Prophecies Dawn's Shadow

Chapter One

Angela, pay attention. 

I’m sorry mother.  Angela’s eyes were still locked on her uncle and grandfather as they worked on sword techniques.  She loved to watch them practice and so desperately wanted to learn how to use a sword, but her mother had forbidden it.  She needed to learn how to survive in the wilds before she learned to fight.

Angela!

Angela jumped and returned focus to her mother. 

Sorry! 

What is this? Her mother held up a brown root.

Lens Root.

And its purpose? 

When you squeeze the juice into water it will make the water safe to drink. Angela’s head turned slightly toward her uncle and grandfather at the sound of metal clashing.

Her uncle and grandfather had started training again in the back of their home recently.  Every day they would come out here and clash swords at midday and wouldn’t stop until it was supper time.

If you trample my garden not even the Great Vim will save you! her mother yelled at them as her uncle backpedaled away from her grandfather’s assault.  They didn’t respond, but her uncle did spin away from the garden.

Angela and her mother spent most of their time tending the herbs that grew there and the garden was her mother’s pride and joy.  That’s why it took up almost a third of the back portion of their space.   

Their land wasn’t very large, maybe twenty feet or so in width and twice that from the back of their house to the woods. 

A crude barrier of large stones bordered their home.   

Her grandfather and some of his strongest friends had rolled them into place when her mother was a child.  It wasn’t going to keep anything out, but it marked what they owned well enough.

Most of the rest of their time was spent learning what each herb or root did, learning to fish or set traps in the woods for small animals.  Her mother was a woodsman and she was trying to turn Angela into one. 

Angela wanted to be a silva knight most of all.  They were the ones that guarded the temple in Summerlyn, the grandest city in all Aardinia.  At least that’s what the stories said. 

And this? She took Angela’s chin and turned it back to face her making a plant that had light green leaves with tiny black spots the focus.

That’s nightlock.

And?  Her mother didn’t let go of Angela’s chin.

When ground up and mixed with food or drink it puts you to sleep.

Very good, her mother said releasing her daughter’s chin.  She reached for another root when Angela interrupted her.

Mother can’t I play swords with uncle now?

Only thirty more to go. She held up the black root with dark red speckles.

But I want to play now. Angela stood and stomped her foot on the ground.

Angela Gin you sit down this instant and finish your lessons or there will be no sweet root for you after dinner, her mother pointed her index finger at the little girl.

Awww. Angela sat down with a light thud.  This is soooo boring!

Maybe so. Her mother held up the same root.  But you’ll be happy you know this if you’re lost in the woods. I would be better off with a sword if an ettin attacks me.  Angela pulled her knees to her chest and rested her chin on them.

She’s got you there Margareta, Angela’s uncle chuckled.

Angela pointed at her uncle. See! 

That’s not helping Edward!  Margareta glared at him. 

Edward grinned, but a smack with the flat side of Angela’s grandfather’s sword to his backside replaced it with a twisted look of pain.

Pay attention!

Sorry father.  Edward rubbed his sore behind. 

Angela’s grandfather pointed his sword at Edward.

Sorry will not protect those who need it. 

I know father.  Edward lowered his head a bit.

Guard up, his grandfather told him. 

Edward nodded and raised his sword ready to continue training.

Angela watched their swords clash against each other again.  When do I get to learn how to use a sword? 

When you are older, her mother held up some red berries with black speckles.  What are these?

Deathlinks. Angela looked up at the sky and leaned backwards as far as she could without falling.  They are poisonous if you eat them.  She rolled over on her side.

Sit up! Her mother reached for a large leaf that looked to have white fur on the edges when Angela stood up.

Blinks root, Greybeard Swine, Lotlake, Hempsea… she rattled off as she pointed at different roots her mother had sprawled out on a white sheet as she spoke. 

Her mother blinked at the sudden movement.

