A Beast in Exile

In stories, for the most part, this kind of thing didn’t happen to heroes. Or it only happened to enemies. There weren’t enough gods in the universe, at least not enough to protect her from capture. Even the promises from the golden cross at her throat had failed. With every urgent footfall, she knew she was without help.

Instead of divine blessing, now the forest turned against her, low hanging branches slapping her in the face, her legs heavy with fear and fatigue. She dropped to all fours, crouching awkwardly in the thick glade, her speed was greatly hindered.

The heavy smell of burning thatch mingled with the putrid scent of blood and entrails. That was in both, stories, history and the present, from the blood of Ymir to Loki’s poison. Sunniva could hear behind her the terrified wails of men and women, other women who had not run fast enough or far enough. Ashes carried on the winds sprinkled into her eyes and she wiped at them fiercely as her vision blurred.

The world suddenly tilted as she tripped on her chemise and careened agilely to keep her balance. She snarled as she spun, long white fingers clawing until she stood straight again. She wildly swung her arms while she ran, ripping her way through the space in front of her. Her steps were slowing, as much as she struggled. Her tongue touched the roof of her mouth and found it dry and broken like sand. Each breath painfully raked across her throat. Suddenly, all she could hear and feel was the leaden pounding in her heart. The forest came in and out of focus as though she were enveloped in a swarm of horse flies. Pressing her hands to her chest, she came slowly to a stop, wavering uncertainly. Her body was breaking; it was no longer possible to run at such a pace. For a brief moment, her mastered terror won over her determination and she realized she was laughing hysterically. Her fingertips lightly touched her pink cheeks before she brought them down in hard fists against her thighs. Sunniva twisted her fingers painfully. When the feeling returned, she could feel the cracking blood that was stuck to her hands.

Go.

One direction clear…

Another direction, two clear.

As Sunniva leaned to turn around, she felt the life drain from her arms and legs. For a second, she realized something was wrong where she stood. Something was still coming. It was a rumbling through the earth. She gave one frantic shake as the earth gave out beneath her.