Taria8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgg6AO9KlM 維尼
I was exhausted and struggling to keep my eyes open. Blood was running down my arm and I felt slightly dizzy. The burning in my arm had faded to an ache but we needed to stop and wrap it. Once we were sure that we had lost the guards Kara stopped and asked if my arm was okay. I knew we didn't have time to waste so I told her I was fine. I couldn’t tell in the dark if she believed me or not but we kept moving.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡKf4UuqpBS8 維尼
The temperature had slowly begun to change. The warmth of the Eastern Valley was becoming the icy cold of the White Mountains. The ground would soon become covered in snow and we would have to rug up.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbzj8nlX6v 維尼
We reached the bottom of the Eastern Mountains, which separate the White Mountains from the valley, as the sun began to rise. The dark trees slowly filled with light. Looking around I didn't recognise anything, which was to be expected. Pa and I had to trust Kara, and hope that she wouldn’t lead up astray.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDC9KxgiIJ 維尼
Kara stopped as the ground grew flat and turned to us. She said, “We should stop and rest. You and Daniel looked tired.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡdW48HYAhdi 維尼
I nodded. “Yeah, good idea.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXL5qjH6RQ 維尼
“What did she say?” said Pa.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkzawdrHuc 維尼
“That we should stop.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzIVfgGXUM 維尼
Pa smiled. “That is a good idea. I can barely keep my eyes open.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHschlf3il 維尼
We stopped beneath some large trees that were thick enough that they would hide us from anyone higher up. I dismounted Silver and patted her neck. We had been travelling all night and she looked tired. I tied her to a low hanging tree branch and reached up to remove her saddle. I gasped in pain and Pa turned to look at me.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpmjF8jd99 維尼
“Taria, are you okay?”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPk1Pm6S7C 維尼
I shook my head. “My arm.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTN0YyIr3F 維尼
“Let me see.” Pa reached out and gently took my arm. He pulled the sleeve of my shirt up slowly. Fresh blood began to slip from the wound as he looked at it. “It’s not deep,” he said. “I’ll need to clean it and wrap it. Good thing your Ma packed some wrappings.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbHeqfo94F 維尼
The wound on my arm looked horrible. As Pa gentle touched around the edges the throbbing grew. I said, “She always thinks of everything.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZ4Mm5p03A 維尼
“She certainly does.” Pa smiled. “You sit down; I’ll go get some water.” Pa turned and walked towards a small stream.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡokSgVK7DlR 維尼
I sat down against the base of a tree and looked at Kara. She had curled up near another tree and was already asleep. She looked peaceful. I wished I could know more about her. From what I had learned so far about familiars, at our age, we should know each other as well as we know ourselves. It made me wonder what my life would have been like if we had never been separated. I didn’t really know if I wanted to understand the bond that we shared. I still didn't even know if I wanted to do this. It was scary knowing what was ahead but I didn't want to think what would happen if I didn't help.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bqwf3CmnX 維尼
I pulled out some of the food Ma had packed for us from my saddle. It wasn’t much, but I was so hungry that anything would be better than nothing. I unwrapped the bread and cheese, and took half for myself. I wrapped the second half back up for Pa. I took small bites from the food, letting the taste savour in my mouth.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeTqOAb7WZ 維尼
Pa came back and gave both of the horses water before he joined me. He grabbed his own bag and pulled out wrappings. He sat down beside me and said, “Give me your arm.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WLNnuu2d6 維尼
I held out my arm to him and he used a piece of the wrap and dipped it in to the water. He gently touched the wrapping to my wound and dabbed. I hissed in pain at the touch but Pa cleaned it quickly. Using the rest of the wrapping he tightly wrapped it around the wound. He tied it off and sighed. “It will have to do for now. Now get some rest, we can’t stay for long,” he said.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJwfVXMDXD 維尼
I nodded. “I know.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡF881eYIcAa 維尼
“The guards will be able to follow us during the day, we don’t have time to waste,” he said.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFpBhf0GVT 維尼
“I know.” My voice was harsh as I spoke.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡiR9gNGRwSd 維尼
Pa frowned. He looked at me confused. “What’s wrong?”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bSmbQkuLx 維尼
“I’m sorry. I’m just tried.” It wasn't the reason. I was scared and didn't want to be out here. I knew how dangerous it was and Pa was now in the middle of it. If the guards discovered that Pa and I were the ones with Kara then Ma and Gean would be in danger. But there wouldn’t be any time to go back and save them. No one even mentioned the possibility that they could be the ones who were killed instead of us.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJnKHb5pVK 維尼