Angela picked up a yellowing root.  This one keeps fever away. She tossed it in a basket next to her mother and picked up another one.  This one will help a cut heal faster, this one will numb your mouth if you chew it… she kept it up.  Each item she picked up off the sheet and tossed it into the basket, she named and what they did until the sheet was bare and the basket was full.

Did she get them all right? Angela’s grandfather stared.  Both Edward and her grandfather had stopped to watch Angela’s display.

Yes, her mother confirmed with her eyebrows slightly raised.

She learned them faster than you did, her grandfather said unable to hide a smirk.  You were eleven before you could do that if I recall. 

I was ten, her mother defended, though she had a smile across her face.

Angela smirked and folded her arms in triumph.        Edward laughed.  If that’s true, she still beat you by two years. 

I wouldn’t speak about it, Edward, her mother glared at him.  "You still don’t know the names of half these herbs or what the other half of them do.

That’s why I keep you around.  Edward pointed his sword at her.  But I may employ Angela now instead.  Midway through his last word, he tried to take advantage of his father’s distraction and swung the flat side of his own sword at his father’s rear end.

Before he could even begin to say, pay attention, his father smacked his sword out of his hand and hit him with the flat side of his sword on his thigh.

Ahhh! Edward started hopping on one foot rubbing his red thigh.

I always pay attention.  He then struck his son’s other thigh in a similar manner.  Which is more then I can say about you! 

Edward yelped again and fell on his back side. 

Okay!  He raised his hands.  I give up! 

Angela couldn’t help but giggle with her hands covering her mouth. 

Her mother cracked a smile as well.

Your enemy will not accept your surrender son.  He offered him a hand up.  And if you fall, those you protect will not be far behind.

Yes father.  He took his hand, but instead of using it to pull himself up, he kicked at his father’s foot and pulled him down next to him. 

This time, Angela’s mother couldn’t help but laugh out loud, which made Angela laugh loudly as well.  Even the old man chuckled as he lay on his back.

Angela’s grandfather looked at the two with a raised eyebrow and a smirk.  What are you two laughing at? He then grabbed a bucket of water that was nearby and headed toward them. I think it’s time for a bath! 

Father!  She pulled Angela in front of her for a shield. 

Don’t you dare!

He readied the bucket to drench them both.  You think that will save you? 

Peppie no!  Angela squealed and tried to get away, but her mother held her firmly.

I see the Gin family is hard at play, a woman’s voice said.  They all turned to see a woman in a brown dress with a white apron making her way to them from the small path next to their two-story house.

There is always time for play, Adeline.  He put the bucket of water down.  What brings you?

Gifts, Marcus.  She held up a newly woven blanket. 

For baby Mayanna.  It has been how long since her birth?  She made her way around an old wheelbarrow with Margareta’s gardening tools in it.

He smiled thinking of his youngest granddaughter.  It’s already been a year just this week, it’s amazing how the years seem to accelerate when there are young ones involved.  He reached for the offered blanket.  Thank you, Mayanna’s current blanket is quite old and full of holes.  This gift is well received.  His smile vanished slightly as Adeline pulled the blanket back just a few inches.

I was hoping to give it to her directly.  Adeline looked back at their home.  I haven’t seen her in many months.  In fact, I remember hearing some folks comment about how she has not been seen in quite some time. 

Margaret and her father exchanged sideway glances.        It was not intended I assure you.  He smiled down at her.

Yes, Margaret came up next to her father.  The death of my husband it has been a little rough on our family.          Ah yes.  Adeline smoothed out the blanket in her arms.  It is never easy to lose a loved one, especially so young.  Bandit’s on the road to Summerlyn, right?" 

Edward came to stand next to his father and rested his sword on his shoulder.  It was a scrat attack, actually.

Yes, I recall now.  Adeline frowned.  You were there, were you not?

Edward nodded.

Lucky you survived, she told him.  Those large feline predators are vicious.  I’ve heard their claws can carve open even the strongest of armors.  However did you manage it?

