《The Survivor From Snowdrift》


 Chapter 1: Snowdrift

    I open my eyes to a familiar smell coming from across the room. Part of me just wants to lay in bed, but the warm juicy smell of venison really wants to draw me out. With a yawn, I slowly sat myself up. I scooted off over to the side and placed both of my feet onto the wooden floor. As always the floor was cold. Some days it was freezing, and very rarely it was warm.


    As I rubbed my eyes to clear the blur, I seen my mother to the far left in the kitchen area of our home. Just as usual, her blonde hair was tied back with a brown burlap twine string. I watched as she stood close to the fireplace carefully flipping three pieces of venison over on the cooking tripod.


    "Good morning, Mother." I greeted as I walked over to the dinner table.


    "Good morning, Emerencia. You''re up a little late this morning." She said as she turned to me.


    "Just in time for breakfast though." I laughed.


    "You actually slept through breakfast. Think of this as an early lunch." My mother said. I shot her a confused look and paced towards the front door of the house. I opened the door and sure enough, I could see broad daylight. I can see a couple villagers walking around with stacks of wood and dragging branches through the patted down snow. From above I could see the sun was straight up in the sky, just about to make its way west.


    "It''s been awhile since I slept in this long. Why didn''t you wake me?"


    "I was going to wake you up, but our neighbor, Cleon gave us some venison this morning from the doe he recently hunted. Thought it would be a nice surprise to wake you up with your favorite food." My mother said contently.


    "It is a nice surprise, thank you. Will Father be joining us?" I asked.


    "Not today. I was hoping I can have you deliver his lunch." My mother said as she scooped the cooked venison off the pan and onto a plate.


    "I can do that. Can you pack me a lunch too?"


    "As long as you deliver your father''s lunch first. He''s been working hard these past two weeks along with the rest of the miners in this village. I''m sure you heard a couple of the Lumbermen switched over to mining too. It''s honestly starting to worry me." My mother said as her green eyes stared out the window.


    "I did hear a little about it. I''m not sure why that is." I said as I walked off to my dresser to get changed into my warm clothes.


    "The Vaesite Soldiers should be coming to pick up the iron today. For what it sounds like, I have a feeling we might have another low production. For how quiet your father''s been, It''s scary to think about what would happen this time. It''s not normal for him to act like this. Since he''s the one running the mine, I''m sure he''s keeping his workers quiet too." My mother said.


    She''s right. It is kinda scary. Every three months the Vaesite soldiers come from a great city in the east to take our ore in trade for livestock and food. The Vaesite have been taking ore from us since King Haveron took heir to the throne two years ago. About a year ago we were told that there''s a war with the Vaesite and another kingdom on another large island to the south of us. Because of that, the Vaesite went from taking five minecart loads of ore to ten. My Uncle says that our village isn''t important enough for the King himself to even care about it. We''re nothing but a small village sitting on a throne of iron. Though it seems we''re slowly running out of iron.


    "I''m sure it''s just another scolding." I said as I began changing into my wool shirt, buckskin pants, and wool socks. My mother looked at me and pointed at two metal bins sitting on the kitchen table.


    "I just placed the food in there. I''m sure you''ll be over at Garth''s today?"


    "Yeah. We''re going to do some practice again." I said grabbing my uncle''s old sword and my leather belt that was resting next to my bed. I wrapped the belt around my waist and adjusted the sword to my side. I walked over to the front door and slipped on my leather boots with beaver fur wrapped around the outside, and wool insulation on the inside. I grabbed my fur coat and slipped my arms through it''s sleeves. Finally I put on my thin leather gloves and grabbed the two bins of food.


    "Alright Mom, thank you for lunch!" I smiled.


    "Your welcome, dear. Stay warm and make sure those bins come back." She said as she grabbed a log from the woodpile and threw on onto the fire.


    "I will." I replied. As I opened the door to the outside, I felt a cool rush of air hit me like a breeze. Luckly it''s not as bad as most days. I closed the door behind me and begin walking. All around me the village was alive. Kids chasing each other through the snow, the sound of wood being sawed and chopped in the distant, conversations being held near and far, and chickadees singing in the branches above.


    "Emma! How''d you like the venison?" Said a voice to the left of me. I turned my head and seen my next door neighbor, Cleon. In his hand he had a knife that''s slowly going down the hide from the doe he recently shot. Tanning the hide for wears, I imagine.


    "Thank you so much for the food! I''m actually about to try it, but I just have to deliver lunch to my father first!"


    "Sounds good! Let me know what you think!" Cleon said.


    "Will do!" I said as I kept walking down the road. Coming up on my right, just two houses away from mine is my Uncle Garth''s cabin. This is where I spend most of my days at. I''ve been going to his house almost everyday since I was little. My Uncle was an adventurer, and he''d tell me all his stories. I''d sit down in front of the fireplace with pine needle tea and listen. His favorite stories was when his daughter was alive. He always traveled with her. When growing up he''d always tell me how much I remind him of his daughter, but he''d never tell me what happened to her. My parents said she died in a shipwreck from a monster in The Serpent''s Sea.


    Because of all my uncle''s stories, all I ever wanted to do since I was little was to see the world and became a swordsmen. My uncle promised me that he''d take me to see the world when I turn eighteen, and tomorrow is that day. The adventure I''ve been waiting for begins!


    As I approached my uncle''s house, I seen Garth outside working at his forge. Not only is he my uncle, but also one of the most important people in the whole village. Garth and his friend, Wayde are the only blacksmiths in Snowdrift. Not only can they craft swords, knives, bows, and other weapons. He mainly crafts pickaxes for the miners and axes for the lumbermen in the village. Other tools and materials too! Some days before sword practice, he lets me help out.


    "What''s the project today?" I asked as I approached him. Garth stopped hammering on his work and turned his head towards me with a smile.


    "Good afternoon! Right now I''m making a couple new pickaxes for the miners. Your father stopped by last night just after you went home. He told me that it''s been a rough couple of weeks. So I thought a few new pickaxes could probably help. If not, it''ll always be nice to have a few extras laying around." He said. This is one of the things I love about my Uncle. He''s a really thoughtful person. Even if he is just doing his part to keep everything well in this village.


    "Is Wayde coming to help you out?" I asked. My Uncle shook his head.


    "I told him to take it easy for today. Starting tomorrow he''s going to be the big man in charge of my forge. Anyways will you be up for practice later? Tomorrow''s your big day." He said with excitement.


    "Of course! I just gotta deliver my father''s lunch and I''ll be here." Garth looked at the metal bins in my arms a nodded.


    "Sounds good. You should hurry along before his lunch gets cold."


    "Oh right!" I panicked. How could I forget? "Well I''ll see you later!" I shouted as I began running towards a shortcut behind Garth''s cabin. As I entered the pine forest, I could feel my legs sink into the deep snow and sticks break from under my feet. My running quickly slowed down as my feet sank deeper in. Just then I had to start picking up my feet. It felt almost like I was marching through snow.


    As soon as I made it to the mine, I emerged out of the forest and dropped on my knees to give my legs a break. Like always, going through deep snow easily drains the energy out of me. As I looked up, I seen five men pushing a minecart out from the mine and wheeling it off to the side next to seven other carts. They stopped for a minute to catch their breath and then they hurried back in.


    I brought myself back on my feet and started making my way towards the mine. I walked up to the cavelike entry to look in, but I couldn''t see anyone. The five other men who hurried back in must of disappeared really quick. Only the noises of pickaxes hitting rock could be heard deep from within. I''ve been in the mine over a hundred times in my life. Sometimes to help out, but mostly I come to deliver food to my father.


    I walked deeper into the mine with only hanging lanterns from above to light the way. With a little more of a ways in, I could feel the air get colder and colder. I can hear the constant clinking sound of miners getting closer, but I know there''s still a ways to go. As I approached the first turn, I could hear footsteps coming my way. All of a sudden, I ran right into someone.


    "Oh goodness, I''m sorry!" I pleaded.


    "Emma? What are you doing here?" Said a familiar voice. I looked up, but it was too hard to make out the face. I could tell just by the voice, it was my father.


    "I came to deliver your lunch. Mother cooked venison from Cleon''s doe." I said as I handed over the metal box.


    "Oh well thank you! Let me walk you outside. I''m about to take a quick break myself." My father said as he patted my back. I turned around and seen the bright opening of the mine. With the snow outside and the sun shining down, it almost looked blinding from here. "So how''s my daughter doing? It''s like I barely got to see you at all this week."


    "I know. You''ve been working a whole lot. You do remember that tomorrow''s my birthday, right?" My father quietly let out a breath of air.


    "I know. I''m sorry, but right now this is very important."


    "What about me?" I snapped. "When I leave tomorrow, You won''t be seeing me for a whole year or two! All you done lately is worry about the Vaesite. You''ve been acting weird for two weeks now and all I see outside is eight carts full of ore! That''s three more than last time. The soldiers will probably come in and give you another scolding. Unless you know something that the rest of us don''t." I argued.


    "You''re right." My father softly said as we approached the entrance of the mine. "Maybe things will be okay. I still have to stay here until the Vaesite arrive."


    "If that''s the case, then can we eat lunch together? I want to at least spend some time with you."


    "Of course. I would like that." My father said.


    As we walked out of the mine we both sat down on the bench were miners usually took their breaks. My father popped open the top of his lunch bin and looked down at the food like he was starving. Clearly it''s been awhile since he had breakfast. That or he''s been working to hard and burning off a lot of energy.


    I popped the lid off mine and seen a decent size cut of venison steak along with two baked potatoes. Then of course off to the side was a fork wrapped in a thin white cloth.


    "You know it doesn''t seem to cold today." My father said as his icy blue eyes gazed up at the trees.


    "A slight breeze, but it does seem fine." I replied. My father nodded in agreement.


    "You should be happy. Starting tomorrow you''ll leave this freezing place. What are you looking forward to seeing on your adventure?" My father asked. Slowly a smile grew over my face.


    "Garth is taking me to Edinburgh first. I''m excited to see what a city looks like. I''m mostly looking forward to seeing the falls in Silverpine."


    "Are you afraid of the monsters you''ll run into on your journey?" My father asked as he took a bite out of his venison. I was told that only trolls and dragons can inhabit here in the snowy mountains. I never seen a monster of any kind though. I always wonder if they look as scary as they sound.


    "I''m not sure. If anything, I have Garth at my side. He''s been into those situations a lot."


    "Indeed he has. My brother grew up to be quite the skilled fighter. I believe he turned you into a fine swordsmen as well."


    "You really think so?" I asked before taking a bite out of the potato.


    "Of course. He turned his own daughter into an outstanding fighter. I seen the way you practiced with Garth. I''m sure he did the same for you." He said. I took a bite out of the potato and cocked my head to the side. I wouldn''t say I''m an outstanding fighter. I''ve never even been in an actual battle before. I don''t know how good I really am.


    "You really think I''m that good?" I asked as I gently pressed my fork down into the venison.


    "I really do. You kinda remind me of Garth''s daughter. If Alita was still alive, I''m sure you both would get along just fine." Before taking my next bite, a frown grew upon me.


    "You know sometimes Garth says that I remind him of his daughter. Sometimes I think it''s sad. I sometimes see myself as a reminder of someone who isn''t here with us." I said. My father turned his head towards me and with a look of disapproval.


    "Cut that out now! Goodness you sound like you''re the one responsible of Alita''s death." My father said with a stern voice. "See it as a good thing. Since his daughter died, I never seen Garth so depressed. That poor man not only lost his wife to illness, but he lost his daughter too. After Alita''s death, Garth came back to Snowdrift to be with what''s left of his family. It''s a good thing he did, because from the day you first met him, I got to see my brother smile again. From that day, I never seen my brother look so sad. Have you?" My father asked.


    "No." I answered shaking my head.


    "I kinda figured. You make him happy everyday when you come over, I swear it." My father said with a mouth full of food. I looked over at his lunch box and seen everything was completely gone!


    "You must be really hungry?" I questioned. My father nodded and whipped his mouth with the white cloth.


    "Still am, but I gotta get back to work." He said as he popped the lid back on his lunch bin.


    "Wait! Take the rest of my food!" I said raising my box up to him.


    "Emma. You don''t need to do that. You love venison!"


    "No really! You need it more than I do." I said. My father smiled as he reached in grabbing the last of my food.


    "Thank you, dear. I''ll see you when I get done." My father said leaning forward for a hug. As he leaned back, I watched as he stood up and began to walk away.


    "Alright, I''ll be at Garth''s."


    "Sounds good!" My father said as he disappeared back in the mine.


    I stood up as well and stretched my arms up in the air. Perhaps it''s time I get back to the village and see Garth. Who knows, Garth might want some help at his forge.


    I started walking back to the village, but instead taking the shortcut back to Garth''s cabin, I took the main path. It''s more of an easy walk that way with the snow patted down.


    As I kept walking the sounds from the mine disappeared and was quickly replaced by the noise in the village. I could once again hear people talking, wood being chopped, children laughing, and crackling from campfires all around. Just up ahead, I could see the first couple of cabins.


    When I walked into the village, I couldn''t help but looked around at all the other cabins and the branches of pine draping over them. I find the world around me so beautiful. Almost like it''s a work of art. I always admired the snow on rooftops and the chimneys blowing dark smoke into the light gray sky. Snow looks beautiful on anything, but I always wondered what this place would look like without snow.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    I made my way to the center of the village where there''s a giant pile of tree branches. The lumbermen who cut the branches off the trees drag them here into a big pile. What''s fun is that every week the whole village gathers around and we burn it. Sadly the town is burning it tomorrow night. I won''t be around for that.


    "It''s Emma!" Yelled a child. I looked to the right and seen three kids running right at me. Abel, Tobie, and his twin sister, Nina. Out of all eight children in this village, these three kids always seemed to look up to me.


    "What are you doing, Emma?" Tobie asked.


    "I''m heading over to Garth''s." I answered.


    "Is it true your leaving tomorrow? Abel quickly questioned.


    "Yeah. I''ll be gone for a while."


    "Wait! Wait! You''re taking your sword too?" Tobie gawked.


    "I don''t see why not." I laughed. And of course, they love to ask many questions.


    "Wow you''re taking your sword! That''s so cool! Isn''t that cool, Nina?" Tobie asked his twin sister. Nina smiled and shrugged her shoulders. Out of the three, she was always the quiet one. Next thing I knew they started walking beside me.


    "Hey, Tobie? Are you going to be like Emma when you grow up?" Abel asked.


    "Yeah! Well if my mother is okay with it." Tobie replayed. I couldn''t help but laugh some more. I was just like these kids growing up. I wanted to be just like Garth. My mother wasn''t too happy about what I wanted to do when I was little. Well nether was my father, but they grew to except it. Maybe their parents will too.


    "Why don''t you kids go play somewhere else! Hurry up! Scat!" Shouted another voice. A voice that annoys me all the time. Quickly the kids scattered like rabbits in fear and ran off without a peep. I looked behind me shooting Silas an irritated look.


    "You didn''t have to do that!" I argued. Silas shrugged his shoulders and kept walking towards me. As always Silas is wearing that stupid beaver fur cap that covers his ugly short red hair. In his right hand is an axe that''s resting over his shoulder. He works along with the lumbermen in Snowdrift, and he always delivers logs of wood over to my house. Besides his younger sister, I''m the only girl in Snowdrift who''s around his age. What sucks, is the fact that this asshole favors me.


    "So you''re really leaving tomorrow? What am I going to do without my beautiful goddess around?" He asked. Hopefully you die alone. I thought to myself. "Hmm?" He hummed.


    "Silas. I don''t-"


    "What do you say?" He said cutting me off as he backed me up against a tree. "Call your silly little adventure off. You can stay here. You... Me... Get married and have a couple of kids."


    I wanted to vomit just thinking about it, but I wanted to vomit more from the smell of his putrid like breath. Just being between him and this tree is making me very uncomfortable.


    "I rather not." I said quickly slipping away. Silas shot me a dirty look and took another step forward.


    "Come on now. The gods have a plan for us! I reckon it!" He cried. I couldn''t help, but laugh.


    "Silas for all things that are holy, I highly doubt the gods have a plan for us. We went over this many times!" I said changing my voice firmly. "You want me to be your stay at home wife. I don''t want to live that kind of life." I argued. Silas looked off into the forest with irritation written all over his face.


    "You know. I swing my axe down everyday for you. I deliver wood to your home before anyone else so you can stay warm at night." He said quietly.


    "I appreciate it, but-"


    "I even go out of my way to deliver wood to your uncle''s house. What more can I do for you?" He asked. I didn''t know what to say. Nothing I can say. He''ll just keep cutting me off. Instead of answering him, I turned around without thinking and continued walking towards the direction where Garth''s house was. I should''ve just taken the shortcut.


    "You''ll marry me someday, Emerencia! I know you will!" He yelled. Suddenly there was a loud crack from behind me. I raised my shoulders up in fear and turned my head a bit. From the corner of my eye, I seen Silas''s axe stuck in the trunk of a tree. I faced forward and just kept walking, but with a faster pace.


    Yep. I''m definitely not going to marry that man. From behind me I could hear Silas pull the axe out of the tree and stomp away. Ever since we were kids, he always liked me. Of course I never played with him. He can be bossy, annoying, and I just don''t like him! The day he found out that I''m leaving Snowdrift he just about had a litter of kittens. Since that day, Silas kept asking me to marry him.


    Finally I was coming up to Garth''s cabin. As usual he''s out at his forge, but instead of working on tools, he was looking over the blade of his sword. Perhaps he''s getting ready for tomorrow? As I walked over, Garth caught my movement from the corner of his eye and looked up.


    "You weren''t gone for too long."


    "Father scarfed down his food and went straight back to work." I said.


    "Being pressured by the Vaesite I''m sure. I highly suggest he starts mining in a new location. There''s plenty of mountains around here. Besides, your father''s mine is pretty close to the hot spring. I''m surprised they''re still not feeling any heat yet."


    "From what I seen, there are only eight minecarts filled. You think something will happen if the Vaesite arrive?" I asked. Garth looked up at the sky and brushed his chin with his index finger.


    "I don''t think so. There are plenty of iron mines in Epeon. If anything, the Vaesite will probably limit their trade with us. Garth said sheathing his sword.


    "Preparing for tomorrow?" I questioned. Garth looked up at me with a puzzled look. "I noticed you were looking at your sword." I said pointing down at the weapon by his side.


    "Oh no. Just checking for dullness on the edge. I''m all set for tomorrow."


    "How about my sword? We haven''t sharpened that in awhile." I suggested. Garth shook his head with a smile.


    "It''s fine as it is, Emma."


    "But it''s all rusty and I know there''s some spots where the edge is dull." I said as I carefully drew my sword. Garth gently took the sword out from my hands and studied it from pommel to tip. With a smile he took five steps back and gave it a few swings. His movement was quick and steady. Each swing was almost like a quick flash.


    "Brings back some old memories. It''s still not bad for the first sword I ever forged. You know, I gave this one to Alita to be her first weapon too?" Garth asked.


    I never knew that at all, so I shook my head at him. I remember Garth saying he made that for himself at a young age, but I guess he made himself the sword he has now and gave this one to Alita until he a forged a sword for her.


    Garth suddenly stopped, he lowered his grip down to the guard, and handed his old sword back with the pommel facing towards me. "I think it''ll be fine throughout our adventure." I grabbed the sword from him and looked at the blade with doubt.


    "If you say so." I murmured, shrugging as I quirk my lips in a corner, momentarily sheathing the blade back in its place.


    "I know so. That sword can last-" Suddenly he cut off and his blue eyes gazed at something behind me. I turned around facing where Garth was looking and seen the Vaesite soldiers dragging their feet through the snow. As usual there was three wagons being pulled by two horses each. Instead of them being filled with crates full of supplies, they were filled with a couple of armed soldiers passing weapons down to the soldiers below. Upfront as always there''s the same man leading the group to the mine with an agitated look on his face.


    "Garth, what''s going on?" I questioned in a fearful tone.


    "Follow me and keep quiet." Garth whispered as he began walking towards our shortcut to the mine. I looked back at the Vaesite soldiers and quickly followed after Garth. Before I knew it, we both disappeared into the thick pine forest following my tracks from earlier when I was delivering my father''s lunch. My uncle was picking up his feet with every step to make as little noise as possible. I did the same, but the crunching sound our feet made with each step on the frozen snowy ground could not be muffled.


    The soldiers are here armed with no supplies. Did my father really know this was going to happen? Is this why he was acting so strange for the past two weeks. If he really knew about it, why didn''t he tell anyone of us? What''s going to happen when the Vaesite reach the mine?


    I continued following Garth, brushing away every branch that stood in my path. My uncle kept looking to the left making sure the trees and shrubs provided enough cover to hide us while we walk. As we came up to the opening, Garth paused and raised his hand up signaling me to stop. From the forest opening, I could see my father was standing along with a few other workers in front of the mine entrance watching as the soldiers arrived. Garth carefully made his way to some thick bramble to his right and got down on the ground.


    "Over here." Garth whispered. I did as he said and laid on the ground right next him. From the path leading to the village, I could see the soldiers in red surround the mine. The Vaesite leading the group jumped off his horse and walked up to my father.


    "Marth. Good afternoon to you." The Vaesite man greeted as he looked at the line of carts to the right of the mine.


    "To you as well, General Lokir." My father replied.


    "You got ten carts full this time, Marth? I only see eight." The general asked.


    "Yes we have eight, but you gotta spare us! We got three more carts full than last time!" My father said anxiously.


    "This isn''t surprising. That''s why our wagons isn''t full of supplies. We gave you three warnings, Marth. There''s a war going on at sea and it could soon be on our land. The King himself isn''t pleased about the last three shipments. Nether am I. You know that." The general said calmly. With a punch in the gut I saw my father fall to the ground on his knees. Lokir grabbed his hair and ripped his head back so he was face to face with him. I let out a gasp in fear, but not loud enough for everyone to hear. Quickly Garth swung his hand over to cover my mouth.


    "We warned you. Three times we warned you. My men and I are so sick and tired of making cold trips out to this village for shipments of ore, but you know what? It won''t be a problem anymore. We''re going to kill all of your lousy workers! I''m going to burn every building in your village to the fucking ground, steal all the livestock, and slaughter every damn villager that lives here. There''s far more iron mines out there, and the King no longer gives a damn about this one!" Lokir snarled.


    Quickly he pulled out his sword and held my father''s neck back as he quickly slit a large cut into him. Blood dark as hell ran down my father''s neck and onto his clothes. My uncle tightened his grip around my mouth as it muffled my cry. I watched as Lokir released my father, and kicked him down. My heart stopped and tears were running down my eyes onto my uncle''s hand as I watched my father''s body hit the ground. His eyes looked around at the soldiers feet. Beyond that, he spotted me. With what little life he had left in him, my father''s eyes locked with mine from where he laid. His mouth opened ajar and his lips gently moved as he tried to say something to me, but his voice was silent. The snow around his head stained in dark red as his eyes suddenly froze upon me. He was gone. Dead...


    All of a sudden the rest of the soldiers began to attack and torch the mine. Half of them turned around and headed to the village. My uncle turned to me with his face red with tears running down his eyes. For the first time in my life, I seen my uncle cry.


    "We need to go, now!" Garth whispered. He released my mouth, and we both quickly got back up on our feet and bolted into the woods taking the shortcut back to the village. Just behind me I could hear half of the soldiers come hooting, and howling. I could feel the pine needles scratch, and stab into my skin as I ran into some branches. I ignored the stinging pain and kept running. Up ahead I seen the smoke rising in the air from chimneys. As we both ran out of the forest into the village we seen burning arrows strike the homes of the villagers.


    "We''re under attack!" My uncle alarmed. A few people who were outside that heard my uncle yell looked towards the path leading to the mine and seen Vaesite soldiers charging with their weapons drawn. Instantly the village roared with screams of fear. A few others shot out of their houses screaming as arrows flew threw their windows. Before my eyes the whole village was running in many directions, and arrows were flying everywhere. My heart was racing in fear as I kept tailing Garth. I followed him to the front of my neighbor, Cleon''s house.


    "Emma, go in your house and grab your mother! We''re leaving!" Garth demanded as he pointed behind me. With a nod, I quickly shot around and ran over to my house. I could hear the sound of a few arrows zooming over my head causing me to panic even more. I ypurposely dropped to my knees and slid in the snow next to pile of logs for cover. Thank the gods Silas dropped wood off! I peeked my head out and seen Garth pounding on Cleon''s front door.


    "Cleon, grab you bow! We need to leave!" Garth yelled. Where I was, I couldn''t see anything happening. Just loud noises, soldiers yelling, and children screaming bloody murder. By the gods, why is this happening! I got back up and quickly ran to my house. As soon as I got to the front door, I busted right through only to find the house was empty. Her boots were gone! She''s somewhere in the village, but where?


    From behind me, I could hear steps coming towards me. I drew my sword, and sprung around, almost striking my uncle in the chest. Behind him was Cleon with his bow armed and ready to shoot at the soldiers.


    "It''s just me!" Garth said pushing my sword aside. "Is your mother in the house?" He asked. I shook my head as tears came falling down harder.


    "She isn''t here, we need to find her!"


    "No! It''s too dangerous! We need to leave!" Garth yelled. "I''m going to grab something from my house, I want you and Cleon to take our shortcut into the forest. Cleon, shoot any soldiers that come this way. Preserve as much arrows as you can, and make sure Emma is safe!"


    "Got it!" Cleon yelled as he watched the action behind him." Quickly I turned around and, I started racing to the center of the village. My mother has to be alive somewhere. I lost my father, I''m not losing her!


    "Emma get back here!" I heard my uncle yell. I ignored him and kept running. I could see my neighbors ahead falling to the ground as arrows struck them. To the left, I seen another neighbor trying to quickly crawl away as a soldier pierced his sword down into his back. Aarus, why is this happening! What did we do to deserve this?


    Ahead of me I can see the giant brush pile burning as three soldiers were shooting flames out from their hands. What the absolute hell! I never seen anything like it! I watched as a soldier was carrying little Tobie to the giant flames of the brush pile. Kicking and screaming, he couldn''t break free. I changed direction towards Tobie. No child should be burned alive, and I can''t watch it happen! Just then a hand grabbed my wrist and tugged. I turned my head in fear and seen Silas trying to pull me in a different direction.


    "Get your grubby hands off me!" I screamed as I twisted my arm in a circle, breaking loose from his grip.


    "I''m trying to rescue you!" He barked.


    "I don''t need your help!" I shouted back. I Looked back in the direction where the burning brush pile was, but it was too late. Time felt like it instantly slowed down as the soldier threw Tobie into the burning pile with two other soldiers shooting flames out of their hands right at the child. I could hear the seven year old screaming in pain. Blood curdling screaming digging into my ears. Tears continued to run down my face. My heart feels like it stops, beats fast, stops, and continues.


    I turned around in anger, but Silas''s body was still. He coughed blood out right in my face and fell to his knees. From below there was an arrow stuck in his upper back. I slowly brought my hand up and gently wiped the blood off my cheek.


    Just then I went flying to my side as a body tackled me to the ground. I heard an arrow zip over head just missing me. I quickly turned my head and seen Garth trying to pull me up with one hand. In his other hand he was holding a sheathed sword that was completely black. A sword I never seen before.


    "Are you trying to get yourself killed?" Garth screamed. I didn''t know what to say. No words could leak through my lips. "I''m not going to have you die today, Emma! Now follow me!" Garth yelled as he tugged on my arm. I began to follow him once more. From behind I turned my head around as I heard stomping through the snow. Behind us I seen a soldier running up with a large battle axe. As the axe was coming down I quickly shook my hand free from Garth''s grip, and dived to the left. I got up and pulled out my uncle''s old sword thinking I could finish the soldier right here. I took a swing at the soldier''s face leaving a big bloody gash. Garth kept running for a bit and then he turned his head in panic.


    "Get him, Emma!" He shouted. The soldier placed his hand on his cheek and laughed. Suddenly he straightened his back to ready his next swing.


    "What are you going to do with that pathetic rusty blade, lass?" He laughed. "You''re both weak! Just like the rest of your people." He insulted as he lifted his axe up high in the air once again. With another swing of his axe my blade broke off from half way as I blocked his attack. Just then my uncle plowed his sword right into the soldiers chest. All of a sudden an arrow struck the soldier in the back of the head, coating my uncle''s face in blood. From where the shot was taken stood another Vaesite soldier. He must of missed trying to aim at Garth. Quickly Garth pulled his sword out of the soldiers body, and held the black sword out to me. I dropped my half broken sword onto the ground and retrieved it from his hand.


    "Alright now let''s get out of here!" He shouted once more as we continued running, I looked behind me and seen the same soldier with a readied arrow into his bow.


    "Get down!" I commanded as I quickly dropped down to the ground with Garth by my side. Within seconds I could hear the arrow whistle as it went flying overhead. We quickly got back up and charged to Garth''s house which is now burning in flames. Around the building Cleon wasn''t in site. Could he be dead or alive? His body wasn''t anywhere in site.


    To the right, I seen one soldier running down the path towards us with the general right behind them. Out from Garth''s house came a soldier with a torch. He seen us charging his way, and pulled out his sword with his other hand.


    "Garth, there''s two behind us!" I panicked.