Pa sighed. “Now why don’t I believe that?”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡpg31ysYncq 維尼
“Because it’s not true.” There was no point lying to Pa. He knew me too well.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmKPgrTiEY 維尼
“Then what is the truth?” he asked.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlbgTu8CD3 維尼
I looked away from him and down at my food. “It doesn’t matter.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTu61vECJo 維尼
“Yes it does.” Pa leant forward, trying to look me in the eye.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdaeadsMqr 維尼
I looked up at him. “Pa, I just want to sleep. I’m fine.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmAYUwv1pe 維尼
“Taria—”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKl9eXaZuf 維尼
I shook my head. “Pa, please.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAoCFz70t6 維尼
Pa nodded. “Okay, you sleep. I’ll take first watch.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡCREvgyRyj1 維尼
I smiled and laid down on the ground, using my saddle as a pillow. It wasn't long before I feel asleep.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvhCdqocO0 維尼
***8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVZ0J7WLYp 維尼
Pa shook my shoulder to wake me. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and looked to the sky. The sun was high in the sky and I could hear birds and other animals in the trees. I had slept for most of the morning and felt much better.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3L0Tie3EQ 維尼
Looking around I noticed Kara wasn't with us. “Where’s Kara?” I said.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5A6r0gq5Mw 維尼
Pa shrugged. “I don’t really know. I woke up and she was gone. I’m sure she is just hunting.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡnU8RAkvtyb 維尼
My eyes widened. “What if someone took her?” What if she was gone for good? Pa and I would be lost in these woods.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0mJYO1Ab9 維尼
Pa sighed. “And left us here?” He looked at me with an absurd look. “I think Kara would have made quiet the noise if someone grabbed her.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAljSux6hZ 維尼
I couldn’t disagree. Kara seemed like the type of cat that would kick up a fuss. I stood from my spot and lifted my saddle. Pain shot through my arm causing me to drop the saddle and call out in pain.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkdlLoHXuf 維尼
“Are you alright?” said Pa.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNNhuufgxU 維尼
“Yeah, I just forgot how heavy saddles are.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMNALqXCWG 維尼
Pa smiled and walked over. He grabbed Silver’s saddle and secured it on her back. I stood in front of her and gave her a gentle scratch behind the ears.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lFOEG0Fv6 維尼
A loud thump startled me and I turned to see Kara watching us. She was staring at me. Her eyes were focused on my shoulder. “I’m fine,” I said.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSNIW9qwRl 維尼
Kara licked her lips.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡvT2CirBsur 維尼
“Where did you go?” I asked.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1I60FmfIkA 維尼
“Hunting. I need to keep my strength up. Did I worry you?”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjoVqvI9tl 維尼
I frowned. “No.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrmCgzIpJy 維尼
Kara’s eyes thinned. She didn’t believe me.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtCRf8X3LO 維尼
Pa stepped up beside me and placed his hand gently on my shoulder. “Now, shall we move on or would you two like to continue just standing here.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uLD7KYAls 維尼
“Sure, let’s go.” I squeezed his hand and walked around Silver. Pa helped me mount Silver before walking over to his horse.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sQrC0nBwh 維尼
“Kara,” he said. “Lead on.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wH7mjRcvf 維尼
Kara nodded her head.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeEfUYiTsN 維尼
We travelled along the edge of the great river that sat directly between the Eastern and White Mountains. We moved quietly and quickly as the trees that ran along the river’s banks were thin and bare, giving us no cover from any soldiers if they were to spot us.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyjxKqhLlS 維尼
The air continued to grow cold but the further we walked the smell of fresh grass changed to the scent of charcoal and burnt flesh. It was repulsive.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡckpu15VRIY 維尼
“What is that?” I said.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6Vi8s4jCF 維尼
“Smells like the aftermath of a fire.” Pa pulled a cloth from his saddle bag and wrapped it around his neck and covered his mouth and nose. He handed one to me and I did the same. I could still smell the burnt flesh it wasn’t as strong.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡhStCjqP8oG 維尼
As we continued to move along the river and soon the trees thinned even more and we came to a barren field that seemed to go on for miles. The once tall trees were burnt to nothing but cinders. The ground was nothing but dust and corpses. Vultures were scattered around fighting over dead animals. I covered my mouth in shock.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWv4TQQFHO 維尼
“What happened here?”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwDyZcokMy 維尼
Kara sighed heavily.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJ1ujqwdul 維尼
