Chapter 1

About six years ago, four young girls (one was me) only about seven or eight months old were thrown to the front door of The Oakes Orphanage. I remember it very well. We four were unnamed and were not siblings. The people working at Oakes were not friendly, and treated us there like insanitary animals. We quickly became good friends by the age of two. The eldest, also the leader, was frustrated and angered by the orphanage’s cruelty. Though she was only four, she was thinking of a plan to escape. Unfortunately all the doors and windows were heavily padlocked at all times. The second eldest, me, who was shy but bright, pointed out a small hole in the plaster wall.

“Don’t you think that would work?” I remember saying softly, afraid to be heard.

“Yes.” was the answer. A flicker of hope spread across the eldest’s face as she worked a plan into her young mind. The two little ones stirred restlessly, their rapid energy not being used.

So, the leader’s plan was to escape during lunch hours, taking a fork and spoon to widen the hole a bit too. That noon she shook with excitement. This was the time!

Grabbing a spoon and fork, she called for us to come. Dashing for the hole, it just seemed impossible to fit in it. I remember she said her vision seemed to blur as she tried to block out the yells of the adults. The hole seemed to shrink, smaller and smaller, but just in time she had dove for it and thrust her arms wide.

Rriip. The plaster gave away as easy as foam. “Go! Go!” she shouted to us. We slipped out into the cold afternoon, wind and leaves swirling like a tornado. I remember the panic building up in my chest.

“Where do we go?” The younger ones huddled together.

“In there!” I pointed to a nearby forest. Franticly, we sprinted towards it, but the adults’ yelling seemed to get closer and closer.

“Run faster!” The eldest screamed through the swirling winds.

Soon we made it in, but we wouldn’t stop until the light of the dreaded Oakes Orphanage was completely out of sight.

******

In a house on Willow Street, there lived a girl named Mica whose life was changed from the day she went exploring in the Forlorn Forest. Absolutely nobody ever went in there, for it’s said that most explorers who dared enter the Forlorn either didn’t come back out, or came out as, well, forlorn and insane. But that day Mica gathered her wits and somehow persuaded her older sister, Amber, to come along too. So off they went.

“Mica!” Amber exclaimed. “What in the world are we doing in here?”

“Hush, old sis.” Mica said. “You aren’t scared, are you?”

“No! Most definitely not!” Amber scoffed. “I am brave, so much braver then you, even!”

Wow, Amber sure likes bragging about ‘such and such’. Mica thought, annoyed. Maybe I shouldn’t have invited her to come.

So as Mica and Amber kept foraging through the Forlorn Forest, Mica continually had to remind Amber that they were not insane or too forlorn yet. Plunging deeper and deeper, Mica suddenly thought of her parents. They had been in here for over an hour, and her mom said specifically to come back in forty minutes.

“Uh oh.” Mica said, stopping abruptly. “We’re late.”

“What?” Amber spun around.

Mica shook her head and turned back for home.

“We’re late, isn’t that it?” Amber hissed, catching up with her. Mica ignored her and walked swiftly back the way they came.

Suddenly, something whizzed past Mica’s ear. She glared at Amber, who was walking calmly beside her. “Did you throw something at me?” she said, irritated. “I don’t have time for this and mom said we got to get home in forty minutes when we left.”

“Well, it’s not my problem, is it?” Amber spun on her. “You are the one who led us into this cursed forest. Now we’ll come out as insane kids!” She glared at Mica with her piercing green eyes. Then, whipping her long brown hair around, she walked swiftly toward their home.

“Wait!” Mica called, jogging to catch Amber’s long strides. “I—I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said those harsh things, but we are late and mom’s going to kill us if we come back any later than we would now…”

“And it’s not at all my fault.” Amber finished, her back still facing her. Mica silently agreed. It was true, though. It was her idea to go into the Forlorn.

All of a sudden, something long whooshed by Mica’s ear again. Before accusing Amber this time, she looked around for the object. She just saw sticks and leaves littering the forest floor.

Tsss! Another object flew by Mica’s ear. It got really close that time.

“Hey!” Mica looked at Amber. “Did you throw something at me again?”

“No.” Amber said, apparently her mind was on something else.

“Seriously, Amber.” Mica was getting annoyed. “Did you? ‘Cause its okay if you did. Just tell me.”

