Seal of the King Read Free

pace. She had led them to an area that was too rugged for them to take advantage of their horses, and they were pursuing her on foot now. Her strength was waning while the soldiers, having had the benefit of riding to catch up with her, where undaunted. The gorge was still far off, and at this rate they would overtake her before she got there. Her legs strained managing the difficult terrain. But she was not one to panic and as long as her heart beat she had hope, but her hope was fading.
    A memory of him floated to the surface. He couldn’t have been more than ten or twelve years old. He found the calf injured, its leg stuck between two rocks. The area was remote , and it was near dusk. Freeing it, he tried to help it walk. The calf fell to the ground, so he picked it up. He struggled desperately to manage its weight. By the time he arrived back at the farm, it was pitch black. The frantic look of worry on his parent’s faces, as he collapsed from the exertion, turned to joy at his smile of reassurance. He would never give up, and neither would she.
    When she heard the whistle of the first arrow, it sent a chill through her. She knew better than to look back. She needed to focus on where she was going. A single misstep and they would have her. Even as tired as she was, her adrenalin kicked in. It gave her a small surge in her stride, but she still had a long way to go. Suddenly to her left, a massive flaming ball shattered a dying tree sending sparks and debris flying. The acrid smell of the burning oil filled her nostrils. Her eyes stung slightly from the heat and ash. She dodged to her right just in time to avoid a few arrows. She quickly scanned the area looking for anything that would give her an advantage, but she was exposed. There were some rock formations off to her left, but they were too far, and the lateral move would give them too much time to catch up with her. The reality of her situation hit her hard, could this truly be the end for her? Unable to spare the breath to speak she called out in her heart, and mind, dear Lord save me!
     
    ***
     
    He had gone as far as the road would take him. He would have to make the rest of the way on foot. The moon was out, so he had enough light to see. He had covered every inch of this ground countless times day and night, so the limited light didn’t bother him. The crisp night air seemed to echo his senses. They were as sharp as could be. Every sight and sound caught his attention. He was moving through the woods as fast as he could, his sense of urgency rising. He knew he was getting close when he heard something.
    The sounds were muffled like listening through water. It was the sounds of voices, the muted cries of an excited mob. As he moved towards a clearing he knew well, the sight before him took his breath away. What should have been a peaceful meadow was now a barren stretch of land filled with smoke. Small fires burned trees that were smashed , and splintered into kindling. A horde of men were making their way up the rise, brandishing swords, axes, spears, and bows. Shouting, and screaming, their unkempt hair, and beards gave them a barbaric appearance. Wearing dark cloaks, and a variety of leather or chain mail armor; they were a fearsome sight to behold.
    Out ahead of them, their quarry moved gracefully through the difficult terrain. Her long legs dancing around obstacles as she evaded their arrows. Her dark hair floated off her shoulders whipping to , and fro with each of her evasive moves. She never looked back, but was always one step ahead of their attacks. In an instant, he knew who it was.
    For a split second , he drank in her grace, and beauty. She was strong, and agile, and moved with an assuredness that was mesmerizing. She was not afraid, at least fifty men were clambering along behind her, and she showed no signs of panic. The small pack on her back, a bow, and quiver of arrows, held fast against her slim yet muscular frame. She wore dark leather and