User blog:Mauller/Absolution 007

Absolution, Chapter:007


‘Phew, that was hard going.’ I wiped the sweat off my brow and drank from my canteen. The day had been long and cold. And I was in desperate need of a break. ‘That is the last of them, thanks for the help Goldie.’

A neat and large square of snow cleared ground was left beside the caravan. Looking at the scene brought a sense of accomplishment. We had managed to sell more than on our previous stops. So much that Kim could not stop grinning while she ran around in the day.

‘You are welcome. I might be a hired guard, but a true warrior helps when she notices someone in need.’ I held my canteen to her, but she hesitated taking it when her hand was near. ‘No thank you, I have my own.’

‘Are you alright? You seem a little tense?’ her hood snapped to face me and tilted.

‘How could you tell? Don’t tell me the glamour is failing?’ She gripped her hood then turned her back to me in a hurry. A small mirror appeared in her hand before she snapped its casing shut. ‘Good… no gaps, but how did you know?’ She turned to me once again and I jumped when I felt her gaze.

‘Oh… well, your shoulders are stiff and you have spoken less than usual… nothing else.’

I took a few steps back and bumped into the caravan as she approached. The darkness of her hood hovered in front of my eyes when she stopped. And I was sure I saw the outline of a young woman smiling. ‘Good, because I have my reasons for hiding.’

She stepped back then jumped onto the caravan in a single bound. And paced across the roof before perching in her usual spot. ‘I will take watch this night, I have a bad feeling. Something doesn’t taste… feel right.’

I scratched my head as I looked around the farm. ‘Are you sure? Things seem peaceful to me. And you need to rest, I could take first watch if you like.’

Goldie chuckled while she looked down at me. ‘I will be fine, a warrior such as myself is used to these situations. Go and see Kim, I am sure she will be pleased with your work.’

‘Are you sure?’ The only reply I received was the sound of metal on stone. I smiled as I walked towards the caravan’s side door. Goldie seemed to be relaxing around me, she didn’t sound as gruff as before. Her persona felt more like a front to make her appear hardened. But I didn’t care, having her around was better than being without. Especially after the incident in the town a few days ago.

I still need to ask her about that. But I best talk with Kim first, she spoke no more than a few words after our reunion.

The caravan was lit inside so I assumed that Kim was awake. The stars were already out and the moon was high in the sky. Strange names kept crossing my mind as I looked up. And I almost thought I could see shapes of people and animals drawn across the sky.

The scene above felt comforting to watch, at least till my vision blurred and a sharp pain split my head. I soon found myself on the step with my back to the door. ‘What was that?’

‘You alright down there?’ A familiar cowl appeared overhead while I held my brow.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yeah… just… never mind, I slipped and hit my head.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Goldie chuckled then disappeared again. ‘I should have warned you, the steps are icy.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yeah, thanks.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I sat unsure of what happened, I thought I saw someone with white hair standing in a field. But the headache grew worse when I tried to remember. ‘I should get inside.’ After taking a few moments to recover I picked myself up and entered the caravan. The warm air was a much needed reprieve from the cold.

<p class="MsoNormal">I shook a few times to clear the snow from my clothes then removed my boots and jacket. ‘Could have caught frostbite out there. Now to deal with Kimiko… I mean talk with her.’ I shook my head again, I still felt giddy from the effects of the milk and events that happened earlier.

<p class="MsoNormal">Another wave of warm air hit me when I slid open the door to the sleeping area. ‘What smells nice?’ Something sweet tickled my nose while I passed the wardrobes and headed towards the bunks. A pair of bare legs dangled from the top bed and kicked on occasions. The toes on the small feet wiggling whenever Kim’s laughter filled the room.

