Escape

Chapter 8

I wake up abruptly as I hear Sophie barking and squirming. I crawl out of the sleeping bag and snap into action. My whole body is tense, ready to attack someone or something if I need to. I wait for a few minutes, but I don't see anything. I quickly pack up our supplies and take a drink from one of the few water bottles I packed. I took a ginormous leaf off a tree and poured some water on it for Sophie. She lapped it up appreciatively and barked to tell me she was done. I smile at her then take the leaf along. It may be a good water bowl for her.

We start walking, heading deeper and deeper into the forest. All of the sudden, I hear a loud rustling noise. I start running with Sophie to try to get away from whatever it is. I turn around and look behind me. Nothing is there. My head turns back to what's in front of me. CRASH! My whole body collides with something, knocking me to the ground. Sophie crawls on top of me trying to see if I'm okay. My head feels like it's been hit by a truck, but other than that I think I'm alright.

I hear a groan that sounds like it came from a man. I quickly sit up and realize there is a man! He looks a few years older than me. His face is young, yet tired-looking...From a long life in The Forest I presume.

"Who are you?" he asks breathing heavily.

"Cassia," I reply trying to get up.

"I'm Jeff," he states shaking my hand.

"Nice to meet you," I say smiling.

"Not the best way to meet," he laughs. I laugh nervously in response.

"Who's this little cutie?" he asks pointing to Sophie.

"My dog, Sophie," I say.

He leans over her and starts petting her lightly on the head.

"Wait, Cassia? Isn't that the Princess' name?" he asks dumbfounded.

"Yeah," I barely whisper. "That's me."

"Well what are you doing out here?" he wonders.

"I ran away..." I trail.

"It's a long story?" he asks.

"Yes," I smile.

"Do you need a place to stay?" he asks.

"That would be nice. But I couldn't ask that of you."

"Well, it would be a great honor to take care of this fair land's next great leader," he winks.

I smile and say, "Thank You."

We get up and he leads me in a new direction. "My cabin's right in the middle of The Forest, you see. It's not much...but it's home."

"So what are you doing here?" I ask after a while.

"Oh. I used to live in the village, in the part right by The Castle. But my dad worked me too hard at his blacksmith shop. Plus, with school, I had no time for myself and I barely got to sleep. I hated it. So I left. And it was the best thing I ever did," he smiles.

"What about you," he asks. "Why are you here and not up in your pretty palace?"

I tell him the whole story and he seems to understand.

"Yeah, that's tough," he says sarcastically.

I punch him in the shoulder and he laughs.

Pretty soon we get to what is the most beautiful, adorable, and safest place I've ever seen. The Cabin.

Hey guys! Thanks so much for reading! Comment, Vote, Like! You are the best.

I know this chapter was short..... but don't worry! I am writing another chapter later today!

Love you,

-dance4ever12