Natures Force

Natures Force II

CHAPTER II

Anna

Riding away from the only home I have ever known I can't stop being blinded by tears. The look on the toddlers faces as I rushed past them will haunt me for some time. As well as Father Francis' final warning were ringing in her ears. "Do not let anyone know of what you can do Anna, not even Father Thomas. Promise me Anna. I can't protect you  anymore". I have been travelling non-stop for hours and the light was fading fast. I don't think I was followed, but I have no idea how long it will take for the men to come after me. The only thing I was sure of was that they were after me. I trusted Father Francis and if he believed that then so do I. The only positive thing was, was that I was in the forest, surrounded by trees and I was not easy to notice. My only concern was that I need to find somewhere to take shelter for the night. I passed the river a couple of moments before and was heading west. I should reach Father Thomas no later than noon. 

Glimpsing a large oak tree with a carpet of leaves underneath I know that would make an excellent bed. I reign in Moonbeam, get down and take my saddle and  the bag that I packed from her. I tie the reins loosely on a overhanging branch. I arrange the bag as a pillow after taking bread and cheese from it as my meal. I devour the meal and know that the I have to make my way to river to clean myself, I had a lot of grime covering me from riding and I have to let Moonbeam have a drink. I should have done that first, but I was starving. The last time  I ate was the night before.

I was exhausted but had to get moving before I fall asleep where I sit. Taking the reins again I start heading towards the river.  It should not take me long to reach as I was galloping past it no less than minute ago. As I neared I could hear the water running. I pushed trough the branches and come to stop right at the edge. There clearly taking a bath was a man. He's back was turn to me and he didn't seem to have noticed me. Silently trying to retrace my steps back to the trees. With any luck I won't be notice and can go further down the river. "You can come in, the water is fine".

John

We have been travelling for two weeks now and happening upon this river was a relief. I have never been this far south and am going crazy with only Will as company. Our small village was not doing well and there was no work for any one that is why we decided to make the move. It was rumored that the king would pay any person to train and become a knight in his army. So now I was on my way with Will to Chesterfield. Will and I have been friends for as long as I can remember. As soon as we stopped Will went to get fire wood  and I got us rabbits so we can have a cooked meal tonight. 

Will was taking his time with the wood and I wanted to wash and fetch water for our camp. I dunked my head under the water and as I came up for air I notice movement out of the corner of my eye. On the river bank was a girl with long brown hair leading a horse to water. I pretended that I didn't notice her because I wasn't expecting anyone other than Will least of all a girl. So now I have a little problem, my clothes were laying at her feet basically so I have to keep very still and hope that she lets her horse drink and leave so I could get my clothes.

She was standing indecisively and then I had to open my big mouth "You can come in the water is fine". The startled look on her face was so funny that I couldn't help but laugh. But now she was staring at me as if she has never seen another human being. A look of bewilderment was on her face and then I couldn't help but stare. Her eyes I have never seen eyes like hers, purple eyes that seem to look right through me and I couldn't really make out what she looked like, but she was the prettiest girl I have ever seen. 

Just then Will came tumbling out of the bushes and cannon ball into the river, splashing her. If I didn't think she looked funny before I certainly do now. She had the same expression, but couple that with a drenched chicken and that is what she looked like.

Anna

I don't know what to do, there's two of them now and I'm not suppose to use my powers. But I have to see if they mean to do me harm. I haven't met anyone outside the orphanage so I have no idea how people behave. I would have to follow their lead, but I have to make sure.

Both of them were starting at me now and I think I'm close enough to read their minds. Nothing, that's all I got. Either they are not thinking, which I doubt or I'm too far from them to read their minds. Plus I'm soaked and they have been staring at me. So I cleared my throat and all I could croak was "I'm thirsty". This broke the awkward silence and the two of them were laughing at me again. 

I stepped closer all the while trying to see if I could get anything of them. I feel very awkward as I was making my way closer to the water, because the two of them were still staring at me. "I'm John" the one yelled that was in the water first and the one closer just said "Will".  Now they were looking at me expectant again. Should I make up name, there are still people looking for me. If they happen upon these two they might get the direction I was going in. "Anna". What have I done all my careful planning and I still mess up. Father Francis would be so disappointed.

I let Moonbeam take her fill then cup my hands to get some water for myself. "So where are you heading, We have been travelling for some time and did not think there was any village close by" John asked. What do I do and say now, I didn't have time to think about what I would say. The first person I thought I would see was Father Thomas. "If you don't mind I am tired and want to get back to my camp". Okay that was so rude but I still don't know their intentions. I just need to get away before they get out of the water. That's when the one named John swam over to me "Where is your camp we will gather our things and camp with you. A girl cannot stay by herself". 

Pretending that I didn't hear what he said I made my way to the spot I was camping. The less time I spend with them the better. I better think of something to tell everyone, especially Father Thomas. I'm sure he will have questions, why I had to leave so suddenly and obviously why I'm staying and not going back to the orphanage.

As I was making myself more comfortable I notice that the two men made camp not to far from me. Clearly they found me, but understood that I wanted to be by myself.