17 August 2012
I slink through the streets, clinging to the shadows. The night time has settled upon the village, the luminous moon casting an eerie glow over everything.
All is in silence.
My breathing is shallow, my heart beat spiralling out of control.
I approach the stables, cautiously, tiptoeing silently inside. The door swings open, screeching in protest. I wince at the noise, and freeze, scanning the area for any sign of life.
None.
I must act fast.
I unbolt the stable doors, coming face to face with the great black beast. I can't help but admire his sleek, glossy coat, it's long, silky mane. He stands proudly, his noble face staring me down.
I can see it in his eyes.
He trusts me.
I quickly mount the horse. It's harder than I think, and I find myself clinging to his name for dear life as he bolts out the door.
The ride is exhilarating, adrenalin in my veins. The wind in my hair, the adventure of what I'm doing, I've never felt so free.
But terror is in my heart too.
Terror of what might happen if I'm caught.
My pulse rate quickens as we canter through the village.
We're almost at the gates where the village ends and the forest begins, when I hear the shouts.
I spur the horse on.
If we can just get there in time...
Suddenly, there's villagers everywhere-
They're holding pitchforks-
And torches of blazing fire-
No-
My horse rears up in terror, it's eyes growing wide.
The villagers scatter.
I take this as my chance. I block out the screams and yelling, and focus on the horse. I whisper soothing words to it, and give it a sharp kick.
We're off. I feel as if we're flying, as the gates swing wide open, as if beckoning us.
The gates fly past us, as we soar.
We're out, the horse and I, of the village forever.
We're finally free.
Free from all those bad memories.
Of what I've done.
And what I've done is unforgivable.
Runaway • Opuss № I