“Kara, what’s wrong?” I said.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMx1xQJYgi 維尼
“The queen. She takes pleasure in burning down whole sections of wooden areas killing whatever lies within. This happened only a week or two ago. Killed many animals and humans. I had to cross it to get to you.” Kara stopped in her tracks and turned her head.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡopX6KsW5AC 維尼
I moved out of the treeline and into the wasteland. It was horrible. What was wrong with this woman?8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpTpQthCWv 維尼
Pa and Kara came up beside me.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPTQ9onFt6 維尼
“Why would she do this?” I said.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXldYOOO5E 維尼
“Because no one can have what she can’t,” said Kara. The look on her face made my heart sink. Her eyes were filled with a heavy sadness and anger. Kara could have known some of these people, some of these familiars. Maybe even some of the normal animals. There was no way to know who these people were. Kara moved away from the wasteland and continued to follow the river.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡyF5uz57dSx 維尼
Pa looked confused.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡQih4LzEbOe 維尼
“The queen. She did this.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBs7BzohOX 維尼
Pa reached over and took my hand. He squeezed it to comfort me.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHspSRWhUd 維尼
“This woman is my aunt. She is my own flesh and blood.” What if I was like her? Would I turn into this kind of monster if I killed her? I took a deep breath to keep back the tears. I couldn’t cry.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡTz2L4PrvY7 維尼
“She may be related to you by blood but you are nothing like her. You are my daughter and you are the kindest girl that I know.” Pa kissed my head. “You aren’t and never will be anything like her.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡet55J8goDE 維尼
I squeezed Pa’s hand.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRTlaCQZ9t 維尼
“We should go,” said Pa.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIQwk98d62 維尼
We turned out horses and followed Kara away from the wasteland.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgUbaKpGHl 維尼
The temperature grew even colder. Pa and I pulled out large blankets to wrap ourselves in. Keeping the cold out seemed near impossible. We were finally able to cross into the White Mountain region when we came to an old bridge. It didn’t look like it was strong enough to hold our weight.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6AD3IbZzh 維尼
“We should dismount and walk across,” said Pa.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2J3VdlMGP 維尼
I nodded and slid off Silver. I wrapped her reins around my hand and knotted them so that I wouldn’t lose them.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡht3pwew5Mf 維尼
Kara slipped across quickly, her weight barely registering on the bridge. Pa stood behind me and gestured for me to go next. Taking my time I carefully went one step at a time. The bridge creaked under my wait and all I could do was cringe. All that had to happen was either for me to slip or for Silver to fall and we could possibly die. While the river wasn’t a rapid the current was clearly strong, and the water deep. I took one step and the plank beneath my foot cracked and I stumbled. I caught myself and took a shaky breathe.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSMabpAJxf 維尼
“You alright?” said Pa.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1QII9RpTf 維尼
“Yeah.” I took another step and the wood held. I made it across and pulled Silver away from the edge. I turned and watch as my father led his horse as carefully and as quickly as he could. He got across and I sighed with relief.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9sFkHWtiX 維尼
We now stood at the base of the East White Mountain. While it wasn’t steep there wasn’t a clear path to follow.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vTXHOzZgv 維尼
Kara seemed to be staring into the trees that surrounded us. She said, “These woods are dangerous, more so than having guards chase us. There are some very dangerous creatures that will kill you so we will have to be careful. Also, the paths are covered with traps set by Warlocks who live here. Most of them won’t harm you; they are more to scare poachers away but no matter what don’t rush in front of me. I know what I am looking for. So stay behind me.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpn6hkROzk 維尼
I nodded and relayed her warning to Pa. He agreed. We would do it her way.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQbpNSA5tu 維尼
Kara moving slowly. Pa and I followed, one behind the other. The path was impossible to see as it was covered with a thin layer of snow that was slowly becoming heavier. The breezed turned to ice along with my breath. The wind picked up and soon we were in the middle of a thick forest. If Kara had been any other colour than black we would have lost sight of her ages ago. Kara kept her eyes focused on her surroundings, looking for anything that was out of place. I didn't know how she could see though. The sun struggled to slip through the thick foliage.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2ptaE4APn 維尼
The sun began to sink and the little light we did have disappeared, leaving us in almost complete darkness. But we didn't stop. The snow continued to grow higher. Soon the horses, and Kara, were struggling to move at a good pace. Kara showed no sign at stopping.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡCA8uSwDQZ7 維尼
