Swan Obsession

Eastwards, towards the sun in the morning. That was where Bridget told her to fly. There, she would reach a great forest, extending as far as the eye could see, and there, she would find Derek, and lead him back to the lake. It was past mid-day when she finally reached the forest. She felt an uneasiness at the pit of her stomach, and flew less gracefully than usual, wary, for although this forest wasn't as imposing and black as Rothbart's, the air was dense with mysteries and unfamiliar magics. Moreover, she was worn from the hours of flying she had already done, simply trying to find the forest. She could see a flash of movement in the trees below, darting to and fro. Sweeping downwards for a closer look, she saw that it was but a deer, glossy and honey blonde in colour, with liquid-green eyes, serene and trusting. She would have smiled if she could, disarmed by the sight, when an arrow whizzed by her head.

Terrified, she beat her wings with as much strength as she could muster, and flew upwards. Sure that she was safe, she peeked back and saw the familiar face of Prince Derek, his eyes intently on her, and his muscles taut as he pulled back the arrow in his bow. He was about to fire again! Heart pounding in her head, she flew, mindless prayers echoing in her head, desperate to make her way back alive to Rothbart's castle. Why had she allowed herself to get pulled into this dangerous game? She simply did not know.

Below her she could see numerous streams, fallen trees, and the occasional crevice that broke up the landscape. Yet nothing slowed Prince Derek's pace. He was on a hunt, and nothing could keep him from his prey. He scaled cliff faces, jumped small water falls, never even putting his bow aside, and Odette feared for her life.

The trees were beginning to thin out, and as she looked to the horizon, she could see a patch of blackness that was home to her for the past few months. It was that she focused on, refusing to look back to see whether Derek followed.