A group of men riding horses slowed and came to a stop near them. One of them was holding a shiny dagger in his hands and was yelling orders to the rest of the group. She placed a shaking hand around the pouch hanging from her neck. She let out her breath then took a deep one. The moonstone pulsed in response, filling Rowena’s chest with warmth. From where they hid in the dark, she thought they would be invisible to the men. Hoped so anyway.
“There’s nothing here. It must have been an animal of some sort,” said a gruff voice.
“Move on then,” replied the man holding the dagger.
The lead rider booted his horse in the side and set off at a canter. Rowena sighed. Waves of relief shook her limbs as the riders disappeared from sight, leaving her and her captor alone in the thick dark woods. He made a clucking noise, setting the horse off. Rowena sat back, allowing herself to relax. If this man meant her harm, surely he would have done so already.
“Who are you?” Rowena asked quietly.
“My name is Jonathon. We need to get to Oakwood before sunrise. Those men are planning to abduct everybody there just like they did to your town.”
“How did you find me?”
“Hawthorn arranged for me to follow you from her cottage.”
“What? She told me to meet you in Oakwood.”
“I came to meet you because I heard they were patrolling the woods still.” He turned back and looked behind them. Rowena gasped. A large tree had fallen in their path. The large black horse flew into the air and jumped over the fallen log, making Rowena lose her grip. She tumbled off the horse and slammed to the ground. She cried out in pain, clutching her head. Jonathon pulled at the horse’s reigns bringing him to a sudden stop. He jumped off the horse and ran to Rowena.
“Rowena! Don’t move!” Jonathon leaned down by her and took her hand. “Where does it hurt?”
Rowena groaned. “Everywhere, I think I can walk though.” She tried to stand.
“No, don’t!” Jonathon placed his hands gently on Rowena’s shoulders, holding her down. He touched her cheek with callused but gentle hands. Without so much as a grunt, he lifted Rowena back onto the horse.
“Are you comfortable?” Rowena nodded back and managed to smile. A sharp pain ran down her back, making her wince.
Jonathon climbed up. “We’ll take it easy. Just hold on tight.”
Rowena was glad to see the wooden sign welcoming them to Oakwoods sticking out of the marshy ground. Small cottages like the ones destroyed in her village, still stood strong as Jonathon led the horse into the village. People milled around large fires singing and chatting. The villagers suddenly grew quiet and watched as Jonathon guided the horse to a small hut near the back. Jonathon brought the horse to a gentle stop and slid down to the ground. He held out his hand for Rowena and she gripped it tightly as she climbed down from the horse.
“How are you feeling?” Jonathon asked.
“I’m okay, just a little stiff. Nothing serious.” Rowena managed a smile that Jonathon swiftly returned. In the dim light of the village, she could finally see his face. Although he had the classic good looks Rowena had always thought were pretty commonplace among men, his eyes stood out, deep brown pools of light against his tanned skin. They were almost inhuman; they were eyes that belonged to a wolf. He pulled down his hood, revealing thick, wavy black shoulder-length hair. She looked away from Jonathon’s deep gaze, feeling her face grow hot.
“We’d better warn everybody,” Rowena suggested, trying to hide her red face.
“Good idea. Who knows when those beasts will arrive?” Jonathon’s remark sent shivers down Rowena’s bruised spine.
Jonathon knocked three loud knocks the small wooden door and waited. A small elf-like woman wearing a long white nightgown opened the door. Jonathon introduced himself and Rowena and asked if they could come inside. The woman led them to a cozy room warmed by a crackling fire.
“My name is Ivy. What can I do for you?” The enchanting little woman sat in the chair closest to the fire and gestured for them to both sit. Jonathon helped Rowena into a seat while he stood close beside her.
“We have some bad news I’m afraid,” Jonathon started. “There was a vicious attack on the nearby town of Wood Grove in Oakwood. All of the women were captured except for Rowena here, she was lucky enough not to have been home when it happened.” Jonathon watched as Ivy’s tired face grew solemn.
“I saw the signs. The moon, and Hawthorn’s message in the scrying pool. Who was responsible?” Ivy asked.
“Men from the city. I guess they are from the church,” Rowen said. Ivy stood up and stared into the fire.
“They’re going to attack here.” Ivy’s wizened old face glowed in the orange flickering light of the fire.
“Yes. We must warn everyone. You have to lead your people deep into the forest. These men do not know the woods very well and are easily lost. They have been told to clear out every village they can find. But if we take down the sign out front and burn all of the cottages, they will think they have been here already,” Jonathon paced as he talked.
“Since Hawthorn’s warning, many have left already.” Ivy sounded tired.
“It’s the only way to ensure the safety of your people. Order the remaining villagers to pack only essential items and lead them far into the valley. There is a small village there, awaiting you.”
Ivy frowned. “How do you know they aren’t going to target that village?”
“A rumor was started about an outbreak of the red fever. They won’t go near it. You will be safe.”
Ivy looked at Rowena. “I’m sorry to hear about your village, Rowena.”
Rowena nodded her head and smiled an empty smile. Jonathon squeezed her shoulder. Although she had only just met him, his presence was a great comfort.
“Ivy, we also need to send your town messenger to relay the same message to other villages. Can you arrange that?”
“Yes. Thank you so much.” Ivy smiled at them both. Jonathon helped Rowena up and donned his hood.
“You’re leaving already?” Ivy said.
“Yes. We are on our way to Darkwood, where all of the women are being imprisoned.” Jonathon and Rowena said their goodbyes to Ivy and headed in the direction of Darkwood.
Chapter Four
Now
Bright sunlight severed Brenna’s dream. She stirred and tried to roll over but couldn’t as there was something heavy and warm pressing on her back. She opened her eyes adjusting to the bright sun and looked around, seeing two large round amber eyes staring at back at her. Tiddles meowed a deafeningly cry in Brenna’s ear. Guess it was time to get up.
“Tiddles! If you make me deaf, I won’t be able to hear when you are hungry.” She turned over slowly and laughed as Tiddles rolled off of her back and slipped into her arms, purring loudly. Brenna ruffled up his fur and planted a kiss on his furry head.
She yawned and slid out of bed. She padded across the soft carpet to her wardrobe and dressed in a smart pair of black pants with a black singlet topped off with a sheer purple blouse. She slipped on some black high-heeled boots and quickly brushed her teeth and washed her face before applying a thin coat of mascara to her long lashes. She finished the look with a nude shade of lipstick. She checked her reflection in the mirror, found it acceptable, and pulled her long hair back into a tight clasp, leaving a shiny ponytail hanging behind her back.