“I didn’t!” Amber insisted, now listening to her. “I swear I didn’t!”

Mica glared at Amber, and she returned the stare. Just at that moment, something straight and long whizzed in between them.

“Hey!” They said in unison. “Who did that?”

Then Mica put her hands on her hips and tilted her head at Amber. “Told ya. Told ya told ya told ya.” She said in a mocking tone. “I told you someone was shooting at us.”

Amber just stared at a stick stuck in the ground. She pointed a shaky finger at it. “That’s what they shot at us.” Mica cautiously approached the stick, as if it were a bomb. Gingerly picking it up, she held it at eye level.

“For gosh sakes, that’s an arrow!” Amber exclaimed. “Somebody is shooting us with a bow and arrow! We could have been killed! See, Mica? See the sharp rock hard point?” She rubbed her fingers on the black point, which was tied onto the stick with some kind of reed.

“Wow.” Mica whispered eyes wide with wonder. It was like she never saw an arrow before in her life.

All of a sudden Amber stood up straight and her eyes were wild. “Uh oh!” she said, alarmed. “They might try to shoot at us, and we have to get home!” She spun around and sprinted back.

“Wait up!” Mica called, arrow in hand. She sprinted after Amber, and the two didn’t stop until they were safely back home.

Chapter 2

High in an oak tree, a young eleven year old wearing nothing but a skirt made of grass chuckled. Her “family”, (my family) wore similar clothing. We were not really a family, but were good friends who ran away together from The Oakes Orphanage. We considered each other a family.

The two young ones held baskets filled with fruits and spices. The eldest, who was the one chuckling, bore a long elegant bow and a quiver of arrows. She had flowing black hair with a few streaks of brown. I also bore a similar bow and quiver of arrows. I also slung a deer skin sack over my right shoulder. My hair was jet black, also long and silky like the eldest’s. The younger ones, one eight, one eight and a half, giggled and braided their own brown-black hair, tying them with reeds.

“He he.” The eldest chuckled again. “That was a good one, Maple.”

The second eldest, me, beamed with pride. “Thanks Willow.” I said.

Willow was the leader and eldest of the clan. I was very good friends with her and I had a close relationship with her. The rest of us had to listen and look up to Willow.

Willow sighed, stopping her chuckles, then ordered the younger ones, “Go, Chive and Pepper. Do not choose the wrong distractions, and find many plants and spices along the way. We will need them.” They nodded and grabbed their baskets. Pepper grabbed her javelin, which she was skilled at throwing, more skilled then any of us.

Clenching her bow, Willow nodded at me and we set off to hunt. First we listened for the sound of deer’s hoofs tapping the forest floor. Then, scurrying down the tree, we ran, swiftly and silently, toward the deer herd. The small herd grazed among a small clearing dotted with little bluebells. Once in range, we both crouched on either side of the clearing. Willow took the first shot, aiming at an old stag that looked like he would die soon. She silently notched an arrow and took aim. With a small whoosh, it flew like a deadly missile, hitting a bull’s eye. The rest of the herd scattered, but the old stag thumped to the ground. I ran up to it, touching its long horns.

“Perfect.” I smiled. “This will be just perfect.”

Willow slipped out a hunting knife made of stone. She skinned and cut up the meat into chunks, but saved the horns for me to hold. Then, slipping the meat into our sack, we started off again.

******

Mica and Amber burst breathlessly into their cozy house. Their mom was cutting up meat and her head whipped up, pointing the sharp point at them.

“Oh, it’s you guys.” She sighed, lowering her weapon. Then she looked at them again. “Wait a minute—”

“Oh, mom!” Amber cried. “It really was not my fault! Mica made me go! She did! I swear!”

Before Mica could protest, her mom said, “Ok, ok. I get it. Calm down. I know you guys went into the Forlorn Forest, didn’t you?”

The sisters glanced at each other, surprised. How had she known? “Y-yeah.” Mica stammered first. “We were just—”

“Going around.” Amber interrupted. “And it was not my fault!”

“I know, I know!” their mom said impatiently. “But just don’t go in there again. You could have been hurt!”

Mica rolled her eyes. “Jeez, mom. We didn’t come out forlorn, did we? We’re not that dumb.”

“Actually—” Amber started, but her mom cut her off, saying sharply, “Hush, both of you. Just forget about it but don’t go into those woods again. Now off with you to your rooms!”