    "We''ll lure them into my house, we''ll fight them in there!" He replied. His house? Has he gone mad? His house is on fire! Garth quickly blocked the soldier''s attack in front of his house and grabbed him for a shield. I quickly got behind my uncle and I heard an arrow thud as it pierced into the soldiers back. Garth dropped the man''s body and headed inside the burning house with me following right behind him. I could feel the flames around me heating up my body. From inside, I couldn''t see with black smoke flooding the air. The smoke itself was literally blinding me in pain. My eyes wanted to force shut it stung so much! Just then a soldier came in with his bow pointed right at me. Without the soldier knowing that my uncle was hiding in the smoke beside him, he readied his bow. Garth quickly swung his blade right towards the lower limb of the bow, snapping the weapon in half.


    With Garth''s free hand, he elbowed the soldier directly in the face. My uncle then stepped behind the man and held him close as his blade quickly slide against his throat. Garth released the man and stepped back from the door. From behind me, I could hear crumbling as one of the walls collapsed. I turned around and seen an exit appeared.


    "Garth this way!" I shouted.


    "Right! Let''s get out of here!" He hollered as he bolted for the burning exit first. I followed after him and instantly tripped on something, sending me straight onto the scorching hot floor. I watched as Garth made it out. He turned around to check if I was behind him. Suddenly the roof in that area clasped blocking the way out. There is only one way out, and that''s the way I came. If I don''t leave now then I''m going to burn along with this house. Quickly I got onto my feet and raced to the door. Out of nowhere I crashed into the general leading the group. He pushed me to the floor and drew his sword. I began to crawl back trying to get away from him. I backed up so far that my body pressed up against the hot wall.


    "Are you going to kill me? The way you killed my father!" I yelled in anger.


    "So you''re Marth''s daughter? Ah yes. Your father didn''t do his job correctly so I had to punish him along with the rest of your village, but for a beautiful young girl like you. I''m going to give you an option. I could let you burn in this house, or I take you with me. Which is it?" He questioned.


    "Fuck you!" I yelled. The soldier laughed at me and turned around.


    "So be it." The soldier said as he began walking out the door.


    "General Lokir." I said. The man stopped and turned his head towards me. "I will remember you, and what you''ve got done! I promise that I will find you!" I snarled. Lokir laughed and continued walking. He turned his head and looked at me from the corner of his teal yellow eyes.


    "I highly doubt it in your situation." He smiled. As he left the burning building I heard from above me the roof was crackling. I looked up and seen it slowly breaking. Quickly I ran out of the way as the the ceiling came crashing down on the floor blocking the entry way. Sparks of ash rose into the air and flames grew higher. In seconds the floor began to catch fire, and spread. I began taking off my coat it was so hot.


    "Emma! Are you still in there?" No doubt I could tell by the voice it was my Uncle Garth calling to me.


    "I''m in here Garth!" I screamed.


    "You need to get out of there!" He demanded.


    "Garth! I need help! I don''t know where to go!" I cried. There was no response. "Garth? Garth are you there?" I screamed. I could feel the house grow hotter to the point where I couldn''t take it. Dark smoke was filling my lungs and I had to think fast. I looked back at the opening from where the roof collapsed. Without thinking I quickly stuffed the sword between my belt and my body, quickly I climbed up the hot wall. My hands were beginning to burn. As fast as I could, I shot over the other side face planting into the cold snow.


    The smoke in my lungs were making me dizzy and life was twisting and turning. The ground was cold, but it didn''t bother me. I brought my head up and seen the soldiers marching around kicking dead bodies to make sure they''re dead. Everything became a blur and I felt my face suddenly plant back into the snow, and life went black.

 Chapter 2: To Clasp A Fallen Wish With Broken Fingers

    What is this cold, wet feeling? I opened my eyes and noticed I was in a puddle of water. I tilted my head up to check out where I was, but my eyes felt like they were sealed shut. I could feel my hair freezing up to the roots of my head like frost is settling in. As my eyes fully opened I noticed there was a light behind me. I turned my head and seen my uncle¡¯s house was no more, but a pit of fire. A little bit in the distance, I could see outlines of the soldiers tossing dead bodies onto the burning brush pile. I watched as soldiers were walking around the village, searching for more remains.


    This really isn¡¯t a nightmare. This is actually real. I survived that attack, but did anyone else live? I wonder if Garth is still alive. If not, what am I to do if I¡¯m the only one left? I don¡¯t know how to live in the mountains on my own. I might have to leave, but where will I go?


    I slowly started crawling on the cold wet ground. All I could see in the dark is all the homes that are still burning, but most were no longer standing. The fires give off just enough light to see the soldiers dragging the bodies of my people to the nearest fire. I have to hurry, before I¡¯m discovered as well. I don¡¯t want to be thrown in like Tobie.


    As I continued crawling, I noticed the feelings in my limbs were so cold and yet so numb. Almost like a cold burning feeling is felt on the toes of my feet. Sure I felt this before, but not this bad. I tried to get up on my knees but I planted back down. I tilted my head up once more and seen a shadowy figure making its way towards me in a crouching position.


    ¡°Emerencia? Thank the gods your still alive!¡± Whispered a familiar voice.


    ¡°Garth? You¡¯re alive?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Are you okay?¡± He asked as he cautiously looked around.


    ¡°I¡¯m cold and I¡¯m starting not to feel anything.¡± I whispered. Garth nodded and came closer to me. He gently scooped me up off the freezing cold ground and picked me up. Quickly he started making his way into the forest.


    ¡°I see you still have your sword with you. I¡¯m happy that survived.¡± He said.


    ¡°My sword? My sword is broken remember?¡±


    ¡°This is your new one that I made for you. I was going to give it to you tomorrow, but plans clearly changed. There was no way I would have you set out with that rusty thing anyways.¡± He said.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I quietly replied.


    ¡°You can thank me later when you get a proper look at that blade. Let¡¯s focus on getting you to the hot spring. I can¡¯t have you freeze to death on me.¡± Garth said. I remained silent as he kept carrying me. The forest was quiet, and all I could hear is Garth¡¯s footsteps, his breathing, my teeth chattering, the owl hooting in the distances, and of course the soldiers making noises nearby.


    My eyes were focused on the thick pine branches from above, covering the night sky. All I can think about is everything I seen earlier that keeps replaying in my head over, and over, and over again. I could feel tears begin to run down my cheeks. Out of everything, it¡¯s the only warmth that I could feel.


    ¡°Garth?¡± I quietly asked.


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°Is there anyone else alive?¡± There was a long pause. Garth just kept walking as he took a deep breath.


    ¡°No. It¡¯s just you and me.¡± He answered. My heart quickly sank as it felt like it was ripped in two.


    I could feel more warm tears drain down my face and quickly become cold. They¡¯re all dead. I can still picture my father laying on the snowy ground as blood drains from his neck. I can also hear Tobie¡¯s blood curdling screams echoing in my head as he was tossed into the burning brush alive. He was only six. How could these soldiers be so cruel?


    ¡°Is that all the ore?¡± Said a voice to our right. Suddenly Garth stopped in his tracks.


    ¡°Yeah. We¡¯re all set to head out for tomorrow morning.¡± Said another voice. I soon heard footsteps from ahead walking from our right, all the way over to our left. They had to be coming from my father¡¯s mine.


    Garth waited awhile until the steps could no longer be heard. Finally he started walking again. Next thing I knew, it felt like each step Garth took became easier. He has to be walking on the beat down path that leads to the mine. I know just up ahead is another path that forks off and leads to the hot springs. It should be some easy walking from here.


    ¡°How are you doing, Emma?¡± Garth whispered.


    ¡°Still freezing.¡± I chattered. I could then feel Garth beginning to move at a faster pace.


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to move as quick as I can without making too much sound.¡± Garth whispered.


    ¡°I know. Take your time.¡± I softly said. Looking up at Garth, I couldn¡¯t see his face. Just a shadowy outline. Not even the moon could pass through the thick branches from above to cast light upon the frozen land. ¡°What are we going to do now?¡± I asked.


    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°After the soldiers leave tomorrow, we¡¯ll follow their tracks to Edinburgh. I have a gift waiting there for you.¡± Why follow the monsters from where they came? It sounds to risky.


    ¡°Garth, we don¡¯t have to. What if something happens.¡± I said, try to change his mind.


    ¡°I know, but it¡¯s the nearest place to go out of these mountains. I also have two friends who live there that could help us.¡± He said. ¡°For now, let''s try and get out of this mess. I once again lost more of my family. You¡¯re all I have left now, and I¡¯m gonna make sure not to lose you.¡± He sniffed. I wasn¡¯t sure how to respond. If I died. He would truly lose everything. What would he do? What would I do, if I lost him?


    Garth kept walking for a while at a fast pace. I could feel my body grow colder and colder at each passing second. Suddenly I noticed he was taking me downhill. I could feel a slight warmth in the air as he finally made it to the bottom near the spring. I turned my head and sure enough, I could see the moon¡¯s reflection on the steaming surface of the water. I know the hot spring is a bit far from the village, but Garth made it here really quick. Finally, as we made it down the hill, Garth carefully placed me down on the cool ground.


    ¡°You made it here a lot faster.¡± I said as I tried to sit up. I looked around and seen steam raising up high in the air from the spring water.


    ¡°You think you can get in the water on your own?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Should be no problem.¡± I replied.


    ¡°Good. Drink as much of that water as you can too. It¡¯ll help you stay hydrated in this weather. I¡¯m gonna head towards the clear cut to gather some wood for a fire. I¡¯ll be back as soon as I can.¡± Suddenly my heart froze to the sound of that.


    ¡°Garth please don¡¯t!¡± I plead with fear leaking through my voice. I just lost everyone today, but him. I don¡¯t want to be left alone out here. I especially don''t want to sit here in worry until he returns or not.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, Emma. I¡¯m sure the soldiers are all gathered in the village keeping warm next to the fires for the night. Just wait here. I¡¯ll be back before you know it.¡± He said turning his back as he started walking away. I sat on the ground and watched my uncle make his way up the hill towards the village.


    As soon as Garth disappeared, I stood up and began to take off all my damp clothes. With the mild breeze still blowing, the frigid temperature felt worse hitting against my naked body. If he¡¯s building a fire, I want my clothes to hang up and dry.


    Quickly as I could, I immediately submerged myself straight into the hot spring making a splash. Right as my body hit the warm water, I instantly felt like I was being boiled alive. Not only that, but I felt itchy all over. My feet, hands, thighs, arms, and chest. It all itches and burns. I know this feeling well, but it has never been this bad. Whenever a part of your body is freezing cold, and it touches warm water this always happens. Nobody knows why, but my mother says it¡¯s your body quickly adjusting from one temperature to another at a fast rate.


    I popped my head out of the water and took a deep breath. What¡¯s worse is that my feet are touching the stone spring floor where the warmth is rising from the ground below making the itchy feeling worse. Gods I really want to scratch, but I know it¡¯ll encourage the itchy irritation.


    Slowly as each second passed, I lowered myself down and tilted my head up until I could feel the hot spring water rise above my ears. The tension in my neck and back slowly became at a relaxing ease as the water began to rain all my thoughts away. Now that I¡¯m getting use to this, my body no longer feels itchy.


    There¡¯s something about taking a hot warm bath in the freezing cold. Bathing in nice warm water while breathing in cold air. I always think it feels heavenly. As I stood up straight, my body was half way out of the water. I slowly started dragging myself back towards the edge where there¡¯s a big rock that¡¯s perfect enough to sit on. I could feel the cold air once again blowing against me. It felt almost relieving as the itching feeling slowly swept away as the freezing breeze numbed it. With each little step, I could feel my toes burrow beneath the little stones. Another gentle step and I felt my toes softly hitting against the big rock. I turned myself around and sat down on the toasty warm bolder. I always loved this spot. Just perfect enough to sit down with the water up to your neck.


    With a handful of water, I splashed my face and began rubbing my eyes back into cold reality. It¡¯s so different bathing here at night. All the men in the village usually come down here during the afternoon, or at night after swinging an axe down all day. As for us women, we had to bathe before noon. Usually there would be women down here whenever I arrive. Sometimes I¡¯d get up extra early to bathe alone for a peace and quiet soak. Kind of like how I am now. Though this time, I really am alone here. It¡¯s just me, and that moon shining from high above as it¡¯s watching me from the blackened sky.


    My fingers and toes don¡¯t really hurt as much as it did before I entered the spring. So that¡¯s a good sign of no frostbite. Then of course the rough part is getting out and keeping warm by the fire to dry off. The lumbermen were planning on building a hut next to the spring so we all could warm up faster in there. I really wish they could''ve built it much sooner. I leaned myself forward and tried to take as easy as I could.


    After a good while passed, I suddenly heard a stick snap from the top of the hill with the sound of footsteps coming my way. I brought my head up and looked over at the hill. With the tree¡¯s blocking the moon¡¯s light I couldn¡¯t see who was coming. Very likely it was my uncle. I kept my eyes focused on the hill as I heard the footsteps come closer.


    ¡°Emma?¡± My uncle called out in a worried tone as he stepped into the moonlight. Just enough to see the shadowy outline of his body. In his arms he had what looked like a half dozen logs stacked up to his chin.


    ¡°Yeah?¡± I simply replied. My uncle then let out a breath of relief as he looked in my direction. Perhaps he couldn¡¯t see me where I was at. Luckily it¡¯s dark out, or he would see all of me.


    ¡°Thank the heavens you¡¯re still alive. How are you feeling?¡± He asked as he began walking near the spring.


    ¡°I feel fine. Just a slight bit itchy. My clothes are over there, I was hoping you could dry them off next to the fire. They¡¯re pretty damp.¡± I said pointing my finger where my clothes laid. My uncle turned his head to the direction where my finger pointed and looked back at me.


    ¡°Good thinking. That¡¯s the only change of clothes you¡¯ll have until we get out of these mountains. I¡¯ll get that fire started and do what I can to dry them.¡± Garth said as he walked over to a pit where we use to have our fires. Garth kneeled down and carefully started stacking the pile of logs into the bit.


    ¡°Ashes are still a bit warm from earlier this morning.¡± Garth said rubbing his fingers together. I turned my focus off him and looked back up at the hill.


    ¡°You think they¡¯ll see the light from our fire?¡± I asked.


    ¡°That hill gives us good cover. They may hear our fire crackling, but for all the times I come down here at night. I never see any light from the village. I think we¡¯ll be okay.¡± Garth said as he stacked the last log.


    ¡°Now how are we gonna start this fire? It¡¯s too risky carrying a flame here from the village.¡± I said. Garth held his hand up to the logs and didn¡¯t say a word. I¡¯m not sure if he¡¯s trying to feel heat from the ashes below or just thinking of an idea. All of a sudden, a small flame blew out from his hand. I quickly flew back in surprise making a small splash in the spring water. I watched in awe as the flame kept blowing out of his palm until one of the logs started to catch fire. I wasn¡¯t sure what to focus on. Garth, his hand, or the fire shooting right out. I seriously never seen anything like this until earlier today. The flames then came to a stop and Garth lowered his hand from the burning logs.


    ¡°What hell was that!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Garth said with a confused look.


    ¡°What? What do you mean what? You don¡¯t get to ask that! That fire, and your hand! I seen some soldiers doing that earlier.¡± I shouted.


    ¡°Fire magic. One of the gifts Runus gave to mankind.¡± Garth said as he stepped back from the fire. I heard about the god, Runus. I just never thought magic was an actual thing. I never thought my own uncle could do such a thing!


    ¡°Could I do that too?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Anyone can do it. It really takes a lot of time and patience just to get a start.¡± Garth said raising his hands up to the fire for warmth. Suddenly we heard loud hoot in the distance. We both then fell silent as we heard all soldiers in the distance laughing, and shouting.


    ¡°As you seen earlier, those men are very skilled with magic. I can definitely tell they¡¯re having the best of fun. Just hearing them irritates the hell out of me. How could they all sound so happy after what they done?¡± Garth complained.


    ¡°They killed innocent men, women, and even children. I don¡¯t understand why it had to be like this.¡± I said. Suddenly I feel like breaking down in tears. I could feel drainage coming running down my nose. With a sniff, I pulled everything back up.


    ¡°Are you crying?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m trying not to.¡± I replied under my breath.


    ¡°I know it sucks, but we¡¯re gonna have to live with what happened. I already lost my wife, and my daughter. It¡¯s okay to cry. I¡¯ve done it many times.¡± Garth said with a sadness in his voice. I shook my head.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand¡­ I don¡¯t understand how someone like you can cope with something like that after a long time. It was always my dream to set out to see the world with you, but not like this.¡± I said as tears began to run down. ¡°It feels like¡­ I¡¯m clasping a fallen wish with broken fingers!¡± I cried.

 Chapter 3: Nothing Left

    Not one building is left standing. All around where homes once stood is no more, but pits of ash. Some of what¡¯s left of the cabins are still burning. Some are partly standing structures. I looked up at my uncle Garth, and seen his face was just as devastated as mine.


    ¡°Let¡¯s scavenge around for anything useful and leave.¡± Garth said as he starting walking into the ruins of the village. Without a word, I started walking over to the west side of the small village. If there¡¯s anything useful left, it could be buried under the rubble of the homes.


    I stepped into the ashes of what once a home and started kicking around. The thought of me stepping on bits of human remains sickens me. I may be wrong, but this could be what¡¯s left of my neighbor Pella and her husband, Pasker¡¯s house I¡¯m walking through right now.


    ¡°I found a canteen!¡± Garth shouted. ¡°Feels full to the brim too!¡± He added. I looked over at him and seen him standing next to the smoking brush pile in the center of what¡¯s left of the village. The same pile where Tobie was thrown into. ¡°One of the soldiers must of left it here. What about you?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Nothing yet!¡± I shouted back as I stepped out of the ashes. I don¡¯t know what more is left behind around here. I¡¯m practically just walking through what is now an opening in a forest. An empty space with almost nothing left. Looking around, the whole village seems smaller now that everything is practically gone.


    I walked through another big pile of half burned wood and ash. I swift my foot around and suddenly I hit something hard. It almost feels like metal. I bend over and reach my hand down into the warm gray powdery residue. Gentilly I pull out the head of an old pickaxe. It¡¯s really warm, but not hot. I clasp both of my hands around each end trying to absorb its warmth. It feels so nice, but I know this won''t last.


    I continued walking to where my home once stood. Some walls of the homes still stand. A few windows attached with broken glass, and fires still burning. Even Cleon¡¯s little smokehouse is destroyed. I walk over to the little broken down hut and kicked the wood around. Suddenly my eyes widen as I discover some venison stringed up to a broken piece of wood. I drop the metal head of the pickaxe and quickly untied the string from the wood.


    ¡°Did you find something?¡± Garth asked.


    ¡°Venison! I¡¯m not sure how good it is, but it¡¯s from Cleon¡¯s deer!¡± I shouted. Suddenly I heard Garth running up from behind. He dropped down by my side and started picking wood up from the smokehouse and throwing it aside. I watched as he moved the very last piece hoping to find more. Garth breathed out in frustration and shook his head.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Those damn soldiers must of taken the rest.¡± He grumbled. Garth then stood up and looked around at what¡¯s left of our home. ¡°Well¡­ At least we found a decent cut.¡± Garth said as he stood up. ¡°We got ourselves food and water. That¡¯s good enough. If we start walking now, we should be able to reach Edinburgh by sundown.¡± I looked up at my uncle and seen his blue eyes gazing across the burning terrain with pain.


    ¡°Yeah. Let¡¯s get going.¡± I said grabbing the venison. With my other hand, I grabbed the pickaxe head with a full grasp. With a surprise, I couldn¡¯t feel any heat left. The frozen ground drained it away.


    ¡°What do you have there?¡± Garth asked.


    ¡°Just a part of a pickaxe. It was really warm when I found it. So, I used it to warm my hands. It¡¯s useless now though.¡± I said throwing it aside. I then stood up and look over from where the Vaesite soldiers came in and left. ¡°You think it¡¯s an easy walk to Edinburgh?¡± I asked.


    ¡°If we follow their beat down tracks, it shouldn¡¯t be too hard. I believe there¡¯s already enough distance between us and the soldiers, but if we do catch up. We should fall back for a while.¡± Garth said as he began walking.


    I started to follow my uncle through what¡¯s left of our home village. It¡¯s so strange that this place is quiet. Each day would be lively with the sound of wood being chopped, children playing, and people talking with one another.


    ¡°Hey Emerencia. I don¡¯t know how I can really say this, and I know there really isn¡¯t anything happy about it, but happy birthday.¡± He said looking back at me with what I could tell is a weak, but genuine smile. Even through all this, he can still show me a slight smile.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I muttered.


    As we begin to leave the village, I took one look back. I was hoping to look back today with everything still standing, neighbors waving, and my parents hugging and kissing me goodbye. Instead there¡¯s nobody. Nothing. I can suddenly feel a tear begin to roll down the right side of my cheek. I thought I cried every tear out last night, but I guess I¡¯m wrong.


    Garth looked back at me and slowed his pace to where he was walking by my side.


    ¡°Have you unsheathed your sword yet?¡± He asked. I looked down at the weapon at my side and shook my head.


    ¡°With everything that happened, I never really got my full focus on it just yet.¡±


    ¡°Well why don¡¯t you pull it out.¡± He insisted. I reached my hand up to the grip of the sword and slowly unsheathed it. I then widen my eyes in disbelief as I began to see more and more of the blade. Not only was the pommel, grip, and cross-guard black, but the blade too was black. Pitch black and yet it had a shine any new blade would have. Inscribed on the fuller in silvery words was ¡°Till The Last One Bleeds¡± -Garth Drason. He even put a quote in it. A quote I never heard before.


    ¡°Garth this amazing! How did you even make the blade black?¡±


    ¡°This is a blacksmiths secret.¡± He replied. I kept looking at him as we kept walking, expecting for him to tell me. Instead his head kept facing forward.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s the secret?¡± I promptly asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not gonna tell you.¡±


    ¡°Why not? I¡¯ve been helping you with your forge since I was little!¡± I protested.


    ¡°Because when I or we get a new forge, I¡¯ll do you something better. I¡¯ll teach you.¡± Suddenly I feel silent. Of course he would teach me. He always teaches me. I held my sword up and studied the blade that was dark as night. With the morning sun shining down on it, the glistening black blade look far more beautiful than it is. It¡¯s so nice, I don¡¯t even wanna swing it around and dull the edges. I looked at the quote written across the fuller.


    ¡°Garth what does your quote mean? Who is the the last one?¡± I asked. Garth shrugged his shoulders.


    ¡°That¡¯s up to you to decide. Yet of course it¡¯s up the every swordsmen to decide too.¡±

 Chapter 4: Arrival At Edinburgh

    I looked up at the evening sky where golden clouds mixed with the colors orange, red, and a little blue. With the mountains blocking the west back in Snowdrift I rarely seen anything like this.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± Garth suddenly asked. I looked away from the glowing sky and shot my uncle a puzzled look. ¡°A couple more steps and you¡¯ll see the whole city of Edinburgh from the top of this hill.¡± All of a sudden, my eyes shot open. Quickly I got excited knowing that once when I get to the top I¡¯ll see it all.


    I started to pick up my pace and began running. Little by little I started to see more and more of this new world. Finally, at last there it was! I stopped in my tracks and looked with awe at the large grassy green world full of pine trees, and a cluster of buildings down below surrounded by a stone wall. Just behind the city was a large body of water full of boats. Boats that I would see in pictures that Garth would draw for me when he told me his stories.


    ¡°It¡¯s so amazing! That¡­ That¡¯s Edinburgh, right?¡± I pointed as I looked back at my uncle. Garth finally caught up to me and nodded his.


    ¡°That¡¯s Edinburgh.¡± He said with a weak smile.


    ¡°The air even smells salty. Why is that?¡± I asked.


    ¡°You see that body of water?¡± Garth pointed. ¡°That¡¯s the ocean. All of that is made up of saltwater.¡± He said. I took a moment to look at the ocean, and I turned my focus back at the city. By the gods, I can¡¯t get over how big it is. I then looked down and noticed that I was a step away from touching grass. I picked my foot up and slowly stepped down on the green little blades. I didn¡¯t hear a crunch like I would in the snow. Nothing at all really. I took a few more steps and it felt so weird. I can easily stand up and walk on this. I bent down and brushed my hand against the soft little green plants. Little drops of water sparkled on the green blades as the evening sun shined down.


    ¡°This is so amazing! This is grass!¡± Garth shook his head and lightly laughed.


    ¡°Out of all things, I never thought you¡¯d be so excited over grass.¡± Garth chuckled. I stroked my hand across grass once more and stood back up.


    ¡°And this stretches on and on?¡±


    ¡°As far as the eye can see.¡± He replied as he gazed at the path ahead. ¡°Well shall we?¡± He asked. I nodded my head and quickly stood back up.


    ¡°Once we¡¯re inside the city, were will we go then?¡± I asked as I began trailing after him towards the city.


    ¡°First we¡¯ll get your birthday present. From there an old friend of mine might be able to shelter us for a bit.¡± Garth said.


    ¡°I see.¡± I mumbled feeling bad that Garth still insists taking me to this present. I fear we might be in some risk inside the city. I already have a beautiful sword. What more do I need?


    As we got closer, the city wall looked as if it grew higher. Almost as if it¡¯s at least three stories tall. Just up ahead I could see the gate into the city with two soldiers blocking it. If they ask where we¡¯re from would they kill us? Would they just let us pass? What excuse would Garth use if they asked us something?


    ¡°Garth what will happen when we approach the soldiers?¡± I whispered.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but I¡¯ll handle it.¡± He replied.


    As we got even more closer to the gate, a soldier on the left took a few steps forward and held up his hand half way. ¡°Both of you halt right there. Where are you from and state your business.¡± He demanded.


    ¡°We¡¯re both from Graycott. We¡¯re both plan on traveling to Zarell City, and we would like to stay at an Inn for the night.¡± Garth said. The soldier studied Garth and I as he hummed to himself.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re from Graycott huh?¡±


    ¡°Well of course.¡± Garth replied in a positive tone.


    ¡°I see. Well go on ahead.¡± He said stepping aside. I watched as the other soldier pull a lever up and the metal gate ahead slowly began to open. Garth continued forward without thanking them. Which I guess is understandable, but a risky move.


    As we walked in through the city gates everything was so different than I imagined. Houses made of fine stone were everywhere and people crowded the streets. Up above there was thin ropes holding clothes, and colorful plants growing out of jars up on windowsills. This place is so different compared to Snowdrift! My eye quickly caught a lady coming in my direction carrying a big basket of cheese and bread. I didn¡¯t realize until now how hungry I was. The venison from earlier was good, but wasn¡¯t enough. I wonder if the soldiers drop food off for the people here like they did in my village.


    I followed Garth in the direction where the lady came from and up ahead was a big opening full of so many food stands, weapons, jewelry, and bottles of some sort of drink. The streets were so noisy that it¡¯s hard to hear what people are saying from far away. I approached a stand, and the man standing behind it shouted. ¡°Bread! Get your fresh baked bread here!¡± My attention was completely drawn. I stepped up to the bread stand and looked at all sorts of bread just laying there. I can¡¯t believe these people are giving out bread. The people at Snowdrift never share their food, because there wasn¡¯t much to go around. Well except for Cleon. He was a talented hunter. ¡°Hey there young lady, you here for some bread? I got all sorts freshly baked today!¡±


    I looked down at a big loaf that was golden brown with little black tiny dots on top. ¡°This bread looks so delicious. Thank you, sir.¡± I said as I grabbed a big loaf. The bread was so warm in my hands that my mouth began to water.


    ¡°Poppy seed bread. You have pretty good taste.¡± He said. I brought the bread up to my mouth and took a bite. The bread tastes so good, and yet so warm. Never have I had bread this good before. My eyes close from how delicious it was. I could feel the little seeds crunch against my teeth. I could live off this forever! ¡°You got money for that right?¡±


    ¡°Money? What¡¯s that?¡± I said as I went for another bite. Suddenly the man grabbed my wrist and slammed it down on the stand.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a charity little lady! If you¡¯re gonna be a thief, then I¡¯ll punish you!¡± He barked  as he pulled a cleaver out from under his stand. I started to panic and pull my arm out, but his grip was too strong. I looked around thinking Garth was right behind me, but he wasn¡¯t. He must not of noticed me when I stopped. Quickly the man raised the cleaver up in the air.


    ¡°Get your hands off her! I¡¯m paying for it.¡± Said a voice behind me. The man running the stand took his hand off my arm and lowered the cleaver. I looked behind myself and seen a guy who looked to be the same age as me with medium brown hair down to the bottom of his ears and amber eyes. He was wearing a dark blue, light coat with a brown shirt and pants. Attached to his back was an axe that looked like a cross between a wood chopping axe, and a battle axe. The blade of the weapon was convexed outward and the shape reminded me of a crescent moon. He slapped down a couple of round silver looking chips and grabbed the loaf I bit into to.


    ¡°Next time pay before you take.¡± The bread man snarled.


    ¡°It won''t happen again!¡± The swordsman argued as he took my hand. He started walking me to the center of the street, and then he let go of my hand.


    ¡°Thank you for saving me.¡± I said.


    ¡°I never met someone who doesn''t know what money is. You must not be from around here.¡± He said.


    ¡°Well. I um¡­¡±


    ¡°Emma!¡± I turned around to my uncle¡¯s voice and seen Garth making his way over to me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I got distracted and lost you.¡± I said as Garth approached me.


    ¡°You know each other?¡± The guy asked.