I wouldn’t call it luck.  He looked at a ring he now wore that belonged to his sister’s husband.  My brother-in-law gave his life so that I may live.  His sacrifice allowed me to survive long enough so that a group of silva knights came upon us just as the two scrats turned toward me.  They were able to drive the creatures off.

Adeline folded the blanket more neatly.  Very fortunate. 

A blessing, Margareta corrected. 

Of course.  Adeline nodded.  May I present this to Mayanna? She looked toward the house behind them.  The wood had grayed over the years in the sun and the roof looked as if it could cave in at any moment.  Is she inside?  She stepped in that direction.

Margarita quickly blocked her path.  She is sleeping.  She is not feeling well and has a slight fever.  I would rather you not disturb her.

She is? Angela furrowed her brow.  When did she get sick?  I was playing with her just before…

I noticed it before we came out here, her mother interrupted.

The poor thing, Adeline sighed.

I should go check on her, Edward took his grandfather’s sword from him and hurried inside before another word was said.

Well I certainly do not want to disturb the little angel, Adeline presented the blanket to Margarita.  Here is to a speedy recovery.

I pray to the Great Vim for that often, Margareta took the blanket.  This will be very helpful in the coming nights.

You are most welcome, Adeline patted Angela on the head.  Such beautiful blond hair like your mother’s, do you and your sister share such a radiant color?

No, Angela giggled.  Hers is…

Angela, Marcus quickly interrupted.  You should go help your uncle.  He never knows where to find the applesauce.

Okay! Angela rushed toward the house eager to help. 

Adeline was now staring at Marcus intently.  It had not passed her notice that he had cut Angela off.

Something wrong?

Adeline stared at him as if he were suspected of murder.  No…  She glances back to watch Angela disappear through the back door.  I was just thinking, I have some redswine root that should help with Mayanna’s fever.  She reached into one of the pockets of her apron.  "I could come in and give it to her if you would like.’

No.  Margareta smiled.  It’s not necessary.  I already have some.

You do?  Adeline’s eyebrows raised slightly.  It’s very rare in these parts.  How did you come by it?

Purchased.  Marcus patted his daughter’s shoulder.  My girl here met a traveling merchant on the road to Trenton the other day.

Adeline rubbed her chin.  That must have been expensive.  Not to mention it goes bad after a week, ten days if you are lucky.

There was some luck involved.  He placed his hand on Adeline’s back and started walking toward the path to the front of the house.  She had little choice but to follow.  Edward had the beginnings of a fever, and the redswine root had already been in the merchant’s possession for five or six days.  She was able to procure it at a lower rate due to its age.        You are a lucky family.  She chuckled.  Edward did not need the full dose to bring down his fever?

No.  Marcus led her to the end of the walkway.  He only required about half.  He continued to the dirt road that headed to the center of their town, Berkshire.

So, half a dose left?  She tapped her chin with her forefinger.  That is plenty for little Mayanna, but if you give her too much it will upset her stomach.  I will cut it up for you to ensure that doesn’t happen.  My powers of healing have been compared to the high priest in Summerlyn you know.  She smiled and turned toward the dark grey front door. 

Marcus blocked her path before Adeline could take a step.  Not necessary.  He took her hand in gratitude.         "I can do it.  Angela had high fevers when she was

Mayanna’s age.  I’ve had a lot of experience with it." 

Margareta smiled.  But thank you just the same.        Adeline took a step back and looked back and forth between the two.  Well if you need me, you know where to find me.

Of course. Marcus gave her a slight bow.        Adeline returned the bow and headed off toward the center of town.  She looked back at the two before she disappeared into a small crowd at the end of the trail.

We should leave tonight.  Margareta watched the small group follow Adeline.  She knows.

Her father thought a moment.  She suspects.  He glanced in the direction Adeline had gone.  "If we disappear during the night, it will be suspicious.  The whole town of

Berkshire may decide to hunt us down."

We can’t stay.  She shook her head.  Her questions will only grow.  We can’t keep Mayanna hidden forever.

