The sky was taking colors of yellows and dark purples. I took a deep breath to calm my beating heart and watched as the particles of pollen and tiny leaves flew by my eyes. My kin were tired and in sluggish steps, each of them stumbled closer to their lit houses.

The path towards the wooden gate lured me nearer to the freedom I longed for, the short breath I wished to take as a tiny taste of a life I supposed to have, like everyone else.

I didn't know where my dad got the idea to hire a bodyguard and above all, somebody from a different village, a stranger. There were plenty of men in Wahrlenn who would be fit to protect my life.

Two men guarded the gate. Their backs pressed against the wooden pillars supporting the structure and holding a conversation to a low level, so could only their ears gather the hushed words. They seemed bored and time to time their sights wandered above the hill, following the slowly descending sun.

One of them noticed the subtle shuffling of gravel under my soles.

"Freya! Where are you planning to head in the middle of the night?" He grinned.

"Just to get some fresh air. I think this village is getting too crowded and I struggle to get my own space."

"Not in a good mood, I see." Other one said. "You know that you can't go further than this..." He stepped in front of me blocking my way.

I managed to push him aside and with determination, I continued my way to a spot I had in mind.

"I will be staying on that bolder of rock. If you wish, you can keep an eye on me." I glared back at him over my shoulder while my legs carried me further.

"I will surely do, Freya."

"Be thankful that Eilar is not on guard tonight. I am sure he would not let you go even that far."

"Screw him!" I said. Hearing the name of our commander made me upset more than I was.

How I wished to go further and be completely alone at times like this, but with our men watching my back I had no chance tonight. Also, the extra pair of eyes meant it will be harder from now on.

Gunnar seemed so much like Eilar from the first encounter. Deep down I hoped he did not possess the same creepy obsession over me. I was so grateful that my father hadn't planned to give my hand to our commander. I would hate it and despiteful emotions would change my relationship with him. He was the only one left for me, no man will take the spot he held in my heart.

Maybe only the mysterious warrior, though I thought it's different.

When will I meet him? Was he still alive? A man of his skill wouldn't perish so easily. How will I meet him if I was trapped inside these walls? It will never happen if I didn't keep pushing and get things my way.

I turned my head back and over my shoulder, I saw the same guards, a subtle wave of his hand told he was keeping watch on me. I scuffed disappointed and turned my eyes back to face the looming darkness.

Tonight the howls of wolves were keeping my men up, they were closer and each sound sent a subtle shiver over my skin, but my fear was not strong. These animals will not come closer, they never did, but just a presence, the hostile sounds, and distant hustle kept everyone aware of the danger, we kept ourselves safe by not invading their land at night.

I felt a heavy hand being placed on my shoulder, the irritation that still boiled within made me slap it away immediately before I set my eyes on the one who dared to disturb me.

I expected a guard or even worse - Eilar to come and drag me back inside, but to my surprise, it was him - Gunnar. Was it even worse than I imagined?

The light from burning torches left his front appearance in almost complete darkness. His form hovered menacingly over me - tall and buff he seemed from my position. I could not see what emotions burned in his eyes if there was any.

"What do you want? I am not going anywhere so I don't need your assistance."

"You have to go inside." He said in a steady voice, it felt a little too much like an order.

I glared at him in silence despite hardly seeing Gunnar's face and hoped he will turn back.

"It's an order..."

"You will not order me around!"

"... the one from your father."

"It doesn't sound like him. He never orders me around this way."

"There is a first time for everything..." His voice rumbled reminding me a faint growl of the beasts lurking in the shadows.

I had no time to make a comment or say anything when he latched on my hand and with ease pulled me up from the cool rock. Few scuffles made no difference, his grip was tight. Like a hopeless child with no strength in the limbs, I was dragged along him.

"Let me go! You don't have to be so brutal!" I watched his strongly structured face and the pattern of light and shadows played on his skin.

A smile emerged from concealed darkness to be swallowed by the light of the flaming torches. His eyes were focused on the road ahead.

"What's so funny?"

"What a spoiled brat..." He said to himself.

"Goodnight, darling!" One of the guards saluted me and a wide smile accompanied his amusement filled face. The other one grinned in the same manner.

"Will you both allow this stranger to take me away?" I protested.

"For the sake of your safety, we will do anything, Freya."

"Let go of me for once!" I forced my hand free and steadied on my feet.

Gunnar said no more but extended a hand to imply I have to move forward.

I could not wait for my life to start under his watchful eye. He will be an eyesore.