?” he asked. “You didn’t need to tie her up like a criminal!”

  Jay jutted his chin toward me. “It’s her own fault. She told me nothing but lies, and”—he lowered his voice—“she recognized me.”

  “Release her.” Gavin massaged his temple. “Honestly, I was gone a few
hours . . .”

  Jay frowned but reached into his pocket and pulled out his knife, then walked behind me and cut the ropes from my wrists. I was surprised he complied with Gavin’s request without complaint. He certainly didn’t seem like the type to take orders.

  My arms fell forward, and I rubbed my shoulders, turning to glare at the man who had tied me up.

  “I apologize for Jay’s behavior,” Gavin said, assessing me with his green eyes. “But you must understand everyone here is in a precarious situation, and we can’t take any chances.”

  Jay pocketed his knife and walked back in front of me, crossing his arms.

  Gavin turned to Jay and sighed. “I know who she is . . . the Princess of Tover.” He looked back at me. “Princess Roselynn, isn’t it?”

  I nodded dumbly, feeling slightly more at ease in this new man’s presence, but still wary, especially since he’d just revealed my identity.

  “You can’t be serious!” Jay leaned forward, and I frowned under his scrutinous gaze. “That explains the cloak . . .”

  “Your Highness, are you traveling with anyone?” Gavin said pleasantly, but I could hear the hint of apprehension in his voice. “Some knights, perhaps?”

  I hesitated, unsure whether to lie. While Gavin seemed kinder than Jay, I didn’t trust either of them.

  “I don’t think she is,” Jay whispered to Gavin as if I wasn’t even there. “She seemed entirely alone in the woods, and I didn’t see any signs of life except her. Plus, she claimed to be with Marcsnovian knights when I questioned her originally.”

  “Maybe so . . .” Gavin raised his eyebrows. “But we can’t take any chances.”

  “Listen, Princess”—Jay advanced on me again—“from the look of things, you’re in more trouble than even I can imagine. So why don’t you tell us what’s going on? We have no reason to harm you—yet.”

  I took a step back, not at all appreciative of him invading my personal space. “Why not just let me go and you can be rid of me?”