    ¡°Yeah this is my niece.¡±


    ¡°You should keep a closer eye on her. She almost lost her hand. Luckily I stepped in to pay.¡± The guy said. Garth turned his attention over to my hands and noticed the poppy seed bread.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that. She still has much to learn. Thank you for the help, I wish I had the coin to pay you.¡± Garth said. I looked at them both confused. Coin? Was is that? Could it be that silvery chip from earlier?


    ¡°No need. You both don¡¯t seem like you¡¯re from around here.¡± The guy said.


    ¡°We¡¯re not.¡± Garth replied as he began walking. ¡°Emma let¡¯s get going before it gets too late.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± I replied as began following Garth. I looked back at the guy who helped me, but he was no longer there. Almost as if he disappeared. I turned my head forward and kept my eyes on Garth, so I wouldn¡¯t lose him again. ¡°Would you like some bread?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Garth replied as he slowed his pace to be by my side. I handed the warm loaf over to him. Garth carefully tore a piece off and handed it back. ¡°I¡¯m guessing you just took the bread?¡± Garth asked.


    ¡°Yeah. The man at the stand asked for money. I had no idea what he was talking about. Then he almost chopped my hand off! I never heard of this money before.¡± I said taking another bite.


    ¡°Well how do I explain it to you? Money works kind of similar with trade. Kind of like how the Vaesite trade us food for your father¡¯s ore. You can do all sorts with money. You see, coins have value. You can buy food, pay people to do certain things, gamble, and a whole lot more. The list goes on really.¡±


    ¡°So how do I get this money?¡± I questioned.


    ¡°You can do just a whole lot to get money. You can work for it, sell things, beg for it, and speaking of money take a look here.¡± Garth said as he pointed at the ground. I looked down and seen a shiny silver chip sparkle in the afternoon sun. It looked like the same one from earlier too. Garth bent over and picked the coin up from off the ground. ¡°Here this is yours.¡± He said as he placed the coin in my hand. ¡°Put it in your boot for now. Maybe sometimes I can craft you a little pouch to hold money in.¡± He said as he continued walking again.


    I looked down at the coin and seen a face of a fancy looking man on the front. I flipped it over and on the back was a shield with little star on it. I brought my knee up and slipped the coin into my boot. I could feel the round cold chip ride down my shin and land next to my ankle. As I continued walking it felt pretty uncomfortable. Almost like I have a flat little rock in my boot.


    ¡°Garth Drason! Here at last!¡± A man shouted up ahead. As soon as I heard my uncle¡¯s name be called out to, I quickly caught up next to my uncle and seen a man with long blonde hair tied back and dressed in a brown button up shirt sitting next to a forge outside a home. ¡°Ahh is this your niece that you were talking about?¡± He asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s her.¡± Garth replied. ¡°Emerencia this my good friend Digby. Him and I use to work together as blacksmiths before I got married. Digby this is Emerencia.¡± I looked over at Digby with surprise. So, this was the guy that Garth use to work with before he adventured and found his spouse.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you, sir.¡±


    ¡°To you as well! If you¡¯re here it must be your birthday? I heard you were pretty excited to finally leave Snowdrift. How are you liking it so far?¡± Digby asked. Without a response I looked up at my uncle not knowing what to say.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Did something happen?¡± Digby asked.


    ¡°Actually, it¡¯s about the village. We should go inside and talk about this.¡± Garth said.


    ¡°Suuure.¡± Digby slowly said looking confused. Digby walked over to the door of the house and held it open for us. ¡°Well you both make yourself comfortable.¡±


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    ¡°Thank you, Digby.¡± My uncle said as he started to walk in. I started to follow Garth into the house. As I entered, I could smell freshly cut pine in the air. The house wasn¡¯t much, but filled with tools on the walls along with weapons, and a couple chairs next to a fireplace to the far right along with a huge stack of wood. Then in the back was a single door to another room.


    ¡°Alright so what¡¯s going on?¡± Digby asked as he shut the door behind him.


    ¡°The Vaesite attacked Snowdrift yesterday. Emerencia and I are the only ones who made it out alive.¡± Garth softly said.


    ¡°By the gods you¡¯re serious. Why¡¯d that happen?¡±


    ¡°Marth had another low production. The Vaesite gave us another warning, but it seems Marth clearly understood what was gonna happen. My theory is that Marth believed that he would reach the production limit this time.¡±


    ¡°So, Marth is gone, huh? Cleon too?¡± Digby asked.


    ¡°Just Emerencia and I.¡± Garth said looking at me. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for that hot spring, Emma would¡¯ve been a goner as well.¡±


    ¡°For the love of Larine!¡± Digby yelled has he brought his hand up to his forehead. Digby let down his hand and shook his head with release of air. ¡°How are you both holding up after all this?¡± He quietly asked.


    ¡°We both practically cried every last drop out last night and this morning. Throughout this whole day, I was mainly staying focused on getting to Edinburgh before sundown.¡± Garth responded. Digby slowly nodded.


    ¡°How about you?¡± Digby asked as he turned to me.


    ¡°I¡¯m trying my best to ignore it, but the¡­ Never mind.¡± I stopped. I wanted to keep going on how I could hear screams of my people echoing through my ears. Especially Tobie¡¯s. The things I seen keeps replaying and replaying in my head. Almost like I can see it.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s difficult to talk about, but that¡¯s okay.¡± Digby replied. ¡°To change the topic. How about I get Emma her present?¡±


    ¡°Wait what?¡± I said looking at the two confused.


    ¡°I think it¡¯ll help get our mind off things.¡± Garth said. Digby nodded with a smile and walked off to the room in the back.


    ¡°So, you always see Digby whenever you travel to Edinburgh?¡± I asked Garth.


    ¡°I see another good friend of mine too. Then the three of us get together and catch up.¡± Garth replied.


    ¡°And you never took me along until now?¡±


    ¡°Well your parents did give me permission to take you traveling when you¡¯re eighteen. Otherwise we would out somewhere in the world by now.¡± Garth said. Just then Digby emerged out of the back door with a big white wooden rectangular box. On the top was a red ribbon that tied the top cover down to the box itself. I looked over at my uncle and for once out of today, I could a warm smile. No trace of pain or force was pushed into it. Just a pure smile. Even his blue eyes had warmth.


    ¡°Here you are. Happy birthday!¡± Digby cheered as he set the box down in front of me. ¡°Sorry I couldn¡¯t find a nicer looking box. It¡¯s the same box where my wife keeps her old wedding dress. I had to move that to back of my dresser.¡± Digby laughed.


    ¡°Looks like you went through more trouble than I imagined.¡± Garth laughed.


    ¡°Luckily she didn¡¯t notice for the past month! Not like she wears it anyways.¡± Digby replied.


    ¡°So, is this another weapon? Like a dagger or something?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Well you gotta open it and find out.¡± Garth replied.


    ¡°I can tell you this. Garth designed it, and I made it.¡± Digby said. I looked at box with curiosity and gently begin untying the red ribbon. Garth designed it? I thought Garth could make anything. He can craft weapons, armor, and building materials. What is it that Digby made from his design?


    As I got the ribbon done, I slowly uncovered the top of the box and my eyes begin to widen. As I reached in, I carefully pulled out a beautiful white button up short sleeve shirt with a long collar. On the ends of both sleeves was a ribbon looking band that looked adjustable to tighten the sleeves. Just below the shirt was a brown leather vest with little black strings in a shape of a ¡°V¡± going up through the middle. Even through the middle of the vest, to the top was a gold looking fabric as well bordering the outside. It didn¡¯t seem to be the same material like the ribbon bands on the shirt. As I pulled the vest up, I noticed there was a white skirt attached to the bottom of the vest with gold designs as well twisting through the skirt like a thorn vine. It looked almost like a sleeveless dress. Then right towards the bottom was a pair of fine long black leather boots with the same vine design along with a pair of long basic black socks.


    ¡°Well what do you think of your new outfit?¡± Garth asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful. I love it! Thank you both so much!¡±


    ¡°Your uncle drew me the the whole outfit on paper. Told me the colors and wrote down the measurements.¡± Digby said.


    ¡°I never had time to work on a dress back in Snowdrift. A sword I could do, but I needed extra help with this.¡± Garth added.


    ¡°Wait. How did you get my measurements?¡± I asked Garth.


    ¡°What do you mean? I¡¯m always the one who¡¯s making boots and fur coats for you, your whole life. Well just about everyone in the village too.¡± Garth replied.


    ¡°Right. I kind of forgot.¡± I said.


    ¡°How about you try it on? Get out of them warm clothes for a change.¡± Garth suggested.


    ¡°Sure. You can go ahead in the bedroom back there and try it on.¡± Digby added.


    ¡°Alright then.¡± I said as stood up with the box. I began making my to the room in the back where Digby came out of. As I walked into the bedroom, it felt almost as if I walked into a whole different house. Instead of smithing tools and weapons hanging on the wall. It¡¯s actually a beautiful bedroom! A bed in the center of the room that¡¯s similar to the one my parents had. The base of the bed seemed more patted down, and not one blanket made out of animal hide. Instead these were quilts. I seen some in snowdrift, but nothing this nice. Then around the room were a couple dressers and shelves filled with decorations. A strange stone critter, and a few glass bottles with an orange colored liquid with perfume written across it. There were even some little carved statues of angels, or maybe they¡¯re Valkyries.


    As I close the door behind me, I gently set the box down and begin to strip everything off. I reached into the box and pulled out the white short sleeved button up. I unbuttoned the top two buttons on the shirt and began slipping it over my body with ease. The way it fits is perfect. The long collar is soft, and enough room is there to easily move my neck. Even the bands on both ends of the sleeve don¡¯t seem to get in the way of my arm movement. Next, I pulled out the cuirass vest with the white skirting attached with the golden thorn vine design. As I slipped that over myself, I could feel the comfortable fit from my waist up. Looking down at the skirting was absolutely beautiful. It almost looks as if the golden thorns are climbing up me.


    At the bottom of the box was the long black folded socks and boots. I pulled them both out and set the boots aside me. I sat myself down on the bed and lifted my right leg up as I slipped my foot though. I kept pulling and pulling until the sock reached to the middle of thigh. After that, I started with the other. Finally, I grabbed one of the boots and pushed my leg in. From the tips of my thumbs, I could feel a soft wool insulation on the inside. It didn¡¯t feel so thick, nor too thin. At the bottom of the boot, I could feel soft cushioning pressing against my foot. At last I wrapped my belt around me and moved my sword over to my left side. I¡¯m not sure how I look, but I absolutely love it! I shook the coin out from my boot and stuffed it in my new one, and got ready to step out.


    I opened the door with a grin and suddenly both Garth and Digby looked at me with my old clothes in my arms.


    ¡°Throw your old fur clothes aside and let¡¯s see how you look. You don''t need them anymore.¡± Garth said.


    ¡°Throw everything in the fireplace here, but the fur boots! Beaver fur is hard to come by.¡± Digby said. I nodded and placed my old boots aside as I made my way over to his fireplace. With a gentle swing my old clothing went flying into the fire. Quickly the sparks of ashes flew up and drifted its way back down. I backed off from the fireplace and turned around facing the two.


    ¡°Wow Digby that looks far better in person than it did on my sketches. She looks like a child of Raria.¡± Garth praised.


    ¡°Thanks. My wife did help out with part of it. The golden thorn design on her boots and skirting was her idea.¡± Digby replied.


    ¡°Well it definitely leaves a nice touch too.¡± Garth said.


    ¡°It¡¯s very comfortable and beautiful. Once again thank you both!¡± I said. Suddenly three loud knocks were at the front door and it quickly flew open.


    ¡°Digby you mind if!¡± Suddenly the person stopped as he seen me. His eyes gazed from my head to toes in awe. It was the person from before that prevented my hand from being chopped off. ¡°Sorry for intruding, I could wait outside.¡±


    ¡°Not at all Zael, come on in! I like you to meet a couple people here.¡± Digby said waving him in. Zael shut the door behind him and stepped over to fireplace near us. ¡°Zael I like to introduce you to Garth Drason. I¡¯m sure you remember me telling you about him?¡± Zael looked over at my uncle with shock and quickly reached out his hand.


    ¡°You¡¯re that amazing blacksmith that Digby told me about! He said you could forge the most outstanding weapons! Not only that, but you¡¯re a highly skilled swordsman! It¡¯s an honor to meet you!¡±


    ¡°Very well experienced, but I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m that amazing. Thank you though.¡± Garth said shaking his hand.


    ¡°Oh, and Zael this is Garth¡¯s niece, Emerencia Drason.¡± Digby said pointing at me. Zael looked over at me still speechless and reached his hand out as well.


    ¡°You¡¯re the guy who helped me earlier.¡± I muttered as I shook his hand.


    ¡°I figured you looked familiar. Thank you again for stepping in.¡± Garth said.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ Sorry if I seemed bitter towards the both of you earlier.¡± Zael replied.


    ¡°You are forgiven. I¡¯m just happy she¡¯s okay.¡± Garth said.


    ¡°So, it seems you already met?¡± Digby asked.


    ¡°Sort of. He stepped in and paid for bread that Emma grabbed at the marketplace. Living in Snowdrift her whole life she doesn¡¯t know anything about money.¡± Garth said.


    ¡°So, you''re from Snowdrift? I guess it kind of makes a little more sense.¡± Zael said looking at me.


    ¡°This is Zael. He comes by to deliver wood to my house. Not only a customer, but more of a good friend to me. Anyways what brings you in all worked up?¡± Digby asked.


    ¡°I was hoping you¡¯d let me use your tools to sharpen my dagger.¡± Zael said. Digby nodded.


    ¡°Well sure. You¡¯re always welcome to, Zael.¡± Digby said.


    ¡°How about I do it for you? For helping my niece earlier. Maybe I could improve your axe there too.¡± Garth suggested. Zael¡¯s face quickly brightened and he instantly passed his weapons over to my uncle with a nod of his head.


    ¡°How about I join you? Just like old times.¡± Digby asked.


    ¡°Sounds like fun to me!¡± Garth cheered. Digby and Garth both stood up and began to walk out the door until Digby stopped in tracks.


    ¡°Oh, um hey, Zael. I don¡¯t wanna cause you trouble with Korla or anything, but these two don¡¯t have anywhere to stay, I was wondering if you could allow them two to stay at the orphanage for a bit?¡± Digby asked.


    ¡°I¡¯d be honored to do so.¡± Zael replied looking at Garth.


    ¡°Wonderful! Since it¡¯s night, how about you show Emma the way there. I¡¯m sure she¡¯s exhausted after walking all day. When Garth and I are finished up, I¡¯ll walk him there as well with your things.¡± Digby said.


    ¡°Sounds good. Can you both work in the dark?¡± Zael asked as we both followed after them.


    ¡°I can, but I¡¯m sure Garth can work with his eyes closed.¡± Digby laughed as he held the door open. Zael and I both stepped outside, and I begin to follow Zael.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you in a while!¡± I shouted to Garth.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be asleep by the time I arrive. So, I¡¯m gonna have to say goodnight!¡± Garth shouted back.


    ¡°Alright goodnight. Thank you both again!¡± I yelled as I turned forward. Now it¡¯s just me and this guy named Zael. I looked down at myself, but the colors of my new clothing could no longer be seen.


    As we walked through what are now dark empty streets neither of us said a word. It almost felt a bit uncomfortable.


    ¡°So, do you help out at the orphanage?¡± I asked trying to spark a conversation.


    ¡°Well it¡¯s kind of my home.¡± Zael answered.


    ¡°So, are you from Edinburgh?¡±


    ¡°No. I grew up with my parents at a farm in Springmeadow Village. From there it¡¯s a touchy subject.¡± Zael quickly replied. From how fast he responded, I¡¯m not sure if I upset him or not.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, I understand. Garth and I just lost everything last night. I¡¯m just happy he got to see Digby. This is the most he smiled since.¡± I said.


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear. We should probably speed up. You look a little more cold now than you did when we first met. These spring nights can be chilly.¡±


    ¡°So, it¡¯s spring? I could never tell in the mountains.¡± I said looking up at the starry night sky.


    After a while of walking through the streets, strangely not another word was said. Before I knew it, we both arrived to a building with ¡°Edinburgh Orphanage¡± written across on a wooden board in giant letters clear enough to see in the dark.


    ¡°Alright we¡¯re here.¡± Zael said as he opened the door. I walked into the building and seen children everywhere. A couple of girls ran by with dolls. A few kids were doing their own thing, and some were playing in groups. ¡°Here I thought they¡¯ll be in bed by now.¡± Zael said to himself.


    ¡°What happened to their parents?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Accidents, drinking, gone missing, and murdered. Some parents just drop them off here.¡± Zael said as he walked out. I followed him into the room where there were at least fourteen kids playing and racing around. One of the boys running through the room caught Zael by a glimpse and stopped.


    ¡°Hey, Zael¡¯s back!¡± He shouted. Just about all the kids in the room stopped what they were doing and surrounded us.


    ¡°Where have you been, Zael?¡±


    ¡°Who is this girl?¡±


    ¡°Is this your new admirer?¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s your axe at?¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay. Calm down everyone. Let me explain.¡± Zael said. Suddenly all the children grew quiet. ¡°This is Emerencia. She¡¯s from the village of Snowdrift in the mountains. She''s going to stay here for a little bit along with her uncle. Now I''m going to find Korla.¡± Zael said as he walked off. A couple kids followed after him, and the rest stood around me except for a little blonde girl that I across the room sitting against the wall with her head tucked in her knees. Almost like she¡¯s crying.


    ¡°Hey Emmaranzia? Are the mountains cold?¡± A little boy with blond hair asked.


    ¡°Well It can be, but you need to dress warm.¡± I replied.


    ¡°How old are you, Emarenzi? A brown-haired girl with freckles asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m eighteen, but could you kids tell me who that girl is over there?¡± I pointed. Suddenly all the kids turned their heads in the direction to where I was pointing.


    ¡°Her name is Molly. She hasn¡¯t really spoken any words since she arrived.¡± Said the blonde boy.


    ¡°Can you kids can go play. I¡¯m going to talk to her, Okay?¡± I said as I began walking to the young girl. Suddenly all the kids scattered like fresh snow in a breeze and continued playing. ¡°Are you okay?¡± I asked the girl. I sat down on the floor next to her and waited for a response. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be shy. My name is Emerencia, but you can call me Emma. Would you like to be friends?¡± I asked. Molly then nodded her head, but kept her face covered in her knees. ¡°Why are you sad?¡±


    ¡°I miss my parents!¡± She said as she lifted her head. Behind all her blonde hair and knees was a adorable face. So adorable that I grew confused. Did her parents drop her off? Didn''t want her? Not with a face like this.


    ¡°May I ask what happened to your parents?¡±


    ¡°My Mommy left me here. She said it¡¯s not safe in the village.¡± Molly sniffed.


    ¡°What village are you from?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Ironmist.¡± Molly said.


    ¡°You know I grew up in a village too. I just left last night because the soldiers attacked. Your mother must have sent you here to protect you, huh.¡± I said as I rubbed her head. ¡°I¡¯m sure she wants you to be strong.¡± I added. Molly sniffed her nose and nodded.


    ¡°Are you going to leave this place?¡± Molly asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, Molly. I might be gone sometime soon. I don¡¯t know how long I¡¯ll be staying.¡± I replied.


    ¡°If you go. Can you take me with? I don¡¯t want to be here.¡± She cried.


    Just then a door opened and Zael walked out with a old lady in a blue dress. Molly seen the two coming and she shyly dug her head into my shoulder facing away from them.


    ¡°So, this is one of the two guests? She asked as she stepped forward and smiled. ¡°Hello dear my name is, Korla. I own the orphanage. I see you already made a friend.¡±


    ¡°She is a sweet child. Anyways my name is Emerencia. It¡¯s good to meet you.¡± I replied.


    ¡°To you as well. You and your uncle are welcome to stay as long as you wish. Just so you know, Supper will be done real shortly for everyone.¡± She said as she began walking back to the kitchen.


    ¡°With all that walking, I¡¯m sure you must be tired? Are you up for some soup?¡± Zael asked.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll stick around for a bowl.¡± I replied.


    ¡°Alright, well I¡¯m about to help Korla get ready. Will you be okay out here?¡± Zael asked.


    ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll be fine.¡± I said. Zael gave me a nod and followed after Korla. Molly then brought her head up and looked around.


    ¡°Were you shy?¡± I asked. Molly thought for a second and nodded her head. ¡°It¡¯s okay. There¡¯s no reason to be shy. I¡¯m sure those two are nice.¡±


    ¡°Are you spending the night here?¡± Molly asked looking up at me.


    ¡°Yeah. I think I¡¯ll head to bed along with everyone else.¡±


    Within a little bit a bell was ringing from the other room and everyone formed a line as Zael came out passing out bowls to everyone. The kids went into the kitchen and came out with their bowl full. Suddenly I seen children finding a spot on the floor to fill their stomachs. As I lined up with Molly, Zael passed me an empty bowl and kept moving. As the line kept moving, I finally met Korla in the kitchen who gave me two scoops of the soup.


    After I thanked Korla, I moved out to the room with Molly with the rest of children and sat down in the same spot where we both were just sitting. As I ate Molly began telling me more about her farm life in Ironmist. She told me how she held the baby chicks and played with the kittens. How her father use to throw her in the hay pile for fun before he went off to fight against the Vaesite. Molly told me how her mother kept promising her that he¡¯ll return. Knowing that her mother brought Molly here. It kind of sounds like bad news, but he could still be alive. After a little while, Zael finally came out of the kitchen and began gathering bowls. After he got just about every last kid, he approached Molly and me.


    ¡°How is everything?¡± He asked as he grabbed my empty bowls.


    ¡°It¡¯s good, but why is everyone eating on the floor?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have a big enough kitchen, and we can¡¯t afford chairs. The kids don¡¯t seem to mind though.¡± Zael said as he grabbed the bowl from Molly. He wasn¡¯t wrong. I didn¡¯t mind eating on the floor, but it was different than what I¡¯m used to. ¡°Did you like the soup?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I do. I can taste pumpkin in it.¡± I said looking down at my bowl.


    ¡°It¡¯s what I bought at the market today when I found you. There¡¯s pumpkin, milk, maple syrup, salt, and garlic all in this. Korla¡¯s own recipe.¡± Zael said. Next thing I knew, all the kids were walking off towards a room in the back.


    ¡°Where are the kids going now?¡± I asked.


    ¡°To bed. It¡¯s already late, but Korla¡¯s pumpkin soup takes time to cook.¡± Zael replied.


    ¡°I guess, I¡¯ll head in too. I¡¯m not sure what Garth has planned for tomorrow.¡± I said standing up with a yawn.


    ¡°Very well. I guess, I¡¯ll see you in there.¡± Zael said walking back into the kitchen. I began following Molly into the room where all the children walked into. As I entered, I stopped in my tracks to the site of beds everywhere. Beds on top of beds which I never seen before! I¡¯m not even sure where I¡¯ll be sleeping. I scanned my eyes around the room for an empty spot, but it was hard to tell with the kids were getting dressed in white nightgowns and crawling into their beds.


    ¡°I¡¯ll grab you a nightgown that¡¯ll fit you.¡± A voice said behind me. I turned around and seen Korla walking to a closet grabbing a nightgown off a shelf. ¡°This should fit you, dear.¡± She said as she walked back over and handed me the gown.


    ¡°Mrs. Korla can Emma sleep next to me?¡± Molly suddenly asked. I was pretty glad she did. I would have been waiting for an empty bed to show when everyone was settled in.


    ¡°Of course, she can dear, but that¡¯s her decision. You have to ask her.¡± Korla replied.


    ¡°Emma could you sleep next to me?¡± Molly asked giving me adorable puppy eyes.


    ¡°Of course, I can. Let me go in the other room, and change.¡± I said. Molly got excited and pointed to a bed in the middle of the room.


    ¡°That¡¯s my assigned bed. I¡¯ll meet you there.¡± Molly said as she walked off.


    After I got changed I walked back out with my gear and laid down next to Molly. The room was very quiet. Some kids were awake, but not a thing was said. Zael then walked in dressed for bed as well. He came right over to me with an extra blanket.


    ¡°Just in case you get cold at night. If you need any more blankets, you can come find me. My bed is in the far corner if you need anything. I¡¯ll be blowing the candles out soon, but I¡¯ll stay awake for your uncle¡¯s arrival.¡± He said as started walking away.


    After he left. I kept my eyes up at the ceiling and before I know it, they¡¯re forcing shut on me. After a big day, I know I should no longer fight it. I just hope Garth come here safe.

 Chapter 5: Tell Me Im Not Alone

    ¡°Hey, Emma it¡¯s time to raise. Korla made soup for everyone.¡± Garth said gently nudging my shoulder. As I sat up, I noticed all the children were no longer in the room. It was only Garth and me.


    ¡°Soup again? When did you arrive last night?¡± I asked with a yawn. I looked beside me, but Molly wasn¡¯t there.


    ¡°Digby walked me here shortly after his wife came back from closing her little shop. Zael answered the door and seemed pretty happy about his axe improvement.¡± Garth replied.


    ¡°Well I¡¯m glad to see you here safe.¡± I said as I scooted over to the side of the bed.


    ¡°You as well. How did things go when you arrived last night?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Not bad. The kids got excited to see a new face, but other than that. I ate supper and I basically dropped like a log when I went to bed.¡± I said as I grabbed my gear. ¡°I¡¯m gonna get dressed, and I¡¯ll be right out.¡± I said as I made my way to an empty room to change.


    As I closed the door behind me, I pulled the nightgown off from over my head and began to get dressed. Afterwards, I pushed my blonde hair back and walked out to see Zael and my uncle smiling in conversation.


    ¡°So, is pumpkin soup for breakfast?¡± I asked as I approached them.


    ¡°Korla made Potato Soup for breakfast. You can go in the kitchen and grab a bowl.¡± Garth Said.


    ¡°Potato now? What¡¯s all in it?¡±


    ¡°Potatoes.¡± Zael replied. I shot Zael a confused look and turned my attention towards Garth who seemed to have ate.


    ¡°What else is there? Beef? Venison? Corn?¡± I questioned.


    ¡°Just potatoes.¡± Zael repeated.


    ¡°Alright?¡± I awkwardly said as I walked away. Did I irritate Zael? Surely, he seemed fine yesterday, but he seems different today.


    As the questions keep filling my head, I walked towards a room where voices of kids could be heard. As I entered, about a dozen children sitting on the floor had their focus on me.


    ¡°Emma¡¯s awake!¡± Announced one of the blonde boys from last night. Just then the rest of the children with their back towards me turned their head in my direction. Now the whole room was staring at me. Including Molly against a wall with a little smile on her face. Just then Korla walked out with a bowl already filled halfway with her soup.


    ¡°Good morning dear! I was just cleaning up in the kitchen. I had your bowl set aside for you, but it may be cold.¡± She said as she quickly handed me the bowl.


    ¡°Oh, thank you. Do you need help with anything at all? You seem to be in a rush.¡± I said. Korla squinted her eyes and tilted her to the side.


    ¡°Rush?¡± She puzzledly asked. ¡°Oh no! As soon as I heard one of the children say your name, I had to dry my hands and grab your bowl. I was just washing the dishes.¡± She laughed as she turned away.


    ¡°Alright. Well thank you again!¡± I hooted as I walked back to the room. I noticed Molly looking at me from across the room and assumed she wanted me to sit next to her.


    As I came over, I sat down next to Molly and dipped my spoon into the soup.


    ¡°So how did you sleep?¡± I asked as I brought the spoon up to my mouth with a small chunk of chopped potato resting in the middle. I noticed that no steam was raising from the bowl, nor the spoon. So, it must be cold already.


    ¡°I slept okay.¡± Molly simply replied. I nodded my head and took a bite. Suddenly I made a face of disgust as the bland watery flavor of potato soaked my entire tongue. Just then a few children including Molly burst with laughter. I seriously don¡¯t want to eat this, but I¡¯m not sure when I¡¯ll eat next.


    I brought the bowl up to my face and quickly took down what I could. As I brought the bowl down, I noticed half of the kids were watching me with a smirk. Suddenly their eyes turned their focus on something behind me.


    ¡°Looks like you¡¯re already done?¡± Garth laughed as he walked over. I looked down at my bowl and seen six more chunks of potatoes resting at the bottom.


    ¡°Just about. The soup is hard to take down.¡± I whispered. Garth closed his eyes and gently nodded his head.


    ¡°Korla told me that she¡¯s practically poor. It¡¯s usually up to Zael to buy the food. He earns the money from working at the lumber camp to the south of the city. Zael told me he did most of the shopping yesterday for that pumpkin soup you mentioned.¡± Garth whispered back. I nodded my head and brought the next spoonful of potato bits up to my mouth for the next bite. Hearing this, I¡¯m sure Korla is very grateful to have him here to help out.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan for today?¡± I asked.


    ¡°We¡¯re gonna meet up with Digby outside of Aarus¡¯s temple and from their we¡¯ll walk to the Edinburgh Ale Company. There¡¯s someone I want you to meet. His names, Vlad. Another good ol friend of mine. I¡¯m sure he can help us find a place to properly get settled in.¡±


    ¡°You mind if I tag along?¡± Zael asked as he appeared from behind me.


    ¡°Not at all.¡± Garth replied.


