Graceful, haunting, clouds, danced into her room.

The expelled ghosts of the flames slithered in deviously through the space below the door. Kari had just finished eating when she noticed the smell.

The scent of burning wood engulfed the room very quickly.

She stood up, ran to her window, and pushed open the shutters. The air was filled with screams. She climbed out onto the balcony and noticed the dozens of residents and workers fleeing from the back gate.

Her observational state was interrupted by the motion of someone swiftly opening the door inside. The movement allowed the build-up of smoke to flood through like water being released from a dam.

Within the vortex of smoke, there were brief moments of clarity, and that's when she saw the dark silhouette standing on the threshold.

"Follow me!" the voice yelled.

She immediately recognized the man as her brother Robert. She began to run to him, but the smoke got to her before she could reach the door, and she collapsed. Robert leaped through the clouds and caught her before she hit the floor. The clouds swirled around him, mirroring his aggressive motion. He carried Kari to the balcony and placed her on the floor, then made his way to the edge and yelled orders down to his men, who were running towards the estate from the barracks. He was immediately obeyed, and two men returned with rope. He quickly tied the rope to the railing and turned to his sister.

"Kari, we have to go," he said.

She tried to clear her lungs and looked up at him. Robert gestured for her to take the rope, and he helped boost her over the edge. She wrapped herself around the rope and carefully let herself down. When Robert saw she had reached the ground safely, he ran back into her room, collected some items in a bag, and followed her.

Kari watched the chaos of residents fleeing from the castle into the yard, they were fighting against the flow of soldiers running in from the barracks behind them. It was clear to her that the smoke wasn't from some ill-timed fire, but something more sinister.

"Follow me," Robert said over the noise.

Kari drew her sword in the attack position, and they ran through the back door and into the main hallway. Robert grabbed her wrist and pulled her down to the floor. The stone floor was hot, a lot hotter than it had been in all the years she had walked there. They cowered against a wall as he looked around the corner to make sure it was clear.

"Get ready," he said.

He pulled her with him across the hall and into their father's study. She had hoped to see what was going on, but the flames and clouds were too obstructive. Her sight may have been hindered, but she could clearly hear people screaming and the sound of swords clanging against each other.

Robert closed the door behind them and tossed the bags close to the only window. He walked straight to it and placed his hands strategically on the bottom of the frame. He braced himself for a struggle, but the window was not difficult like most of its kind in their home. It effortlessly flung up and hit the top of the frame, which caused it to shatter violently.

The tiny particles of glass rained down, showering him with an oddly beautiful vision of light refraction. He bent down to allow the glass to fall out of his hair, and as he did, someone burst through the door. Kari jumped back as the man in all black looked at them and then barricaded the door with a chest. Robert looked relieved.

"Good, you made it," he said.

The man seemed flustered from being chased but had a look of amusement on his face.

“Kari, this is Jeplin. No matter what happens, always trust him. "

She looked at him.

"What's going on?"

Robert moved them forward.

"I don't have a lot of time to explain, but Jeplin is a close advisor to our father and one of my closest friends from school. He is in charge of protecting you, I packed you two bags, one has food and the other clothes and other effects you will need. Now go."

He gestured to the window.

Kari had heard Jeplins name mentioned many times, but she hadn't ever met him. Jeplin was a strong but slender looking man. He was only a bit taller than her and had extremely pale skin. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he looked at the door, which someone was trying to force open. Jeplin walked to the window and looked down to see what was below.

"Follow me," he said.

Kari looked at Robert. He knew she was concerned.

"Go," he urged, "I'll meet up with you later."

His words eased her. Jeplin leaped onto the window ledge and effortlessly jumped out of it like a nimble cat. She followed and carefully grabbed the ledge and pulled herself into the frame, when she looked down she saw bushes and rocks. She was careful along the ledge. Following his instruction, she jumped. She was not as skilled as he was and she fell straight into a bush. Jeplin helped her up and started to lead her further into the yard.

For the first time, Kari was able to see glimpses of the enemy army plowing forward; she saw men covered in blood and ash screaming. A loud whistle drew her attention. Jeplin was calling his horse. The horse appeared almost magically out of the forest. Jeplin turned to wave her over, but his eye was caught on something happening in the window above her.

He grabbed her wrist, pulled her aggressively to the ground, and covered her body with his. There was a large explosion, and Kari could feel the hot breath of the fire being released from its stone-like prison. She screamed. The man looked back and saw that his prediction was right; the section of the wall they were in front of had been completely obliterated. He lay on her until the debris finished raining down, then

carefully picked her up and ran her to the horse.

The horse was fast, faster than any she had ever been on. It had a gorgeous gray hide that shimmered under the sunlight; she felt its neck, which was contoured with bumps and hidden scares that showed its age.

They tore through the countryside. The hum of the wind passed her ears and silenced all other noises and any attempt at communication. She could feel the very tops of her ears becoming completely numb. She was grateful that the cold chill was only on her ears, but it was still uncomfortable. She pulled a bit of her cloak that was awkwardly draped around her torso up to cover more of her body and lifted the hood onto her head. The hood was a welcome shelter for her wind-ravaged face. She could feel her ears and cheeks softening with the coddling from the thick fur.