“Kara,” Pa called. “Maybe we should find a place to rest.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm4hI6Pgb9 維尼
Kara stopped and turned. “We don’t have the time.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡYm8kiM3vny 維尼
“This storm is going to get worse before it gets better. We need to find somewhere to wait it through,” I said.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lhPeu1xzI 維尼
She looked at me unconvinced.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzLvKvmEfA 維尼
“We won’t be able to help you if we get lost or die.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiXby8Tjdp 維尼
Kara’s head dropped. “Fine,” she said. “There is a cave just ahead. Or there should be if we are where I think we are.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMsq1Ybfti 維尼
“Okay,” I said. I turned to Pa. “She says there should be a cave up here where we can rest.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNK2u1bTOB 維尼
Pa nodded.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQK4HXT0Ns 維尼
Kara was right. Not far along was a cave just off the path. The opening was large enough to fit us and the horses inside. Inside, Pa looked around for anything to be able to make a fire. I struggled to remove our horse’s tack, but got the saddles onto the ground and wrapped blankets around them.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlDVjpEWDj 維尼
The cold wind swept into the cave sending harsh shivers through my body. I felt like I couldn’t find any sort of warmth. Pa dropped a small pile of wood in front of me and said, “It’s dry enough. Should light.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1pPJ1JQG8 維尼
“Have anything to light it with?” I asked.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQoqqNlq20 維尼
Pa sighed. “Going to have to rub two sticks together, hopefully it will work.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrDnZyfnx7 維尼
I knelt down beside the pile of wood as did Pa. He grabbed the two sticks and rubbed them. I pulled my knees up to my chest and wrapped my arms around them, trying to warm myself.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfogyaLtXR 維尼
Kara sat lying in the corner of the cave; her head lying against her paws. Her face was blank; she seemed to be lost in her thoughts. I pulled myself from the ground and sat down beside her and reached out my hand to touch her head.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGxPkSKUKe 維尼
She jumped at the contact and frowned at me.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OwdjjLQzD 維尼
“Sorry,” I said. “I just wanted to see if you were okay.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWJcWszKIl 維尼
Her frown faded and was replaced with a small smile. “Oh. I’m fine. I’m not use to human contact before.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6vmF5Ckyr 維尼
“Oh,” I said.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvLYJARl50 維尼
Kara looked down at her folded paws. “While I had friends here in the woods, they were all familiar’s like me.” She closed her eyes for a moment, almost like she was trying to stop tears from falling.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSI2M8FkX5 維尼
“What happen to your parents?” I asked. My curiosity was to overwhelming to stop me from asking.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ32jKHFCF5 維尼
Kara sighed. “I don’t have any.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBAeJjaFBB 維尼
I frowned. “You mean that you haven’t met them?”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkQBVRyz6J 維尼
She shook her head. “No, I mean we don’t have any. Familiar’s are magical and we aren’t born like humans or normal animals, we are created.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzpiVShx98 維尼
“How is that possible?” I asked confused.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5Y9jjuLTJ 維尼
Kara looked towards Pa, who was still struggling with getting a fire lit. She said, “I don’t really know. The first thing I remember is waking up in a small bed. A small child beside me. Some say that familiar’s just appear.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCNNQbZh7A 維尼
“Who was that child?”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiXvkKo7FI 維尼
“You.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YvDgcqEza 維尼
“Me?”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡARVXyzeXGn 維尼
She nodded. “You were barely a day old. Great Owl told me that he had once known a familiar who told him that familiar’s are created by the God’s of old and they chose special human’s who deserved or needed a special someone with them. Familiar’s are meant to help or guide their bond mate.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡwri5KMG2vu 維尼
I wanted to roll my eyes. God’s of old? I never believed in any sort of God.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡNN4HNsOGUk 維尼
“I don’t know how much truth is in that story. I am just happy to be alive.” Kara shrugged and we continued to watch Pa struggle.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡev505Wt9v2 維尼
After a few minutes Pa shouted, “I did it!”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDl5W0v02D 維尼
I smiled at him as he looked at his small fire with pride.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgsGNkxFGF 維尼
Pa turned to look at us. “Your old man isn’t so useless.”8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZTqKrtYdX 維尼
I couldn’t help but laugh.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JVIVljPGN 維尼
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