    ¡°When shall we leave then?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Whenever is fine. Garth said. ¡°Digby¡¯s shop is right across from the temple. He told me that he¡¯ll be running the smith shop with his wife until we arrive.¡±


    I took the last spoonful of cold soggy potatoes and swallowed without trying to make a face in front of Zael.


    ¡°Well I¡¯m ready now if you both are.¡± I said as I stood up.


    ¡°Hey, Emmie? Can I come with?¡± Molly asked. I looked down to the right of me and seen Molly looking up at me with her big blue eyes. I don¡¯t mind her coming along. I could tell by yesterday, she clearly doesn¡¯t want to be here. I don¡¯t really know how to respond. She isn¡¯t my sister or anything.


    ¡°It¡¯s probably best you stay here with the rest.¡± Zael said as he grabbed the dish from me. Molly without a word nodded her head and stared down at her almost empty bowl of that disgusting soup. I felt bad for her, but I¡¯m not sure what exactly we¡¯ll be doing today, or how late we¡¯ll be out. ¡°I¡¯m gonna give this to Korla and let her know that I¡¯ll be heading out with you two.¡± Zael said as he walked towards the kitchen.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be alright, Molly. I¡¯ll be back.¡± I said as I turned to her.


    ¡°You promise?¡± She asked.


    ¡°I promise.¡± I said with a nod as I looked her in the eyes. Not another word from Molly was said as Garth and I stood there waiting for Zael.


    ¡°Well how is that fitting you?¡± Garth asked pointing at my clothing. I looked down at my myself where the golden thorn vines seem to be crawling up me from the boots to the skirting at my waist.


    ¡°I¡¯m not having any discomfort yet, but I do love it. Thank you.¡± Garth¡¯s blue eyes were focused on my neck. With a squint of his eyes, he tilted his head to the side as he reached for it.


    ¡°Your shirt collar is folded up on one side.¡± He laughed as he began adjusting it.


    ¡°Yeah, I never wore a shirt like this before.¡± I said looking down where his hands.


    ¡°That¡¯s okay. It¡¯s always an easy fix.¡± Garth said as he brought his hands down. I brought my hand up to my neck to feel the shirt collar and I suddenly seen a flash of my father¡¯s neck pouring out blood.


    ¡°Emma? What¡¯s the matter? You¡¯re suddenly looking pale.¡± Garth uttered. To the sound of my uncle¡¯s voice, I quickly snapped back into reality.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay. I just. A memory flashed from the other day.¡± I said as I lowered my hand. I could hear Garth deeply breathe in, and after a couple seconds I could hear his breath escape.


    ¡°Your father?¡± Garth asked.


    ¡°What about my father? How did you know, I was thinking of him?¡± I quietly asked.


    ¡°Nothing. Your hand was at your neck, and you told me that you had a flash. Your father was the first thing to come into my mind.¡± Garth replied as Zael walked into the room adjusting the axe on his back.


    ¡°I¡¯m ready when you are.¡± Zael said.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Will you be alright?¡± Garth asked me.


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll be fine.¡± I said as I walked into my uncle for a hug. From over Garth¡¯s shoulder, I could see Zael patently sitting there.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s hard but try not to think about it.¡± Garth said as he stepped out of my arms.


    ¡°Alright.¡± I simply replied knowing that this topic has been difficult to push aside.


    ¡°Well let¡¯s head out then.¡± Garth said as he made his way towards the door. Zael and I followed him and as we three reached the exit, I looked back at Molly who looked like an abandoned fawn. Lost and confused. Gods I feel bad for her.


    As Garth opened the door, I felt a cool breeze hit my face, and rush of air through my hair. Zael looked back as he walked out, giving a wave out to all the kids who were watching us from behind. As the last one out, I closed the door behind myself and started walking with the two.


    ¡°So, Digby¡¯s shop is across Aarus¡¯s temple? I didn¡¯t know there was a temple of Aarus.¡± I said.


    ¡°Wait! You mean you never heard of Aarus¡¯s temple?¡± Zael said shooting me a confused glace.


    ¡°Nooo.¡± I slowly replied looking just as confused as him.


    ¡°It¡¯s the temple that K¨¢ra protected during her last battle. Ring a bell?¡± Zael asked.


    ¡°You mean K¨¢ra the Valkyrie?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yeah! A statue of her is even built outside the temple in her honor.¡± Zael said.


    ¡°I still wasn¡¯t aware of this temple though. Nor K¨¢ra¡¯s last battle.¡± I said. Zael¡¯s face quickly grew with irritation, but instead of feeling bad for not knowing, I let out a small laughed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not really sure what a Valkyrie is ether. An angel that fights or something?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Well yes and no.¡± Garth said jumping into the conversation just as Zael was about to say something. ¡°For what I read, during the four day great war, a Valkyrie appeared from another world to aid Aarus and the mortals. Apparently K¨¢ra stepped away of her role in her former world and fought on the ground leading the humans into battle to take down Scourge''s evil creations such as monsters. After the war ended, K¨¢ra carried every fallen soul to the heavens and to hell. Afterwards she left this world. Aarus liked the idea of having someone to carry the souls to both of the afterlifes and he created a Valkyrie of his own. So, he made Visellia. Unlike K¨¢ra, Visellia doesn¡¯t fight.¡± Garth said.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, but you forgot an important detail.¡± Zael said. Garth rubbed his beard in thought as quietly walked.


    ¡°Ah you¡¯re right, Zael!¡± Garth quickly shouted. ¡°Aarus deeply honored the Valkyrie that he offered to make her the goddess of war, but she had to refuse and return home. So Aarus decided to keep watch for a female warrior who leads an army. If she leads her army into victory, Aarus will make her a Valkyrie and crown her the goddess of war in honor of K¨¢ra.¡± Garth said as he looked up at the blue sky.


    ¡°Now I figured out why I haven¡¯t seen any female Vaesites.¡± Zael scoffed. Zael¡¯s right. Could the Vaesite fear a female soldier of their own to become a god? Perhaps someone powerful enough to overthrow the king? I only heard the nine gods, but not a goddess of war. If there¡¯s another world that K¨¢ra came from?


    ¡°If K¨¢ra came from another world. Are there other gods we don¡¯t know about?¡± I asked getting one of the questions out of my head.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure there is, but they¡¯re not ours. So, it¡¯s probably best that they don¡¯t come into our world.¡± Garth replied. It makes sense thinking about it. Another war between gods could clash. We could be worshipping gods who aren''t ours. Anything could happen.


    As we took a left turn onto another street, I could see more market stands, a couple buildings with ¡°Inn¡± inscribed on a wooden sign above, and a few taverns with different names. One Tavern called ¡°Hopin Horse¡± and another far past that called ¡°Gnarly Marley¡¯s¡±.


    ¡°You see that building way up ahead? Kinda looks like a tower.¡± Garth said to me as he pointed ahead at huge structure that looked older than the other buildings around it.


    ¡°Is it that old stone looking building?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yep! That there is Aarus¡¯s temple.¡± Garth replied. Looking at the building, I could see that the tower looks ready to crumble down. Quite a lot of a deterioration could be seen from the bottom up. Not only that, but for looking four stories high. The temple kind of has a lean to it.


    ¡°That is Aarus¡¯s temple?¡± I asked making a disgusted face.


    ¡°You sound pretty unenthusiastic about it.¡± Garth replied.


    ¡°Well I was hoping to be impressed. His temple seems like it¡¯ll fall over and crumble to dust at any given time.¡± I said.


    ¡°Well you got to remember this building is about seven hundred years old. Though Emma is right. It can definitely use some remodeling. I¡¯m sure Aarus himself would agree.¡± Said Zael.


    As we got closer to the temple, I could see a huge white angel-like statue of K¨¢ra standing in front of the building with her sword raised skyward. Her hair was long, and she was wearing a dress that looked almost realistic for stone. Just across from her statue, I could see a huge market stand with melee weapons laying on the table, and bows hanging on the side. The closer we got, I could see Digby unloading more weapons off a wagon and handing them down to a woman who I believe is his wife.


    ¡°I can find a rusty chain sturdier than this shit!¡± Garth shouted over at Digby. Quickly I shot my uncle a muddled look, but there was a grin on his face. I looked over Digby who stepped away from the wagon behind the stand looking just as confused as I was. As Digby spotted my uncle, he began to shake his head with smile.


    ¡°Geez you really got me!¡± Digby laughed. The two blacksmiths begin laughing together with Zael joining in on Garth¡¯s little tease. I looked around me, but other people walking by didn¡¯t seem to notice. Except for two Vaesite soldiers standing near K¨¢ra¡¯s statue with theirs eyes glued on Garth. One of them kind of looks familiar, but I¡¯m not too sure of it.


    ¡°Good morning to you! I¡¯m happy to see Zael tagging along.¡± Digby said as he walked out in front of market stand. ¡°How are you liking the axe?¡± He added.


    ¡°It¡¯s the sharpest that it has even been, I¡¯d say!¡± Zael replied. I turned my focus away from the soldiers and looked over at Digby.


    ¡°Good to hear! Garth did most of the work. I just replaced the old leather straps on the handle for a better grip.¡± Digby said. Garth looked over Digby¡¯s shoulder and gave his wife a wave. She placed a sword down on the market table and gave him a wave back.


    ¡°How soon until you¡¯re ready?¡± Garth asked. Digby looked back at his wife and gently scratched his head.


    ¡°I just got to help my wife unload some of the items and I¡¯ll be set. Shouldn''t be too long.¡± Digby said walking backing to the wagon.


    ¡°Well how about I give you a hand?¡± Garth asked.


    ¡°Oh no need! We don¡¯t have much left. Thanks for the offer though.¡± Digby said as he reached into the wagon pulling out an axe. I looked behind me at the soldiers and seen one familiar looking one talking to the other as he pointed his fingers at Garth and I. The soldier I didn¡¯t seem to recognize nodded and quickly ran off. Suddenly a rush of fear flooded my body and I could feel myself begin to sweat. The soldier I recognized then started making his way across the street towards us.


    ¡°Garth.¡± I whispered taking my eyes off the soldier. My uncle turned towards me and seen the worried expression on my face.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Both of you! Stay right there!¡± Yelled the soldier as he approached. As Garth turned around and seen the soldier, he stepped forward and held his hand back to me giving me a pausing signal.


    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Garth asked.


    ¡°I know you. You both are from Snowdrift. No doubt.¡±


    ¡°So, what if we are? Why is it your problem? You already took the lives of everyone in our village and took everything from us. What more do you want?¡± Garth asked.


    ¡°Your lives.¡± Said a familiar voice. I looked over to where the voice could be heard and seen General Lokir who dressed in dark red clothing. By his side was the other soldier who ran off not too long ago. Lokir stared at my uncle for a minute and turned his attention towards me. His eyes studied me from head to toe as he hummed. ¡°I¡¯ve seen the blacksmith around Snowdrift a few times, but you. I¡¯m surprised you lived. You weren''t wrong when you said that you¡¯ll see me again.¡±


    ¡°Our lives? What did we do to deserve death?¡± Garth protested.


    ¡°With the war going on, King Haveron wanted all the mines in Epeon to give iron over to the Vaesite for weapons and materials. The Snowdrift mine is by far the only low production shipments we have received yet. The king himself found you all useless and ordered me to slaughter every last one of you. As for me.¡± Lokir said pulling out his sword. ¡°I take my orders seriously.¡±


    ¡°Emma.¡± Garth said unsheathing his blade. ¡°Prepare yourself.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir.¡± I said as I quickly pulled my sword out. My hand was shaking, and I never felt this nervous before. I never yet killed anyone, but I¡¯m scared to death. In this situation. It¡¯s kill or be killed. I watched as the two soldiers behind Lokir both drew a sword and a mace. From the corner of my right eye, I could see Zael walking next to my side with his axe already in hand.


    Quickly my uncle shot forward with a strike staggering Lokir. I did the same spring forward towards the soldier with the sword. Quickly out of the blue my attack was blocked, and the soldier gave me a swift kick in the stomach sending me back. The pain made me want to bend over and cough, but it felt almost as if I couldn¡¯t breathe. The soldier quickly came in for a swing. Without thinking, I dodged over to my left and got back into stance. This time the soldier darted at me with his blade about to swing down. I brought my sword up for a block and backed my way out momentarily stepping back in for a direct jab, striking the Vaesite Soldier on his chest plate leaving a small dent. My eyes were focused on my enemy, but all around I can tell there¡¯s a huge crowd of people gathered around cheering.


    ¡°Come on girly! If you¡¯re gonna kill me. Kill me!¡± He laughed as he waved his hand towards himself. I know what he¡¯s doing. Garth told me all about how people will taunt to piss you off. It can be dangerous to fall for, but I gotta stay focused. ¡°You remind me a lot of a helpless women that I killed in Snowdrift. Her hair was tied back and had the same colored eyes as you. Such a pretty blue apron she had. Was that your mama?¡± This was the same man who recognized me from Snowdrift. He wasn¡¯t wrong, my mother¡¯s description from when I last saw her was spot on. My blood was boiling, and my eyes began to water.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have you dead!¡± I screamed as I lunge towards him swinging my sword horizontally. He blocked, but it caused him to stumble back. With the point of his sword facing the ground, I brought my sword up and quickly swung down. With sudden action, he brought his sword up holding each end with both hands to stop my blow. Now this is it! His stomach is wide open. I can end him here! With a direct kick I sent him down on the ground causing his sword to fly out of his hand.


    I ran straight over to him and took a stab down on his armor once more, but it only made another dent. I could see fear in his eyes as he took a grasp of my right leg. Quickly I brought my sword up and shot it straight down into his neck. His grip tightened on my legs, but slowly it came loose as I watched his hand fall to the ground. I- I just killed a man¡­ I could hear everyone around us roaring with cheers as the soldier¡¯s life drained away. I took my eyes off my dead enemy and looked over at Garth who was fighting Lokir. As for Zael, he was holding his axe in one hand as he was taking swings at his opponent. I didn¡¯t want to stand around, so I decided to make Lokir my next target. The man who killed my father and carried out orders to destroy my village.


    With his back turned to me, I quickly ran at him with my sword ready to block in case he gave me a surprise attack. From behind Garth and Lokir, I could see a cloud of blood misting in the air as Zael¡¯s axe struck the second soldier in the head. Again, the citizens around us were cheering.


    Before my eyes, Lokir quickly spun around with a strike sending my sword out from my hand and sending me to the ground as I lose my balance. As my uncle got ready to take a blow from behind, Lokir stepped aside out of the way grasping his sword with both hands as he turned towards my uncle. With a quick stab, the point of Lokir¡¯s sword could be seen sticking out of my uncle¡¯s back. Everyone around us was silent. My heart felt still, and it seemed as if time froze. Slowly Lokir pulled his sword out and kicked my uncle down the same way he kicked father.


    ¡°That¡¯ll be enough.¡± Lokir said as he turned to me. My uncle was still breathing as he eyes were focused on me. I watched as Zael quickly ran over to Garth¡¯s side trying to put pressure on his wound to stop the bleeding.


    I tried to scurry over to my sword, but Lokir¡¯s foot stomped down on it. He brought the tip of his sword covered in Garth¡¯s blood up to my neck as he looked directly into my eyes. ¡°I¡¯m gonna give you one last chance to live. I want you out of Edinburgh by dusk but understand this. If we cross paths once more. I¡¯ll be sure to have you dead. Do you understand me?¡± He slowly said in a firm voice. I stared into his teal green eyes with hatred. Slowly I nodded my head. ¡°That goes for you too, Orphan boy!¡± Lokir shouted as he looked over at Zael. ¡°If you don¡¯t leave I¡¯ll have my men kill every child in there. Now get that dying man off my streets!¡± He ordered as he stepped away lowering his weapon. ¡°Everyone else! Time to clear up! Take your business elsewhere!¡±


    I watched as Lokir disappeared into the scattering crowded, and quickly I grabbed my sword and hurried over to my uncle.


    ¡°Zael! Quickly pick Garth up and carry him to my wagon. It¡¯s probably best that you three leave now!¡± Digby ordered. Zael tried to pick up my uncle, but he suddenly huffed out air.


    ¡°I can¡¯t. Digby give me a hand!¡± He yelled. Not knowing what to do, I ran over to my uncle¡¯s side as he was lifted into the air. I placed my hand under him where blood was dripping from his back. The warm liquid covered my hand, but I tried to press my hand up harder.


    ¡°Claire! Pack everything, we have to head out. I need you to steer the horse!¡± Digby yelled as he and Zael carried Garth over to the wagon behind the market stall. I got ahead of the three and hopped up on the wagon  pushing my way through the back covers. I helped carry my uncle in from there, and gently I placed him on the floor of the wagon. As I got a good view, I could see Garth laying down in a quickly forming puddle of blood and his hand holding a wound in his upper stomach. With a cough, blood spurted out from his mouth. My lungs felt heavy and my eyes were frozen on the site. One by one, a lot of random weapons were carelessly thrown into the wagon.


    ¡°Alright that¡¯ll do. Leave the rest here and get in!¡± Digby yelled as he hopped in with Zael behind him. Digby made his way over to the opposite side of me and looked over Garth. Suddenly with a quick jolt, I almost flew back as the wagon begin to quickly take off.


    ¡°Where the hell are we gonna go?¡± Zael yelled as he quickly crawled towards my uncle.


    ¡°Rogfee.¡± Garth whispered.


    ¡°Right. Good friend Rogfee. He¡¯ll house you guys for sure. Claire we¡¯re going to Hillford!¡±  Digby yelled as ripped off a long piece of clothing from his shirt. ¡°Now quickly unbutton his shirt, we need to stop the bleeding!¡± Digby demanded. As tears quickly flooded down my eyes, I did as he said. Instead of unbuttoning, I just carefully ripped the shirt open as buttons went flying left and right. As I got a good look, I could see a single stab wound with blood flowing out like stream. I looked up at Garth and could see his blue eyes locked with mine.


    ¡°I... Love you.¡± He quietly spoke. In fear and pain, I opened my mouth to say it back, but only a squeaking whimper escaped as my uncle gritted his teeth to Digby applying pressure to his wound.


    ¡°Emma listen to me! I need you to stay strong. Stay strong alright?¡± Digby said looking me in the eye as his other hand touched my shoulder. ¡°Your uncle is a strong son of a bitch! He can make it through!¡± Digby cried as he looked down at Garth. ¡°Listen I need you to hold this on his wound for bit!¡± Digby said pointing down at Garth with his free hand. With a nod, I quickly took grasp of the torn clothing and applied pressure. Digby quickly stood up and headed up to the front of the wagon, suddenly he peeked his head through the curtain.


    ¡°You¡¯re gonna be okay, Garth!¡± I said as I rested the back of my left hand behind his head. My uncle made a grunt, then he let out another cough that sent more blood shooting out from his mouth.


    ¡°Gods I wish there was more, I could do!¡± I cried. I could feel my whole cheeks drenched in tears and my vision came to a blur as water blinded me. ¡°Please don¡¯t go! I¡¯m so scared, and you¡¯re all I have left!¡± I sobbed. I breathed in for air, but the oxygen filling my lungs felt so heavy. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be alone!¡± I screamed.


    Slowly I could feel Garth¡¯s hand reaching up on mine where I was applying pressure.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you... To be afraid.¡± Garth whispered to me. I could feel my own tears dripping down onto him, but I could feel his chest jolt a couple of times as he left out a breath of air. Even with the wagon bouncing, I could tell his chest stopped. I pulled my hand out from under his head and quickly wiped my eyes, but as my vision came clear from the tears. I could see that my Uncle Garth is no longer with me.


    ¡°Garth? Garth! No please don¡¯t! Don¡¯t leave me here! I don¡¯t wanna be alone! Garth!¡±

 Chapter 6: Hillford

    I scooped my hand into the pile of flaky warm ashes as I began to fill a small leather pouch given to me by Digby. I packed as much of the ashes in as I could and tighten the strings to close the bag. I double knotted both ends and held the dark brown leather pouch close to my chest. The only person I have left is really gone. The man who told me stories since I was a young child. The man who has practically been by my side for my entire life is now in my hand. Behind me, I could hear footsteps slowly walking towards me. Very likely it¡¯s Digby trying to apologize once again about my uncle¡¯s death.


    ¡°Are you gonna do anything with his ashes?¡± It wasn¡¯t Digby, but it was Zael.


    ¡°It was my dream to see the world with my uncle. So, I¡¯m taking him with me.¡± I softly replied.


    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea.¡± Zael said as he took a seat on a log next to me. ¡°I noticed you didn¡¯t come in last night. Did you spend the whole night out here?¡±


    ¡°I did. I just wanted to stay out with him one last time.¡± I quietly replied.


    ¡°I don¡¯t blame you.¡± Rogfee said joining in on the conversation. I looked behind me at the man with short brown hair and a gray tunic who was walking up from behind us. With a swipe of a finger, Rogfee wiped a tear from under his eye. ¡°Garth was a good friend of mine as well. I known him since we were kids. Anyways, Digby and his wife will be heading back to the city pretty soon. Thought maybe you want to say goodbye.¡±


    ¡°I do. Thank you Rogfee.¡± I softly said.


    ¡°Not a problem. I¡¯m gonna head back in a bit.¡± Rogfee said as he began walking away. I focused on the ashes from last night. Still a bit of smoke was rising in the air and the small leather pouch held against my chest was warm from the ashes. What will I do now? I don¡¯t know this world as much as he does. Where will I go?


    ¡°If it makes you feel any better. Garth is up there, and he¡¯s watching over you.¡± Zael said. I took my eyes off the ash pile and looked up in the sky. Somewhere up there, I¡¯m sure Garth is looking down at me. He¡¯s up there with his wife and his daughter, Alita. Both of my parents and everyone else.


    ¡°Yeah. You¡¯re right.¡± I softly replied as I slowly got up off the ground. I tied the strings of the pouch onto the right side of my belt and gave it a good tug to make sure it¡¯ll stay. ¡°I¡¯m gonna head in now.¡± I softly said to Zael.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go and say my goodbyes as well.¡± Zael replied as he stood up. From the backyard of Rogfee¡¯s Inn, we both started walking. The two of us were quiet. The only sound was the birds from above singing songs I never heard before, and the wind rustling the green leaves together from above.


    ¡°It¡¯s a beautiful day for spring.¡± Zael said.


    ¡°Spring? So that¡¯s the season we¡¯re in?¡± I asked.


    ¡°We¡¯re about a month in for spring.¡± Zael replied.


    ¡°I could never really tell the seasons up in the mountains. Sometimes the snow melts in my village, but not as much where I could see the ground.¡± Thinking back, I kinda miss my home, but I know there¡¯s nothing left. I miss waking up to see my mother, taking early baths in the hot spring, playing tag with the kids in town, and gathering pine needles for tea. I even miss listening to my uncle¡¯s stories just about every night when I was young waiting for my father to come pick me up after working the mine. I could feel tears began to build up, but I didn¡¯t want to cry. All in three days I have lost everyone and everything I love. I¡¯m sick of crying. It¡¯s all that I done!


    As we both made our way to the front of the Inn, I opened the door. I never been inside yet, but as I looked in, I noticed that the main room is huge! There are two wooden doors on both the left and right side of the room. The far back was a single door and a staircase going up to the left of that. In the middle of the room is a table with two chairs on each side, and a candle lit chandelier high above. I then brought my attention to the Digby and Rogfee who were talking in a circle quietly. Suddenly their attention turned to us.


    ¡°We just want to say goodbye before you leave.¡± Zael said.


    ¡°Of course. Hopefully I won¡¯t have any trouble as I return home.¡±


    ¡°Lokir only wanted Emma and I out of the city. I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll have a problem. When you do arrive. Can you stop over at the orphanage and tell Korla that I¡¯m okay. Explain everything to her, because I¡¯m sure she¡¯s be worried sick.¡± Zael said. The orphanage. I totally forgot the promise I made to Molly. She really wanted to come with me yesterday. The night I arrived, she wanted me to take her with wherever I went. Just like me, she has nothing left.


    ¡°Can you also bring Molly over?¡± I blurted out. The whole room was quiet, and all three guys were looking at me. ¡°She¡¯s from the orphanage.¡±


    ¡°Emma. In order for Molly to leave, she needs to be adopted.¡± Zael quietly said.


    ¡°Sure, I can do that! I mean if it¡¯s okay with Rogfee?¡± I hesitated as I looked over the innkeeper. The room was once again quiet and Rogfee brought his hand up to his mouth and hummed for a bit.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see why not, but this child is gonna be your responsibility.¡± Rogfee firmly said.


    ¡°Yes, I can look after her. She¡¯s not a bad kid. She quiet and well behaved!¡± I replied.


    ¡°Sounds good to me.¡± Rogfee said.


    ¡°Thank you, sir!¡± I cheered.


    ¡°Well now that¡¯s settled, I should be on my way. Since I¡¯m gonna be heading back here with this Molly girl. Why don¡¯t I look over your weapons and see if I can sharpen them up back at my house. That was quite a battle yesterday.¡± Digby said.


    Without hesitation, Zael pulled out his axe and handed right over. The blade of the axe looked dull and had multiple dents at the end. As for me, I slowly pulled out my sword. Digby¡¯s eyes gazed down at the sword in my hand as he leaned in closer for a better look. ¡°Holy shit! I see Garth smithed you a mighty fine sword there for your birthday.¡±


    ¡°I seen it yesterday, but I didn¡¯t get a good look to see that the blade is actually black!¡± Zael said looking at my sword in amazement.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    I looked down at the weapon and gently nodded my head. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful, yes. I¡¯m not really sure what it¡¯s made of to make the blade of the sword black. Garth said he wouldn¡¯t tell me, but one day he¡¯d show me.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what him and I call God Steel.¡± Digby said. Rogfee, Zael, and I looked around at each other confused.


    ¡°God steel?¡± I asked looking up at him.


    ¡°Well your uncle named it Limpathiam. Garth said he first found that metal in a cave not too far from Haven Lake back when he was traveling. That was about a little bit after I got married. Anyways he told me it was the hardest thing he has ever mined in his life, not only that but the toughest metal he has ever forged. He made a couple trips out to that cave over the years afterwards. One time he made a weapon out of it for his daughter, Alita. Then obviously the second one is yours.¡± Digby said pointing at me.


    ¡°He gave me a big chunk to make something too. After a good few months, I grew tired of working on that hunk of shit.¡± Digby complained. For the way Digby said that, a small laugh escaped out from me. I turned the sword over and lightly ran my fingers against the edge of the blade. Still after yesterday, it was razor sharp. For something that sounds unbreakable, my uncle really did an outstanding job.


    ¡°He even engraved the damn thing?¡± Digby shouted in disbelief. ¡°Well shit! What does it say?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Until The Last One Bleeds. I wasn''t sure what Garth¡¯s quote meant, but he said that it¡¯s up to me to decide.¡± I replied.


    ¡°That was my favorite quote from Garth. When I think about it. There¡¯re many meanings, but anyone or anything could be ¡°The Last One.¡± If the last one bleeds, there is always a purpose that follows after it. To survive, win a war, or for glory. It¡¯s up to everyone to decide. Though of course there¡¯s always another purpose for the next fight. Yet it could be the same. Then before the last one bleeds. You gotta fight.¡±


    I stared down at the sword that my uncle made me and gripped the handle tightly.


    ¡°I think I already made up my mind on who the last one will be.¡± Digby looked up at me with a blank face. Slowly he started shaking his head in disapprovement.


    ¡°Emerencia, I don¡¯t think that¡¯s the best choice. You three fought well yesterday, but the way Garth and Lokir were slashing those blades so quick, I¡¯d say it you¡¯d die pretty quick.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care!¡± I snapped. ¡°That man carried out an attack on my village starting with my own father! I watched my own people get shot, stabbed, and burned alive! I saw the last person I love get stabbed yesterday and now he¡¯s hanging from the belt of my waist!¡± I cried.


    ¡°Emma.¡± Digby whispered waving his hands down.


    ¡°What if another attack happens? It could be this village that¡¯s next!¡±


    ¡°Emma!¡± Digby repeated, but this time raising his voice. Instantly I stopped and tilted my head down.


    ¡°Alright listen.¡± Digby said holding his hand up signaling me to pause. ¡°I understand what you¡¯re feeling right now. You lost everything, but Rogfee and I too lost our best friend. What you wanna do sounds insane! You¡¯re begging to adopt a child and now this? I highly suggest you take it easy. You already been so much in just three days. Rogfee¡¯s already okay with you staying at his inn until you¡¯re ready to leave. I want that man just as dead as you do, but maybe after a little while, you may or may not change your mind.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s right.¡± Zael said budding in. ¡°I got a good look during the battle as well. Lokir is fast and dangerous. Easily he could of killed us both, and I¡¯m damn luckily that I¡¯m still alive. If you still want him as dead as the rest of us, I¡¯ll be happy to help you.¡± My head peaked up and I slowly gave him a nod.


    ¡°Zael are you serious?¡± Digby asked.


    ¡°Of course. I too don¡¯t have anywhere to go or do. If I want to return home, I¡¯m sure a couple dozen Vaesite soldiers will arrest me as soon as I enter the city. Plus, I don¡¯t want to put the children or Korla at risk. I¡¯m sure that general gave me a promise. Korla is the closest I ever got to a mother. Those kids are like siblings to me. I don¡¯t want to see them hurt or even worse, dead.¡± Digby puffed out his air in frustration and shook his head.