<p class="MsoNormal">Odd thoughts and urges crossed my mind. One was to sneak over then sniff her feet, the other was tickling her. I had no idea where the first idea came from but she might get upset if I made her ruin her work.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What’s that look for? You thinking of something dirty? Naughty boy.’ Her toes wiggled again and I jumped when I noticed Kim’s face peeking over the side of the bunk. A rather amused smile brightened her features as she pulled her legs onto the bed.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh, well, erm… no. I came to see how you were after today. Did we do well?’ After our reunion I still felt awkward. But my heart skipped a beat when her smile grew and her eyes sparkled.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘We did great! I didn’t think we would sell so much! Although I need to talk with the farmer tomorrow to see what trade goods I can buy.’ She continued talking at speed and with building vigour. It was a relief that she was happy so I did not want to interrupt her. ‘And anyway, after selling that I managed to get to unpack a few items that were wedged in the back.’ She started panting after her long speech of facts and figures. But the twinkle never left her eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘That is great. I am happy that you did well. I was a little worried since we didn’t talk much.’ Her cheeks reddened before she disappeared under her duvet. ‘Kim? Are you alright?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yes! Just leave me alone!’ She started grumbling and kicking her legs against her bed.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Are you-‘

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yes I am sure! Just go to bed!’ I sighed and walked towards the bunks, only her outline was visible under her duvet when I peeked at her bunk. ‘Stop staring… just go to bed.’ I couldn’t see her face but turned and sat on my bed in a hurry.

<p class="MsoNormal">The lights went dark before I had the chance to undress.

<p class="MsoNormal">Oh wonderful, now what did I do besides owing her money? I thought she would be happy after today. Maybe it has something to do with what Goldie said about noses?

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Nah, it couldn’t-‘

<p class="MsoNormal">Something soft hit me in the face which cut me off mid-sentence. ‘Just shut up and go to bed! I am trying to sleep!’

<p class="MsoNormal">Oh brilliant, well I guess I will lay down like a good boy if miss moody says so. After undressing I sat on my bed with my back to the wall while looking out of the window.

<p class="MsoNormal">For some reason the night sky left me feeling empty. But my eyelids felt heavy after everything that happened in the day and I soon dozed off.

<p style="text-align:center"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Martin.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What? Where am I?’ Violet grass spread around me under an amber sky. I had no memory of this place and yet it felt familiar. I was sure I was dreaming, yet everything felt real. From the cool breeze to the warm sun, even the rustling and touch of the grass.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Maaartiiin.’

<p class="MsoNormal">There it was again. That voice, I was sure I had heard it before. ‘Why? Why am I crying?’ The world around me blurred as I wiped my eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Martin?’

<p class="MsoNormal">I turned around and saw her standing there. Her form obscured by a dark fog that was rolling in. It appeared that she was waving at me. The only thing visible was her billowing silver hair as it glowed in the darkness.

<p class="MsoNormal">Her smile and luminescent pink eyes sent my heart racing.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Martin!’

<p class="MsoNormal">I jolted awake and panicked for a moment. The world was dark and something was holding my neck and weighing me down. The wall still pressed into my back which was reassuring. Yet my sight was taking its time to catch up.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh good, you are awake. Now don’t be alarmed. I… just want to talk.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Kim? Is that you?’ My hands found her outstretched arms hugging my neck. ‘Why are you sat on me? Is something wrong?’ I rubbed my eyes and let out a yawn.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh, well… something like that.’ I felt her arms hug my neck a little tighter as she fidgeted on my lap.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I see, so what did you want… to…’ When I lowered my hands to my sides they ended up resting on Kim’s thighs. She adjusted her position again and I felt her knees gripping me. ‘Why? Why are you… only in your…’

<p class="MsoNormal">Kimiko came into focus after a few more blinks and I hit my head when I tried to back away. A small smile decorated her pretty face while a black lace bra and matching panties adorned her body.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What? I said I wanted to talk. And… something else. I have not been, that is to say I have not.’ She looked away and started biting her lower lip. ‘I have not been… telling you the whole truth… about who I am.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I stopped holding my breath and relaxed. ‘It’s alright. You only had to tell me something was bothering you. I know you mean well and that is all that matters.’ I chuckled since it made her jump when I started petting her head. But it brought a smile back to her face which mattered the most. And she even started rubbing her head against my palm while chuckling.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Good.’ Kim closed her eyes and laughed a happy tune. ‘Because you still need to repay me. And I don’t care how it’s done. As long as I get something of equal or better value back in the end.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Erm, Kim? What? What are you doing?’ I bumped my head on the wall again when she started to lean towards me. ‘Are, you okay?’ Her eyes remained closed as her face grew closer. I had seen her happy before but this was different. I wanted to run away and hide like when she had that strange look in her eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Of course, everything will become clear soon. Now hold still.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I sat frozen, her face drawing nearer. I could escape with ease if I wanted. But did I? She was only half my weight I could push her back. Would that be more fun?

