Take Me Home

11. Saved again

Freya froze, watching as a few drunk, loud mean left the building and stepped down from the stairs that led inside. She didn't know any of them and she quickened her pace, passing the drunks and hoping that they would just ignore her. She was almost past them when one of them noticed her, an older man in his late twenties, his hat on and a bottle of something in his hands.

"Hey missy, what're you doing out so early?" His words were slurred and he almost lost his balance as he took a step toward her. His friends all laughed loudly and focused on her as she ignored him and kept walking.

Her heart was pounding in her chest and she felt like she was breaking into a cold sweat as she kept walking. Just go, just leave me alone, she begged silently as she suddenly noticed another guy appear from around the building, cutting her off and stopping in front of her. She had absolutely no idea who any of these men were and she knew a lot of people who lived in her town. Just like the other men, he was unbalanced and slow, dizzy. She let out a shaky sigh and turned to see the other men approaching. She hoped they were just interested in a friendly talk or perhaps wanted directions to their next location. But she knew better. She knew what could happen. Her heart was beating at an unnormal, fast pace as fear set in.

The men chuckled loudly, growing closer as she decided she would run away. They wouldn't be able to chase her this drunk. And, she was a fast runner. She had always loved running, since she was young enough to walk. She had strong legs and a large pair of lungs that could keep her going. She readied herself, eyes choosing a spot she could slip through and make a sprint for the church.

"Where you going?" One of the men grumbled and chuckled, creating laughter as they got closer. Then, Freya heard a horse.

She and them men turned and saw a man approaching them on a horse, but it was too dark to recognize his face.

"Everything going good here, gentlemen?" Roger. She sent a silent prayer of thanks up to heaven, her heart leaping in joy at that very moment.

The men grumbled, unsure how to respond. Freya took her chance and stepped away from the group of drunk men, walking boldly forward and reaching out to pet the mare on her nose, and then stepping over to the side and standing below Roger.

"Aye, Roger. Morning, lad." One spoke, and the group broke apart and continued walking away, shooting looks back at Roger.

Roger snickered, watching them leave, then looked down at Freya, who was staring after the men. She looked up at him, blue eyes thankful for once. He had saved her, yet again.

He narrowed his hazel eyes, sweeping a hand through his brown hair and tilting his head. "It's a bit early for a walk, Freya. Don't you agree?" His voice was slow and husky and mocking, but his face showed concern.

She slowly nodded, then turned and stepped away from his horses side. "I suppose. Thank you for...that." She replied uneasily, slightly shaken. If he hadn't appeared...

He narrowed his gaze. "You could've gotten hurt. Why are you out so early?"

"It was like you said. I was taking a walk." Her eyes refocused on the distant shapes of the drunks. "Who are they?" She asked softly, voice breaking a little as she shivered suddenly.

He blinked down at her, then looked at them. "Men who tried to enlist but couldn't. Drugs, disabilities, injuries... a bunch of things prevented them all from joining the military." He cleared his throat, "So now they just travel around, drinking and doing foolish things."

Freya looked up at him "Wouldn't they be happy they don't have to risk their lives?"

He shook his head. "Every man has the desire to serve and protect his country and to fight alongside his brothers in war. Some men commit suicide because they can't." He looked out at the men, narrowing his eyes. "But that doesn't give them reason to do wrong."

"Oh." She replied slowly, blinking down at the ground.

He looked down at her. "Why don't I give you a ride home?"

She shot her eyes back up to his. "No thank you, I can walk."

"And look where walking got you."

"It's a short walk, little less than a mile. I'll be fine."

"Freya, I insist." He pried, moving his horse around to block her off.

She sighed, frustrated. "Fine." She waited, unsure if she should just hop on. "Just, take me directly home, okay?"

He chuckled, "Okay. Just hop on. Unless you need he-"

"No! I can ride bareback, you know." She stepped forward, placing her hands on the saddle and pulling herself up. He turned around, watching her sit up and slide on behind him. She placed her hands by her side, waiting.

"Alright, let's go." He clicked his tongue and the horse started sharply forward into a trot, causing Freya to fly backward and make her reach her arms forward, grabbing desperately onto the back of his shirt.

She heard him laugh as she pulled herself forward and wrapped her arms around his waist, glaring daggers at the back of his neck.

"That was not funny!" She gasped, heart picking up speed.

"Then why am I laughing?" He chuckled, kicking the horse into a run and following the path to her house. She groaned in annoyance as he laughed, turning her gaze to the passing countryside.

The sun was over the sea now, rising higher. She watched it rise, looking away as it burned her eyes. She wanted to brush her loose waves out of her face but she didn't want to risk falling off.

She hoped Axel had seen the apple. He was probably studying the book right now. She found herself looking forward to getting to know him better. She waited, thinking, as the two rode in silence toward her home.