As they silently quickly to their rooms, Mica silently thanked her mom for sending her to a place where she wouldn't have to deal with Amber.

Humph. She thought angrily, plopping onto her small pink bed. It was not my fault, anyways. It’s her fault she even decided to come. Propped up by her elbows, Mica’s mood brightened when she realized that she still had the arrow tightly clutched in her hand. Holding it close to her eye, she examined the sharp point. It was slightly brown at the tip, where some blood was shed. Mica stared at it with growing curiosity about where it came from.

Minutes past, and she was just hypnotized at the small carved figure. That is, until the sound of knocking at the door filled the room.

“You there, Mica?” Amber’s voice was muffled by the thick door. “Mom wants to talk to you.” Then, added in a whisper, she said, “You’re in big trouble.” Then she chuckled and Mica heard her footsteps become softer and softer.

That stupid little Amber! Mica thought, getting more furious by the second. She tattled like a dumb donkey with no brain! I’ll get her. I’ll show her whose boss.

Chapter 3

I kicked around the leaves with my slim bare feet. Fingering my bow, I absentmindedly counted the veins of those covering the forest floor like a blanket. Flicking my head to Chive, who was teaching Pepper yet another lesson about plants and herbs, I asked them half-heartedly what they were studying.

“Plants.” Chive answered, distracted. I made no effort to say any more.

Willow tended to the fire, cooking the meat they had killed that day.

“Why don’t you make something with those new stag horns you got, Maple?” Willow asked me, noticing my absence. I shook my head, but Willow insisted. “Make a necklace or knife out of it. You have a great talent.”

“Alright, then. If you insist.” I shrugged.

Then, with expert tree-climbing skills learned from years of living in the wild, I grabbed the horns and a knife leaning on the sack by the fire and shimmied up the tree like a squirrel. There I could work in peace.

Watching from my great height, I could see a lot of the forest. I also watched as Willow finished roasting the deer meat and took it in our small tent/teepee shelter.

I also watched Chive and Pepper play a game called Poison or Not? Pepper was acing the game and picked out all the poisonous herbs, spices, or mushrooms mixed in the pile. Then, after getting bored of the game, she jumped up and snatched her javelin. Dashing out of the clearing, she called, “I’m going to hunt! C’mon Chive! See you guys in a while!” Chive laughed and ran behind her with her mini bow and arrows.

“No! Pepper, Chive, come back!” Willow shouted for them. The two continued to sprint. Willow got up and sprinted after them, her long strides gaining quickly. “Gotcha!” She said triumphantly, grasping Pepper’s free arm, then Chive’s. “Oh no, you don’t. You guys cannot hunt unless Maple or I is with you, or until you are another moon older.”

“Aw man, Willow.” pleaded Pepper. “Please come with us. We never hunt!”

“That’s because Maple and I hunt enough meat to sustain us, and we need no more.” She said this while dragging a complaining Pepper and Chive back into the teepee.

I giggled in the tree. This always happened. The two little ones were still young and untrained.

For a few more hours I worked in the tree, carving patterns of waves and ripples into one of the hard deer horns. At last I was done, as was Willow with the cooking. I climbed down the tree and placed the used-to-be horn into Willow’s outstretched hands.

“Hmm…” was all Willow said. Her fingers danced over long graceful curves in the horn made new. I had hollowed it out, but left some ridges and bumps inside so when you blew in from the small point, it would make a lovely bird-chirping sound. I hadn’t tried it yet, but I knew much about this kind of stuff, and I hoped it would please Willow.

Just as I intended, when she blew in it, the horn made a beautiful whistle of a bird. Willow smiled in satisfaction. “This is good, Maple. A work of art.” She patted my shoulder and skipped inside the teepee.

I was proud of myself, and I still had one more horn to use. Grinning with delight, I grabbed four wooden utensils to set up for the meal. Pepper and Chive came back from their lessons and smiled too, for they smelled the scent of meat.

“This is a great day!” Willow declared once everyone was seated. “Maple made me a beautiful horn.” She brought it out from behind her back and I blushed. Blowing gently into the mouth of the horn, a soft sweet tweet tweet emerged from the wood. Pepper clapped her hands happily. “That is a great sound!” she exclaimed.