<p class="MsoNormal">I shook my head at my stray thoughts and held my eyes shut. A warmth began growing in my core that was pulling me to her. It felt similar to when I was trapped by Lin. Yet this feeling was calmer and gentler. Don’t you want to see where it goes?

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Boop! Now this side, then this side. And, boop again!’ I opened an eye and saw kim’s face hovering in front of my own. She was still smiling with her eyes closed while the tip of her nose pressed against my own.

<p class="MsoNormal">Blood rushed to my face and the warmth In my core fluttered.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What are?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘This is my reply.’ She started rubbing her nose against either side of my own again. Her legs gripped my sides tighter and she moved her hands to hold my shoulders. ‘My reply from earlier.’ Kim finished what I assumed was a show of affection by pressing her nose tip to my own before opening her eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">What is happening? I know Goldie said to be careful, but how could I avoid this?

<p class="MsoNormal">‘And so. My repayment.’ Her eyes closed again and I soon found her lips pressed against my own. She held the sides of my face and the quiet moan she let out sent a jolt up my spine. ‘Hmm, I don’t think that will be enough. I did save your life after all.’ She pressed her lips against my own again and pecked them a few times. ‘And they say life is the most precious thing. So?’

<p class="MsoNormal">I studied her face while she hugged my neck. She smiled and the sparkle in her eyes became more intense for a moment before dying down.

<p class="MsoNormal">I gulped. ‘So?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So! I will tell you something precious about me before we get to the good stuff.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What do you mean by that?’

<p class="MsoNormal">Kim’s smile broadened and she sat back. Part of me felt relieved but a small voice kept telling me to push her down. So I shook my head while Kim gave me a questioning glance. But after a moment of staring at each other she sighed then loosened her grip.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well, don’t… just don’t be scared okay?’ Now why would I be scared of Kim? I smiled and she blushed as I continued to watch her. She held my hand and placed it on her head again, but something felt different this time.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What is this? How did I miss them?’ Placed on either side of Kimiko’s head were two large and fluffy oval-ears. ‘I never saw you wear these before. Did you think I would call you weird for playing dress, up!?’

<p class="MsoNormal">Kimiko was panting and her eyes were watering when I looked at her after inspecting the strange ears. But what made my heart race was the longing look she was giving me. To make matters worse she let out a stifled moan when I squeezed her ear by mistake.

<p class="MsoNormal">I had no respite since she launched her face towards mine. Even when I turned my head to either side she tried connecting our mouths. And as this scene continued to play out it was getting harder to avoid her. Damn, was she always this strong?

<p class="MsoNormal">I yelped and jolted when she changed her tactic to licking my neck and nibbling on my ear.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘It’s just like earlier with Lin!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What did you just say?’

<p class="MsoNormal">Oh crap, why does she sound mad? You should have just pushed her down and rut her silly, I kept telling you.

<p class="MsoNormal">She sat back and I shook the conflicting thoughts from my mind. I could not help but shy away from her gaze.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Who is this Lin? And what do you mean by earlier?’ Did one of those ears just twitch?

<p class="MsoNormal">I held my hands up as she gripped either side of my head. ‘Just a girl on the farm… who I was…’ She started growling and pulling on my ears. ‘Who I was forced to milk without realising it! She broke free then caused trouble on the farm!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I thought I could taste milk.’ Kim’s eye twitched and she leant forwards and started sniffing me. ‘You mention this Lin. But why can I smell four other girls on you?!’ She started growling and hammering her fists against my head. ‘And I trusted you!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Kim just stop!’ We fell to the floor with a thud when I pushed her away. Her dilated eyes inspected my face while I held her down by the shoulders. And the strange warmth began screaming for me to lean down and kiss her. ‘Just stop, it was a misunderstanding. Some other girl forced us into that situation as a bad joke. And things got out of hand before I realised what was happening.’