The man spurred his horse, not slowing or wavering. Kari wasn't sure whether she was safe with Jeplin, but she remembered her brother's approval and it quelled her. She was too caught up in the excitement to think much more about it negatively. She had always dreamed of going on an adventure.

Time seemed to pass as quickly as they rode. The sun began to set; the mix of glistening light and calming tones of grays and blues canopied the sky. The grandeur was overwhelming as they reached gaping, sky-freeing fields. A large sea of unhindered sights. Wave after wave of long, dry grass rippled methodically. After eating on the run, she drifted off to the images of beautiful amber seas of wheat and grass peeking from the newly melted snow, mimicking the soft mane of the horse that was dancing gently on her cheeks.

She awoke to the warm orange glow of several flames huddled in a haphazardly constructed fire pit. She immediately noticed that she was no longer on the horse; she was lying on the ground close to the flames, wrapped in her cloak and a thick blanket.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

There was a package of food lying next to her head, and she indulged. When she finished all that she could, she slowly sat up. She noticed Jepling was looking over a map on the other side of the fire. The flicker of the firelight cascaded across his face. His skin, which was sickly pale, seemed daunting under the dark, soulless sky. He looked at her as if he could sense her observing him.

They sat in silence for a bit. Jeplin was not one for talking a lot; he felt very comfortable with silence. Kari was uncomfortable, and dozens of thoughts raced through her mind. She tried to figure out whether she should ask him any questions to quell her thoughts. She contemplated what to ask, then broke the silence.

"What are you planning for me?" she asked, "Who are we running from?"

He sat silently for a moment.

"You deserve to know something," he said.

He paused again. She looked at him and waited intently,

"There is a faction that has been making its way into the south. They have been pillaging and setting fire to every town in their path," he said.

Kari watched the dancing flames,

"That's a little more optimistic than what I had imagined. I thought our home was targeted specifically, but if they were just attacking everyone…"

Jeplin contemplated not telling her the truth but decided against it,

"They were destroying everything in their way, but their goal was to find your family."

"What?" she asked, shocked, "Why would they want my family?"

Jeplin looked up dramatically from the map he was reading,

"You don't know?"

Kari panicked a bit.

"Know what? What am I supposed to know?"

Jeplin took a deep breath,

"It's not my place to tell you, but it would have made it a lot easier if Geor… your father, had already done so. For now, I'll just say… war is complicated."

She looked down, and Jeplin continued,

"Your father was expecting this day when people would hunt for your family; that is why he created a plan to protect you and various others."

"Plan?" she asked while lowering her voice and leaning forward, the grass caressed her arms with their fickle bodies.

"For years, he knew that your home would eventually be discovered. We tried all that we could to protect you and Robert—"

She interjected, "Robert hardly needs to be protected."

"Well, he was lucky enough to get a fighting tutor. How often do you train?" he asked.

"I've been learning sword combat for almost a year now."

Jeplin was relieved. "Oh good, if something happens, you will be able to hold your own."

They sat silently for a moment; the wood from the fire crackled, and she watched the embers float upward.

"What was the plan?" she asked again.

"The intention was to put you through fighting lessons, then, and as soon as your father heard word of an invasion, he was to send for me. I was then supposed to take you with me into hiding," he said.

"Well, it sounds like everything worked out then," she said.

"Not exactly," he said, "there were other forms of fighting you were supposed to learn. Your father cut it much too close honestly."

Kari started thinking about the day before. Spring was approaching, and her estate was celebrating the end of winter. It was the first hint of a warm day, and the pond behind her house had melted. She ran through the field, letting the air engulf her, a freeing feeling compared to the dreary halls of her home. Whenever she was wandering out near her home, those freeing natural moments always led her to the same place: a small river that pooled at the edge of the forest. The river was decently shallow, and it weaved in and out of the bottoms of trees, leaving the roots to create unique grasping hand-like sculptures. She loved the way the roots arched over the river, like they intentionally moved out of its way.

The water had a silvery sheen that glistened and flickered around under the sun. Like its own breed of fish, the movements were fluid and constant. She lifted up her dress. Like most of the clothes that she wore at the end of winter, it was a pale color, tan, to be exact, reminiscent of some form of arid sand.

She had not donned her stockings or shoes that morning so she would not be hindered. She held her dress up in her hands and lowered her leg slowly until her toes dipped into the water. She tested the cool, relaxing pool, then pulled her foot up again, then re-inserted it even deeper than before. The icy water was refreshing, and it was easy to tell that winter was still clinging to any physical form it could. She placed both feet into the water and stood; the water sat at her calves. She smiled.

Her home was well-equipped with luxurious amenities,but to her nothing was more pleasurable than the simplicity of pure nature. That day, the air was clean. There were only a few hints of snow dusting the shadowy parts of the grass and the sun beat down warming everything else.

