Red Mist

Danger

The same dream returned but this time, her father was joining her mother on the bed and the two of them were scarred and injured. Liesel, once more awoke but this time, controlled her screams. She probed the flesh inside her cheek and tasted the metallic taste of blood, suggesting that she had been biting it. Slowly, she rolled over and got up, yawning and massaging her temples, hoping to rid of the throbbing headache pounding against her skull. Gun shots came from outside the tent and Liesel crept over to the opening and stole a glance at the battle-field in the distance. Someone had lit a fire and it was burning away furiously. Screams of anguish and frustration entered her ears and she didn't like it. Leaping to the other side of the tent she felt her tears spilling and was unable to stop her body from trembling and shaking. She could smell smoke. As she leant against the wall, sobbing and oscillating, she closed her eyes and tried to calm down by thinking of Quane and his harmonious voice. She tried to think of the scent back at home, of strawberry shampoo and honey. But, as she was doing this, her eyes flicked open and she choked and spluttered. Men came running into the tent and helping everybody up. The fire was coming nearer. They tried to help Liesel but she shrieked and kicked the man. He drew away and swore, running off to help someone else.
"Quane!" Liesel screamed for the soldier and cowered away from all the shouting. Quane ran in and scooped Liesel up, running off and away.
"Where are we going?" Liesel said through gasps for air.
"Somewhere away from here." He ran through trees, sprinted through forests and leapt over streams and bogs. It was a while before he set her down and clutched his knees, panting.
"You're in danger Liesel," he said gravely.
"Why?"
"Your father was plotting against the other side and planning to ambush them with a fire. They killed him of course before he had the chance to-"
Liesel froze when she heard those words.
"But they want revenge. Another man, Angus was helping him. He surrendered and told them about the plan. They captured him, but he escaped and is somewhere out there, searching for you. Their revenge is to kill another of their blood. You are the only they could trace since your mother and father divorced so you have to hide. They'll come looking for me so I can't come with you. Do you understand?"
Liesel nodded slowly and swallowed, a lump forming in her throat.
"Now go!" Quane said when she stood staring at him. "I said go!"
"But what about you-"
"Liesel! Go now! Run away!"
"But-"
"Liesel!" His angry voice surprised her and she looked at him, blinking back tears and fled.