My Journey-Part Two

Off I rode into the nights darkness. It seemed so quiet and serene when I got out of the village. But then I began to get afraid of the quiet. It was as if I had nothing to fear, and that is what scared me. Eleave was a not an old horse and rode a great distance before slowing into a simple trot. I decided I should allow her to rest. Daylight was already coming when I went to sleep. It had all been part of my plan to sleep in the daylight.1

I was awakened before mid-day by a crunching noise in the bushes. I went to see what it was. My heart pounding within my chest now makes me laugh. For as I pulled out my sword I could see that it was only a fairy who was passing by and became curious of me. My name is Gilda she said. Gilda then proceeded to ask me many questions including, why are you here and where are you going. I suddenly realized that I had not yet created an alibi for myself then quickly asked if I may excuse myself. She let me go and by doing so I fetched Eleave and secretly left.2

It is never wise to upset a fairy for they are very in touch with nature and could even cause a blizzard amidst the summer season. Gilda later told me that she had waited a good long time before giving up on me and wandering off into the wood. Gilda had decided that I had run off for a reason, she had sensed no evil about me so it made her curious. Gilda decided she needed to know who I was. 3

The only thing I ate that day was a small slice of bread and I also found a stream so that I might have some water. That whole day had gone by so wonderful Eleave didn't stop running unless I told her to and even then she was hesitant. Eleave had obviously not gone out for a ride in some time and was enjoying the trip as much as I was. 4

On the second day of journey to the city of Apolon, I got the first fright of the journey. I was riding through a thick forest this time, Eleave did not like this part of the journey either because of the thick mud which caused her a hard time. It was then that a group of bandits appeared from the shadows of the forest. 5

" Where are you going fair maiden ?" the fattest one asked me.6

" Where I go is no business of yours and if you would kindly move out of my way I will be able to get where I am going on time. " as I said these words I could not believe how unafraid I was as I spoke them.7

" Everything in these woods is our business, wench! And if you don't show us the proper respect your going to find yourself not being able to show up to this important meeting that your going to." the fat man said to me then grinned at me horridly. 8

" I have nothing against you and your men nor do I wish to cause any disrespect, I simply wish to go my way and you are holding me up." I began to lose the confidence that I had had just a minute ago.9

" If you did not notice lady we are bandits, (most laughed after this) and all we want in life is gold, food and a pretty girl waiting in the bedroom". All of them began to eye me differently, as if they had to wait for the fat ones permission before they could look upon me with lust.10

" If I must I will give you gold but nothing more. " I tried to buy my way out of the situation.11

" I didn't realize you were in the position to negotiate. Do you think we should let her go boys?" He asked the other men with a sneer.12

"NO!" They all cried out some adding whistles and hoots.13

And before I could pull out my sword the fat man pulled me down on the ground. I kicked him between the legs and he fell into the muddy ground. But then two of the bandits grabbed me. One grabbed my wrists and the other my ankle. The the fat man stood up and wobbled over to me grinned, kissed me, then knocked me out with a hard rock he had been hiding.14

The bandits took me back to their camp. I was tied up inside a tent but I could hear them outside drinking ale and singing songs that you would only hear in a tavern. I was trying my hardest to pull myself free of the ropes but could not. Even though I didn't want to I ended up falling asleep.15

The thing that woke me up was the sound of footprints coming toward the tent. I grew very scared indeed my wrists sweating from being tied to the bedposts. *crunch* *crunch* *crunch* *crunch*. I closed my eyes and cried as they grew louder with each step. I lay there on the bed hearing the frightening footsteps grow loud and near...16