I use every muscle in my arms to chop this wood. I hit the wood so hard that a large spark came out. And I might have given out a girlie scream. But I continue to cut the wood with every bit of energy I have left in me.  I grip the axe so hard that my knuckles turn white. Every time I chop the wood I tell myself.


    How did Caden die?


    Why didn''t I protect him?


    And who killed him?


    I need to know the last question as soon as possible. So I can get revenge.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    I swing the axe again but I miss and hit the ground. I let out a groan. I''m so sore but this is kind of a distraction. I try to get up quickly but I can''t. It hurts too much. I lay on the ground and stare up at the sky.


    I should go back. Mallory and Earlene are probably worrieDarren after he tries time to get up and my arms are sore. I take my time to walk back to camp.


    …


    I see camp away and I drag every step I take. Why am I so weak? Maybe it''s because I''ve been cutting wood till my arms hurt and I didn''t sleep last night.


    When I sat down next to Mallory I almost felt like I collapsed. I lay my head on Mallory’s shoulder. She turns to me in shock.


    “Everything alright?” she asks.


    “I''m just tired,” I mumble.


    “Go sleep in Earlene’s shack it blocks most of the sun. I can distract her with herbs,” I slowly get up.


    “Thanks, I''ll go do that,” I give a loud grunt when I get up. I shake my arm.


    “Are you okay?” Mallory asks.


    “Just sore,” I say as I walk to the shack.


    “I can help you with that,” Earlene says as she gets up. She had been quiet the whole time she was there. I didn''t even notice her.


    I wonder what ‘magical’ herbs she has this time.