„Emma!"
The voice of a small, old, scarred man rang through the little stone temple.
A tattoo ran beneath his right eye, and his shout echoed off the walls until it reached the young woman outside, who was busy tending to stubborn green vines clawing their way up the rough stone wall.
„What!?" she yelled back, her voice sharp and high. With a sigh and a dramatic roll of her eyes, she dropped her work and walked into the building.
Inside, she found Phillip adjusting the altar. He glanced up, surprised.
„Oh! You're still here? I thought you'd already gone home."
„Grrr! You called me just for that?"
He frowned and carefully straightened the thick book on the altar, as if her outburst didn't matter.
„Of course. Normally, by this time of day, you'd be following the wind back."
„Can't you just come out and look for once!?"
Phillip ignored the tone. Passing by her, he walked towards the exit with his hands folded neatly behind his back.
„Are you more motivated now, knowing Larry is on his way?"
„Hngh!" Emma jolted slightly, her thumb rubbing against her index finger, eyes darting nervously around the chamber.
„No! Why would I be? I'm glad that pesky little… abomination is gone!"
Phillip stopped and studied her. His face remained unreadable. Then he turned his gaze to the sky outside.
„Looks like rain is coming soon. You should head home."
Emma lowered her head. „You know I didn't mean…" Her words dwindled to nothing as Phillip already crossed the grass on the stone path, heading for his clay hut.
She watched him go. Her steps faltered, uncertain, and she struck her forehead lightly with her fist.
Tilting her head back, she blinked against the sting in her eyes as dark clouds rolled in. The air already smelled of rain.
Someday I'll stand on the mountains… above the clouds, where no rain will ever touch me again… she thought silently - rephrasing a sentence Larry told her one time.
„Yooo, Emma!"
She flinched, then quickly forced a smile as she turned.
„Kleo!" she called, stretching her arms in welcome.
The girl, her same age, rushed over, grabbed her hand, and tugged her along.
„I've been looking for you! We thought we'd see you more often now that the ugly creature is finally gone!"
Emma laughed, though her fingers rubbed anxiously against each other.
„Hahaha, yes! I'm glad too! But you know, Phillip gives me so many tasks now… and my dad, well… you know!"
Kleo chuckled, picking up her pace. She looked to the sky.
„Why are you always hanging around that church, anyway? It's sooo boring. And your dad? Always the same, always worrying about you…"
Emma forced a crooked smile, then nodded silently.
„And that abomination… what was it called again?" Kleo wrinkled her nose and laughed. „Never mind! He was too dumb to even realize you're the chief's daughter!"
A raindrop struck Emma's forehead. She jolted. Cold.
„I remember it so well," Kleo continued, laughing. „The way you told us your parents were… lumberjacks! Hah! I nearly died laughing!"
Emma's laugh sounded thin. „Hahaha, yes… funny! But now that you mention it—I should really go home."
Kleo squinted at her as the rain thickened, shielding her eyes.
„Too bad! But tomorrow—you have to promise! Otherwise we'll just have to free you from your dad!"
Emma nodded quickly, slipping her hand free. Kleo dashed off through the downpour, missing the tears hidden among the raindrops on Emma's face.
With a swift wipe of her sleeve, Emma dried her eyes and trudged toward the only stone house in the small village. Ahead, her father, the chief, barked orders to men preparing for the storm.
When his gaze landed on her, Emma froze. His expression hardened. A chill ran down her spine, her steps faltering.
„Hello…" she began softly.
„Were you at the temple again?" His voice cut her off.
She lowered her eyes. „…Yes."
His tongue clicked sharply, the sound like a whip.
„I already told you! Focus on what matters."
„But the temple is—"
„It is not! Phillip is a priest despised by the dungeon. He won't protect us. We must protect ourselves!"
„But—"
„No buts!" His voice cracked like thunder.
She flinched. „Yes, sir…" she whispered.
Arms crossed, he nodded toward their house.
„Go help your mother. Learn something useful."
Head bowed, Emma obeyed.
////////////////////////////////////
The last two nights had been restless. The young horse breathed heavily in its sleep.
Meanwhile, I had gathered herbs and hunted rabbits and other small animals. The meat dried in the sun, filling up my food stores. The horse I had killed earlier was long eaten.
Now I sat on a stone, running my fingers through Onyx's mane.
„How's your leg, Onyx?"
„Weigh." He snorted, shifting his hind leg. It moved freely now; the compresses were no longer needed.
I tilted my head. „Should we start out tomorrow morning?"
He tossed his head and nodded, his long mane rippling in the warm autumn wind.
Smiling, I lay back on the grass, watching the deep blue sky and the massive white clouds piling high above the bay. A soft scent of rain drifted in the breeze.
I stood, packed my gear, and prepared everything for tomorrow. My feet had healed; no pain remained.
For three days my hands had trembled with anticipation, but the rest had been good. Peaceful.
With practiced ease I spread blankets and pelts over Onyx, making him comfortable against the cooling air.
Then I picked up the horsehide, carried it to the tent, and laid it beside the ropes I had tied days ago.
Lying down, I let my heart skip with happiness. Sleep claimed me quickly, dreams rushing to meet me.