Agreed.  He headed back to their house.  Start packing.  We will leave in the morning.  We will say I received a letter that my sister is ill, and we are going to take care of her if anyone asks. 

She rubbed her forehead leaving a dirt-stained line across it. I wish we could just cut her hair. 

You have seen that doesn’t work.  He wiped her forehead as clean as he could with his sleeve.  Remember a few years ago when the Cohen family tried that with their daughter?

I know.  She sighed.  They took her anyway.

He reached for the door.  We can make further plans on what to do when we reach the great mountains, 

She stopped and grabbed his forearm.  That’s where we are going? 

Her wide-eyed stare made him shrug. 

That didn’t help her relax.  In order to be safe from the scrats, we would have to make camp on the highest peaks, and they are too cold for the baby.

It’ll be temporary.  He rubbed his chin.  I can focus my powers on keeping the children warm.

  Margareta lifted an eyebrow at him and took his hand.  He initially resisted, but a stern look from her and a hard yank brought his hand into view.  She examined his ring and the small emerald, with a small but visible crack, fixed in the setting. 

How long will your soul stone…

Her father yanked his hand away.  Long enough. He rubbed the gem lightly with his thumb.  I’ll make it work.

Margareta nodded knowing their options were limited and they both headed inside where Edward was waiting with little Mayanna in his arms.  The second she saw her mother, Mayanna cooed and reached for her.  Edward passed her over as his father pulled him aside and whispered to him.  They then disappeared upstairs.

Mayanna isn’t sick, Mother.  Angela grabbed Edward’s sword.

She kissed the baby on the forehead.  I must have been mistaken.  Mayanna just snuggled her face into her mother’s shoulder.

Can I go play sword’s with Uncle Edward now? Angela held up the sword clumsily.

Wow, you are getting pretty strong, she grinned.  I couldn’t hold a sword up like that when I was your age.  That’s why I learned how to use a spear.

Angela curled one side of her upper lip and frowned. 

Spears are too long.  I hate spears.  I would much rather learn how to use a sword.  She swung the sword to her right, but almost fell over as the momentum almost took her with the swing.

Well…  Margareta grabbed her wrist before she fell.  Not just yet I’m afraid.  She took the sword from Angela and rested it on the table next to her father’s sword.

Angela reached for it like it was her favorite thing in the world.  Awwww. 

No.  She gave Angela’s hand a light smack before she grasped the hilt.  Go wash up for dinner.

But…

Now young lady.  She pointed a finger at her.  Or no stories of blood bannas tonight.

Okay.  Angela’s shoulders slumped and she headed upstairs to her room where her water basin was waiting for her.

Margareta tossed Adeline’s blanket on the table with the swords and adjusted her hold on Mayanna.  The baby dozed in her arms.  She didn’t want her to fall back to sleep. The baby already had a nap and if sleep claimed her early, she would be up all night.

She sat down in an old rocking chair that her father’s grandfather made and grabbed Mayanna’s favorite doll off the couch she was able to take from the tavern where she worked.  The fabric had been torn so badly, most of the goose feathers had fallen out of the piece of furniture. 

Her brother was able to fix it with some of his old cloths and filled the voids with chicken feather.  She always joked it made her eyes bleed to look at it, but it was fairly comfortable as long as you didn’t sit in it too long. 

She wiggled the doll in front of her and Mayanna’s green eyes lit up when she saw it.  When she reached for it, her mother pulled it away playfully as she made silly noises a few times before giving it to her.

Mayanna put it in her mouth.  Her mother pulled the hood farther over her red hair, only to have Mayanna pull it off again.  It was a ritual they had been doing for a few months now.  Her mother giggled at her and pulled the hood back up over her hair.

They continued that until Mayanna finally didn’t pull the hood off.  With a triumphant smile and an approving nod, Margareta stood and headed into the kitchen to start dinner.  It would be dark soon and she wanted to put Angela to bed early.  They needed to be up before sunrise in order leave before the streets were too full of prying eyes.

