Chapter 2
Was this stranger from the river still breathing? Ella was unsure since he wasn't moving, and stared at him from a distance for what seemed to be several minutes. At last, she found the courage to approach this dark-haired young man, and shook him a bit.
-- Are you okay? Wake up.
-- You can't stay here. It's too dangerous -- the Vizamoths will be here soon.
Everyone who lived in the area knew that the Vizamoths were the most vicious clan in the world. They were fierce warriors who also had magical powers. Each warrior had a magical weapon, and they controlled the villages with their terrifying force. Each year at the first day of summer, two people from each village, a young man and a young woman, were sent to the Vizamoth kingdom of Wargeai, and they were never seen again.
Today was the last day of spring. Ella knew that she had to get this stranger to a safe place. But where…? Her first thought was home, but Willow Village isn’t exactly known as welcoming. We’ve been very protective ever since the Vizamoths started to attack. But, what other place was there? Without thinking too much about it, she decided that Willow Village was the closest to a safe place that she can get.
-- Come on, i’m going to take you somewhere safe. Come with me.
Seeing as there was no reply, she figured she would have to drag him all the way there. She grunted disapprovingly and hoisted him up in a position so his weight was against her shoulder. She would have to get back with as little attention as possible which was almost impossible considering how open the space was except for that one willow tree. She could easily be caught.
The thought of that made her feel sick. Vizamoths are especially known for their keen sense of sight. They can easily see moving figures from about half a mile away even in the darkest of night. She had never thought of what might happen if she got caught but she was sure the cruelty was beyond her imagination.
Pushing those thoughts aside, she quickly dragged the unconscious boy back to Willow Village as fast as her strength would spare her.