*Author's Note* I noticed on the last few parts that the story hasn't been being viewed at all. This may be because of summer ending and school starting, but some of the parts have 5 views, so at least some of you are looking. I would appreciate if you comment, Your comments are what keeping me here, and since I'm not getting them, I'm still thinking of leaving by the end of this month or middle of next, or whenever I finish this story. This part is pretty short because the other two were longer.
Anwil crept over the rushing river, taking special care not to make any noises. As he eased his way into the little camp Aomidori had set up, he touched the sword fastened to his waist, his fingers trailing lightly over it, ready to seize it at the first sign of trouble.
He quickly located Shii, lying on her back with her thumb in her mouth. Anwil shifted the blanket she laid on and lifted her gingerly off the ground. She was heavy for a child, but he managed to cradle her in one arm as he attempted the creep away from the sleeping form of Aomidori. It was a miracle that she didn't wake up, her hand clutching a dagger, but Anwil was incredible at sneaking, which came with the title of a good hunter.
Anwil took his time weaving through the woods, making sure he was heading west. There was another small town there, where he could purchase himself a horse and get Shii to Ein.
The morning sun woke her up. Aomidori glanced about, already on her feet. It took her all but three seconds to realize Shii was nowhere around. She took a sweeping step, turning in a circle. As a Liyau, she had a special ability for heat sensing: a way she could detect life, but that ability wasn't aiding her now.
Shii was gone.
Anwil swung a leg over the bay horse, beckoning for Shii to climb on after him.
"Won't Aomi be angry?" Shii asked, allowing the stablemaster to hoist her onto the horse. As they trotted away, the man waved curtly at them and ducked back into his house.
"Oh, no," said Anwil sweetly, not feeling one bit guilty about lying to her. "She said I could take you."
Shii's hands had been clutched on his arm, but with those words she seemed to release the tension trapped inside them. "Oh," she said. "Where are we going?"
"The orphanage," said Anwil. "You'll be safe and sound there. And," he added, "Gredar and I will visit you." The horse trotted on as he rummaged around in his bag for some bread. "Have you eaten?" he asked.
"Not since last night," Shii said eagerly, and accepted his offering.
