Authors: Jane Price
“Karla, it’s your brother. We’ve come to rescue you from this madman.” Almost immediately after that she heard Rolki shout back.
“How am I the madman when you’re the one who shot at your sister?” Karla sat and listened intently for a response but it was only met with the snapping of twigs. “That’s what I thought. Your men didn’t know that did they?”
Karla was surprised to see that her brother still didn’t respond but when she heard another twig snap she grabbed another arrow and fired it in that direction. It was met by a yelp, but she knew that she hadn’t connected with anyone.
“I’m happy here and I’m not heading back with you, brother.” She heard a gasp from the distance, but her brother still did not answer. As she waited she felt Rolki’s hand on her shoulder. He had been able to creep up behind her without her even knowing. She looked back in the direction of her brother and shouted again. “Don’t you have anything to say for yourself?”
“Are you truly happy?” Karla felt the air leave her lungs. That wasn’t the voice of her brother, but rather that of her father. “I know that man is a good man and if you staying allows us to all walk out of here alive then I will consider it a marriage proposal.” Karla looked back at Rolki who shouted into the woods.
“If I am going to have your blessing Haygar I would want to see you say it, not merely hear it shouted at me from the trees.” As he said this a number of men stepped out from behind trees, Karla’s father being one of them. He walked towards them and Rolki met him first. They clasped hands and hugged for a moment before pulling away. “It has been too long, Haygar.”
“I couldn’t agree more, Rolki.” Her father knelt down and pet the wolf that was now sitting and wagging its tail. “And it’s been so long since I’ve seen you too, pup.” Karla was shocked to see this unfold, but stepped forward to greet her father. He stood and embraced her. “Oh, Karla. This isn’t how this was supposed to go.”
“I know, father. I’m sorry.” He laughed as they hugged and shook his head.
“No, don’t be sorry. This is the best scenario. There will be no need for bloodshed and I know that you are in capable hands.” He leaned in and whispered then, “and now you’ll be even closer to the forest.” He winked and she looked up at him confused.
Her father stepped back and looked hurt. “You think your mother and I didn’t know you would come to the woods?” He shrugged. “We figured we’d let you have your space and freedom. But we see where that got us.”
He clapped his hands on the shoulders of both Rolki and Karla and turned around to face the warriors. “Well, if my daughter is getting married then there shall be a celebration.” He took the hand of his daughter and Rolki and began to walk back towards the village. “To the mead hall,” he exclaimed to the rancorous uproar of everyone present.
*****
THE END