Page 94 of A Monarch's Fall

“I know the way,” Ana said, taking my hand in hers and leading us further down the path between the buildings.

Soon, we were running with the treeline to our left and back in the direction of Witching Command.

Chapter twenty-two

The Woods Are Scary At Night.

Percy Flores

When we reached the trails behind Witching Command, Ana stopped us.

“Do you think it’s wise for us to stick to the paths?” I asked.

“I don’t even know which way is east,” Ana told me.

“The sun rises in the east and sets in the west,” I told her and pointed us in the opposite direction of the setting sun.

“We should stay off the trails,” Ana said. “Someone is going to come looking for us, and if we’re on the trail, we’ll be easier to find.”

“We’re going to be okay,” I told her as we stepped off the trail and began walking into the trees. “Do you think the Royal forces will win?” I asked her.

“No,” Ana answered, “The New Foundation is prepared for this type of situation; there are a thousand armed and trained soldiers on base. They can’t be a large enough force to truly challenge The New Foundation, otherwise they never would have reached the base before they were prepared,” she explained, “It has to be a small group, well equipped but small.”

“Why do you think they’ve chosen to attack then?” I asked.

Ana shrugged. “Maybe just to show them they could. I don’t know,” she said, turning to me with concern. “You’re cold,” she stated.

It was only then that I noticed that I was. I had only worn my fleece and had taken it off to use for Kat.

“I’ll be okay,” I told her.

“Percy, don’t be stubborn,” she said as she took off her jacket and handed it to me.

“Now you’re going to be cold,” I complained. She was left in just her fleece. The jacket was lightweight and warm enough, but once the sun had set, the temperature would drop significantly, and we’d both be cold.

“We can huddle together, share our body heat, start a fire or something,” she said as she marched on into the forest.

“We can’t start a fire; that will show anyone searching for us where we are,” I said.

“Then, cuddling for our lives it is,” she replied with a laugh.

I smiled.

“Yeah, we should find somewhere to stop for the night. When the sun sets, we’ll risk losing our way and getting lost in the dark if we keep walking,” I said.

“But we still need to be far enough into this forest that we’re not found. They’re going to notice we’re missing soon. I can’t hear any fighting anymore, can you?” she asked.

It was only then that I realised that it had fallen silent.

“No,” I said.

“Let’s get moving before it’s completely dark,” she encouraged. “If we’re doing this, I’m not allowing myself to get found out here with you,” she said.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

Ana turned to look at me, “Don’t act like you don’t know how important you are around here,” she said in a frustrated tone, “If we’re found out here, you’ll be fine, but treason is punishable with death, and I love you, Percy, but I’m not dying out here for you,” she said, “so get a move on.”

“Treason?” I asked, rushing to keep up with her.