My Novel Journey

 Chapter 2: The Shadowed Princess The pounding of hooves grew louder as the riders closed in. Ruther stood protectively in front of the farmhouse , his muscles tensed like a drawn bow. His aunt had already hidden inside, clutching her rosary with trembling fingers. But Ruther’s mind was on Hansara — Harika —who was now hidden in the cellar . Dust clouded the air as four black-cloaked figures leapt off their horses and drew short curved blades. Their faces were covered, but the cold cruelty in their movements revealed their purpose. Assassins . "Who are you people?" Ruther called out, gripping his axe , the only weapon nearby. "This is private land. Get off." They didn’t answer. One of them stepped forward, twirling the blade once. "We’re not here for you, farm boy. Step aside." Ruther didn’t move. Instead, he shifted his stance, lowering his center of gravity. “Then you’ll have to go through me.” The first attacker lunged. The farm boy dodged to the side...

    Chapter One Deep within the heart of a dense forest, Ruther was on the hunt for game, driven by the urgency of the approaching winter. He and his aunt had to stockpile meat to see them through the cold months. As he moved through the underbrush, he also gathered dry leaves and sticks, essential fuel for warmth during the chill of winter. Suddenly, a rustling caught his attention. A bush was trembling, and he immediately assumed it might be a wild animal. Carefully, he straightened his bow, pulling back the string taut, and took aim at the bush. As he crept closer, his eyes widened in surprise; it wasn’t an animal at all but a young girl. Intrigued, he approached cautiously. The girl was clad in a pink skirt, with a stark white top that contrasted with her long, lustrous black hair. Her eyes were a striking, unusual red, and her form was distinctly feminine. Her attire, however, was dirtied and worn, as if it had been endured for years. Yet, around her neck hung a locket, ...