Legend of Ara - Chapter Five.

Loré continued, "Years ago, there was a script written. It was a book, a black book, that an old wise woman wrote. The prophecy told of a girl being sent to overcome the king and his kingdom, and bring down the torture they are inflicting on the poor and innocent civilians. No one actually believed this to be true, until ten years ago, when King Cederic came to the throne. We began to feel the pain, and we were forced to build villages like these, away from the main towns and cities, to get away from the king's forces. He takes innocent people and tortures them for fun, he kills women, he murders them. He is a reign of terror and it is since then that the Elves and forest folk and all of the outlaws have begun to believe in this prophecy. And more and more signs were showing. It was said that the king would try and be overthrown on the night of a full moon in June. We all thought this was crazy but what month is it Ara?"
"June"
"Exactly, and you're probably not familiar with the moon's cycle but two nights ago was it at it's fullest. And I do believe it was two nights ago you attempted to overthrow the king, am I correct?"
"Yes, but-"
"I know, you didn't do it out of your own intentions, but you did it for a cause, a good cause, and that is enough for us to believe that this prophecy has some strength behind it. And that's not all. The prophecy does tell of the saviour being a female. Of half blood. You are half-elf, I can see that clearly enough for myself. It is too much of a coincidence to not be true. I really think you're the one who will save us."
"So, what does the prophecy say i do?"
"You raise an army."
"I do what??" Ara was in shock, surely this was a joke.
"You raise an army and go against the king. You kill him. If you kill him, the people will win you over. The prophecies tell of a new queen. You are a living legend around these parts."
"But how do I raise an army?" Ara exclaimed, "I have never even thought of anything like that, I couldn't kill someone!"
"You were willing enough to do it two nights ago."
"But they were threatening-"
"Yes you did it for a cause that was close to your heart, your family, Aeron told me of this. That is the exact bravery that the prophecy speaks of. A braveheart. You are the one. It is clear to us."
As much as Ara wanted to deny it with every last will she had, yet she couldn't, there was too much proof. She was the living prophecy, she had come to save the land.
"But who will fight with me?" Ara asked.
"My dear, there have been men from across the land saying they are wanting to fight and overthrow the king, just none of them have actually been brave enough to go ahead with it, that's why we need you."
Ara could see it now. This was truly what her life's purpose was. This is what she had been fated to do. And for some reason, she felt as if she really wanted it. She had to do it. It was like a burning fire in her heart. And she felt blessed that it was her who had to fulfil it. But at the same time she was absolutely terrified.
"You have some time to think about all this in your head, of course. It's so much to take in, I understand. But of course the pressure of the King's men is closing in. They are after you, you know that more than anyone. And your fate is sealed if they find you, the only way to survive is to uprise against him and take them out in one blow. That's how I see it."
"I see it too."
Ara saw Loré's face light up and a fulfilling smile appear on her face. "That's it girl, that's what we want to hear."
Suddenly Loré swept to her feet and ran to the window. A look of panic swept across her face.
"What is it?" Ara asked anxiously.
"King's men. Can you hear their horses? They've come to search the village for you. We must hide you."
Ara filled with panic and whimpered.
"Don't worry pet, you'll be safe. Aeron! Get up now!" Her son stirred and jumped up.
"Mother! What? What is it?" He exclaimed, eyes wide.
"They're here, looking for her, take her to the safe place. You know where." She looked up to the ceiling of the tree house.
"Ara, in here!" Aeron almost shoved her towards the actual trunk of the tree. He shifted a wooden table out of the way and uncovered a circular passage covered by a thick door which had obviously been cut out of the tree.
"We hollowed the tree out, you'll find a ladder on the inside, you can climb down, stay in there until we come and get you, don't make a sound!"
Ara shifted down the passage and found her feet on the rungs of the ladder. It was pitch black and musty, and as she went lower down she could hear the sounds of the horses and talking outside as they searched each tent and house. She crouched into the corner of the black pit and put her head into her knees, trying to block it all out. Praying they wouldn't find her.