"We better keep going," Jeplin said.

His voice jolted her back to reality, and she sat up. He handed her some food and clothes,

"Now, in the middle of the night?" she protested.

"Yes," he said, "It's the safest time, especially if we are being trailed."

She honestly hadn't thought that someone might be following them, and that realization haunted her.

They mounted the horse in the same fashion as before and continued on their way. They always ate while riding unless it was a good time to rest and start a fire. Jeplin was careful about where and when to rest. That day, she laid her head on the horse's mane and could feel the heaving of its breath beneath her, an oddly soothing rhythm that let her drift off again.

Another day passed and she began to conjure more questions in her mind.

"Are we running in general or is there an end goal?" she asked after finishing her breakfast.

She had no idea if they would be traveling for years or days. The wind almost completely muffled her question but Jeplin still heard it.

"We will be arriving soon," he said.

Silent smugness was her response, Kari felt very far away from home. The feeling of loneliness was spurred by the miles and miles of simple grass that left the sky open to the soul. Tears ran down her face but they were swiftly removed by the wind, something she was grateful for, she did not want Jeplin to see her weakness. She did not want anyone to see her cry.

As she climbed out of her thoughts, she realized the terrain had changed. They were approaching a forest. Each tree was thin, tall, dark, and ominous. They all towered above them, bare, leafless monsters. Her body slipped off the horse a bit but she was immediately held in place by Jeplin's forearms. He never seemed to be caught off guard by anything while riding, even though he was most definitely not accustomed to traveling with anyone.

They ate again, and the sun set on another day. Kari could see the signs of a village in the distance; the small dots of light danced on the horizon like fireflies. She excitedly hoped that they would be stopping there. As they got closer to the city, they began to pass by a collection of houses. The houses became more prevalent as they got closer to the city walls. The houses were made of mostly dirt and clay, and the entrance to the city matched the dreariness via a decrepit stone pathway.

She could not see many streets from the main road, and what she could see looked as though it had been ravaged by a fire or a very rough winter. Jeplin gestured for her to get off the horse with him, and they started walking off the pathway. They sneaked through the gate and immediately turned to an ally. They hid in the shadows until they reached a stable by some more old decrepit buildings. He looked at her, and before she could ask any questions, he answered them.

"We need to lie low... you need a disguise."

"Why?" she asked. "I doubt anyone here knows me."

"This is a place where you don't want to be noticed. You will understand once we start walking around," he said,

she shrugged and decided to trust him,

"what should I do?"

He pulled a leather strap off of his wrist,

"Pull up your hair."

She was old enough to look a bit like a woman, but it was easily remedied. He placed the hood from her cloak onto her head, then knelt down in front of her and wiped his hands in the mud. She knew that he was going to wipe mud on her face, but her attention was drawn from his hands to his eyes. She looked directly at them. His eyes were a dazzling brown, and he continued staring, almost to challenge him, but he remained focused. His hands slowly caressed her face, coating it with dirt. She had not expected the mud to be as cold as ice. She shivered. He finished and wiped the excess across his own clothes.

"No matter what happens, do not speak," he said sternly.

She opened her mouth to say something, but he stopped her by pushing her pack of items into her arms.

"Keep a hand on your belongings at all times," he whispered.

The streets were grimy and left little room for anything. Each building was seemingly more disgusting than the one before. Her eyes darted back and forth, and she tried to blend in and remain alert. They reached the more inhabited section of town, and she realized why Jeplin had taken all of the precautions. The streets were covered in large, obnoxious men, mostly drunk and covered in dirt. She stayed at Jeplin's side. The slop that was supposed to be road clung to their boots and splattered with each step. Everything was a disgusting brown and gray mess. Jeplin grabbed her hand as they approached what looked like an abandoned tavern. Kari carefully followed and slipped on the crooked steps leading into the building.

The inside was darker than the night sky, save for a few candles that hauntingly glowed in the corners. She jumped when she saw two large men attacking each other only a few tables away. Like wild animals, they clawed at each other to survive. Jeplin looked at her. It was his way of silently telling her to stay.

He crossed to the bar and began talking to the man behind it. When the men got louder, she shrunk into the shadows. Her eyes remained on Jeplin. After a few minutes, he gestured for her to join them. She slowly and carefully walked over. She felt as though each person could hear her every move; the floorboards creaked with each assumption.

The barkeeper led them up an almost completely blacked out set of stairs. Kari, was relieved and placed her hand on the railing while she searched and hint of l stability. In return, her hand was covered with soot, soot that wanted release from the stairs and clung to her clothes and skin.

A bedroom was their destination. It was small, and only held one tiny bed and a fireplace. Not unlike the stairs, everything was black and dingy. Jeplin gestured for her to take the bed.

"I am meeting someone downstairs," he said as he handed her food, "do not open the door for anyone and do not leave this room."

She nodded. She had no intention of leaving; she was exhausted. He lit the fire for her and left; she locked the door after him and climbed into the bed.