This is only a beginning...or a middle...of a larger story in my head. But it has been awhile since I have shared anything, I figured I would let this snippet see the light of day. Please enjoy!
Crunch-unch Crunch.
Crunch-unch Crunch.
Crunch-unch Crunch.
Sophie's heart beat frantically as the limping steps drew closer to her. Each boot fall landed in the icy snow in a distinct pattern letting her know which guard tracked her. She knew she would never really escape but she had to try.
Crunch-unch Crunch.
The frozen ground had offered Sophie a small head start without leaving a trail of footprints the night before. But she knew she wouldn't get far being barefoot.
Crunch-unch Crunch.
There were plenty of foxholes and hollow trees and bushes on the property. But without more than her nightgown and a jacket she swiped from a closet, she knew she wouldn't survive on her own long.
Crunch-unch Crunch.
She had huddled down where a fawn had pressed some bramble vines flat and slept fitfully overnight. When she woke, a soft layer of snow had accumulated.
Crunch-unch Crunch.
Sophie knew if she left her hiding spot, she would be found quickly. Her only option, then, would be to stay where she was and hope to make a run the next night.
Crunch-unch Crunch.
But the temperatures had to be near freezing, if not lower. Her safe haven may have helped shield her from the wind, but it would do nothing to keep her warm. Her fingers and toes were already numb.
Crunch-unch Crunch.
The guard, a gruff burly man, appeared several yards away. He stopped between two trees and surveyed the brush. Sophie held her breath, afraid he would be able to see the cloud erupting from between her lips.
The man was close enough that Sophie could see his scowl when he yelled out, "I know you're out here. If you come on your own, I will make sure you are fed and warm before the master gets his hands on you."
Food. Sophie's stomach flipped at the thought of having something more than frozen water. When she ran, she had not stopped to think through grabbing anything to eat. Her only focus was on getting out of the house and as far away as possible.
Crunch-unch Crunch.
The guard moved a few feet closer.
"What will it be, little one? A turkey sandwich with a bowl of soup? Or straight to the master?"
Crunch-unch Crunch.
Sophie knew the punishment for an escape attempt. She would be chained and beaten. Food would be limited to a bare basic diet to keep her alive. She would be lucky to get rice and broth; Alice had told her about it when she first woke up in the cage.
Crunch-unch Crunch.
A shiver raced across her entire body. The cold had finally penetrated the cocoon she had made. Her teeth began to chatter.
Crunch-unch Crunch.
"P-p-please?" she whimpered, squeezing her eyes shut.
Crunch-unch Crunch. Crunch-unch Crunch.
"Little one," the man growled, "come out."
Sophie opened her eyes to see the guard's boots just outside her hiding spot. She whimpered and begged once more, "P-p-please? Y-y-you p-p-promise food?"
"Only if I don't have to drag you out," he responded.
She looked up to find him staring right at her. Shaking, she uncurled her body, letting the giant jacket drag on the ground as she slowly crawled on her hands and knees out of the bramble. The ground cover had been flattened by animals but the bush itself still sported all the barbs and thorns on the vines. They bit into her jacket and grabbed her hair.
It seemed like an eternity before Sophie was free. She remained on the ground, her head lowered with her face inches from the guard's boots. Her body quaked from fear as much as the cold.
"Such a stupid thing to do, little one," the guard murmured. He bent down and scooped her into his arms. He cursed at how cold the skin of her face was against his neck. "Why would you do this to yourself?" He asked, though it was more to himself than directed at her.
"I-I w-would r-rather d-d-die," she stammered, "than b-be s-sold."
"You very nearly did," he returned as he tucked her tighter into his chest. Cursing, he stopped for a moment to unzip his own coat. She was tiny enough he could slide her against his chest and almost zip up his thick winter coat. It would offer his body warmth as well as the slight extra layer of fabric and feather.
Crunch-unch Crunch.
The guard slowly moved away from her hiding space.
Crunch-unch Crunch.
Sophie could hear the steady beat of his heart. The combination of the new warmth, soothing heartbeat, and gentle sway of his gait was too much for her.
Crunch-unch Crunch.
Crunch-unch Crunch.
She would likely die soon. But for now, she would soak up the comforts while she could.
Crunch-unch Crunch.
She drifted off to sleep in his arms.
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