It was after sundown when they reached the edge of the overgrowth. Edan was eager to leave the forest, feeling hungry and exhausted from rough terrain. He even heard his Master huffing in front of him a few   times and even saw sweat glisten at the ends of dark auburn-brown hair. His Master was peering through the leafy branches, looking outward . Edan started  wiping dirt from his skin as b est as  he could.

“Why did we stop here, Master?” Edan asked, brushing his dirtied palms against his trousers, “Can’t we go out and take a look around?”

“That is an option, son,” His Master was still peering, slowly moving his gaze through the land beyond the overgrowth, “but it’s best we stay hidden . Thieves know of this route, and they aren’t afraid to get more than just coins. ”

“H ow do you know they’re here   if you can’t see them?”

“My boy, you have to know what you’re looking for. Think of it; torches lit in odd patterns , the sound of rattling chains and coins on their person, even men snoring in thick bunches of bushes. Do you understand?”

“I do .”

Edan took a few steps and stood next to his Master, peering through the branches . From how dark it was getting, he couldn’t see much further than a couple of meters in front of him. As much as he squinted, not much else came into focus.

“It’s   too quiet. We should get moving.”

“Are you sure , Master? What if they’re out there?”

Despite the darkness of night, Edan could make out a small smile on his Master’s face. Did he know something Edan didn’t? He then stepped away from the opening and led Edan to a large, moss-covered log. It had a rather considerable sized hole, enough to fit a person.

“What are you implying ?”

His Master said nothing, only gestured him over. Edan crawled in and laid there, feeling a little embarrassed. He knew he was smaller than other boys his age, but he never realized how little he actually was. He was only twelve, so he hoped he’d grow more before he became a man.

“Now Edan,” His Master’s voice was so quiet, Edan had to hold his breath to hear him, “stay here and don’t move. I’ll be back shortly.”

Before he could protest, his Master turned away and walked towards the outer edge of the overgrowth. He shuffled through and disappeared, leaving Edan alone to his thoughts. For the first  half-hour  of laying in the old log, Edan felt fear stir within him. But as time passed, he started to distract himself by thinking of his family and village, wondering how they were coping without him. Was his sister okay?  Was  his grandmother eating enough? Were the villagers checking on them, as they promised?

As he sat and could only think for entertainment, he could feel his body aching from laying on his side for so long. With his bag pushing into his stomach and his shoulder pressed hard against the wood, it began to  wear into him . He contemplated flipping over to his other shoulder  but feared what could’ve been in the overgrowth with him so late in the night. Maybe if he flipped quickly, it wouldn’t make too much noise.

With a deep breath, he jerked his body, attempting to flip over. Alas, he smacked his head against the roof of the hollow trunk with a loud thunk! He cursed under his breath, rubbing his forehead to bring his pain down.

“A wee mouse, I ‘ear?”

Needles ran quickly down Edan’s spine as the sudden voice came from outside the log. Footsteps crunched along the broken branches of the forest floor, coming towards him. Edan cupped his hands over his mouth, attempting to hide his staggered breathing. A thief? Edan thought to himself, panic overwhelming him. What if he takes my goods? What if he hurts  me ? Better yet he.. Edan forced himself to stop thinking, trying to listen where the footsteps were going.

“Oh, poor mousie,” the voice was so dry, no amount of water could ever quench it, “don’t tell me yer alone. You must be terrified, I can ‘elp yeh. Come on out.”

Edan listened as the footsteps grew closer, each crack getting louder. His blood ran cold as his fear overwhelmed him. He couldn’t run, he didn’t have anywhere to go. He would easily end up lost without his Master’s help. He could only sit still and pray to the Gods that he wouldn’t be found.

“I know yer ‘ere, mousie. I won’t ‘urt yeh. Think of me as yer daddy back home. I’ll take good care of yeh.”

Step.

Edan tried to think of anything to get him out of this situation. His breath quickened.

Step.

Protect me, Gods. Edan prayed, his whole body was shaking. My Master isn’t here. I have to think of something, anything. Please, help me.

Step.

Edan then remembered; he brought hunting knives. As quickly as he could, he swiped it from the sheath placed in his boot and held it close, waiting for the stranger to approach. He took a deep breath and stared out of the opening, waiting for him to appear.

A silhouette appeared above Edan, blocking the moonlight from his view. Edan could only bring himself to stare. He was frozen in terror, his weapon hand still placed over his chest. “F ound yeh, mousie.”

The silhouette suddenly lifted their arm above  their  head, a dagger glinting against the moonlight above them. I’m going to die. He thought to himself. I’m such a coward. I’m sorry, Niya. I’m sorry, Gramma Joy. I hope the Gods can forgive me.