    ¡°If you both go along with this, I guess I won¡¯t stop you. Emerencia?¡± Digby said as he turned to me. ¡°I understand your thirst for vengeance, but that man you killed. He killed your mother, didn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°Yes. His description of her was brief, but it was accurate.¡± I quietly replied.


    ¡°I could tell on how you lost control. Did you feel anything after killing him?¡± He asked. Everyone in the room looked at me waiting for my response. I remember killing him. My sword going straight into his throat. His life draining away as he let loose of his grip on my leg.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I felt anything.¡± I softly said shaking my head.


    ¡°Alright I¡¯m gonna ask you this, but I don¡¯t want you to reply. I only want you to think on it for a while.¡± Digby said looking me straight in the eyes. ¡°Do you think you¡¯ll feel any better killing that general?¡± The room was silent, and I didn¡¯t know what to think. Digby placed a hand on my shoulder and bent down a bit to my eye level.


    ¡°Over the years when Garth came to the city to visit Vlad and I. We three would take a carriage right here to meet up with Rogfee for a couple days. Your uncle would always talk about how he was so proud of you. How much he loved you like his own daughter. For how much that man lost, for some odd fucking reason when he brought you up. It made me feel happy for him. You seemed to bring happiness back in his life!¡± Digby said shaking his head. I could see tears building up in his eyes. With a warmth running down my cheek, I too was beginning to cry.


    ¡°My father said.¡± I suddenly paused as I had to gasp some air. ¡°I make him happy every day.¡± Digby nodded and removed his hand from my shoulder.


    ¡°You do. I noticed he was miserable with nothing left until he moved to Snowdrift. For how much he talked about you, I was excited to see the person who made him so happy.¡± Digby said stepping back wiping his face with his sleeve. ¡°My point is, you sound like an amazing person. For Garth¡¯s sake, I just don¡¯t want that person to make the wrong mistake and die. I¡¯m not gonna stop whatever decision you make, but I want you to be careful.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Thank you, Rogfee.¡±


    ¡°Not a problem. I should be going now. I think I kept my wife waiting outside for too long.¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± I shouted as I took a big step forward, wrapping my arms around him for a hug.


    ¡°Thank you for helping us.¡±


    ¡°Not a problem, but I suggest you get yourself cleaned up. You¡¯re covered in blood and smell like smoke.¡± Digby said. I stepped out of the hug and looked down at myself. Sure, enough my whole outfit is dirty.


    ¡°Oh right. Hopefully there won''t be any stains.¡± I said rubbing a red blood mark on the skirt of my dress.


    ¡°Hope not either, but I tell you what. I still have your designs on paper that Garth made. If this outfit rips or gets destroyed. I can make another for you.¡± Digby started walking towards the door. As Digby approached, he looked back at us and waved.


    ¡°See you later Rogfee! Emerencia, I¡¯ll be back sometime tonight or tomorrow morning. Also, I¡¯ll get this axe sharpened for you!¡± He said pointing the weapon at Zael.


    ¡°Take it easy, Digby!¡± Rogfee shouted.


    ¡°Thank you, Digby! Return safe!¡± Zael yelled.


    ¡°Thank you for everything!¡± I waved. Digby opened the door and just then he was gone. The whole room was quiet and all we could hear is Digby talking outside to what may be his wife.


    ¡°Well Emma, since you¡¯re in here, I¡¯ll show you to your room. I hope you don¡¯t mind that I put you in the same room as Zael.¡± Rogfee said as he began to walk.


    ¡°Not at all. Back in Snowdrift my home didn¡¯t have any rooms. So, I¡¯m pretty use to it.¡± I said.


    ¡°I guess I¡¯ll come with. Not like I have anything to do at the moment.¡± Zael said tagging along. We both followed Rogfee all the way to the back of the room. Rogfee then turned his direction slightly to the left towards the stairs. ¡°I gave you both the upstairs room. The second-best room in the Inn. Complete with two beds, and a small living room. It was also your uncle¡¯s favorite room to stay in whenever he came over.¡± Rogfee said as he began walking up the stairs.


    ¡°Wait second best? Then what¡¯s the best room in the Inn?¡± Zael asked.


    ¡°Rogfee stopped on a step and looked at Zael with a smile. ¡°My room of course. I have to have the nicest room for my wife.¡± He laughed. With a couple more, steps Rogfee opened the door on the top of the stairs. ¡°Here you are. Make yourself at home and stay as long as you please. There¡¯s also a tavern down the road here if you like to drink. Also, the marketplace is over by the ocean docks.¡± Rogfee said.


    We all entered the room and looked around. To the left wall was two big beds. Beds that look really comfortable. On one bed I noticed my uncle¡¯s sword laying on the top along with some leather wraps that Digby used to make my pouch to carry the ashes. To the right was a small fireplace with a whole stack of wood. Just pasted the beds was another opening where the tiny living room was. I walked over and seen two wooden chairs with fluffy wool on the seat and a padded headrest. Just to the left of that was a small work desk and a wooden chair.


    ¡°Thank you again for letting us stay here.¡± I said feeling the soft wool chairs.


    ¡°Not a problem. Any family of Garth¡¯s is family of mine.¡± He said.


    ¡°Is there a bathhouse in this village?¡± Zael asked. Rogfee looked at Zael with a frown and shook his head.


    ¡°Apparently not. We do have a beautiful lake just a bit south from Hillford.¡± Rogfee said.


    ¡°Lake Killarney, right?¡± Zael asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Just don''t wander off to far from the lake. Monsters lurk in the forest.¡± Said Rogfee.


    ¡°What¡¯s the safest way to get there?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Hillford does have a safe dirt path going to and from the lake. Just head south of the village and there''s a dirt path with a sign saying, ¡°Lake Killarney Ahead¡±. You can¡¯t miss it.  Said Rogfee.


    ¡°Thank you again, Rogfee. If there¡¯s any help you want around the Inn, we¡¯ll be happy to help out.¡± Said Zael. I nodded my head in agreement. Rogfee¡¯s face suddenly glowed with happiness.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna love you fellas!¡± He laughed. ¡°Thank you, but I want you both to relax for the next couple of days. Especially Emma.¡± Digby said looking at me. ¡°Anyways I¡¯m going to get some lunch started down stairs. I let you both know when it¡¯s done.¡± Rogfee said as he walked out.


    ¡°Emma just so you know, there are nightgowns in the drawer over there.¡± Zael said pointing to a dresser across from the beds.


    ¡°Oh good. I¡¯ll grab myself one and get cleaning on my dress.¡± I responded as I walked out to the dresser. I grabbed a gown and found a smaller one just under that one. Perhaps this may fit Molly when she arrives. I held my nightgown up and looked over at Zael. ¡°Besides my dress. Do you think I should bathe or wait till tomorrow?¡± Zael studied me for a bit and shrugged.


    ¡°You look fine, but it¡¯s up to you. I¡¯m hitting the lake tomorrow morning though.¡± Zael said as begin to walk towards the door.


    ¡°Well Digby said I smell like smoke, but that never bothers me. I guess I¡¯ll bathe tomorrow when you get back.¡± I said.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯m gonna give you some privacy and see if Rogfee needs help with lunch.¡±

 Chapter 7: The Sun & The Snow

    I opened my eyes and yawned. That was probably the best night of sleep that I ever had in the past couple of days. I feel so comfortable that I don''t even want to lift my head off this soft cozy pillow. Slowly I turned my body around and became face to face with Molly who sitting on the bed next to where I was laying.


    ¡°Good morning, Emmy.¡± Molly whispered with a smile. I lifted myself up from our bed and noticed Zael was missing from his bed.


    ¡°Good morning, Molly. When did you get here?¡± I asked rubbing my eyes.


    ¡°Not too long ago. A man named Digby brought me here.¡±


    ¡°So, then Zael must be downstairs with Digby then?¡± I asked.


    ¡°No, Digby left.¡± Molly said shaking her head. ¡°He didn¡¯t want to disturb you, because he said it was best you rest.¡±


    ¡°Oh alright.¡± I said. I¡¯m a little bummed that I missed him, but at least he made to Edinburgh safely. I¡¯m not sure where Zael is, but he could be down stairs with Rogfee. I tried to fully sit up from the bed, but it was too comfortable that my body dropped back down.


    ¡°This bed is so nice. That I can¡¯t get up.¡± I laughed. ¡°Now I¡¯m going to try this again.¡± I said as I brought myself up from the bed. I then moved myself to the side of the bed and stood up. I stretched and turned to Molly who was still sitting on the bed. ¡°I¡¯m going to get dressed and I¡¯ll find something for us to eat. How does that sound?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Molly said with a simple reply. She then yawned as she turned the other way. I picked my dress off the floor and laid it on the bed, so it was set to be worn. Luckily last night I got it everything cleaned off. The blood was the hardest part, but it¡¯s nice as new now. I dropped my nightgown to the floor and slid my feet into my long black socks. I reached for my dress, and then the door opened. Zael right away seen my breasts and instantly covered his eyes. Quickly I grabbed my dress and held it against me.


    ¡°Oh Aarus! I¡¯m so sorry!¡± Zael said with his eyes still covered.


    ¡°Stop standing there and get out!¡± I yelled. Zael quickly backed up out of the room with his eyes still covered and then there was loud thud with more thuds following after it. What in the world is going on now? There was a long pause then a couple coughs were heard from the bottom of the stairs.


    ¡°Gah. That¡­ really hurt.¡± Zael wheezed. Molly quickly jumped off the bed and ran over to the door. She took a good look down below, then at me with a smile.


    ¡°Emmy come look at Zael!¡± She laughed. I threw my dress on and quickly walked over to the doorway. Down below I could see Zael laying on the ground with one-foot laying on the steps, and his arms covering his waist. Molly couldn¡¯t stop laughing, but I was glaring at him with anger.


    ¡°You could''ve knocked.¡± I said with an annoyed tone.


    ¡°I thought you would still be asleep.¡± Zael said while he¡¯s trying to sit up.


    ¡°Anyways you can come up when you clear everything out of your head. I¡¯m basically dressed now.¡± I said as I walked away from the door and back to my gear. I slipped my boots on and hooked my belt in place. As Zael came up the stairs he slowly walked over to his bed. Just then I noticed his hair was wet. ¡°Where have you been?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I bathed in Lake Killarney.¡± Zael said as he sat down on the bed.


    ¡°How¡¯s the water?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Water was fine, but before you go. Rogfee¡¯s wife made some breakfast this morning. Lake Trout and saut¨¦ed potato slices. I ate before I left. I¡¯m sure the rest is cold right now, but she expected us to be up early.¡± Zael said as he adjusted his blue coat.


    ¡°Alright. I guess I¡¯ll head down now.¡± I answered back while looking down at Molly hoping she wasn¡¯t a picky eater. She might not be if she could stand that bland potato soup. I began walking back to the door to head down stairs. I could hear Molly quietly following behind me. When I reached the bottom, I could see a middle-aged women in a white dress with long brown hair sweeping the front of the Inn. From the corner of her eye, we caught her attention. She set the broom aside and smiled.


    ¡°Well good morning! You must Emerencia? I¡¯m Rogfee¡¯s wife.¡± She cheerfully said.


    ¡°I am. I apologize that I was asleep earlier when you made breakfast.¡±


    ¡°Oh no need to apologize. I still got you both some breakfast. I left the pot of food hanging high on a tripod just above the fire out back to keep it warm. You both can take a seat at that table in the middle of the room while I¡¯ll go fetch it for you.¡± She said as she quickly walked off.


    Molly and I took a seat and waited. In front of us was a couple plates and forks lying on the table nicely set. In the middle was a long red flower with thorns on the vine resting in a vase and standing tall. To the far end of the table was a perfectly flat rock sitting there. I wasn¡¯t sure why it was there. I never once seen a rock on a table before, but why?


    ¡°Emmy. What are we going to do after breakfast?¡± Molly asked. I knew exactly what I wanted to do, and that was to get clean.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to the lake and get cleaned up. Would you like to come?¡± I asked. Molly thought about for a few seconds and nodded her head. Just then Rogfee¡¯s wife came in holding the handle of the pot with a big glove. Gently she lowered the pot on top of the rock a relaxed her hand.


    ¡°It¡¯s kinda hot, but I assure you it¡¯s still good.¡± Rogfee¡¯s wife said as she began serving. I¡¯m not feeling so hungry, but my mouth began to water as the smell of cooked trout filled the air. As the fish hit my plate I quickly forked a piece and stuffed it in my mouth. It was so soft and warm. I haven''t had food this good since my mother made venison that morning. I don¡¯t even remember the last time I had fish. There were the three little hot springs that us villagers would bathe in, but there were no fish that lived in the clear steamy waters. The nearest river was a good long walk away from the village and from what I was told the fishing was tough. It was rare to see my father or uncle return with a catch.


    I brought my head back into reality and noticed that Rogfee¡¯s wife was staring at us like we were two goblins that found a basket of food. ¡°I am so sorry.¡± I said as I wiped my mouth with the top of my hand in embarrassment.


    ¡°That¡¯s quite alright. You both seem to be very hungry.¡± She said while letting out a small laugh. I looked over at Molly and her plate was more cleared off than mine. Oh goodness, she¡¯s eating faster than me.


    ¡°Molly take it easy. You don¡¯t want to get a belly ache.¡± I said. I brought my attention back to Rogfee¡¯s wife. ¡°Thank you so much. It¡¯s been a few days since we had a good meal. Especially the little one.¡± I said as I looked back at Molly who completely cleared her plate.


    ¡°You''re quite welcome. I¡¯m very happy you both enjoyed it.¡± she said as she served more fish on Molly¡¯s plate. ¡°I apologize that I didn¡¯t introduce myself earlier. My name is Maira. I know now that this little one is Molly.¡± She said as she shot a smile at the young girl. ¡°Anyways I¡¯m sorry to hear about your uncle. He was a very kind man.¡±


    ¡°Oh, thank you.¡± I quietly replied.


    ¡°You know, you¡¯re a very strong girl. How far you came from the mountains, and what you did in Edinburgh. You are very brave, and I am very proud of you.¡± She said with a smile. I then clenched my fist in irritation.


    ¡°I wish there was more I could do.¡± I replied. ¡°Maybe if I was a better swordsman, Garth would still be here.¡±


    ¡°You did what you could, and I¡¯m still proud of you. You even had a heart to adopt this child here.¡± Maira said. I then fell calm as her words hit. I released the tension on my fist and looked down in pity. ¡°Oh, that reminds me!¡± She shouted as she took off to the other room. Before I knew it, Maira came back in with a paper, feather, and a bottle of ink. ¡°You gotta sign this adoption form. Digby left it here for you.¡± She said as placed everything on the table in front me.


    ¡°Oh okay.¡± I said. I gently opened the tiny ink jar, and dabbed the point of the feather in. As I took it out, I began to sign the paper above a line that said ¡°Signature¡± to the left. ¡°Alright.¡± I said as I handed the feather to Maira.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°Goodness you have lovely handwriting. I¡¯ll keep this aside until Digby arrives.¡± She said as she gathered the paper and ink jar. ¡°Now that you¡¯re done with breakfast. What are you going to do next?¡± Maira asked. I sat there for a moment and thought about it.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been through so much the past couple of days. I¡¯m going to go outside and take a nice relaxing bath in Lake Killarney.¡± I replied. Maira then nodded with a smile.


    ¡°In that case. I¡¯ll give a little gift.¡± Maira said as she walked out of the room. Seconds later she returned with a clear bottle full of some gray liquid.


    ¡°Um¡­ What is that?¡± I asked.


    ¡°This is Shampoo¡± Maira said as she handed it over.


    ¡°Weird. My mother would make the same thing out of soap that was boiled in water with some pine needle oil added in to give hair health and fragrance.¡± I said looking at the bottle.


    ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re familiar with this kind of stuff? This bottle was made by a small company in the Vaesite Castle Town. It¡¯s expensive, but it makes your hair look and feel great. Just pour some on your hands and scrub it in your scalp with water until the suds are gone.¡± Maira said as she handed me the big glass bottle.


    ¡°Thank you, Maira.¡±


    ¡°Not a problem dear. I should let you both go. I have sweeping to get back to.¡± Said Maira.


    ¡°Okay. Thanks again for the shampoo!¡± I said as Molly and I made our way out the door. As I closed the door behind me I could suddenly feel the warmth of the sun come down on us. All around us was trees with so much green on them. With how bright it is, the colors seemed to stand out to me more than it did yesterday. I then noticed how the leaves are all different in shapes and sizes on every branch. The pine trees in Snowdrift were green, but not like this.


    ¡°Why are you looking up at the trees, Emmy?¡± Molly asked as her curious brown eyes looked up at me.


    ¡°Yesterday, I was having a bad day. I guess I ignored my surroundings and never noticed how beautiful these trees look.¡± I said as I gazed up. The young girl shot me a weird look.


    ¡°But these trees are everywhere.¡± She said.


    ¡°Back in my village, there were no trees like this. Just pine trees. Anyways let''s start walking. I¡¯m sure there¡¯s more to see!¡± I said with excitement. After all, I never really got a good look of the entire village. As we began walking away from the Inn, I started to see more houses that were hidden from trees. Just up ahead were two men sitting next to a fire. One man had a knife in his hand with a piece of wood in the other. The other man had his eyes deep in a book. They look like locals. I forgot where to find the path to the lake. Perhaps they know where the trail would be.


    ¡°Excuse me you two. Would you know which direction Lake Killarney is?¡± I asked. The man whittling looked up and smiled. The other man who was reading kept his eyes in his book but nodded.


    ¡°Yeah. Follow this dirt road here and take a right up ahead. There will be a tavern, and just past that is a sign that says, ¡°Lake Killarney ahead¡± Stay on that path and it¡¯ll take you there.¡± Said the man who still didn¡¯t take his eyes off the book.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I said as I began walking.


    ¡°Wait. Excuse me ma¡¯am!¡± Said the other man. Molly and I stopped as we looked back at the guy who was whittling. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you both around before. Where are you from?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Pinemist!¡± Molly said cheerfully before I had to speak.


    ¡°Wow. I never met anyone from that place before. You both must have traveled a long ways. What brings you to Hillford?¡± Said the man whittling. I could tell him the truth, but I don¡¯t want to be locked in a conversation about my own village and my uncle. I starting to wish this man would just shut up.


    ¡°We¡¯re just traveling for the spring. I¡¯m sorry to say this, but I got to go meet up with a friend.¡± I lied.


    ¡°Oh no problem. Hope you enjoy your stay!¡± He replied. I waved goodbye and continued walking. I looked down at Molly and seen her hand in the air as she waved goodbye to the two men as well. Just a little bit ahead there was a road to our left just as the bookworm said. A little more up the road past our turn was a couple Vaesite Soldiers walking around. As we both turned onto the small road. I could see the tavern just up ahead with a middle-aged man hanging around outside the door and just past him was a sign that said ¡°Lake Killarney Ahead¡±


    As we were walking I took a quick look at the man hanging outside the tavern and seen he was checking me out. The way he looked at me reminded me how the Vaesite Soldiers would eye me up every time they come to Snowdrift. I looked away trying to ignore him as I continued walking.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen a beautiful girl like you in town for a long time.¡± He said slurring his words. Again, I tried to ignore him as I kept walking. Molly surprisingly didn¡¯t say a word or even look at the man as we passed him up. ¡°I hope you stick around!¡± He shouted as Molly and I got on the sandy path to the lake.


    Once we got distant from the man I looked over my shoulder to make sure he wasn¡¯t following us. Instead he was still staring at me with a huge grin. ¡°I¡¯m happy you didn¡¯t say anything to that man, Molly. I¡¯m proud of you!¡± I praised.


    ¡°My father told me not to talk to crazy men.¡± She said. I laughed and nodded my head in agreement.


    ¡°My father told me that too.¡± I said. From far up ahead, I could see an opening where the sun is shining. Up above I can hear the birds sing, but I never heard birds like these before. Suddenly to the left of us, we heard a branch snap. I stopped in my tracks and looked in the direction, but there were large shrubs blocking the view. Molly quickly stood right behind me feeling frightened. Slowly I pulled out my sword thinking that the ether the crazy man was stalking us, or some monster was ready to jump out and attack. My heart then began to race as I brought the tip of my blade up to a branch of the thick green bramble in front of me. Slowly I pushed it aside only to see a whitetail doe face to face with me.


    As I jumped back in terror with gasp. The deer sprung in the other direction and ran. ¡°What was that!¡± Molly screamed. I breathed out in relief and lowered my sword.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. It was just a deer. Let¡¯s move on.¡± I said as I sheathed my blade. Molly then grabbed my hand and we continued walking.


    ¡°Are there monsters out here?¡± Molly asked.


    ¡°Yesterday, Rogfee said that if we stick on this path and near the lake, we should be okay.¡± I replied.


    Just a little bit further we finally came up on the opening to the lake. As we both emerged from the woods, my eyes opened wide to the beautiful sight. The large body of water was so crystal clear that I could even see the bottom. Surrounded by the lake was whitish yellow looking sand. As I walked onto the beach, I could feel my boot sink in a little into the sand like I was walking on grainy snow. I bent down and brushed the tips of my fingers against the soft warm sand. It¡¯s soft and each piece is so tiny!


    Just nearby was a big flat rock sticking up from the sand that looked perfect to set our things on. I unhooked my belt that held my sword and my uncle¡¯s ashes by my side as I walked over to the flat rock. Gently I laid my belt down and placed the bottle of shampoo next to it. Next, I sat down and pulled off my boots and socks. I rested my feet on the soft warm sand and stood back up. I then walked over to the water and dipped my toes in. The water was decently warm, but not as warm as the hot spring back at home. I looked over at Molly and seen that the girl was looking along the shore line looking fascinated with her distant surroundings.


    ¡°Are you going to come in the lake too?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Hmm. Maybe in a little bit!¡± Molly cheerfully said as she began walking the lake shore.


    ¡°Alright. Take your time. I¡¯m in no rush to leave.¡± I said as I walked back over to the flat rock. I pulled off my cuirass vest with the white skirting and set that aside. Next, I unbuttoned my short sleeve button up shirt, and slipped off my undies. I grabbed the bottle of shampoo and walked back over to the water. I placed the bottle on the shoreline and stepped into the lake. I slowly walked in where the water was up to my shins. The further I went, I could feel the water was starting to feel cooler. Gods this is so different! Back at Snowdrift, I could just jump right into the water. I walked in a little further and stopped to where the water was up to my thighs. The water was starting to feel even more colder that I didn¡¯t want to go any further. I then got onto my tippy toes and slowly walked further in.


    ¡°Jump in, Emmy It¡¯s not that bad!¡± Molly shouted. I looked back at Molly and seen her still fully dressed standing on the sand away from the water.


    ¡°What are you talking about? You didn¡¯t even touch the water yet!¡± I yelled back. Molly giggled and began walking towards the flat rock. I brought my attention back down to my toes and took another step. Suddenly my left foot hit something hard that sent me falling forward. My body fell into the cold water sending a couple seconds of shock through my body. Instantly my body got used to the temperature. I stood back up in panic seeing nothing, but sand floating around my feet.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Molly asked giving me a weird look. I looked back down and seen something gray resting still. Slowly the sand settled back down onto the lakebed. I bent down and looked closely only to see that gray thing was just a rock.


    ¡°I tripped over a rock.¡± I said as I lowered my body down into the water. I watched Molly as she was focusing on something far away. She stood very still like statue. Her face expression was so blank that I didn¡¯t know if I should be worried or not. I looked over to where she was looking and seen something black sitting in the water far away. ¡°What are you looking at, Molly?¡± I asked.


    ¡°There¡¯s a loon sitting in the water. It¡¯s my father¡¯s favorite bird.¡± Molly said as she pointed. I stood up out of the water to get a better view, but it was still a bit hard to see.


    ¡°That bird isn¡¯t a monster, is it?¡± I asked as I kept watching it.


    ¡°No. It¡¯s a good bird. My father says it swims underwater to eat fish. He also loves the noise it makes at night.¡± Molly said.


    ¡°Is this also your favorite bird?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yeah. Only because my father likes it. Before he came to Pinemist, he said that he seen this bird a lot.¡± Molly said.


    ¡°Where is your father from?¡± I asked as I made my way up shore towards the shampoo bottle.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± She replied. I stopped asking questions thinking that I was going to make her sad if I continued. As I picked it up, I made my way back into the water. I popped the cork out and dabbed some on my hand. As I got a decent amount, I popped the cork back in and lightly threw the bottle over to the shoreline. Then I began scrubbing the shampoo into my hair. Suds started to build up on my scalp as I kept rubbing. This stuff seemed exactly like what my mother use to make. Instead it smelled so much nicer than pine.


    I let myself sink down into the water and began washing it out of my hair. I brought myself up to the surface and back down to continue washing. I kept running my fingers through my hair, slowly I could feel my hair become smooth as silk. I brought my head up and checked my hair to see if I got all the shampoo out. I opened my eyes and seen Molly in the water right in front of me bathing.


    You got in so fast, I didn¡¯t even notice you?¡± I said.


    ¡°I just walked right in.¡± Molly laughed like the cold water wasn¡¯t a big deal. I ran my fingers through my hair once more and didn¡¯t feel any suds left.


    ¡°Well I¡¯m all cleaned up. I¡¯m going up on shore to dry.¡± I said. I emerged out from the water and sat down on the big flat rock. Right beside me I noticed Molly¡¯s clothes right next to mine.


    ¡°Hey, Emmy? Am I going back to the orphanage?¡± Molly asked. I brought my head up and gave her a smile.


    ¡°No, I adopted you. Remember?¡± I asked. Molly nodded her.


    What about, Zael? Is going back?¡± Molly asked as she dipped her hair in the water.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. Him and I aren''t welcomed in Edinburgh anymore.¡± I replied as I laid myself down on the flat rock to let the sun dry the rest of my body. Molly didn¡¯t say another word after that. I wasn¡¯t sure if she heard me or not. I ignored it and closed my eyes to rest.


    The sun feels nicer here. I can feel the warmth hitting against my bare body. Instead of water beginning to freeze, I feel it quickly disappear. Not only that, but this rock I¡¯m laying on is soaking up the sun¡¯s heat making me dry off much faster.


    After Molly finished up, we both got dressed and headed back to the village. Luckily the crazy man wasn¡¯t outside the tavern. When Molly and I walked through the door to the Inn, I seen Rogfee talking to a man who was very well dressed in black. His black hair was long and reached down to the top of his chest. With a weak smile, his amber eyes made contact with mine.


    ¡°Emerencia! Just in time. I want you to meet someone. He¡¯s a great friend of Garth, Digby, and I. I¡¯m sure you heard about him. This is Vlad, he just arrived from Edinburgh.¡± Said Rogfee. I looked at the man in disbelief and walked over to him with my hand out for a shake. I never thought I would meet this Vlad guy that everyone was talking about.


    ¡°Emerencia. It¡¯s finally nice to meet you.¡± I said.


    ¡°Garth, owner of the Edinburgh Ale Company.¡± Vlad said as he shook my hand gently. ¡°I¡¯m terribly sorry about what happened. Garth was like a brother to me. Once Digby gave me the news last night, I had to come over.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve been through a whole lot.¡± I quietly said.


    ¡°If I were you, I¡¯d kill that bastard.¡± Vlad softly said.


    ¡°Believe me, I¡¯m having thoughts. It¡¯s just Digby wants me to rest up here for a little while.¡±


    ¡°Well if you ever do, I can help you out. You both probably don¡¯t know this, but I¡¯m a pretty wealthy man. With my deliveries all over Epeon, I hear rumors about where the Vaesite go and what they do. If I hear anything about Lokir, I¡¯ll let you know. I want him dead probably just as much as you do.¡±


    ¡°One person doesn¡¯t want me to kill him, and you do.¡± I chuckled.


    ¡°Well since King Haveron The Second took the throne and started a war with Amira down south. My company isn¡¯t doing so well now that ale can¡¯t be delivered down there. As for Haveron himself, I get to meet in person many times. Nice to me because I personally deliver his drinks, but he¡¯s monster. The things I seen in that castle kinda makes me wish I can forget. Not only that, but Digby told me that he ordered that general to slaughter your village If I¡¯m correct. You lost everything, and I lost my best friend.¡±


    ¡°I know. Digby wants me to rest here and think about it for a while.¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯ll help you in any way I can. I¡¯ll promise you that.¡±

 Chapter 8: News From Edinburgh

    ¡°When we were camping alongside the Silverpine River, Alita walked downstream from our camp to pick some red apples while I was getting a fire started for the evening. Within ten minutes after she left, I heard her scream and I immediately shot down the river.¡± Garth said as he made a zooming hand motion. All of a sudden there was a knock at his door. Before Garth could answer it, my father walked in rubbing his hands together.


    ¡°Sorry for the intrusion, brother. It''s freezing out there tonight.¡± My father said. My uncle Garth reached in a drawer that was near the front door and pulled out a pair of brown leather choppers.


    ¡°You can have these. Don''t lose this pair like you did with the last two. Anyways, I was just at the beginning of telling her a story about the time I saved my own daughter from a troll. I guess it¡¯ll be another time.¡± Garth said as he walked back over to the fire place. My father slipped the choppers on and started to walk over to me. I seen dirt and mud marked all over his face and shirt like always, but not as messy than usual.


    ¡°Hey there Princess! How was your day?¡± My father asked. I gave him a smile and held my cup of tea up to him offering a sip.