<p class="MsoNormal">She went to look away but I gave her cheek a gentle nudge. ‘I don’t care if you have secrets, everyone does, I don’t care that I owe you money. As long as you are okay, that is all that matters.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Do it! Do it now! Rut her stupid! ‘Shut up…’ Kimiko gave me a funny look while I shook my head. ‘Sorry, not you.’

<p class="MsoNormal">After a few minutes she smiled and held my cheek. ‘I’m sorry, I just… I am so used to my sisters stealing everything from me. I let myself get a little carried away. I was scared that… Never mind.’ She started pouting and pinched my nose. ‘And these aren’t fake, they are my real ears… you jerk…’ She smiled and the ears wiggled as I watched her.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I said they are my real ears silly.’ She started chuckling and re-arranging my face with her palms. ‘I can show them for a short time, but if I showed you anymore it would take a day to restore the glamour spell.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘whap dwoo woo mean?’ She started grumbling and pulling on my cheeks. ‘I think you make a cute rat, but aren’t you just playing dress up?’

<p class="MsoNormal">Kim choked then started coughing. When she glared at me I felt icy all over. ‘I am not some dirty rat! How does anything get into that thick head of yours?! Now get out you heartless jerk!’

<p class="MsoNormal">She pushed me away then started hitting me as I rushed to the door. I had less than a second to open it before she kicked me out of the sleeping area.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘And stay out! You can sleep outside till you can show that you appreciate me!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I need my clo-‘ The door slid open again and Kim threw a bundle of fabric at my face before slamming it closed. So I dressed then looked for somewhere to sleep, but there was nowhere comfortable in the storage area. And the driver’s cabin was off limits since that was Goldie’s private area according to Kim.

<p class="MsoNormal">I walked to the exit and sighed when I looked up at the stars again. ‘Well I guess I should go to the farmhouse.’ It appeared that someone was still awake as the porch lanterns were lit.

<p class="MsoNormal">Wait a minute? Didn’t I save her life as well? I turned and looked at the door to the sleeping compartment.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘No… not risking her pint sized wrath.’ I ran out of the caravan when I heard something thud against the door.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I hope she didn’t hear that.’

<p style="text-align:center"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Can’t sleep?’ Goldie looked down at me from the roof, I only noticed her when she moved.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Something like that, just going over to the farmhouse for a bit. Although I might not return anytime soon.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The shadow moved around till it sat above me. ‘Can you see me?’ An arm waved and I waved back. ‘Oh… well you are an odd one aren’t you?’ She sounded a little surprised and more feminine. She ended up sitting on the edge of the roof while kicking her legs in an uncharacteristic way.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well, no. you look like a shadow moving, I already thought your skills were great but that is amazing.’ Her legs started swinging a little faster and I was sure I saw her leaning further off the roof.

<p class="MsoNormal">Goldie chuckled in a sweet way that made the strange warmth inside me grow. It had started dying down but the change in her voice sent it surging with a vengeance. But reality struck when she cleared her throat. ‘Well, I am a humble warrior maiden. But praise from a companion is always welcome.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I see… well thanks again for the other day in the market. And talking about saving me, how did you find me in the snow?’

<p class="MsoNormal">Her legs stopped kicking and she hopped back onto her feet. ‘It is not my place to answer the second question, but I should have an answer to your first soon.’ Her shadow started growing smaller till it disappeared.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh, okay. Then should I ask Kim? Goldie? You still there?’

<p class="MsoNormal">Silence.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well, I guess I should head to the farm.’ It was only a short walk from the caravan, but it was needed and gave me time to clear my head. The strange feeling puzzled me, it seemed to appear at times and pull me towards certain girls. Just thinking about what happened earlier in the day made me feel hot. But it was calmer compared to that strange feeling. And felt like it came from myself rather than some other source.