“Yes, it is!” Chive agreed. “It is the sound of a chickadee building its nest.”

Willow laughed and hugged the horn to her chest. “Yes, I love it!”

By then I was blushing right to the roots of my hair. “Th-thank you.” I stammered.

“No problem!” Willow laughed again. "I know! Let's sing a song." We all shared a knowing glance, for we all knew what song she was talking about. In unison we took a deep breath and sang with harmony and melody;

Walking towards a wishful dream,

By my side a crooked stream,

The clouds break forth in shafts of light,

Darkness falls and brings forth night,

Stars twinkle like my sister's eyes

Sweeping 'cross the navy skies

At my tribe mates' side I'm not alone

We fight through cold and bitter snow

By the fire we gaze above

Knowing our trust is bound with love

We finished with a beautiful chord, our voices intertwining and floating up to the sky. I smiled, joy lifting my heart.

After a bit of chatting, we all decided to rest. I slipped inside the teepee and snuggled into my soft deerskin blanket, watching the others come in too. Willow came last and closed the door flap tight. We all snuggled in and fell asleep to the fire’s glow.

Chapter 4

“Absolutely what were you thinking?!” Mica’s mom exploded. “My dear daughter here could have died!” Amber sat with a hurt puppy expression on her mother’s lap. But she smirked at Mica whenever her mom wasn’t looking.

Mica was furious. This was so unfair! How could her mom spoil Amber? It was her own fault she entered the forest with her! Her mom was supposed to care about Mica too!

Mica stood there plugging her ears out. Her ears and face burned with restrained anger. Calm down. Part of her brain scolded.

Calm down?! The other two-thirds exploded. Tell me! How am I supposed to possibly calm down?! The third of Mica’s mind that was still sane said nothing in return.

Calm down! Ha! Mica ranted on. Just shut up, you lousy conscience.

When Mica’s mind didn’t protest, she glanced at her mother, still shouting and yelling at her for no reason. Then, glancing at the front door hanging wide open, she suddenly dashed out into the cool afternoon.

“Hey!” Her mom screamed. “Come back here this moment or I’ll ground you for life! I am not finished yet, young lady!”

Mica ran on, up Willow Street and past the ol’ bakery shop. She had one destination in mind: Forlorn Forest. Her mom or Amber hopefully wouldn’t dare to go in there.

Mica panted. She wasn’t counted as a fast runner or an athlete in gym. Her lungs burned and her legs ached already. She heard Amber’s soccer shoes slapping against the pavement behind her. Mica forced herself to go on, to beat Amber into the Forlorn.

“Hey!” Amber’s voice called, not too far behind. “Hey, Mica! Come back here!”

Through her burning lungs she managed to shout, “No!”

“Fine!” Amber shouted back. At first Mica was confused on whether she was going to stop and turn back, or come with her into the Forlorn. That is, until Amber said, “Then I’ll make you!”

Amber was deadly close now. There was one more street to cross and she’d be free, but Mica knew she’d never make it.

Come on! Mica yelled in her head, pumping her legs even though they burned like fire.

Suddenly she screamed. Amber was right behind her! Her sister grabbed the collar of her shirt and growled, gritting her teeth. "You. Will. Come. With. Me!"

Mica’s fear melted. Come on! She thought, almost laughing. This is your sister, Amber! You could beat her in wrestling any day!

But Amber really seemed mad right now, and Mica was about to find out why she was so vicious. “Mom promised me twenty dollars if I brought you back!” she pleaded, hanging desperately onto Mica's leg. Mica had crawled to the forest entrance, with Amber in tow. "Please, Mica. Please, just once for your sister!"

For some reason she hesitated, just for a second, when Amber said that. That gave Amber a chance. “Yah!” she shouted, pouncing onto Mica’s back. “Ow!” Mica protested when Amber yanked her arms behind her back. Then taking a rope out of nowhere, she wrapped and tied in less than five seconds. Mica groaned, trying to get into the kneeling position, but Amber shoved her back down and took hold of the other end of the rope. “Come on. We’re going home.” Mica’s eyes flashed dangerously. Amber has reigned again! Mica thought with fury. But she couldn’t, and wouldn’t let that happen. Twisting in the rope, she yanked the other end free of Amber’s grip.

“Hey!” Amber exclaimed, spinning around. She grabbed at the rope, but Mica had already made it in the Forlorn.