    ¡°It was fun! Garth and I went up to the river to pick fresh needles from white pines to make tea. We seen two deer on the way, and a lynx on the other side of the river when we were picking needles!¡± My father shot my uncle a look as he brought the cup up to his mouth.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s totally fine, Marth! I would never let anything happen to your daughter.¡± Garth said. My father took a sip and lowered my cup down as he handed it back to me.


    ¡°You took her far out to the river to pick pine needles? Garth she''s only eight!¡± My father argued.


    ¡°She may be eight, but she''s got the heart of an adventurer. Your daughter is fascinated and wants to see the world, Marth. With her by my side I promise you she''ll never get hurt.¡± Garth said with a firm voice. My father was still for a bit then nodded his head with a sigh.


    ¡°It is pretty good tea.¡± My father said. Luckily the short argument stopped there. It¡¯s not too often my father and his brother argue, but I don¡¯t like to hear it. My father walked back over to the door and waved me to him. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Emma. It¡¯s getting late, and I have to work early tomorrow.¡± My father yawned. I quickly sipped the rest of my uncle¡¯s tea and stood up. I gave Garth his cup back and walked over to the door to get my boots on.


    ¡°When¡¯s the soldiers coming?¡± Garth asked.


    ¡°Seven more days. We got more than enough ore as well. I¡¯m having the men tomorrow hide the extra ore in the mines for next month¡¯s pick up. I think this spot is gonna last us a long time.¡± My father said. After I got my boots on, I slipped my coat on and gave my Uncle a hug.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow?¡± I asked. My uncle smiled and buttoned up my coat.


    ¡°Yeah. I can finish up that story tomorrow, and maybe tell a few more?¡± My uncle asked. I nodded as I quickly grew excited about coming over the next day. I turned to my father, but something was wrong. He was holding his throat. With a cough, blood began to rapidly run down his neck. He dropped to the floor knees first and right behind his body was Lokir. Staring at me with his gruesome teal yellow eyes with a sick grin on his face.


    Suddenly my eyes shot open and I bolted up from the bed with a loud gasp. I looked around the room making sure it was only just a dream. Molly or Zael didn¡¯t move surprisingly. I could feel my heart race and my body shaking. What I was dreaming about actually happened when I was just a little girl, but not Lokir. He was never there slitting my father¡¯s throat. That part never happened. This was a memory that turned into a nightmare.


    I¡¯ve been in Hillford for only two and a half weeks now. I had about six mild nightmares so far, but this was different. Tears were starting to build up in my eyes. I miss my uncle, my father, and my home village very much. I lost all that almost three weeks ago now. It¡¯s all gone, and now I¡¯m here...


    Slowly I got up out of the bed trying not to wake Molly. I made my way to the living room window to set my mind on something else. I looked outside at the sleeping village that was completely still. It was so dark that the trees were hiding the moon. The only thing I can see is a small orange light in the distance that caught my eye. It was still, but I am a little curious to see what it is. I don¡¯t feel like going back to bed after that dream. It made me feel fully awake, but scared of sleeping again.


    I walked back over to my bed and grabbed my belt where the pouch with Garth¡¯s ashes was still tied onto. I wrapped it around my nightgown and attached my sword to my waist. I slipped my socks and boots on and I slowly made my way to the door. I slowly turn the handle and opened the door. I looked behind me at Zael and Molly, but they were still like a rock. I sneaked right out gently closing the door behind me. Slowly I walked down the stairs. A few boards creaked, but it didn¡¯t seem to loud.


    Once I made it to the bottom of the stairs I made my way to the front door. I unhooked the latch and walked right out. The air was a little warm, but there wasn¡¯t a breeze to bring a chill. I closed the door behind me and started walking. It was so dark, and I could hear chirping noises all around me. It sounds small, but harmless. As I kept waking I could see that I was getting closer to the orange light. I began to slow my pace as I was walking down the village path. The light seemed to move up and down a bit. I could see that it was flickering, and I could hear it crackle.


    I got close enough that I could see what that light was. A little fire burning with a few logs thrown on. As I walked up to the fire, I raised my hands over it to feel the heat.


    ¡°Nice night for a fire, isn¡¯t it?¡± Quickly I jumped in fear as I drew my sword. To the left of me was that same man I seen two week ago who was stuck in his book laying down against a log. All though I see him out here every day reading. He didn¡¯t move to the sight of my sword, but he was calm. ¡°It¡¯s alright. I don¡¯t mean any harm.¡± He said.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. You just startled me. I seen your fire from my window and I was just curious.¡± I said as I sheath my sword.


    ¡°Hey it¡¯s alright. You can sit if you want. I never get company out here at night.¡± The guy said. I looked down at a log by my feet that was facing across from him. I sat down on it and looked into the fire.


    ¡°Are you that same guy who sits out here and reads every day?¡± I asked.


    ¡°My name¡¯s Fennec. I sleep and read. Sometimes I gather wood for the fire. Nothing to really do in this little village, but I found a love for books and I appreciate the outdoors. This makes me happy.¡± He replied.


    ¡°I see. I¡¯m a little curious. Do the soldiers bother you in this town?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I know the king and his soldiers are cruel, but the soldiers here are pretty laid back. They only take their jobs seriously when a ship arrives full of goods. They don¡¯t care what happens in this village, or who does what. I never had a problem.¡± Fennec said. I nodded my head in acknowledgment and raised my hands towards the fire.


    ¡°Why are you really here?¡± Fennec asked. I looked back up at him in silence. I didn¡¯t know what to say. ¡°You''re not just passing through. Just about every day I see you walk to the lake with that child and come back with wet hair. I can tell you''re both going down there to bathe. Are you family of Rogfee¡¯s?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am bathing. I just don¡¯t want men to follow me down and watch me bathe.¡± I lied. Well not exactly. I really don¡¯t want men watching me bathe. ¡°Anyways it¡¯s bad enough I got a weird guy who hangs outside the tavern eyeing me up and saying weird things as I walk to the lake.¡±


    ¡°I think you¡¯re talking about Jester Jeff.¡± Fennec said not sounding amused.


    ¡°Jester Jeff?¡± I laughed. ¡°How did he get that name?¡± Fennec laughed too and then shook his head.


    ¡°That man is a drunk and a joke. Any girl that walks into town, Jeff would try to get into their pants. Ten years ago, Jeff¡¯s wife found out what he was doing and left him right on the spot. She ran off to find a new place to live and since then, Jeff started drinking. Today he¡¯s just a creep who completely lost his mind. I recommend you stay far away from him as possible.¡± Fennec warned.


    ¡°He¡¯s not even good looking. How did he get with ladies?¡± I asked. Fennec stood up and made a muffled chuckle.


    ¡°He was actually a charming man back in his day for what I heard. He got into many fights and too much mead messed him up of course. I¡¯m really surprised no one killed him yet.¡± Fennec said as he threw two more logs onto the fire. He sat back down and stared into the fire with a smile.


    I took my eyes off him and looked in the pit of the fire where the ashes sit, I could see small chunks of embers glowing orange. This reminded me how I use to sit outside with my uncle at night. Most nights, Garth would tell stories of his travels and some nights we would stare into the fire. Just focused on the flames as the wood burns.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re from Ironmist Village? Fennec asked. I kept my eyes on the fire as I shook my head.


    ¡°Snowdrift actually. Molly is from Ironmist.¡± I corrected.


    ¡°Molly? She must be the young girl that¡¯s with you, right? Fennec asked sounding confused.


    ¡°Yeah. I adopted her from Edinburgh.¡± I said. .


    ¡°I see. What is Snowdrift like?¡± Fennec asked. A question like this has never been asked since I left. Just questions about what happened to my village. Nothing about what it¡¯s like. Slowly a smile grew on my face. Finally, something different.


    ¡°It¡¯s a village deep in the snowy Pinestone Mountains. The village is in a little valley surrounded by all types of pine trees. Nearby the village is three hot springs. Men bathe in one. Women bathe in the other. The last hot spring we use for drinking water and supplies. We try to keep the third spring as clean as possible. It may sound weird, but taking a hot bath in the freezing cold is actually very heavenly.¡± I said. I could tell there was excitement in my voice. A nice hot bath actually sounds great right now.


    ¡°Go on. What¡¯s the village life like?¡± Fennec asked.


    ¡°I was told that all the homes were very well built when Snowdrift was first a settlement. Back when I lived there, the village was full of small shacks and cabins. Just about every morning you would wake up with snow covering the trace of yesterday. Every morning most of the men head out to work in the mine or chop trees in the forest. The rest of the men would stay back and make warm clothes, chop wood, hunt, or lived the rest of their days growing old. My uncle would stay back and forge pickaxes and axes if any were in need. On his free time, he told me stories and trained me on how to use the sword.¡± I said as I padded my sword by my side.


    ¡°Wow. Seems like a busy village. What about the women? What did they do?¡± Fennec asked.


    ¡°The women in the village made wool and hide blankets. They made warm clothes too. Some cooked meals for the miners. My mother just stayed home while my father ran the mine. She just cooked and knitted stuff. There was only two people in the village that was my age. A few little kids. Everyone else was older.¡± I said. I looked up at Fennec and noticed his eyes where in the sky.


    ¡°What do they think of travelers? It would be really neat to visit that place. Sounds like an interesting trip.¡± Fennec said with a smile. The smile on my face flipped.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother. Snowdrift is gone.¡± I softly said.


    ¡°Gone? What do you mean? What happened to Snowdrift?¡± Fennec asked. I really wanted this part to be avoided.


    ¡°The Vaesite burned it to the ground and killed everyone. My uncle and I was the only one left.¡± I said keeping it short. Fennec was staring at me. He looked disturbed, but curious. I could tell his mind was racing with questions. Questions that I don¡¯t want to answer.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. Why did they-¡±


    I shook my head in irritation and stood up.  ¡°Wait! Where are you going?¡± Fennec asked as he stood up.


    ¡°Back to bed. I don¡¯t want to talk about this!¡± I argued. I began walking back to the Inn, but I could hear Fennec following behind. ¡°Miss, I¡¯m sorry!¡± He pleaded.


    ¡°So is everyone else, but that doesn¡¯t change anything. I just don¡¯t want to talk about what happened to my village!¡± I yelled as I kept walking.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to upset you. I¡­ I didn¡¯t know.¡± Fennec cried. His footsteps could still be heard right on my trail. When I approached the front door of the Inn, I felt his hand touch my shoulder. Quickly I reached down and drew my sword as I spun around. I held my blade up at him in anger and looked him in the eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡± I firmly yelled. Fennec quickly drew his hands away and stepped back.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯m sorry about that too. I understand. You lost your family and your home. It has to be rough, but-¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand!¡± I snapped. ¡°Do you know what it¡¯s like? What it¡¯s like to watch your own father get his throat slit, watching everyone in your own village get murdered in cold blood, watching children get tossed into a fire alive?¡±


    ¡°No, but-¡±


    ¡°I was left to burn alive in my uncle¡¯s home. I walked an entire day with my uncle without stopping to find Edinburgh!¡± I yelled as I cut him off again. ¡°Everyone I loved and spent my whole life with is gone. Dead. Since the night that happened all I wanted to do is to kill that man who destroyed my life. Just a couple days after that, the same man killed my uncle! Now his ashes are hanging beside my hip!¡±


    Fennec was quiet. He took another step back and looked down at my waist. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to upset you. I know there is nothing I can do about your village, but I¡¯m sorry.¡± He said with a calm voice. I lowered my sword and turned back around.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry too. I think I should go in. Have a goodnight.¡± I said as I opened the front door of the Inn.


    ¡°Miss?¡± Fennec asked. I paused keeping my hand on the knob.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°May I ask your name?¡±


    ¡°Emerencia.¡± I said calmly. I walked through the door and closed it behind me. I locked the door up and made my way back up to my room.


    As I walked in, I noticed Zael and Molly were still asleep. I quietly made my way to my bed and placed my weapon, pouch of ashes, and belt aside next to my clothes. I crawled in next to Molly and rested my head on the soft warm pillow. I pulled the blankets over my cold body and laid there looking up at the dark ceiling. Slowly I can feel the warmth of the bed growing upon me.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Emmy? Hey, Emmy wake up.¡± Said a soft voice. I could feel a hand on my shoulder gently pushing on me. I opened my eyes and seen Molly looking down at me. The whole room was illuminated from the sun. I couldn¡¯t keep my eyes fully open, so I squinted at her.


    ¡°Hey you. Is everything okay?¡± I mumbled.


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m just hungry. Can we go down and eat?¡± Molly asked. I slowly sat up and looked over at Zael¡¯s bed. He wasn¡¯t there. Just his nightgown.


    ¡°Where did Zael go?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I think he went to the lake, but I do smell breakfast.¡± Molly answered.


    ¡°Do you want me to come down and join you for breakfast?¡± I asked. Molly nodded her head. I felt so tired, but Molly seemed to be fully awake. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you what. I¡¯ll go down and join you, but I¡¯m going back to sleep afterwards.¡± I said.


    Molly cocked her head to the side. ¡°Did you have another nightmare?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Yeah. I had a hard time going back to sleep.¡± I said. Molly then fell forward into me and wrapped her arms around for a hug. I didn¡¯t want to add in the part of me sneaking out. I didn¡¯t want anyone to know that I left for a awhile last night.


    When Molly stopped hugging me, she got off the bed and pulled off her nightgown to change into her clothes. I slowly sat up and stretched. I didn¡¯t feel like changing, or doing anything at all. I got up out of bed and waited for Molly to get done. She looked up at me with a smile and started walking towards the door. I followed after her through the door and down the stairs. As I made it to the bottom, I noticed Zael sitting at the table with Rogfee, and Vlad. Vlad has returned.


    All the eyes in the room looked at Molly and I. ¡°Well lass it looks like you¡¯re finally awake!¡± Vlad said cheerfully. I gave them all a weak smile and walked on over. I took a seat next to Zael and sat quietly. My mind and body were still, and I didn¡¯t feel like doing anything.


    ¡°You alright, Emma? It doesn¡¯t look like you slept well.¡± Said Zael.


    ¡°Hardly slept. I came down to get Molly some breakfast.¡±


    ¡°Well we¡¯re all glad you''re here. Vald has some news about Lokir.¡± Said Zael. My eyes quickly shot open and up at Vlad who was sitting across from me. Vlad chuckled at my reaction for a bit and went quiet.


    ¡°In three days, General Lokir is leaving Edinburgh and heading southwest to Nokomis City to meet with another Vaesite General. It has to do with the war that''s going on at sea. I¡¯m not sure how long he¡¯s staying.¡± Vlad said.


    ¡°Is there a path or a main road that he¡¯s taking? We could try and ambush him.¡± I suggested. Vlad shook his head with a smile.


    ¡°Wow! With the sound of that you haven¡¯t changed your mind, huh?¡± Vlad laughed. Well I¡¯m happy to hear that!¡±


    ¡°He burned my village and killed everyone I love. Of course, I want him dead.¡± I complained.


    ¡°I don¡¯t blame you. Anyways he¡¯s taking the road through Black Cloud Forest, home to the most dangerous creatures in Epeon. He¡¯s also traveling with fifty soldiers. Taking him out on the road to Nokomis from Edinburgh will be a very dangerous move. I recommend killing him in the city.¡± Said Vlad. I looked over at Zael trying to see what he thought of the situation. After all, Zael said he would help me. His eyes were straight ahead like his focus was miles away.


    ¡°Vlad¡¯s right. I heard some unpleasant stories about Black Cloud Forest. There is a man who lives in Edinburgh who traveled through the forest with four of his friends. He came out alive and alone. He said there are Giant Venomous Spiders, Trolls, Moss Worms, Giant Poison Frogs, and Swamp Walkers.¡± Said Zael.


    ¡°The list of creatures in that forest goes on and on. There are two other options to reach Nokomis.¡± Rogfee said as he scratched his chin.


    ¡°Which one gets us to Nokomis faster and which one is safer?¡± I asked Rogfee.


    ¡°Well you can travel through The Great Haven Forest. It¡¯s the long route, but you¡¯ll likely come across some Paskas and such, but it¡¯s much more of a longer walk or carriage ride. The road to Nokomis also forks off to the Vaesite Castle. Your second option that I highly recommend is walking through the Haven River Gorge. Not very many people travel through the gorge, unless they¡¯re traveling light. For what I heard, monster sightings are very slim. It¡¯s the safest and the shortest route to Nokomis¡± Said Rogfee.


    ¡°Have you ever traveled through the gorge?¡± Zael asked Rogfee.


    ¡°I have three times. It¡¯s actually really nice. The water from lake Killarney goes into the gorge. Anyways at the beginning is a waterfall going down into the gorge. You can jump if you like. Anyways from there is the river which is shin high. At some points it can get up to your knees or waist. There are more waterfalls and some rapids, but it¡¯s totally safe to walk through or jump down into. Just don¡¯t slip and crack your skull.¡± Said Rogfee.


    ¡°How long is the trip?¡± I asked.


    ¡°About a five-day trip. From Edinburgh to Nokomis is a four-day trip. If you want to leave for Nokomis tomorrow, you can get to the city before Lokir since he¡¯s leaving in three days. Anyways after you travel through the gorge you will come across Haven Lake. Just south of Haven Lake is Nokomis. Now I want you both to pay close attention.¡± Rogfee said in a serious tone. Zael and I sat quiet with our eyes on him.


    ¡°When you reach Haven Lake. I want you to follow the lakeside south. There will be another river. That is the main Haven River. I want you to stay on that river. Do not get off it! You will either end up in the Haven Forest or Black Cloud Bog. Follow the river and you¡¯ll end up finding a wooden bridge. Go up on the bridge and head on the path going south east. You¡¯ll then be in Nokomis. No shortcuts. Got it?¡± Said Rogfee.


    Zael and I looked at each other and nodded our heads in acknowledgement. I then looked down at Molly who was patiently waiting for her breakfast. I didn¡¯t want her to be left here. Not alone once again.


    ¡°What about, Molly? If I¡¯m going to Nokomis, I want her to come with.¡± I said. Vlad then nodded his head with a smile.


    ¡°Well, I can get my private carriage for her to travel to Nokomis City. From there I will have a room waiting at one of the finest Inns. I¡¯ll guarantee you that she¡¯ll not be harmed.¡± Said Vlad. I looked at Molly and back at Vlad.


    ¡°We can¡¯t travel together through carriage?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Do you want to make it to Nokomis before Lokir? I don¡¯t think he¡¯ll be around for long. After all, Lokir is stationed in Edinburgh.¡± Vlad replied. I sat quietly and looked down at Molly.


    ¡°Molly. Zael and I are going to travel through the river to reach Nokomis City. Vlad is a nice man to offer you a safe ride to Nokomis. Are you okay with that?¡± I asked her. Molly looked up at me with her big brown eyes and a frowned.


    ¡°I can¡¯t travel with you? What if something happens to you?¡± She asked. I leaned over for a hug and rested my head on her shoulder.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. I promise you that you¡¯ll arrive to Nokomis safe and sound. I promise you that nothing will happen to me. Most importantly, I promise I¡¯ll see you again.¡± I said leaning away from her. Molly slowly nodded her head in agreement. I can see Molly¡¯s eyes starting to tear up. I know she doesn¡¯t want to leave me, but I also don¡¯t want to take her through a gorge where we could have a monster attack.


    ¡°You promise?¡± She sniffed.


    ¡°Yes. I won¡¯t break this promise.¡±


    ¡°Now that¡¯s settled! I was planning on taking my good carriage back to Edinburgh, but today I¡¯ll give it to little Molly. I¡¯ll give my carriage men plenty of coin and I¡¯ll be sure to have a letter to give to the Innkeeper about Zael and Emerencia¡¯s arrival.¡± Said Vlad.


    ¡°If we leave today, then when will Molly depart? What will you do without your carriage?¡± Zael asked.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s best that Molly should depart today after lunch. Tomorrow at the crack of dawn, you both must start walking. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll both arrive in Nokomis around the same time that Molly will arrive. As for tonight. I¡¯ll take a room here at your Inn, Rogfee.¡± Said Vlad. Rogfee grew a smile and laughed.


    ¡°Sounds like a night of drinking?¡± Asked Rogfee.


    ¡°As much as you can handle!¡± Vlad replied. All of a sudden Rogfee¡¯s wife came out with two plates food. She walked over without a word and laid a plate in front of Molly and I. On each plate was scrambled eggs, two firecakes, and some sort of orange ball-like thing.


    ¡°Thank you for making us breakfast, Maira.¡± I said. Maira looked at me with a smile.


    ¡°Of course, dear! Today is a little simple for a dish. I made a big batch of scrambled-.¡± Maira stopped as her attention went straight to Molly. ¡°Why is the little one sad?¡± Maira asked.


    ¡°Because Zael and I are taking the river to Nokomis City. Molly doesn¡¯t want to be alone on her route through the Haven Forest.¡± I said. Maira studied Molly for a bit, and then kneeled down to her level.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to travel alone, do you?¡± Maira asked. Molly shook her head and wiped her eyes.


    ¡°Well I¡¯ll tell you what. How about I come with you, cook for you, and keep you company. How does that sound?¡± Maira asked. Molly then wiped her tears and nodded her head.


    ¡°Are you sure about this, Maira?¡± Rogfee asked.


    ¡°Yeah. I can go for a little trip. I¡¯ll be cooking for two again instead of five.¡± Maira said. Molly looked up at me with approval knowing she wouldn¡¯t be alone. I sighed with relief knowing that she won¡¯t be alone for her part of the trip.


    ¡°Alright it¡¯s settled! Hopefully when this is over, things up here will calm down a notch.¡± Said Vlad.


    ¡°So Vlad, I was thinking of some fishing in Lake Killarney, and having some drinks at night. What do you say?¡± Rogfee asked changing the subject. Vlad grew a smile and looked up.


    ¡°Sounds great! You think our fishing spot under the old birch is still any good?¡± Vlad asked.


    My attention towards them was thrown off as Molly said something to Maira. Everyone else in the entire room then started talking. Vlad and Rogfee were talking about fishing, drinks, and a bonfire. Maira was talking to Molly about what to do during the carriage ride. Zael joined in on the boys conversation about fishing and late night fun.


    I picked the firecake up from off my plate and took a bite out of it. It tasted plan, but crunchy with a soft doughy texture in the middle. My uncle told me that he use to make them a lot when he was traveling. Sometimes he had to bake it in the ashes of a fire. About two years back he taught me how to make a few. It was pretty simple, but interesting. As for the orange ball on my plate, I didn¡¯t know what it was. So, I left it.


    After breakfast I headed back up to the room and got dressed into my usual outfit. I and made my way back down.


    ¡°The great knight is back!¡± Vlad announced.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a knight unless the king says I am.¡± I said rolling my eyebrows.


    ¡°You¡¯re a knight in my eyes and I¡¯m sure the king who rules Amira would make you a knight too.¡± Vlad said.


    ¡°You going somewhere?¡± Zael asked.


    ¡°Just gonna bathe before we leave tomorrow.¡± I replied.


    ¡°Could I come?¡± Molly asked.


    ¡°Of course.¡± I said. Molly got up with a smile and gave Maira a hug. We then made our way to the door and waved to everyone as we left. As I opened the door, I noticed the air hit me with a wave of heat. I shut the door behind me and began walking. Just then a small orange thing with wings fluttered across from Molly and I. Suddenly Molly sprung after it. The winged critter went higher into the air away from Molly¡¯s reach and landed on a leaf high in a tree.


    ¡°What is that thing?¡± I asked. Molly looked at me with a puzzled look and squinted her eyes like I was some sort of idiot.


    ¡°You never seen a butterfly before?¡± Molly asked. Slowly I shook my head. ¡°Butterflies come in many colors! Pretty ones too!¡± Molly exclaimed. ¡°My father says they love flowers!¡± I looked up at the butterfly slowly moving its wings as it was resting on a leaf.


    ¡°Butter... Fly¡­¡± I slowly pronounced. ¡°So, do those things make butter that we eat?¡± I asked. Molly shrugged her shoulders.


    ¡°Ummm? I think so.¡± Molly said.


    ¡°Weird...¡± I slowly replied as I watched the small insect take off into the air. We kept walking down the road and seen two local women carrying a basket of clothes, and bucket of sudsy water. Just beyond them was Fennec and the guy who¡¯s whittling wood. Fennec had the same book in his hand and looked very focused. He never took his eyes off that book whenever I pass by so hopefully he doesn¡¯t notice me now. Molly and I kept walking. I was staring at him making sure his eyes were stuck on that page. Suddenly Fennec glanced up at me and quickly stood up.


    ¡°Emer- Emeranzci. Emm!¡± Fennec said trying to correct himself.


    ¡°Em-er-en-cia¡± I slowly said. ¡°Emma is fine too.¡±


    ¡°Right. I¡¯m sorry about last night. I hope you¡¯re still not upset with me.¡± Fennec said. I stood there and rubbed my eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry too. You did nothing wrong last night.¡± I said.


    ¡°So that¡¯s the new girl you think is cute, huh? You both gonna get married now?¡± The whittling man teased.


    ¡°Shut up brother!¡± Fennec yelled as he shot an irritated glance at him. Fennec then quickly looked back at me. ¡°He¡¯s just be a jokester.¡± Fennec said. I didn¡¯t know how to respond. Was his brother kidding or was he not? I know a few men liked me back at my village. Especially Silas. That red-haired asshole with terrible breath would never leave me alone.


    ¡°Funny. Molly and I are going to the lake now.¡± I said trying to leave. I took Molly¡¯s hand and started walking again.


    ¡°James you idiot!¡± Fennec whispered loud enough for Molly and I to hear. As we got far enough away Molly looked at me and smiled.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you''re both sweethearts!¡± Molly laughed.


    ¡°Whoa hold on here! Fennec isn¡¯t my sweetheart!¡± I argued. ¡°What do you know about relationships anyways? Aren''t you a little young?¡± I asked.


    ¡°My mother told me a sweetheart is boy who likes you a lot.¡± Molly said. I kept quiet. She was in a way right. I didn¡¯t want to tell her more about relationships and love. For seven years of age I think she¡¯s too young to know. We kept walking as silence grew over. ¡°I still think he¡¯s your sweetheart!¡± Molly giggled.


    ¡°You¡¯re silly.¡± I said. I then noticed we¡¯re both coming up to the tavern, but Jester Jeff wasn¡¯t hanging around outside as usual. Hopefully he passed out somewhere or he¡¯s inside drinking. We came upon the trail to the lake and Molly was beginning to look confused as she kept looking back.


    ¡°Is everything okay?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Emmy did you bring the shampoo?¡± Molly asked. I stopped and quickly rolled my eyes.


    ¡°I did not.¡±


    ¡°Can I head back and grab it?¡± She asked. I thought for a bit and looked around. No sign of creepy Jeff, and everyone else in this village that seems to pose a threat. I don¡¯t see why not.


    ¡°Do you know the way to the lake?¡± I asked. Molly quickly nodded her head.


    ¡°Alright I¡¯ll let you run back. Do you want to meet me there?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Molly replied.


    ¡°Go head back. I¡¯ll see you there.¡± I said. Molly then turned around and started running back. Hopefully I did the right thing. I hope nothing happens to her while she¡¯s out of my site.


    I continued walking the path to the lake. I did what I did most days and looked at the different leaf shapes and sizes above in the trees. Some were oval, and some had a few points at the ends. As I kept walking I noticed a few jack pines, and a couple big red pines aside from the trail. I could make some tea off those needles. I prefer white pine though. Mostly because my uncle says it¡¯s better. Next thing I knew, I stepped in sand at the lake opening. Nobody was here as usual. Just footprints marked in the sand. I made my way to the big flat rock and started to undress. I laid my sword on top of my outfit and walked knee high into the water. I looked over my shoulder at the trail hoping to see Molly, but she wasn¡¯t there. She shouldn¡¯t be too far behind. Maybe a couple more minutes and she¡¯ll emerge out from the tree line. I looked away and down at the water. I slowly took more steps further. When the cold water reached up to my thighs, I stopped. I then quickly fell right in, so I could get use to the cold faster. I brought my head up from water and walked in a little further. I got up to my collarbone and stopped.


    ¡°At last I get to see you without clothes!¡± A man yelled. I turned around in panic and seen Jeff standing at shore. ¡°I was enjoying the show from the forest. Waiting for you to come all day.¡± He said with a smirk.


    ¡°What in Epeon do you think you''re doing! You¡¯re a pig!¡± I yelled. Jeff then walked towards my gear and picked up my sword. ¡°You put that down!¡± I yelled. Quickly I was growing furious. I took a few steps towards shore, but I didn¡¯t want that sick man to see me naked a second time.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, sweetie? Don¡¯t you want your sword back? I have an idea!¡± He exclaimed. ¡°You come up here and we can make a deal! Maybe then you can have it back.¡± He said. I shook my head and was growing even more pissed. From the corner of my eye I seen Molly standing there with a bottle of shampoo in her right hand and something thin and brown in her left. All of a sudden, she turned around and ran. Maybe to save herself, but hopefully to get help. I took my focus off her and back to Jeff.


    ¡°You''re disgusting! You¡¯re sick! Put my sword down or I¡¯ll pack sand up your ass!¡± I hissed. Jeff raised his eyebrows and smiled some more.