<p class="MsoNormal">As I approached the house I saw a figure on the porch. ‘Evening lad. Can’t sleep? Little lady problems?’ It was Geoff, he nodded at me when I arrived then took a swig from his flagon.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Something like that, how are the girls? And sorry again about earlier.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The middle aged farmer looked at me and gave me a grin. ‘She is a fine lass you got there. And the girls are doing great. Better than ever, I think the mixed excitements gave them the kick they needed.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Why? Was something wrong before?’ I went up the steps and leant on the rail beside Geoff. He raised an eyebrow then looked out across the farm while taking another drink.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Something like that lad. And I am sorry too, things have not been going well and the stress was getting to me. I shouldn’t a gone off like that since I know it weren’t your fault. This long winter was getting to us. And I care about the girls wellbeing, was hurting me more than them with how down they were.’ He patted me on the back then rested his hand on my shoulder. ‘But your arrival gave em their spark back. Just the rumour of a new face had them all bouncing about again.’

<p class="MsoNormal">We looked at each other when a quiet and solemn howl filled the night air. It sounded near and sent a chill up my spine.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘She been doing that for the past hour, poor lass. Not fond of were-wolves but from what the misses says, this one has had it rough.’ Geoff turned and looked up at the house. And my breath caught when I did the same.

<p class="MsoNormal">The wolf woman was sat in her bedroom window while looking up at the moon. And her large and fluffy white ears and long white hair appeared to glow under the moonlight. But the thing that gripped me the most was how forlorn she looked.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘She is beautiful.’ I shook my head and looked at Geoff again. He just smiled back and took another drink from his flagon.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘That she is, she is a firecracker. Dangerous yet beautiful. Although I have never seen or heard one like her before… but best of luck to you lad. I am off for a drink with the farm hands if you are interested in joining?’ I shook my head and politely declined, my body would not manage the following day unless I rested. So I watched Geoff walk off into the darkness while wondering what to do.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well, here goes nothing.’ I looked up and she was still sat in the window. So knowing she was awake I entered the farmhouse as quiet as possible and went to her room. When I knocked on the door I received no answer, so I hesitated as I opened it and peeked inside.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What do you want?’ The wolf woman’s tail puffed up and wagged against the window ledge. She glared at me as I entered the room. I wanted to run away from the look she was giving me but knew I had to confront her in the end.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘To talk. I am a little worried about you after what happened earlier. And… I also wanted to thank you for the help with Lin.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Hey eyes narrowed and she huffed. ‘I told you that my health is none of your business. You have already caused me enough trouble. Her tail continued to wag and her eyes softened. After a moment of glaring at me she looked out of the window and howled again.

<p class="MsoNormal">I started walking towards her but a creaking floorboard brought her attention back to me. She growled a quiet warning but looked down and sighed after a while. ‘What is the point? No matter how many times I call, no one will reply. He won’t reply… he never has.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What do you mean? I though your pack was near-‘

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Don’t you dare speak of them! It is your fault that they exiled me!’ She launched herself towards me and I hit the ground hard. We tumbled a few times before she pushed me against the floor. ‘It is your fault! Why couldn’t you have just let me catch you… why do you have to be so difficult?’

<p class="MsoNormal">Her nails dag into my shoulder while she bared her teeth. Something dripped onto my cheek and it was only then that I noticed her eyes watering.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Things were already hard, but then you had to come along and tell me those sweet words.’ Her Stoney visage broke when she burst into tears. ‘Why didn’t you come back? Why! I waited… I waited for so long that when I smelt your scent again I had to hunt you down.’

<p class="MsoNormal">After a few moments she rested her head against my chest and laid on top of me. I did not know what she was talking about, but I felt bad for her as though deep down I knew the reason for her pain. Even though I could not remember.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I… I am sorry.’

<p class="MsoNormal">She started laughing while she sobbed. ‘Just shut up prey, it is your fault that I am like this. My sisters would be mocking me if they saw.’ I did not know if I should, but I raised my hand and started petting her head. She jolted and growled when I touched her, but she soon relaxed and her tail started wagging after a while.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Stupid tail, don’t think that I am happy prey. Because I am not, your stupidity lost me the only family I had. So do not think this situation makes up for anything. I am holding you to the promise you made me. And…’ Her voice trailed off and her tail puffed up, she said something under her breath but I did not hear it.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Sorry, I didn’t hear that.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Her head lifted from my chest and her face loomed in front of mine. ‘I said my name is Valis! So remember it well!’ We both blinked a few times, I could feel my face warm as her nose pressed into mine. But she growled and pushed me into the floor then sat on my waist. Besides the embarrassment of the close contact it was easier to look at her now. The twin’s mother must have given her some clothing as under her pelt was a blouse and skirt. But she was still covered in various bandages and dressings.

