Page 98 of Journey to the Elderoak
The other she tried to wrap around her shoulder, underand around her arm, attempting to keep it in place. Her pain was so intense, the warmth of tears streamed down her face as she rose, swaying on her feet. Though she still wore her leather armor, it was as if it didn’t matter, the claws and fangs from the creatures had pierced right through it.
“How am I going to do the rest of this?” she croaked, worried she’d be dead before she even made it to the tree.
She had to hurry.
Limping across the clearing, she walked to a path which had appeared out of nowhere. The reward for completing the challenge. Back in the dense forest, shiny onyx leaves encapsulating the walkway, she trudged on. Nothing happened for almost an hour. Sweat drenched her tunic as she continued, slower and slower, taking frequent breaks to lean against a tree and catch her breath. Tremors racked her body and her muscles tensed. Feverish and hot, she blinked through her tears as she hobbled through the woods.
As she continued, doubts crept into her mind. Whether it was her own fears or worries, or some new trick of the tree, she started questioning herself. Could she do this? Would she ever make it?
You can’t do it, Ava,her own voice sounded in her head.
You’re weak. You’re not brave enough. Not strong enough. Notgoodenough. You’re anxious all the time. You’re awkward. How could anyone love someone like you? How could Casimir want to be with you? You’re pathetic. You will never be able to defeat Deidamia. Turn around. Go back. You’ll never make it to the tree.
“No,” she whispered as she shook her head and pushed herself further, through her tears. “I have to.”
She walked down the path, ignoring the uncertainties brewing within, when someone appeared in front of her.
Andras.
She froze as he strode toward her. “Hello, Ava dear.” Hetilted his head, black hair flowing over his shoulders as he gave her a feline smile. “Did you miss me?”
“You’re not real,” she whispered. But was he? No. This had to be another trick.
But then his hand was on her throat, and he was squeezing.
She clawed at his arm, but he was too strong. As her vision began to fade, he let go and she collapsed, clutching her throat and coughing.
“Come with me,” he said as he turned and walked ahead. “There’s something I want to show you.”
What? She stood and turned around, considering returning the way she came. But there was no path back through the clearing, the trees blocking her yet again. Forward was the only way out. Andras’ back was to her, and she unsheathed her sword and ran at him. Ava fell forward as her sword went through his body as if he was a wraith. His figure shimmered, and reformed.
He looked at her over her shoulder, eyes full of fury. “Come.”
She limped behind him, hands trembling at the nearness of her abuser. Though she knew now it wasn’t truly him, he was terrifying even in this form. The trees opened into another clearing and Andras waved his hand in front of him.
“Look,” he said.
Before her was Mosshaven. But not the Mosshaven she knew. It was engulfed in flames, and citizens were running through the streets, screaming. Daemon soldiers marched in between homes and cut down anyone in their paths. The roads were bathed in blood and Ava sank to her knees as she witnessed the scene.
“No,” she cried, reaching out as if she could help. As if she could stop the massacre.
Andras waved his hand and the scene changed. The castle sat before her, pikes in front of it. And on top of those pikes…were heads. Nausea churned in her gut as she looked at the faces. Thorne. Raine. Quinn. Jorrar. She screamed. Fanya and Kai. Cirilla and Pax. Even the chef in the kitchens, Derris, and the gnome who ran the animal rescue.
All dead.
“Please…stop,” she sobbed.
The scene changed again and there was Casimir, strapped to a table. Being tortured by The Scourge like she had been. He was barely conscious as they stabbed him in the gut with a dagger.
She rose and ran to the scene, but it disappeared, leaving her alone in the empty clearing. Her body trembled as horror overtook her.
“Ava dear,” Andras crooned.
She turned and looked at him, unable to stop her crying. “What is this?” she gasped in between panicked breaths.
“The future.”
“No.” She shook her head. “I won’t let that happen.”