    ¡°You¡¯ll need to come on shore to pack some sand up my ass.¡± Jeff laughed. I didn¡¯t know what to do. I don¡¯t want this man taking advantage of me. He then unsheathed my sword and lightly ran his fingers against the edges. ¡°My what beautiful blade this is. Looks like it can go for a lot of coin.


    ¡°I said put that down!¡± I yelled.


    ¡°Until the last one bleeds? Some warrior you are.¡± He mocked, completely ignoring me. He then brought his attention to my gear and picked up my clothes with his other hand.


    ¡°Put those down!¡± I screamed. Jeff looked at me and shook his head.


    ¡°No. I¡¯ll just pawn this too. Seems like a beautiful outfit.¡± He said as he threw it over his shoulder. He then looked back at me and waved me in to come towards him.


    ¡°I am not coming out!¡± I snapped. He then looked down at my things again and up a small piece of of clothing. My underwear! I watched silently in anger as he glanced over at me with a chuckle.


    ¡°Not bad. Not too often I get to take one of these.¡± He said as he stuffed it in his pocket. Well there''s only one thing I can do. I dunked myself under water and got a grasp of sand. As I poked my head up, I got my arm ready and slugged one at him. Watching as the wet sand went flying. It seemed as if time slowed down. With a great throw, it hit him directly in the mouth. I could have sworn the gods guided my hand.


    ¡°Eck! Wat da uck!¡± He slurred as he started spitting out the sand. He took his hand up to his mouth and started wiping his tongue. I just couldn''t help myself but laugh.


    ¡°Now put it down!¡± I yelled. Jeff then wiped his mouth once more then looked at me in anger.


    ¡°You seriously threw sand? Listen up whore! You better come out soon, because I¡¯m getting impatient!¡± He yelled.


    ¡°What else are you going to do?¡± I asked. Jeff then looked at my stuff on his shoulder and back at me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just come in after you!¡± He yelled. Instantly I didn¡¯t know what else to do. I don¡¯t know how to swim. He¡¯s probably faster than me in water! Maybe I can get up on shore and somehow get my sword back before he has a chance to do something to me. I then took a small step forward. Then another. I got up to where my breasts were about to come out from the water and I stopped.


    ¡°That¡¯s it. You¡¯re doing good. Just a little further!¡± He said with that sick grin on his face. I took a deep breath and wrapped my arms around my breasts as they emerged from the water.


    ¡°Stop right there you perverted freak!¡± Yelled a voice from behind him. A familiar voice too. I looked in the direction where it came from and seen Fennec running towards Jeff. Molly stood at the trail exit as she watched in horror. I quickly ducked down in the water hiding my breasts once again. I watched as Jeff held my sword up over his head as he was ready to swing down at Fennec. His arm swung down, and Fennec jumped to his right sliding in the sand a little.


    ¡°Get him Fennec!¡± I yelled. Suddenly Fennec jumped on top of Jeff and started swinging his fists at him. Jeff then rolled over and planted himself on top of Fennec. With my sword still in Jeff¡¯s hand, held it up over Fennec¡¯s chest and was ready to stab it down.


    ¡°Molly cover your eyes!¡± Said another voice. I took my attention off Fennec and Jeff and seen Zael running past Molly with his axe drawn. Jeff looked up and his eyes widen. Jeff raised my blade higher and brought it down. All of a sudden it seemed time slowed down once again as I watched Zael strike his axe right into Jeff¡¯s chest. Blood shot out of Jeff and painted the sand in a violent red color. Then it seemed that life paused. Everyone and everything were quiet and still, but my heart that was racing. Jeff then lowered his hands and the axe was slowly pulled out from his chest. Fennec pushed my sword aside and shoved the man his body. Quickly he crawled away.


    ¡°Holy shit! You killed him!¡± Fennec said in fearful tone.


    ¡°Thank you Zael. All three of you. Thank you.¡± I said in relief. I looked over at Molly and seen her eyes were still covered.


    ¡°I was outside the Inn and seen Molly calling this man for help. So, I followed.¡± Zael said.


    ¡°It¡¯s a good thing you did. This man wanted to rape me.¡± I said. Fennec looked at the dead body and shook his head.


    ¡°So, your name is Zael, huh?¡± Fennec asked. ¡°Thanks for saving me. We should go dump him in the forest and give Emma some privacy.¡± Fennec said. Zael put away his axe and grabbed Jeff by the arms.


    ¡°Take his legs and you lead. Will people notice if he¡¯s gone?¡± Zael asked. Fennec laughed and shook his head.


    ¡°Jester Jeff? Sir you did the world a fucking favor!¡± He laughed. ¡°Nobody gives two shits about him.¡±


    ¡°Ahem Ahem!¡± I coughed as I pointed to Molly who still had her eyes covered. Fennec looked over and back at me looking sorry.


    I watched the two walk off with Jeff¡¯s body into the tree lines as they both starting talking. That man still has my underwear in his pocket, damn it! At least the rest of my stuff is okay. I looked over at Molly and started to walk towards shore.


    ¡°You can look now if you like. The bad man is gone.¡± I said. Molly uncovered her eyes and ran towards me with fear written all over her face. I quickly slipped on my skirted dress on and hugged Molly.


    ¡°You did a great job! You saved me from the crazy man. I¡¯m very proud of you!¡± I cheered as I squeezed her. I then heard Molly sniff her nose. ¡°Are you crying?¡± I asked. I felt her head nod on my shoulder. She then burst into tears.


    ¡°I thought that bad man would kill you! I didn¡¯t know what to do so I went to your lover!¡± She cried. My smile instantly went flat at the sound of that.


    ¡°You came to my rescue, and what you did was very smart and brave. Fennec isn¡¯t my partner though.¡± I said trying to reassure her.


    ¡°Really?¡± Molly said sniffing her nose. I stepped back and bent down to her eye level.


    ¡°He really isn¡¯t, but you knew exactly what to do, and you saved me.¡± I replied. I then noticed the shampoo in her hand along with two decent sized pieces of leather wraps. It was one of the two things left behind from my uncle. Those and my sword.


    ¡°Why¡¯d you grab those?¡± I asked, and I pointed down at her hand. Molly looked down at the wraps and held them up to me.


    ¡°I was wondering if I could tie your hair with these. My sister did it to her hair with the same thing. I thought it would look pretty.¡± She said. I stared down at the leather in question. It was from my uncle, but two pieces of leather. What am I gonna do with it? It was just sitting there next to my uncle¡¯s sword for two and a half weeks. Leather isn¡¯t supposed to get wet, but I guess I can make some use out of it.


    ¡°You want to do it now while we wait?¡± I asked as I brought my hand up to my wet hair, squeezing out as much water as I could. Molly nodded and brought her hands up to me to my hair. She gently grasped the front side of my hair and separated the rest. She took one of the leather wraps and began rolling it as it held the front left side of my hair in place. Then she made a rip in the leather, and I could feel it tighten up in place. Suddenly it felt as if she tied it up. She looked at me and tilted her head. Then she began on the other side.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you had a big sister. You mostly talk about your father.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. She went off with my father too. Traveled somewhere, but they both never came back.¡± She said in a sad tone as she finished up. She reached her hands up to the top of my head and pulled my bangs down a little bit, spreading them apart from the middle. ¡°All done!¡± She said with a smile.


    ¡°Hey Emma! Is it okay if we come out?¡± Fennec yelled.


    ¡°Yeah I¡¯m dressed!¡± I yelled back. Zael and Fennec then appeared out from the forest and was walking back towards us. All of a sudden, they both stopped in tracks and looked at me in awe.


    ¡°Wow¡­¡± Fennec whispered as he looked at my hair.¡± Zael quickly stopped staring and looked away at the lake.


    ¡°The way you have your hair fits the look.¡± Zael said with an unreadable face.


    ¡°You like it? I did that all by myself!¡± Molly said feeling proud.


    ¡°You did that? Gosh you made her look beautif- Ahem! I mean, she looks good.¡± Fennec said quickly covering his mouth. I could feel my face turn red and I quickly brought my hand up to one of the leather wraps.


    ¡°If you too are gonna be acting weird about it, I¡¯ll just wear it down as always!¡± I bickered.


    ¡°No!¡± Shouted the three. Molly quickly jumped up and brought my hand down away from my hair. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll wear it like this. Only for Molly¡¯s sake.¡± I said.


    ¡°Speaking of Molly, we should probably head back and get Molly ready for her trip.¡± Zael said as he looked up at the sun.


    ¡°Trip? Where is she going?¡± Fennec asked.


    ¡°She¡¯s leaving for Nokomis City today. Zael and I will be departing tomorrow.¡± I said. Fennec suddenly made a face of disapproval.


    ¡°So, you''re leaving tomorrow?¡± Fennec quietly asked. Slightly I nodded my head. ¡°Will you be back?¡± Fennec asked again.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Fennec. There¡¯s something I want to take care of. I just don¡¯t know the answer to that question.¡± I said.


    ¡°Just promise me you¡¯ll come back to Hillford safe and sound.¡±

 Chapter 9: The Night Before Departure

    ¡°Just promise me you¡¯ll come back to Hillford safe and sound.¡± Said Fennec. Emma¡¯s face was emotionless. She looked at Fennec with her blue eyes for a few seconds and turned around facing Molly.


    ¡°I can¡¯t promise you that, but Molly should really be going. Thank you, Fennec for coming to rescue me.¡± Emma said as she started to walk back to town. Fennec was watching Emma as she walked away. He was still and very quiet.


    ¡°You favor her, don¡¯t you?¡± I asked. Fennec cocked his head to the side and breathed out heavily.


    ¡°Yeah. Just a little, I guess. I seen her around for a good two and half weeks. I got to meet her on a bit of a personal level last night.¡± Said Fennec. Quickly I became confused. Last night? Emerencia was sleeping next to Molly last night. I got up three times to take a leak. All three times she was in bed.


    ¡°What happened last night exactly?¡± I asked. Fennec shrugged his shoulders and let out another sigh.


    ¡°She came out by my fire last night. She couldn¡¯t sleep well I guess. She told me some details about what her village was like. The night didn¡¯t end to well. She got angry and stormed back to the inn. She¡¯s upset about what she lost.¡± Said Fennec. I started walking towards the path to Hillford from the lake. Fennec followed up next to me and stayed at my pace.


    ¡°So, tell me, Zael. Why are you three leaving for Nokomis?¡± Asked Fennec. I didn¡¯t know how respond. I basically just met the guy.


    ¡°Business we need to take care of. Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°You and Emma both have a weapon. You seemed pretty skilled too. Last night before Emma went to bed, she said, ¡°All I wanted to do is to kill that man who destroyed my life.¡± and I think she¡¯s after some guy who killed her uncle?¡± Fennec said scratching the small hairs on his chin. I nodded my head in acknowledgment. I¡¯m sure Emma has said enough to Fennec, so why not tell him?


    ¡°Yeah. Emerencia wants to kill that man. A friend of mine was hoping she would change her mind, but I guess not. I trust you won¡¯t tell a soul. Not even a Vaesite?¡± I asked. Fennec shook his head with a smile.


    ¡°Not a soul. You saved my life, Zael. I believe you can help Emma take down that man. I watched you take a good swing at Jester Jeff before he could get me. You hold that mean looking axe with one hand. You must be crazy strong. As for Emma, I haven¡¯t seen her in a fight yet. Well¡­ She did swing her sword up to my throat in a heartbeat last night. I do believe you both can do this.¡± Said Fennec. Now that I thought of it, I only seen Emma in action once and that was when we were defending ourselves at Edinburgh. She seemed to lose balance here and there, yet she lost control. Though she ended killing him. Maybe her and I need to practice. See how we both do. After all, Digby said her blade is practically indestructible.


    As Fennec and I made it back to town, I noticed a fine wooden carriage with a huge back end to it. I definitely seen this carriage in Edinburgh. Basically, my whole life. Up front by the two horses was a familiar blonde man well dressed in a white long sleeve shirt with a black buttoned up vest. So, this must be Vlad¡¯s private carriage? Right beside the carriage was Emma, Molly, Maira, Vlad, and Rogfee standing together talking. As I approached, Vlad seen me and smiled.


    ¡°Aha! Today¡¯s hero has appeared! Good job on what you did back there, Zael! Mighty proud of you!¡± Vlad roared with happiness. I didn¡¯t say anything, but quickly flashed a smile as I continued walking towards them. Rogfee then seen Fennec and smiled as well.


    ¡°Well well, Fennec me boy! Didn¡¯t know my good neighbor was the other hero today! Good work, both of you!¡± Rogfee exclaimed. I looked around making sure that their yelling wasn¡¯t attracting any attention from both citizens and soldiers, but everyone else seemed focused on their own thing. I walked up to Emerencia and stopped.


    ¡°Is Molly all set?¡± I asked. Emma yawned and nodded her head. I looked down at the young girl and noticed a slingshot in her hand and her telescope in the other. ¡°Looks like she has a weapon of her own now.¡± I said.


    ¡°Well actually it¡¯s just something to do if we get bored on the ride. I¡¯m just having her borrow mine.¡± Maira said. The site of that slingshot reminded me when I had a slingshot of my own when I was kid back when my parents were alive. My father would let me shoot at a wooden target. Rock after rock it would slowly chip away. I lost it one day outside, but I could never find it. I think maybe one of the neighbor kids stole it.


    ¡°Well should we be off?¡± Maira asked Molly. Molly looked over at Emma with watery eyes and opened her arms for a hug. I watched as Emma kneeled down and wrapped her arms around Molly.


    ¡°Promise I¡¯ll see you again?¡± Molly said with a sniff.


    ¡°I promise. I¡¯ll see you in Nokomis before you know it.¡± Emma replied. The both separated from the hug and Molly held her arms out at me. I felt speechless, but I kneeled down for a hug. I felt her little arms wrap around my back. I never really thought Molly cared much about me. She was always talking to Emerencia and always stuck near her.


    We both then separated from our hug. Molly took Maira¡¯s hand and they both walked to the back of the carriage. Maira lifted Molly into the back and she disappeared behind a curtain. Maira then climbed in the back next and was gone too.


    ¡°Alright off to Nokomis.¡± Vlad said to his carriage driver. All of a sudden, the carriage driver gave the horses a whip and suddenly they were off. The rest of us were quiet as we watched the carriage drive away.


    ¡°Alright you two. Make any preparations you can tonight. I recommend you both leave tomorrow at Dusk. Just remember it¡¯s a three-day trip.¡± Vlad said as he turned to us.


    ¡°The clothes on my back and the sword by my side is all I need.¡± Emma said. The focus from everyone was then on me.


    ¡°Well we could use food. I don¡¯t know what we can live on for three days in a gorge.¡± I said. Everyone was quiet once again. I was right though. We would be walking through water up to our shins and thighs for three days whole days with nothing, but a rock wall on each side of us and a river to follow.


    ¡°Well I¡¯ll give you both some flint for a fire. Make a few spears out of sticks tonight. There¡¯s plenty of fish to eat in the river. Mostly trout, bluegills, crappies, perch, and pumpkinseeds. All the small stuff. That¡¯s just in the gorge though.¡± Said Rogfee.


    ¡°What about when we leave the gorge and start following the river?¡± Emma asked. Rogfee pointed his index finger in the air and closed his eyes.


    ¡°I was going to get to that.¡± Rogfee said with irritation in his voice. ¡°Now when you get onto the main river there will be some more fish that are bigger, but very hard to find. Fear not. They aren''t dangerous. I strongly recommend you eat big before you hit the river. Just remember to stay on the river and do not leave until you find the first bridge. You wander off, you¡¯ll be in Black Cloud Forest, Black Cloud Bog, or in The Great Haven Forest. You both go into the Black Cloud territory, you¡¯re basically fucked. Understand?¡± Rogfee said. We both nodded our heads.


    I could tell he was serious. The stories I heard about Black Cloud seemed terrifying. A very thick wooded swampy forest flooded with monsters. Then there¡¯s Black Cloud Bog. Over a hundred years ago it was known as Black Cloud Lake. Well until vegetation grew over the murky water and became a bog. Black Cloud Lake is surrounded by land, and that land is surrounded by the Haven River and Haven Harbor.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll leave you all be. I¡¯m having a bonfire behind the Inn tonight. Oh and, Fennec. You¡¯re welcome to come if you wish. Now I¡¯ll be back at the Inn if you three need me.¡± Rogfee said. I watched as Rogfee walked off towards the Inn with Vlad following by his side. Then it was just the three of us. Emma, Fennec, and I. The three of us was quiet. Emma looked over at me like she was waiting for me to say something. Then there was Fennec who I barely knew that was looking at me as well. Even though we¡¯ll be traveling light. Rogfee is right about preparations. Which reminded me about what I thought of earlier.


    ¡°Since we¡¯re leaving tomorrow, I was thinking we could practice a bit. Maybe we could both teach each other some moves and a new technique? Nokomis will be full of Vaesite Soldiers. Incase anything happens, I want us both to be ready.¡± I said.


    ¡°Sounds like a good idea. I¡¯ll show you what I know.¡± Emma smiled as she gave me a smug look. I could feel she was excited, but why? ¡°How about tonight at the fire? That way we don¡¯t cause attention towards anyone during daylight.¡± Emma suggested. I nodded my head in agreement to her idea. I don''t know how well we can see tonight, but it''s worth a shot. Maybe Rogfee¡¯s fire will shine enough light off for the both of us.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    I turned my attention over at Rogfee and Vlad. I watched as the two walked off to the Inn laughing and giving each other a light nudge on each other¡¯s shoulders. Those two seemed to be friends for such a long time. I was told that true friends are never apart. Maybe in distance, but never from heart. I kept watching the two until they disappeared into the Inn. How would it be if Garth was here right now? I¡¯m sure we would still be stuck here. Emerencia would be a little happier. I don¡¯t really know the man to well, but I wish none of this never happened.


    ¡°Everything alright, Zael?¡± Emma asked as she interrupted my thought. My attention went back onto the three of us and I nodded my head.


    ¡°Yeah. Just thinking of preparations for tomorrow.¡± I lied.


    ¡°Alright I should let you both go. I¡¯ll see you both tonight?¡± Fennec questioned. I looked over at Emma to see what her answer was. I don¡¯t know the guy much, but she knows him more than I do.


    ¡°Yeah. See you then.¡± Emma replied. With just that, Fennec turned around and started walking away.


    As Fennec left, Emerencia looked at me with her gentle light blue eyes. Her face was expressionless, but it seemed she wanted to say something. Then a warm smile.


    ¡°Zael. Thank you for what you did back there. Saving me from that crazy man.¡± Emma said calmly.


    ¡°No problem. After all we¡¯re companions now. Having each other¡¯s back is important.¡± I said. Emma¡¯s smile grew a bit bigger as she looked down at the ground playing with the end of her bang. ¡°Anyways when Fennec and I was dragging that dead perv into the woods we decided to check for some valuables on him.¡± I added. Suddenly Emma¡¯s smiling face shot into panic. She lifted her head up and looked me back in the eyes.


    ¡°Wh¡­ What did you find.¡± Emma stuttered. Trying to ignore her face, I dug into the inside of my coat and pulled out a small leather bag of coins.


    ¡°Money. Probably at least fifty epons at the most. I haven¡¯t counted them yet.¡± I said. Emma¡¯s face relaxed and she gave me a slight nod. Suddenly I figured out her problem.


    ¡°Fennec also discovered a pair of girls underwear in the man¡¯s pocket.¡± I said. Emerencia¡¯s face quickly shot right back up.


    ¡°What! What did he do with it?¡± She panicked. I couldn¡¯t help, but laugh from her reaction. Maybe it was best to keep that unsaid.


    ¡°Fennec tossed it aside. That was yours wasn¡¯t it?¡± I asked. Emma slightly gave me a nod.


    ¡°That sick man took it from my clothes pile. There¡¯s no way I want it back after he touched it.¡± Emma said giving off a disgusted look. I didn¡¯t want Emma to get more irritated than she already was.


    ¡°Tell you what. I¡¯ll give you the bag of coins, so you can go down to the market and pick up some things you need. I¡¯m sure this village sells some clothing.¡± I said handing her the bag. She took the little leather bag and smiled.


    ¡°Thank you, Zael. You¡¯re too kind.¡± She said.


    ¡°No problem. I know you never shopped before, but it should be simple. The person running the shop will ask how much coin you¡¯ll need. So, then you¡¯ll trade that amount of coin for the shop¡¯s product. If you need some help, I¡¯ll be back at the Inn. I¡¯ll probably take it easy for the rest of today.¡± I said as I started walking.


    ¡°Alright! I promise I¡¯ll come back with both hands in tact!¡± Emma laughed as she began walking her way. Now it¡¯s just me. I think I might take a little nap. Perhaps clean my axe. I should''ve done that when I was down at the lake now that I think about it.


    As I walked in through the door of the Inn, I could see Rogfee and Vlad sitting at the table with a bottle in each of their hands that said ¡°Edin Ale¡±. Vlad was laughing really hard, but he was trying to calm himself.


    ¡°Then the man kicked open the back-tavern door with a pipe in his mouth and yelled ¡°Alright! Now where¡¯s the old women with the loose tooth?¡±. Vlad said. Rogfee was quiet for a moment as he was deep in thought. All of a sudden, his face grew disgusted.


    ¡°Aw man! What the fuck? That¡¯s disgusting, Vlad.¡± Rogfee said. Vlad started laughing again and slamming his fist on the table. His long black hair flew over from the back of his head and draped over his face. Suddenly Rogfee started to laugh with him.


    I stood at the doorway of the Inn watching the two laughing uncontrollably. Vlad pulled his hair back and imminently caught sight of me. ¡°Zael! You¡¯re back quick. Want to have a drink and listen to some of my good jokes?¡± He laughed. I shook my head and started walking over to the stairs.


    ¡°I don¡¯t drink. Besides I gotta clean the blood off my axe, and I¡¯ll probably take a small nap afterwards.¡±


    ¡°Hold on now, Hero. How about I clean that axe, and you can take a nap. Rest up for today. You¡¯re gonna have a big trip ahead of you starting tomorrow.¡± Said Vlad. I stopped at the stairs and pulled out my weapon. I never once let anyone wield it, but Digby. I never trusted anyone with it, but this is Vlad who¡¯s gonna clean it for me. Is he good with this kind of stuff?


    I looked down at the bloody blade of my axe and hummed. I walked over to the table and carefully handed the axe over to Vlad. The second it was in his hands, Vlad loss balance of the axe and the tip hit the floor making a mark. I sighed in frustration thinking this could be a bad idea.


    ¡°Woah geez! I¡¯m sorry about that. I didn¡¯t expect this sucker to be that heavy!¡± Vlad said lifting the axe up onto the table. Vlad then breathed out and looked at me with disbelief. ¡°You fight with this thing?¡± He asked in disbelief.


    ¡°Yeah. Took me awhile to gain full control of it, but now I swing it like a stick with one hand.¡± I said. Vlad¡¯s eyes widen as he looked back down at my axe.


    ¡°Maybe taking the route through Black Cloud Forest wouldn¡¯t be a bad thing after all. You run into a Swampwalker and you¡¯ll probably walk out without a scratch. Anyways I¡¯ll get a rag and get cleaning for you.¡± Vlad said.


    ¡°Thank you, Vlad.¡± I said as I started to walk back to the stairs. I took off my blue coat and tossed it over my shoulder. I couldn¡¯t wait to hit the bed and relax. I¡¯ve been helping Rogfee with cutting wood and house chores all week. I finally got a day to myself to take it easy.


    ¡°Hey Zael!¡± Rogfee called. I stopped once again at the steps and looked over at the two.


    ¡°Yeah?¡± I answered.


    ¡°Just wondering if you¡¯re gonna make it to my fire tonight?¡± Rogfee asked. I didn¡¯t know if the man forgot what I said earlier, or he wasn¡¯t paying attention when Vlad invited me to have a drink with the two of them.


    ¡°Of course, Rogfee. Like I said. I¡¯m gonna take a short nap. Emerencia and I are gonna practice out by the fire tonight if that¡¯s alright?¡± I asked. Rogfee closed his eyes and looked away as his hand went in the air.


    ¡°Of course. You both do what you wanna do. I understand the both of you are going to be in Nokomis in a few days. Best prepare right? I¡¯m just happy to hear you¡¯ll be out to join me by the fire tonight.¡± Rogfee said.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t miss that, Rogfee. You¡¯re a good friend.¡± I said with a smile as I begin walking up the stairs. Once I got up to my room, I shut the door behind me and tossed my jacket to the side of bed. I slipped off my boots, and then crawled into my soft comfortable bed wearing nothing, but my brown shirt and jeans.


    I¡¯m really gonna miss this bed. The two cushioned pillows. The warm wool blanket with a soft beautiful quilt on top. I really wish I can take this bed with me. I rolled over to my side facing away from the door. I closed my eyes and smiled. From how nice this felt, I kinda don¡¯t want to leave tomorrow.


    ¡°Zael. Hey Zael. Wake up sleepy head.¡± I opened my eyes, but the whole room was dark. The only light was a lantern in Emma¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Wow. How long was I out?¡± I asked.


    ¡°From midday to a bit after sundown.¡± Emma replied. I slowly sat up and stretched my arms.


    ¡°How did it go shopping?¡± I yawned. Emerencia smiled and pulled out the leather bag of coins I gave her earlier.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t too hard. Turns out there was seventy-eight coins in there.¡± I grabbed the bag from Emma and noticed it felt super light. I could hear what seemed like only two coins jingling inside. This could not be good.


    ¡°What did you buy exactly?¡± I asked. Emma set the lantern down and sat beside the bed facing me.


    ¡°I told a shop owner that I was new to shopping, but I got what I needed for only twenty coins! How nice is that?¡± Emma exclaimed. I just became fully awake in shock from what she just said. I just couldn¡¯t believe my ears.


    ¡°Twenty coin? Is that underwear made of gold!¡± I yelled. Emma jumped in fear and moved back a bit.


    ¡°N¡­ No. It¡¯s just... Is twenty epons to much?¡± She asked. I slapped my face with the palm of my hand and breathed out.


    ¡°Something like that should cost around five to seven! Clearly you were scammed.¡± I said. I shook the bag again feeling the two coins jump. ¡°For the love of Larine, what else did you buy?¡±


    Emerencia slowly pulled out a small flaying knife and placed it on my bed. She looked at me with fear on her face. I knew my yelling was scaring her, but this money could have gotten us a good meal, or maybe some useful items. It was a nice looking knife though. I sat still for a bit staring at the flaying knife. Well this can be useful. That is if we catch ourselves a meal.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for yelling. How much was this though?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Fifty-Six coins.¡± She said softly. So that really did leave us with two coins.


    ¡°For now on. I¡¯m gonna do the spending.¡± I said as I got out of bed.


    ¡°Zael. I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know.¡± Emma said. I pulled on my boots and stood up to put my coat on.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. We won¡¯t be needing money for the next few days I guess.¡± I sighed as I started walking down the stairs. Emma followed after, but she kept a bit of distance. When I made it to the bottom, I noticed there wasn¡¯t anyone in the room. It was empty.


    ¡°Emma. Where is Rogfee and Vlad? ¡° I asked.


    ¡°Out back for a fire. Remember?¡± She gently replied. Her soft tone was starting to irritate me. If we¡¯re going to practice, I don¡¯t want her acting so soft and sad. I walked a little ways and still she was a bit behind kept at a distance.


    ¡°Emma, I¡¯m sorry I yelled at you. I don¡¯t want you to feel sad or anything. Come on now. Let¡¯s get some practice in. I want to see how deadly you can be!¡± I shouted with excitement trying to change the mood. I ran right out back hearing Emma right on my tail this time. I ran into the backyard of the Inn and seen Vlad, Rogfee, and Fennec sitting by the fire. It was dark outside with only the fire and a bright night sky to give off light. Bright enough to practice. Especially with that bright moon over our heads.


    ¡°Geeze, Zael. I thought you said a short nap.¡± Vlad teased.


    ¡°I kinda thought so too, but the bed is so comfortable.¡± I said.


    ¡°Good thing you''re up, but sadly you have to die.¡± Rogfee laughed. I was confused. What did he mean by that? Just then Fennec pointed behind me. Quickly I turned around and seen the tip of Emma¡¯s blade up to my throat.


    ¡°Killed you!¡± Emma giggled. I shook my head and breathed out in relief.


    ¡°Trying to give me a heart attack?¡± I asked. Emma cocked her head to the side and smiled.


    ¡°Hey Zael. Your axe is all clean. Give us a good show tonight. I want to sharpen both of your blades by the end of the night.¡± Vlad said as he walked over with my axe. I took it from his hands and looked it over. It was dark enough that I couldn¡¯t see detail, but I hope he did a good job. As Vlad sat back down. I looked over at Emma and swung my axe up on my shoulder.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± I asked. Emma took a couple steps back and stood in a high stance. I got in my stance and nodded my head. All of sudden, Emma darted towards me hitting her blade against mine nearly knocking me off balance. Next thing I knew the tip of her sword was once again at my throat.


    ¡°Alright you got me while I was unprepared!¡± I argued.


    ¡°You gave me a nod.¡± Emma shrugged as she lowered her sword.


    ¡°Again.¡± I said. We both got in positions and stood still. I gave her another nod and as soon as she lunged towards me, I quickly blocked it off and took a horizontal swing, knocking her sword away from her. With another swing towards her, Emma jumped back and blocked it nearly taking her sword to the ground.