<p class="MsoNormal">Valis held her head and rocked sideways. ‘Are you sure you are alright?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yes… just a feeling little light headed…’ She glared at me and went to stand but collapsed onto my lap again. ‘Do not look at me like that prey. Do not think I have forgiven you.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Will you stop calling me prey, just call me martin.’

<p class="MsoNormal">She looked at me and tilted her head. ‘But that is not the name you told me before. You better not be lying again.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘No no, I just… can’t remember… well, can’t remember who I am.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Valis brow furrowed and she started smiling. She snorted then held her hand over her mouth before bursting into laughter. I did not feel bad about being mocked, it was nice to see a genuine and happy look on her face.

<p class="MsoNormal">Push her down! Show her who is boss!

<p class="MsoNormal">I shook my head then shied back when her happy face turned predatory. ‘Lie again and I will force your promise out of you.’ But even that face turned into smiles and laughter before she punched me in the chest.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I won’t, I promise. But just a quick question, what name did I give you before?’

<p class="MsoNormal">Her smiles and laughter stopped and her face turned red. She ended up looking away and grumbling to herself.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You don’t remember do you?’

<p class="MsoNormal">She gagged then looked at me and started hammering against my chest. ‘Of course I remember prey! You are the ignorant one! And why do I need to tell you? Wolves remember each other by scent more than names!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I am not a wolf. You don’t remember, that is great...’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Just shut up! Ahh… my head…’ She sucked in air through her teeth then hunched over. I sat up and supported her while trying to ignore that she was facing me while on my lap.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You should get to bed, I heard that you have not slept well and you need to rest with your injuries. You shouldn’t have even come out to help me earlier. But I am still grateful. Really grateful.’ She went to say something but I held my finger over her mouth. ‘No complaints, your health is more important than your pride.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Valis would not look at me as I helped her stand then guide her to bed. Although her tail and ears kept giving away how she felt. She rolled over and kept her back to me as I left the room. But I was sure that she felt grateful in her own way.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I have never slept in a bed before today…’

<p class="MsoNormal">I turned to look at her as I closed the door, her tail hung from the side of the bed and slowly wagged.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Good night valis.’ I closed the door before she had a chance to complain. And had to hurry past the twin’s room since their bedroom door was wide open. The scene of them both hugging each other in their sleep made the strange warmth flare up. So I left the house as fast as I could.

<p class="MsoNormal">I grabbed a few rugged blankets from the storage area once I made it back to the caravan. ‘I wonder where Goldie disappeared to?’ I noticed that she was gone when I went outside to find a place to sleep. But the answer to my sleeping arrangement appeared when a clump of snow fell off the roof.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well I guess it is better than nothing and these blankets are nice and thick.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The clearance between the caravan and floor was not excessive but the ground was flat. So I dug the snow from under part of it and crawled into the space. It was cramped but cosy once I wrapped myself in a blanket and covered the hole again. But at the least it was warmer than outside and protected me from the elements.

<p class="MsoNormal">I started wondering what the warmth inside me was and where it came from. Yet I fell asleep long before I could come up with a suitable answer. And although I had not mentioned it to the girls yet, I was feeling more alert and wakeful as the days passed.

<p style="text-align:center"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">The high pitched scream of a girl woke me. And the shouts and cries of various people surrounded the caravan.

<p class="MsoNormal">It appeared that no one had found me as the wall of snow remained blocking the outside world. And when I looked through one of the gaps I saw some of the girls being herded by men in matching clothing.

<p class="MsoNormal">When I saw the glint of armour and weapons it was then that I knew what was happening.

<p class="MsoNormal">The farm was under attack.

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