Chapter Two

Angela rested her head in her hands with her elbows on the windowsill as she watched the stars twinkle.  It was a nightly tradition for her.  She loved the way they seemed to dance across the sky.  She hated to go to bed early, like her mother insisted every night, but her mother’s words always rang in her ears that little girls need their sleep.

Angela didn’t view herself as a little girl anymore.  She went back to daydreaming about wielding a sword with her uncle and grandfather in defense of the town against dragons, an ettin or some other monster her grandfather had fought when he was younger.

The night was unusually bright.  Shadows on the walls of the neighboring houses moving about as she blew a few strands of her blond hair out of her face.  No doubt they were from people with torches.  She started to imagine a story about monsters and blood bannas when the door to her room burst open and her mother rushed in.

Mother!  Angela dove for her bed knocking a small stuffed bear with a red bow around its neck onto the floor.  She saw a backpack slung over her mother’s shoulder and her baby sister cried in her arms. 

She is only eight.  Her uncle’s voice protested from the hall. 

I don’t think they care.  Her mother slammed the door hard enough for Angela to feel her bed shake. 

Mother?  Angela hoped her mom didn’t see that she wasn’t in bed.  She would be punished if she did.  What’s going on?

          Her mother tipped Angela’s dresser over to block the door.  The thud shook her bed again.

Mother!?

No time, honey.  Her mother threw Angela’s pack and a coiled rope at the foot of her bed.  Angela pulled her knees to her chest and watched her mother start to pull out some of Angela’s clothes from her dresser, look them over and tossing them aside.

            Mother, you’re scaring me.  Her habit of rocking back and forth when she was scared emerged.  Her mother put Mayanna in Angela’s arms.  Her crying sister fussed and squirmed trying to go back to her mother.

            Sorry hun.  Her mother kissed her on the forehead.  We’re just… a little short on time is all.  She grabbed the pack off the bed and hovered over the pile of clothes.  She jammed a few select ones into the pack that Angela saw was already half filled.

            Are we going somewhere?  Angela began rocking Mayanna as best she could to soothe her, but Mayanna just screamed and pushed at Angela’s face. 

Before her mother answered, she heard a loud crash from downstairs.  It was replaced by the hum of heated threats.  She couldn’t make out everything they were saying, but she did catch a phrase here and there.

We know she is one…

My son saw her red…

She’s a vermilion…

Don’t make it hard…

The overlord will…

Just give her to us…

She recognized most of the voices.  There was her best friend’s mother and father, the butcher who would buy deer from her mother when she caught one and even the Berkshire constable.  It was obvious that they were looking for someone. 

The arguments were replaced by the angry clash of swords.            Who are they after?  Angela pulled Mayanna close to her chest to muffle her cries.  Her mother took Mayanna before Angela smothered her and laid her down on the bed.            Mayanna.  Her mother threw Angela a set of hiking clothes as she held Mayanna in place as she squirmed.  Put that on.  She wrapped Mayanna tightly in her own red cloak, the one she wore on cold nights.  Mayanna continued to cry and fuss, which made it difficult.

            Angela eased off her bed and pulled the dark green tunic over her nightshirt.  Mayanna?  Why… 

Angela screamed and jumped onto her bed when a spear tip was thrust through the floor.  A swift kick from her mother snapped the spear head off the shaft and it went spinning across the floor.

Tears began to flow freely down Angela’s cheeks.  What… she tried to speak but couldn’t get words through her sobs.

Her mother ripped the sheets off Angela’s bed and started to fashion a carrying sleeve for Mayanna. Put your boots on.

Angela looked at her boots lying on the floor.  The floor underneath reminded her of the time she reached into the water for something shiny and a razoreel jumped out at her hand and bit her.  It felt like a pair of the flesh eater fish was circling her boots ready to pounce.

Angela now! her mother yelled.

Angela’s fear of punishment overpowered her other fears and she reached down for her boots and grabbed them as fast as she could.  She retreated to the middle of the bed and pulled the boots to her chest.