“Bye!” She called over her shoulder. “See ya later!” Then she threw her head back and laughed when she saw her sister’s enraged expression. It was a bit hard to run with her hands tied tightly behind her back, but Mica managed. She wouldn’t stop running until the road was out of sight. Then, when Mica realized that she could not go on like this, she leaned her back against a tall oak tree to rest. Suddenly there came a crack of a twig to her right. She froze, remaining perfectly still and silent.

******

Ugh! Seriously, Maple! I scolded myself as another twig snapped beneath my bare feet. You have to walk silently!

It was the next morning, and I was taking my daily walk. Willow kept scolding me about walking swiftly and silently on the forest floor, littered with twigs, leafs, and all sorts of thing you can step on. It was a hard skill, but I almost mastered it. I can skip, spin, twirl, or even do flips without cracking a single twig or leaf, as long as I was focused.

I stopped and listened intently. With my keen hearing, there came the faint sound of breathing whisked through the breeze. Human! I thought frantically. I lifted my left ear to the wind. It’s a girl! By an oak tree! I gripped my bow tightly and sprinted back to the teepee.

Chapter 5

What was that? Or was it a person? Oh no! She or he might have been the one shooting at me and Amber! The questions poured into her mind like flowing water. I gotta get this stupid rope off me! Mica thought frantically. That thing might come back for me! Maybe even with its cousins! She knew she couldn’t stand a chance against weird creatures living in the Forlorn, especially with her hands tied behind her back!

“Arrgh!” She seethed, almost fighting back tears. “That stupid Amber!” Mica just wanted to explode, tear up the trees and rip up every leaf because of this. She thought she was gonna die, a horrible, painful death. But on the other hand, she was infuriated with herself for running away in the first place. Without a thought, she grabbed a rock with fury and stabbed it into the palm of her hand. Mica’s hand grew warm with blood seeping from the fresh wound. Somehow this seemed to calm her a bit, because her face softened by just a fraction. Then an idea popped into her mind.

I’ve got it! Mica thought excitedly. Maybe I just might not turn into a bear’s supper!

Grabbing the rock, which was now red with her blood, Mica twisted into the position so that she could try to saw through the ropes. She tried for a little while, but her patience was limited, and no avail.

“Ugh.” Mica groaned out loud. She dropped the rock and twisted around to see what progress she was making.

When Amber had tied her up, she had wrapped the rope three times around Mica’s skinny wrists. Mica was able to saw two of the three apart. The third was still securely wrapped and tied.

Mica kept sawing, but no avail. The third rope was thick and strong as the first two together. Tears bursting from her eyes, she let out a low, terrified wail. Help me! Someone! Please! 

Calm down. Mica's concience whispered in her head.

"How?!" She exploded, tears streaming from her eyes. "Tell me, how on earth am I supposed to calm down? I'm stuck in this stupid forest filled with hungry creatures that could come out and rip me to pieces any moment! And your telling me to calm down?!"

The voice didn't answer.

Mica flopped onto her back, misery cloaking her like a dark thunder cloud. Please. she cried silently to the could above. Please. Help me. Salty tears scorched her face as she cried herself to sleep.

Her heart felt slightly lighter and calmer when she awoke uncomfortably. Strength renewed, Mica continued to saw, but the rope just wouldn't budge. Her arms ached from being forced backward for so long, and she longed for sleep or unconciousness.

“Ugh. This is torture.” Mica groaned."I might as well sit here and die.” But in her head she knew she would have to die trying to live. So, she grabbed that rock again and continued sawing. Her hopes plummeted as she realized, she would be trapped like this forever if that rope never came undone.

“Ugh!” Mica finally threw down the rock in disgust. “How in the world can this be possible? I had a safe family, safe house, and now I’m here! How? Why?”

Calm down. Her conscience came again. Calm.

This time Mica tried to listen to her mind. She thought of peaceful trees swaying in the breeze, birds chirping happily…

Tsss! Mica yelped. An arrow! She twisted around to grab it, just while another arrow whizzed an inch away from her arm.

Mica flattened herself to the ground. She knew it would be harder for the enemy to shoot her when she was buried in the leaves. Mica used her legs to swivel her around so she could get at least one of the arrows. Then, opening her mouth wide, she clamped her teeth around the thin stick.