    ¡°Wow. You¡¯re pretty good wielding that.¡± She complemented. Both of our weapons quickly collided together, and we were face to face fighting strength. Suddenly she gave me a kick in the gut. I tried to keep my balance, but I fell back on my ass. Everyone was laughing, but Emma.


    ¡°What happened to the man who struck a soldier¡¯s in the head? She taunted.


    ¡°Come on Zael!¡± Rogfee cheered. I slowly got up and took a running swing at Emma. The girl drew her sword out to block, but my attacked ended up sending her sword flying out from her hand. I pointed the head of the axe at her and laughed.


    ¡°Another swing and it would¡¯ve been over!¡±


    The whole night was endless practice. The boys kept watching us as they talked about their own life. Vlad told some more dirty jokes and Fennec was mostly quiet, but he kept watching Emma fight. Overall Emma was a great swordsman. I taught her some things, and she taught me a few too. The night ended as Fennec went home, and Vlad went to bed in his own room. Rogfee, Emma, and I wrapped up the fire and headed in a little bit afterwards. Rogfee said his goodnights and went to bed. Leaving me with Emma.


    We both made our way up to our rooms and got ready for bed. We both took our turn to step out of the room, so we could get dressed into our nightgowns. Then we both settled in. I kinda had fun practicing with her, but is this something that would last longer?


    ¡°Good night, Zael.¡± Emma said.


    ¡°Emma?¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡± She replied.


    ¡°Remember when I said that I would help you kill Lokir?¡± Emma was quiet for a second.


    ¡°I do. Are you having second thought?¡± She asked.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m just wondering. When this is all over. Are we going to split apart from our companionship, or are we going to stick together?¡± I asked. Emma was silent.


    ¡°That''s your call. Not only do I think of ourselves as companions, but I do think of you as my friend. For what I heard, friendship doesn¡¯t end. I do want to see the world, but you''re always welcome by my side.¡± Emma said.


    ¡°If Lokir dies and all this ends. I might come home to Edinburgh. I miss Korla and the rest of the kids. As for right now, you''re all I have left. Perhaps traveling with you could be fun.¡±

 Chapter 10: Into The Gorge

    ¡°Zael. Come on wake up.¡± I said as I nudged his shoulder. Zael whined as he rolled over to ignored me.


    ¡°Wake up, Zael! The world says hello!¡±


    ¡°Fuck the world.¡± Zael grunted. I sighed as I walked over to my bed and grabbed my gear. I then stepped out of the room to get dressed. I still didn''t hear Zael move.


    ¡°When I come out from getting dressed, you better be out of bed!¡± I shouted as I dropped my nightgown to the floor. I slipped on my socks and stepped into my outfit. I could hear Zael yawning from the bedroom area, but he didn''t make no other sounds.


    I wrapped my belt around my waist and pulled down the pouch of Garth¡¯s ashes to make sure it¡¯s not going anywhere. I then tied my hair up the same way Molly did it with my leather wraps. I kinda like it this way. It also keeps my long hair from the back and sides from getting into my face.


    After I got my long socks and boots on, I walked out to see Zael surprisingly awake and fully dressed.


    ¡°I didn''t even hear you get dressed. I was gonna hit you with a pillow if you were still asleep.¡± I said as I grabbed my sword.


    ¡°I''m still tired. I definitely don''t feel ready to walk in a river for five days straight. Zael complained.


    ¡°I know walking in water for five days won''t be fun for you, but it''s a gorge!¡± I exclaimed. ¡°My uncle never traveled through there. Well maybe he did, but I don''t remember him telling me any stories about him traveling through a gorge.¡± I said as I started walking down the stairs. Zael followed after and made another yawn. When we made it to the bottom we both seen Vlad sitting at the table with a mug in his hand.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± Vlad greeted in a quiet tone.


    ¡°You''re up early. Is Rogfee up too?¡± Zael whispered back. Vlad shook his head.


    ¡°No just me. I got up when I heard footsteps from upstairs. I just want to tell you something before you both go.¡± Vlad said.


    ¡°What is that?¡± I asked. Vlad stood up and looked at the both of us.


    ¡°You both are going to reach the city on the same day Molly gets dropped off. Ask around for the finest Inn. She¡¯ll be there waiting. The next day, General Lokir will arrive so be ready. Anyways after Molly gets dropped off, my carriage men is going to pick me up and I¡¯ll have him drive me down to Nokomis to see you. Now listen up.¡± Vlad demanded giving us a serious look.


    ¡°When I get to Nokomis, I better hear news of that fucking general being assassinated. I want to see you both alive at an Inn, or some talk about two wanted people with a child escaping that city. I don¡¯t want to come there hearing no news and seeing you both sitting around at an Inn. Understand?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll make sure he gets what¡¯s coming.¡± Emma said.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I like to hear. I wish you both luck, and I hope everything goes well.¡± Vlad said as he held out his hand out towards me. I stepped forward and shook his hand. We both realized and Zael shook his.


    ¡°See you in Nokomis.¡± I said as we both started walking towards the door to leave.


    ¡°In ten days.¡± Vlad added. We both waved goodbye and walked out the door. The sky was still dark with a hint of light from the east. It was still dark, but we could barely see. Zael and I both walked through town and passed Fennec¡¯s fire pit that was sitting still with no sign of smoke or burning coals. Then a bit afterwards we passed up the local tavern with no drunk pervert waiting for me to pass by. As we passed the tavern, we came upon the trail that leads to the lake. I looked back at the village one last time.


    ¡°Are you gonna miss this place?¡± Zael asked.


    ¡°Of course. I¡¯m gonna miss going down to the lake for a morning bath. I¡¯m going to miss Rogfee and Maira. I¡¯m also going to miss sleeping in those wonderful beds.¡± I said. Zael nodded and sighed.


    ¡°Those beds are absolutely the best. I wonder where I can get a bed like that.¡± Zael asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but if we see Rogfee or Maira again, I¡¯ll be sure to ask.¡± I replied.


    The rest of the walk to the lake was quiet. The only noise was our footsteps and the birds singing in the trees. For this early, I did even know bird were awake. The sun is barely out, and the forest feels alive with them singing.


    ¡°Zael. Why are the birds out so early?¡± I asked. Zael looked up and over his head where the noise could be heard, but no bird could be seen.


    ¡°There could be many reasons, but I personally think they¡¯re up early for the worms and nightcrawlers.¡± Zael replied. The first thing that came to my mind was an ugly four-footed creature crawling through the woods, but birds wouldn¡¯t come out for that? Worms I can understand.


    ¡°Zael what¡¯s a nightcrawler?¡± I asked as I walked closer to his side with my hand hovering over the handle of my sword.


    ¡°Nothing to be scared about.¡± He laughed. ¡°It¡¯s pretty much the same things a worm. Just a bit fatter though.¡± He said.


    From up ahead was the opening to the lake. Fog could be seen floating over the water with the reflection of the morning light just starting to peek over the trees. As we emerged out from the wooded trail, I could see the lake was resting still. No wind to blow little waves like some days. Just still water, like when I first arrived. Suddenly Zael stopped and looked at both directions of the beach.


    ¡°If I remember correctly, we walk the beach until we come across a river. Then we follow the river into the gorge.¡± Zael said.


    ¡°Sounds about right.¡± I replied. Zael scanned the lakeside in both directions then pointed West.


    ¡°There. See that opening. I¡¯m sure the gorge is that way.¡± Zael said as he started walking. I looked in his direction and seen where there was a spacing between trees. I looked over to the east, but there was no opening. Just a tree line going on and on.


    I followed after Zael assuming he was right. I don¡¯t really know much about lakes and rivers, but tree spacing sure sounds about right for where a river would be.


    We then passed the flat rock where I would always set my things every morning. Just beyond that was a dark color in the sand. Right where Zael stabbed, Jester Jeff yesterday. I remember watching Zael¡¯s axe striking him, before Jeff had a chance to kill Fennec. I¡¯m just happy Fennec and everyone else was okay. Especially Molly. I¡¯m happy she didn¡¯t see any of that.


    I took my eyes off the bloody sand and looked straight ahead. Up ahead was more dark colored sand, but instead with scraps lying around. I looked at Zael who was right by my side, but his focus was at the tree clearing from up ahead. We came across a scrap on the sand, but it seemed like dark a piece of clothing. Beyond from that was more.


    ¡°Hey Zael. Look at this.¡± I said as I pointed at the ground. Zael¡¯s attention was turned away from the clearing and down at the sand. We walked up to another scrap and Zael gave it a light nudge with his boot.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure the wolves or coyotes got him.¡± Zael said.


    Suddenly something big came whipping in front of us. It struck the sand and fell still. It was white and bloody. We both looked in the direction where it came from and seen two upright creatures that seemed a half size smaller than us up by the tree line. Then they both began hissing. A hiss so bad it sounded as if they had their throats burned.


    ¡°Zael what is that!¡± I panicked as I drew my sword.


    ¡°Those are Paskas. Stay calm and back off slowly.¡± Zael ordered as he started stepping away. The creatures started walking towards us from the tree line and stepped into the morning sun that casted some brief light upon them. The creatures skin looked like a sickish pale with straight pointed ears and the nose shape of a hook. From what I could see it looks almost as if they barely have lips and a huge set of razor-sharp teeth to show. They were wearing what looked like animal hide wrapped around their waist with a wooden club in their hand. This is by far the ugliest thing I have ever seen.


    ¡°Emma let¡¯s go!¡± Zael yelled again. Instead I raised my sword readying to strike. The two beasts were drawing in close with backs hunched like they were old. ¡°Emma I¡¯m serious. Do not attack.¡± Zael said. I didn¡¯t understand why not. They look weak, but these things would just keep following us, wouldn¡¯t they?


    Quickly I sprinted forward swinging my sword at the nearest Paska, hitting him down right in the shoulder. I then took a jab right into the creature¡¯s chest and kicked its body off my sword sending him down into the sand. The second one screeched as it lunged towards me with its little wooden club. I blocked the attack and ended up staggering him. I took a swing across and made a big slice through its stomach. The hideous creature screeched even louder and fell on the beach making more noise. All of a sudden Zael¡¯s axe came down, taking off its head. I looked at the two bodies of the Paskas, then I looked up at Zael full of pride. I never took down a monster before, and that was actually easier than I thought.


    ¡°They didn¡¯t stand a chance right, Zael?¡± I asked. Suddenly Zael grasped my hand and he began to run as he was dragging me back.


    ¡°You idiot! You know what you done?¡± He hissed. I looked back at the two bodies and back at Zael.


    ¡°I killed a monster, and you helped me kill the other. What¡¯s the big deal?¡± I asked. From the tree line I could hear sticks breaking and leaves crunching. Suddenly more paskas sprung out from the trees. There had to be five of them. No Seven. Then more growing into a dozen chasing after us. I then picked up my pace and began running with Zael.


    ¡°Why are there so much?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Paskas are always in a group or clan. When they screech, it¡¯s usually a sign for help. Two may not be a big deal, but when more appear they surround you like a pack of wolves randomly taking turns to take you down!¡± I looked back behind us and the little pale ugly creatures kept chasing us. Some had wooden spears, sticks, and most had clubs.


    I kept my eyes back at the twelve paskas that were tailing us from the sand. Zael and I kept running, but the beasts were catching up. One slipped in the sand and planted on its face. The other¡¯s ignored the fallen one and kept chasing us. Another paska with a spear readied his arm back for a throw. Suddenly my heart began to race.


    ¡°One¡¯s going to throw a spear!¡± I panicked. As I said that the critter threw the spear right at us. I quickly sprinted up more to Zael¡¯s side. The spear spiraled right at us and almost hit me in the back of my left leg. Zael then let my arm loose and spun around at the monsters that are tailing us on shore. With a swing his axe, he nearly sliced the closest paska in half. I stopped and went on shore to help Zael. The paska who threw his spear at us began backing up with a hiss.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°If this gets bad we need to start swimming.¡± Zael said as he went to attack the nearest goblin.


    ¡°I can barely swim. I can only go neck high.¡± I replied as I watched the other monsters around us starting to form a circle in the sand. One paska then jumped at me with a stick and whacked my arm as I tried to block it.


    ¡°Ouch! That hurt!¡± I yelled as I drove my blade right through its stomach. I pulled out the blade and the goblin took a few steps back ready to collapse. My eyes were then on six more of them while Zael was dealing with four. The monsters screeched and hissed as they slowly came in closer.


    Two of the six paskas came running at me with a club and spear. The spear went for a direct stab, but I managed to block it by hitting it down with my sword. With my free hand, I grabbed the wooden spear and tugged it towards me with the tip facing away from my body. I managed to rip it out of the ugly little creatures¡¯ arms and send him falling to the sand. With my other hand I stabbed my sword down into the paska¡¯s upper back. The thing made an ear aching scream as I pressured the blade down more.


    ¡°Emma lookout!¡± Zael yelled. Suddenly my back leg was hit with what felt like a log. It felt almost like my leg got charley horses by a troll. I fell back letting go of my sword, but with the spear still in my hands. My heart was thumping even faster. I won''t let these things make a morning meal out me. Quickly I looked in the direction where I got hit, and I seen it was the other goblin with the wooden club. The paska moved in for another swing. Quickly I stabbed the beast in the gut and stood up. My leg felt so sore that it hurt to stand. I looked over at my sword and seen the weaponless goblin pull it out of the dead paska¡¯s back. My sword. My uncle¡¯s sword that he made for me. Now in that monster¡¯s hands. Anger quickly grew over fear and the pain in my leg disappeared.


    ¡°That¡¯s mine!¡± I yelled as I ran the spear straight into the paska¡¯s neck. I pulled the spear out and stabbed into him a second time. Right there I felt a club whack me hard in the lower back. The wind flew out of me and I fell forward driving the paska that I stabbed to the ground along with me falling next to the hideous creature.


    ¡°Emma get up!¡± Zael yelled as he stood over me. I quickly reached for my sword and got back up. My lower back was great pain. I could see there were three paskas left. Zael must of took them out as I fell.


    As another moved in, Zael took a swing and knocked it to the ground splashing blood all over the sand. The last two then charged right at us. As quick as I could, I took a swing down at the little dwarf beast and injured its shoulder. With that swing, my back was screaming in pain. That paska stepped forward with a club in the air. Suddenly Zael¡¯s axe came slamming down on the paska¡¯s skull and knocked him in the sand.


    With the last one, Zael turned his axe to the side and gripped hard it with both hands. He took a swing hitting the goblin and sending him flying into the water. The creature then screamed as it quickly sank down below drowning. Almost like it got devoured.


    I then took a couple steps away from the bloody mess with my hand over my back. I dropped down on the sand and laid there. My lower back was still in pain, but it didn¡¯t hurt as bad as before. Zael took his eyes off the water where the goblin vanished and then he looked over at me.


    ¡°How bad is it?¡± Zael asked.


    ¡°Like I got punched in the back by a troll.¡± I answered. Zael walked up to me and kneeled down by my side.


    ¡°Those clubs are basically logs stolen from woodpiles and carved into a weapon. Goblins are easy to take down, but when they get into a pack. You never know which one will strike first and with what weapon.¡± Zael said as he looked over at the dead bodies.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± I said as I slowly sat up.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. We should be getting close to the river. Do you think you can make it?¡± Zael asked. Slowly I stood myself up.


    ¡°My back still hurts, but it¡¯ll probably leave a good bruise. I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll be fine.¡± I then started to walk, but it didn¡¯t hurt my back as much. Just a slight sting with every step, but It should be easy to ignore. Zael then followed and caught up next to my side.


    ¡°I kinda noticed that you don¡¯t handle yourself too well with a group of enemies.¡± Zael said.


    Zael is right. I¡¯m no good in a group attack. I got hit a couple of times. These paskas could''ve gotten me too. I was never trained by my uncle about fighting big mobs. Because of this, I think I lack skill. I feel¡­ Kinda useless.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. This is something, I should work on. I hope I¡¯m not holding you back.¡± I mopped.


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t sweat it. You¡¯re doing fine. We all have a weakness that we can build to overcome. You¡¯ll get there.¡± I couldn¡¯t help but smile from his words. I heard those words years ago. Zael looked over at me and caught my smile.


    ¡°What¡¯s with the smile?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Garth told me the exact same thing when I first started to learn swordsmanship. I had a hard time with blocking once. So, we worked on that for a few months. If I never got good at that, then I would of died in Snowdrift from a soldier. That Vaesite soldier only broke my old uncle¡¯s rusty sword with a swing of his battle axe.¡± Zael then shot a surprised look at me.


    ¡°You blocked a huge battle axe with a rusty sword?¡± Zael awed. I shrugged my shoulders and laughed.


    ¡°Well if you say it that way, I guess that is pretty impressive. It kinda staggered me, but I had to defend myself with something. He was going to kill me with the next blow for sure, but luckily Garth saved me.¡± I said.


    As we kept walking, the morning sun peeked over the trees more and brought light upon the whole lake. I could feel the warmth lightly hit against my head. The light wasn¡¯t bothering my eyes, but it felt nice. I think we¡¯ll soon be warm to the point that we¡¯ll be grateful for walking in the water.


    As we approached the beginning of the river I noticed a weird sound from just up ahead. It was ongoing, but it¡¯s an unusual humming sound vibrating in the air. I stopped in my tracks and held my hand up in caution.


    ¡°Zael. Do you hear that up ahead?¡± I asked. Zael then froze in place for a couple seconds. Then continued walking.


    ¡°That¡¯s the waterfall up head that Rogfee told us about.¡± Zael said. I continued walking feeling stupid, but how was I supposed to know? I never seen or heard one before. A waterfall though. My Uncle promised that he would take me to see one down in the Silverpine Forest. Excitement quickly grew over me and I began to run ahead of Zael.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Zael asked. I looked over my shoulder with a smile.


    ¡°I want to see the waterfall! Come on!¡± I shouted. Zael didn¡¯t chase after me, but he kept walking. I looked behind me a couple of times to see where he¡¯s at, but he was still walking. I ignored him and kept running.


    The sandy bank ahead was disappearing into the river, but that didn¡¯t bother me. I splashed into the water that was shin high and kept running. My back was still hurting, but I didn¡¯t wanna stop. The noise was getting closer and closer. I could feel cold water soaking my feet with each step. From up ahead I could see rocks over the water that looked easy to walk on.


    As I approached, I climbed up on a flat rock. From there it looked like a river of stepping stones. I jumped to the next rock in front of me and then the next. This was absolutely fun. I kept jumping from rock to rock. I jumped to the next rock and noticed there wasn¡¯t any more in front of me. Instead it was a huge drop. Water was heavily pouring over the edge and was crashing down into the river below. I looked down at the river below and noticed it was isolated by two huge rock walls close together.


    I expected this waterfall to be beautiful but standing on top of it makes it hard to tell. Suddenly I felt a soft nudge on the back of my leg. I looked down and got startled at first, but it was only a tiny fuzzy brown animal with a stump of a tail and round ears.


    ¡°Oh, my goodness you''re so cute!¡± I squealed as I bent down to pet it. The furry animal nibbled my hand and rolled over on its back. I looked behind me and seen Zael coming up from the distance. I looked back down at the furry animal and continued to pet it.


    ¡°What are you doing so close to an edge like this?¡± I asked. Of course, the animal didn¡¯t talk back. I wasn¡¯t sure what is was, but it was as big as a small dog, and its fur coat was thick. It then stood up on both legs and put its large front paws on my lap. I gently put my arms around the creature and lifted him into the air. It didn¡¯t squirm or anything. It seemed like the animal liked it. I turned around to face Zael who was just climbing onto his first rock.


    ¡°Zael look! I made a friend!¡± I shouted as I lifted the animal higher. Suddenly Zael¡¯s eyes shot open in panic and his head began to shake.


    ¡°Emma put that down!¡± Zael yelled as he started leaping quickly towards me. I grew confused and looked at the animal. The innocent thing licked my cheek and made a squeak.


    ¡°He¡¯s not hurting anyone!¡± I shouted back. Zael was half way to catching up with me. He looked off to his left and he began to pick up the pace as his eyes grew bigger.


    ¡°Emma put him down and jump!¡± Zael screamed. I looked off in the direction where he looked and seen a huge brown animal charging towards me from the forest with a roar. It looked bigger and identical to the one I¡¯m holding. I quickly set the small animal down and looked behind me at the river below. The jump was extremely high, but it looked scary to do. What if I hit the bottom of the riverbed and get hurt? Hell, I could even die! I looked over at the large animal that was racing its way through the water in my direction. My body began to shake, and my heart started to race. I looked over at Zael and seen him sprinting and running on each rock trying to hold his balance.


    ¡°Emma you need to jump!¡± Zael demanded. I was frozen in fear. I didn¡¯t know what to do. Zael and the large animal was closing in on me really fast. I turned my head back towards the river and back at Zael. Next thing I knew, Zael plowed me off the edge. I could see the large furry animal taking a swipe so close to my face as I fell with Zael. His arms reach around my waist pulling me close as we both went flying off the edge of the waterfall. Suddenly I began screaming knowing that we¡¯re both falling. I could feel wind and mist hitting my face as we fell with the water. All of a sudden, the sight of the morning light disappeared as I felt my body anchor deep into the water.


    Water got up into my nose causing my nostrils to sting. I could feel water going down my throat and into my lungs as well. I couldn¡¯t breathe, but most importantly I can¡¯t swim. I started to kick and wiggle, but Zael¡¯s grip was tight around me. He let go with one hand and started to wiggle too. I couldn''t tell what he was doing with the water current pushing the both of us. I was panicking, and I could feel more water going down my throat then suddenly I felt ground on my feet. Almost like I can walk on the river floor.


    I can feel Zael picking me up off the river bed. Suddenly my head emerges from water. I gasped and started to cough up the water that I swallowed. The river floor from below must be a slope rising up. Zael carried me to the point where the water touched his shins, then he placed me down. I sat in the cold water coughing and gasping for air. I looked up from where we jumped and seen the large brown creature picking its baby up by the scruff and walking off.


    ¡°Good gods! This will make a good story to tell.¡± Zael laughed. I finished coughing up water and looked up at Zael in shock.


    ¡°What the hell was that?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Those were brown bears. You go near a mama bear''s cub and they will maul you to death. Even if the cub is friendly. The mother bear would kill you.¡± Zael said. I looked back up at the falls and watched the mother bear carry its cub out of sight.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Again, I did something stupid and almost got us killed.¡± I said as I began to cry. ¡°That was scary. The huge bulky bear, falling down, and almost drowning! I didn¡¯t know it was a baby. I didn¡¯t know they got bigger and mean!¡± I bawled. Zael sighed and held out his hand to me. I grasped it as he quickly pulled me up out of the water.


    ¡°Come on, don¡¯t cry. You didn¡¯t know any better, but we survived right?¡± Zael asked. I slowly nodded my head, but I continued to cry.


    ¡°All you been doing is saving me. You saved me from getting my hand chopped off. You saved me from a perverted man. Then those Paskas. That bear, and from drowning. You should just leave before I get the both of us killed.¡± I wept as I covered my eyes.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough. I¡¯m not leaving you. Clearly you don¡¯t know anything outside of Snowdrift. So, from here on out, I¡¯m going to teach you. Also, you¡¯re not going to wander off far from my sight anymore. Understand?¡± I nodded as I uncovered my hands from my eyes and looked up at Zael. His brownish black hair was soaked along with the rest of his clothes. I took a look down at myself. My dress feels like it¡¯s stuck to me. The water was making it feel heavier. Luckily Garth¡¯s ashes is still by my side, but the pouch is soaked.


    ¡°Now let¡¯s get moving. We got a long walk ahead of us.¡± Zael said.


    I turned around facing away from the waterfall and looked in the direction where we¡¯re supposed to go in the gorge. From down here it looked more beautiful. It was a straight shallow river with large narrow mossy rock walls on both sides of the water. The rock walls had vines, ferns, and flowers growing all around the top. High above the gorge were trees covering the bright morning sky with their green leaves.


    Zael then started to walk through the water making ripples with every step. I followed after him and noticed the sandy river floor was disappearing and we were then walking on rock. All of a sudden Zael slipped backwards and fell into river making a huge splash. I busted out laughing as he shot up out of the water with irritation written all over his face.


    ¡°Watch your step. These rocks are pretty slippery.¡± Zael puffed as he stood back up. I slowed my pace and sure enough. It was like walking on ice, but with water up to my shins.


    ¡°Have you ever been to a river before?¡± Zael asked as he took off his coat.


    ¡°Yeah. There is a river a little far out from Snowdrift. My uncle and I would go there because that¡¯s where the white pines are.¡± I answered. Zael gave me a confused look as he twisted his coat up and gave it a squeeze letting all the water escape.


    ¡°White pines? What for?¡± Zael asked.


    ¡°Pine Needle Tea. All we had to drink in that village was water and rarely milk. So, my uncle would make pine needle tea to give the water a slight bit of flavor.¡± I said. Zael threw his coat back on and slide his arms through his sleeves.


    ¡°Well what about fishing? Have you ever tried it?¡± Zael questioned.


    ¡°I never did. My uncle caught a few, but catching fish is kinda rare in that river.¡±


    ¡°When we get hungry I¡¯m going to teach you how to spear them. I¡¯m not sure how we can build a fire but keep an eye out for dry wood and a dry flat surface when the time comes.¡± Zael said.


    As we kept walking through the gorge the sun became higher in the sky. For what seemed like a dead end up ahead was always a rock wall and a river leading us left and right. The river lead us down little waterfalls which was basically steps for us, but slippery. The river got up to our knees and thighs at a few points and sometimes down to our ankles. The water current seemed to slow down as we kept going further and further downstream.


    I noticed with every step I took, I could see little gray and brown critters with two claws shoot out from the big cracks of the cleavage rock below our feet. Then they would swim off backwards and hide in a different spot until our feet spook them once again.


    I focused on a big gray one in front of me and paused. I slowly bent down and placed my hands in the water.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Zael asked. I ignored him as my right hand was sneaking up behind the critter and the left hand stood still in front of it. I then wiggled my left-hand fingers to distract him as my right hand snatched him from the back. I pulled the little creature out from the water and looked at it. Its front claws were up in the air like it surrendered and it had four legs on each side of its body. The head had two big whiskers and two small little black eyes.


    ¡°Looks like you caught yourself a crayfish.¡± Zael said sounding surprised.


    ¡°That¡¯s what these things are?¡± I said as I wiggled my other finger in front of it. The small crayfish was moving its arms towards my finger and then suddenly its pincers latched onto the tip of my finger.


    ¡°Gahh!¡± I yelped as I quickly swung my hand left and right, but the little shit wouldn¡¯t let go.


    ¡°What would you think would happen?¡± Zael laughed. I kept swinging my wrist then finally the crayfish went flying off my index finger and smack into the rock wall of the gorge. Zael was then laughing harder.


    ¡°Are these things in every watered habitat?¡± I asked as I looked at my finger. There was no blood, but the crayfish left a good mark.


    ¡°Only in rivers where it¡¯s rocky.¡± Zael laughed. I grew frustrated with his laughing and puffed my cheeks.


    ¡°Stop laughing! That really hurts!¡± I whined as I held onto my finger. As we kept walking, I noticed more crayfish swimming out from the rocky riverbed with every step. I tried to squash the little water creatures with each step, but they were too fast.


    As the afternoon came my legs were getting tired. I went to walking through water to dragging my feet through it. I looked over at Zael, and I¡¯m sure he¡¯s getting tired as well. I looked up at the top of gorge and seen the sky turning orange, and the trees were looking darker.


    ¡°Hey. How about we call it a day. Find a dry spot and relax. Maybe you can teach me how to fish?¡± I suggested.


    ¡°Not tonight. How about I get us both a meal, and you can search for wood?¡±


    ¡°Sounds good.¡± I said as I looked ahead for a dry spot.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about making a fire. With all this moss, I¡¯m sure I can get one going.¡± Zael said.


    As we turned a slight corner, I noticed a huge flat surface up ahead and out from the water. Big enough to fit five people at the most.


    ¡°I think I found the perfect spot for tonight!¡± I cheered. Zael squinted his eyes and nodded.


    ¡°Looks pretty good. Get some big rocks out from the water and build a circle. I¡¯m going to see if I can climb my way up the gorge.¡± Zael said. As we arrived, I pulled myself up to the surface and looked around. Moss was growing towards the edge of the gorge wall and near the water. So perhaps it¡¯s best to keep a fire in between. I took off my belt and placed it next to the rock wall along with my sword. Now that I¡¯m out of the water, I can feel cold water gush out of my socks and soak back in with every step. I pulled off both of my boots and flipped them upside down for the remaining water to drain. I slid off my socks and hung each one on the cross-guard of my sword to dry. My outfit was damp, but not completely dry. Hopefully the leather cuirass built in won''t go bad.


    I looked over at Zael who took off his coat exposing his brown shirt. He placed his coat next to his sword and looked up the gorge wall. I could see fear in eyes as he scanned the rock wall for a way up.


    ¡°If you want, we can skip the fire for tonight. I¡¯m sure we can eat tomorrow.¡± I said.  Zael looked around and sighed.


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯m just hungry and we haven¡¯t eaten all day.¡±


    I sat down next to my things and nodded in agreement. ¡°I too am hungry, but there isn¡¯t any wood around here for a fire. The walls are too steep, and it seems dangerous to make our way back down.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right. Let''s rest for now. My feet ache and we have to get moving tomorrow at sunrise. We have four more big days ahead of us¡± Zael added.