Her hands were shaking so much it made putting her boots on almost impossible.  Why are they after Mayanna? They think she is someone else.  Her mother made sure Mayanna was secure in her cloak and then put the screaming baby into the carrying sleeve.

          Angela looked at her sister and couldn’t understand what she could have done to anger anyone.  But she is just a baby.  Who could they think she is?  She was struggling to clasp the last buckle on her boot. 

Her mother ignored the question and slipped the backpack onto Angela’s back and wrapped a green cloak around her neck.  She then slipped the carrying sleeve over Angela’s head.  Mayanna screamed and struggled against the cocoon she was trapped in.

Mother?  She looked down at her sister. 

Again, her mother didn’t answer.  She just grabbed the rope off the floor and tied one end around her waist. 

Mother, what are you doing?

Ignoring her question, her mother tucked Mayanna’s favorite doll into the cloak with her. She pressed her lips to Mayanna’s forehead and whispered something Angela couldn’t hear.  Mayanna immediately stopped fussing and fell straight to sleep making Angela’s eyes widen. 

How did you do that?  She stared at her sleeping sister and swore she saw a faint glow coming from her mother’s lips.

I’m going to lower you both to the ground, she secured the rope around Angela’s waist.  Go to the window.

But…

Now!

Angela inhaled sharply when her mother yelled.  She crawled to the edge of the bed, making sure not to crush Mayanna, and looked at the floor.  She felt as if she was looking over a cliff.  A loud crash was heard coming from where Angela thought the top of the stairs and the irate voices were much closer.  The yelling grew louder, and some screams of pain could be heard amidst the fighting.

Angela focused on her door and two arrows heads slammed two inches through it.  She screamed and backed against her headboard.

Window! her mother pointed.  Now!

Angela moved back to the edge of the bed and stared at the floor again.  She watched as her mother threw a small chair in front of the dresser already blocking the door and then back to the floor.  Her boots felt like they were attached to the bed, she couldn’t move them.

Her mother then scooped her off the bed and put her on the windowsill with her feet dangling out.  She checked the rope around Angela’s waist to make sure it was secured as Angela stared at the ground that seemed to be a mile away.

Please no mother.  Angela kept a death grip on the window’s edge.  Something slammed against her door.  She screamed and looked back at the door as it inched open.        Give us the vermilion! a man’s voice could be heard on the other side.  Angela recognized it.  It was the man who made ice cream.  He was so nice.  Why was he doing this?

Her mother yelled as she tipped Angela’s bed over, so it rested on the dresser that was the only thing keeping the door shut.  She then rushed back and peeled Angela’s fingers off the window frame. 

With Angela’s protesting screams, she lowered her and Mayanna to the ground.  Angela heard more banging, and her tears felt like they were suffocating her.  As her feet touched the ground, her mother dropped the rope out the window.        Angela heard another loud bang and saw her mother disappear from the window.  Loud banging and screaming followed.

Mother!  She stared at the window.

Her mother didn’t answer, but she did appear again at the windowsill looking down at her.  Her mother leaned out and started to climb out of the second story window when Angela heard another crash.

Stop! she heard a man’s voice yell.

Then her mother froze and leaned on the side of the window.

Mother, come on!  She didn’t understand why her mother wasn’t moving or why she had that strange look on her face.  It looked like she was sleepy, but how could her mother be sleepy when people were banging down her door?        Her mother then slowly leaned forward and fell out of the window.  She was able to grab the windowsill as she fell and dangled there for a few moments before dropping down to the ground.

Mother, why…  Angela inhaled sharply when she

saw the arrow sticking out of her back.  She didn’t move.  She didn’t speak.  All Angela could do, was stare at the arrow.  Her green tunic was a darker shade near the wound as if she spilled oil on her back.

They’re here! a man screamed from the first-floor window below her bedroom window.  He smashed the window with the butt of his sword and sent shards of glass sticking into the ground.  Angela screamed and grabbed her mother’s arm trying to pull her up, but she wasn’t strong enough.

