Checkpoint Regression

I continue my journey, walking further into the forest. Staying wary of my surroundings, I try to put some distance between myself and the town. I glance over my shoulder every few steps quickening my pace.

The adrenaline rush from my escape begins to wear off. I feel unprotected and exposed to the openness of lush greenery.

 Paranoia is gripping me. 

I can hear the rustling of leaves in the wind, the chirping of crickets, and the distant howls of the wolves. The forest feels alive. A sense of awe and fear of the unknown. I tread cautiously, not knowing what is awaiting me in the shadows. 

 I take a deep breath, calming myself. Hoping I'll make it out safely this time.

The scenery of the forest during the night was something to be imprinted in my mind. The deep, dark silence was almost tangible, punctured only by the occasional call of a night creature. The stars shine brightly, and the moonlight illuminates the trees, creating a surreal atmosphere. 

I can't afford to waste any more time worrying. Deep in thoughts when I hear a twig snap. I whip my head towards the sound, terrified. The bushes ruffle, I hold my breath.

Please let it not be wolves

Something inches out of the dark and into the light. 

Ready to pull my dagger out, I ready my stance. Tense. 

My eyes widen seeing what is approaching– a sigh of relief. It's the horse that I let loose.

I ease my stance and stash away the dagger. I approach it gently. 

"I'm sorry for what I did earlier today. It was my only way," I say, slowly putting my hand out. 

The horse slowly approaches me, as if it understands. I run my hand along its neck, feeling the warmth of its body.

 In a moment of understanding, the horse eventually lays down. I sit beside the horse, feeling a sense of relief and connection. 

I carefully rise to my feet and sit on its back. I grab into what is left of the harness and tug on it.

The horse trots into the night carrying me. The cool nighttime breeze sweeps through my hair. 

As we move through the darkness, the rhythmic sounds of the horse's hooves against the ground creates a soothing melody. The horse's rhythmic strides are not only carrying me physically, but also helping to ease the weight on my mind. This unexpected encounter brings me a sense of clarity that I desperately am in need of.

We are near the site of my previous death. 

"Halt!" I exclaim.

I soothe the horse and tell it to let me down. Holding onto its harness, I inch closer to what seems familiar, lying on the ground. 

Witnessing the site, I fall to the ground, trembling. I almost screamed. I place my hands on my mouth. I inch closer to poke it with my dagger. 

It's real.

 It's me.

"How is this possible?" I say, confused and surprised.

Same clothes. Same stab wound. 

"Oh, how I have suffered even after death!" I cry out, looking at the parts of me that had been ripped apart by animals. 

On my knees I look towards the sky, eyes with no light or hope. 

What am I being punished for? In disbelief of God.

I rise to my feet and close my eyes. Praying for myself.

"May this body of mine rest in peace", I humbly pray, because I know no one else will. 

Just as I leave–an epiphany.

 I quickly remove my robe and wrap it around the corpse. I move it under a tree to distract my captor's attention.

"Hopefully they'll be dumb enough and not pursue me any further," I say, glancing at my pitiful state.

I walk away, unable to look myself in the eyes any longer. Remounting on the horse we embark on our journey. 

Just because I am away from my killers doesn't mean I am safe.

Something feels amiss as we carry on. The forest fell silent. Too silent.

"Ha! Faster!" I exclaim. 

The wind howls, and the branches shake. A storm is brewing. Dark clouds gather overhead, casting an eerie shadow over the once-serene forest. The horse's hooves echo ominously against the now desolate landscape as we press on. Our hearts fill with a growing sense of unease. 

The smell of rain intensifies. I see a broken wagon in the distance. It appears to have been attacked.

I must get to the remains. 

It is sufficient for the time being to seek cover from the pouring rain. We take shelter inside. The rain begins to pour hard, making visibility difficult. The thunder clashes violently, adding to the atmosphere of foreboding. Unaware of the dangers that await us in the darkness. 

Growls echo around us. The horse becomes alert, raising its head and twitching its ears. I quickly get up and mount on the horse.

"We need to move. Now."

 The growls grow closer and louder, sending shivers down my spine. I urge the horse,

"Ha!"

Lightning illuminates the menacing figures lurking in the shadows. The growls echo through the trees, fueling our fear.

Through the downpour, the horse rushes as fast as it can. The hooves pound the muddy path. We come to a sudden halt, staring at the cliff ahead of us. In a hurry, I pull the reins right and we flee. The growls become distant. 

We narrowly escape the clutches of whatever creatures lurk in the darkness. The relief was short-lived. 

The storm intensifies, rain pouring down in torrents and thunder, rumbling ominously overhead. The horse's hooves splash through puddles, creating a symphony of fear as we desperately search for a way out of this treacherous maze of a forest. 

"Whoa!" I call out, approaching a cave. I tug on the harness.

We stop, settling inside the cave, away from the entrance. The adrenaline fades and the anxiousness settles after a while. Unknowingly I fall asleep against the damp cave wall, exhaustion taking over my body.

I awake to see the storm has passed. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting the forest in a golden glow. Grateful for the respite the cave provides us.

 A new day. 

I outlived my old self. One more day. One more breath.