Free Aela by Rosalind Hyson Page A

the clear waters of a sizeable stream and he bent down to slake his thirst. In doing so he misjudged his balance and tumbled in head first, just missing an overhanging branch by the merest of margins.
    Down, he sank into the depths of the waters and with a mighty effort he pushed himself back up towards the surface, spluttering and coughing. Once his head was above the surface of the water, Rom felt the cleansing and invigorating affect of the liquid, so he decided to splash around for awhile. Feeling his muscles relax, he tried to float on his back, but his feet were constantly being dragged down by the sheer weight of the heavy sandals that he wore.
    He pushed himself towards the embankment and levered his body on dry land again. Taking off his sandals he discovered the long bladed dagger and he began to feel happy again, that he now had a weapon to defend himself, if necessary. Then there was a loud cackling sound close by and Rom looked up to see a dishevelled figure in some kind of filthy robe holding a thick staff in one hand. This apparition was shaking all over, with loud sounds of laughter, coming out of what appeared to be the head.
    Rom was mortified and at the same time perplexed at this creature’s strange behaviour. ‘Who are you?’ demanded Rom. ‘What do you find so funny?’
    Rom jumped to his feet, flashing his dagger in front of the figure in a menacing fashion.
    â€˜My name is Ette, the old Hag of the forest. Some people are frightened of me and others seek me out to listen to my words of wisdom. Also I use my herbal remedies and magical spells to cure their sickness,’ replied Ette. ‘I can see you have been in a fight of some kind, by the marks on your arms and chest. You must come with me now to my cave and I will cure you,’ commanded Ette.
    â€˜I remember you, Aela and I shared a meal with you a few days ago back at a lake,’ exclaimed Rom.
    He was feeling very bad tempered, tired and sorry for himself and couldn’t see the sense in following this strange creature into the depths of the forest. ‘Why should I go with you?’ blurted out Rom.
    â€˜Suit yourself,’ sniffed Ette. She turned her back on Rom and waddled slowly towards a group of nearby trees.
    Now Rom was truly baffled and felt that he had lost the initiative in the exchange of words. Perhaps by following Ette, his thoughts flashed by in a rush in his head, she could lead him to others, who were in a better position to help him.
    So, reluctantly, he started to walk behind her into the woods. All the time Rom was feeling very uneasy about this action. It seemed a long time in Rom’s mind, as Rom continued to follow in the footsteps of Ette. But at last their journey appeared to be coming to an end, when he saw a large gaping hole in front of him, an entrance to a cave. Ette beckoned with her hand, for Rom to follow her through the entrance.
    Inside Rom could see glistening jagged rocks hanging from the high vaulted ceiling of the cave. There was the dripping sound of water and he could see clear liquid slowly running down the walls of the cave. Ette motioned to Rom to sit on a rocky platform, whilst she disappeared into the darkness at the back of the cave. It was not long before she reappeared, carrying a closely woven basket in her arms full of jars of different shapes and sizes.
    Bending forward Ette placed the basket in front of Rom on the ground. ‘Stay very still whilst I have a look at your wounds,’ ordered Ette, peering at Rom’s arms and chest. ‘You have been in a fight and you certainly received a battering. No doubt it is over territory or a woman,’ exclaimed Ette.
    Rom was outraged with this comment, quickly replying, ‘Neither. I had no choice, I was forced to fight Juno’s champion Arnor and I won.’
    â€˜Well, well, that is very interesting, Juno will not be happy. He always has to win everything. I am amazed he didn’t kill