As the man cleared the remaining glass from the window, her grandfather appeared behind him and wrapped his arms around the man’s throat.  Run Angela!  He then pulled the man from her view and she heard a scream that sounded like the man’s mouth had been filled with water.  We have to go, her mother managed to say, but it wasn’t louder than a whisper.  Angela didn’t respond at all. 

Margareta pushed herself to her knees.  Angela, she said a little louder.

Angela finally blinked.  You… you are hurt, she reached for the arrow.

Don’t touch it.  She took a dagger out of her boot and cut the rope off her daughter’s waist.  Another loud crash sounded above.  Angela looked up at the window.  She didn’t know what was going to come out after them. 

Her mother used a shovel that leaned against the house to pull herself up and took Angela’s hand.  Using the shovel as a walking stick, she pulled Angela as fast as her injured body would let her to the woods behind their house.

When they got to the edge, Angela looked back at her home.  Maybe the bad people had given up and they didn’t have to run anymore.  She saw a man in a black hood looking through the window scanning the area.

There, he pointed.  They’re headed to the woods!  He then started to lower himself to the ground.  Angela’s mother grabbed her hand and pulled her into the woods as fast as she possibly could, but her wounds kept them at too slow of a pace to outrun them.

Angela, hide there, she pointed at some bushes. 

Don’t move until I come to get you.

Angela squinted to see the bushes her mother meant.  It was a full moon tonight, but the moonlight couldn’t cut through the thick leaves of the forest here.  Angela started to stumble in the direction her mother pointed when she heard men yelling.

She ran as fast as she could.  She nearly tripped before she slid under a bush that was in-between two fallen trees.  She pulled her sister closer to her chest and held her breath.  She saw three pairs of boots stop a few feet away from her. 

You are sure they split up?  That was a neighbor’s voice.

Positive, the mother was alone. 

The little one had the vermilion?  That was the woman who sold the sweetroot.

I think so,

Then, where did she go?  Another familiar voice, but Angela couldn’t remember who it belonged to.  Why were these people after them now?  They had always been so nice.

She couldn’t have gotten far.

Light a torch so I can see about tracks.

A bubble in her chest started to grow.  As soon as the torch was lit, she was sure they would see where she slid through the leaves.  Her lungs began to burn, but fear wouldn’t let her breathe.  Her eyes were locked on the boots that were now pointed in her direction.

There!  I see movement!

She won’t get away this time!

You hear us girl? a faceless voice screamed as the feet disappeared.  We will catch you!  Give up and we won’t hurt you!

Angela could hear their threats grow softer as they moved away.  Her breath refused to stay within her lungs, and it burst through her lips.  She gasped as if she had been under water for too long.  She looked at her sister, who was still sleeping peacefully. 

Tiny even breaths would escape her lips only to be pulled back in.  The soft sound became a peaceful rhythm that helped calm Angela’s own breathing.  Her thoughts couldn’t help but drift to what her mother did to make Mayanna sleep through all this. 

The man said her mother was alone.  That means he saw her.  If he saw her, did he kill her?  Was her mother dead?  Her eyes began to dart back and forth, and her breath was no longer calm.

Then a hand grabbed her foot and pulled at it.  A scream echoed from her lips and filled her ears as it seemed to bounce from tree to tree.  They had found her.  The only thought that dominated her head was what they were going to do to her and her sister.

Angela.  It was her mother.  It’s me.

Mother! she crawled out.  She threw her arms around her and hugged her as tight as she could.  I thought they killed you.  Newly formed tears started to flow.

Her mother winced as Angela touched her shoulder, but she managed to put her hand on her daughter’s chest to prevent her from crushing Mayanna as she hugged her.  She only let the hug last a moment before pushing her away.

We have to go.  She took Angela’s hand and, with the shovel for support, led her deeper into the woods.

Angela looked around trying to see through the darkness.  Where are we going?  Every shadow looked like it was hovering over her ready to pounce as if she was a mouse.

Our camp.

Angela barley responded.  Her