Eww! Mica almost spat out the leaf crumbs in her mouth, but thought better of it. If the leaves went out, the arrow would come out too. So she just lay low and clenched her jaws on the arrow.

******

“Shh!” Willow whispered sharply, aiming her arrow at the human’s head. She shot, but the girl moved right at the right moment and it whizzed past again.

“How come she always does that?” Pepper whispered, excited to be there at the scene.

“Because she does.” I pushed her back to Chive, who was crouching back behind a bush. “Let me try.” I said to Willow.

Willow nodded yes, and I set my bow in place. This human was struggling with something, I could tell. She kept squirming in the leaves so we couldn’t see her, just some movement.

I gripped the wooden handle and strung an especially sharp arrow Willow and I had made two moons ago. Pulling it back to my ear, I stared intently at the rustling leaves straight ahead. When I was satisfied with the aim, I shot the arrow where I believed was the humans heart. Unfortunately, I was a bit off.

******

“Aaaiiiieeeeeek!” An ear-splitting scream pierced the air. It was Mica’s. She felt the sharp point slice right by her wrists. Panicking, she twisted around as fast as she could to inspect the wound. There was none, just a little bruise by the rope. But, where was the rope?

“Oh, joy!” Mice cried, seeing that the arrow had sliced the rope clean in half. “I’m free!”

But she felt like she was being watched, so, getting up quickly and rubbing her sore wrists, she darted behind the big oak she had rested on.

******

Willow gasped. “You hit her! Didn’t you hear the scream?”

“Yes.” I replied, “But didn’t you see her stand up and run behind the oak tree?”

“No.” Willow answered, looking a bit confused.

“Well, she did, and she’s there now. I saw her. Trust me.”

“I know!” Pepper piped up from her place by the bush. “I saw her too!” Willow nodded. Chive and I rose.

“We’d better go get her then.” I spoke for all of us.

******

Mica looked around her. Leaves were scattered, and her heart pounded loudly in her head. She had heard whispers around her. Shivering, she sat, leaning against the oak tree. Suddenly, there was a faint rustle of leaves, then a hand, reaching for her face…

Mica instinctively started kicking and screaming. The figure in front of her grunted then brought out a long vine. Quick as a viper, the rope wrapped around Mica’s sore wrists, once, twice, three times. Then it was tied tightly in a triple knot.

Meanwhile, a different captor tied her legs, and yet another two shoved a gag in her mouth, and put a blindfold to her eyes. Without the strength of her arms and legs, her eyesight and teeth, Mica was pretty much helpless. Her heart filled with dread as she realized she was just this close to freedom, but yet so far.

Chapter 6

“We’ve got her!” The triumphant shout rang in the air as we lugged the human to our teepee.

“Be very careful.” Willow warned as we pushed her into the firelight. “She may be dangerous.” We all went in and sat down.

Using a pole attached to the teepee, I took another strong vine and tied the human’s wrists and stomach to it. Surprisingly, she didn’t struggle much. Perhaps she already knew we were too powerful for her.

The thought lifted my spirits. I wrapped and tied faster, then stepped back to my seat. Willow came forth and gently eased the blindfold and gag from her face.

The human blinked once. Then opened her mouth. We allheld our breath.

“Who—where am I?”

Willow exchanged surprised glanced with me. “You are in our forest.”

“Wha—?”

“You have trespassed. Humans are a great threat to our society.”

“But, the Forlorn doesn’t belong to anyone, does it?”

Willow hesitated. “Well, this part of the forest does. The part you trespassed in.”

The human knit her eyebrows and pulled against the restraints. “Why do you put me in these bonds?” she sounded angry.

“Because, as she said before, you are a threat to us.” I spoke up. She tugged and pulled, while we all waited anxiously.

Suddenly I saw tears brimming her eyes, but she blinked them back quickly. I glanced at Willow, who just shrugged. In a wobbly voice, the human said, “Who are you?”

“We are us, we are a family. I am Maple, my older sister is Willow, and our younger sisters are called Pepper and Chive.” I gestured to them. The human’s expression softened. “So, did you guys live on your own, for all this time?” We all nodded, and then Chive asked, “Who are you, then?” The human hesitated, and Chive gripped her javelin. I glanced at my bow nearby.

“My name is Mica.” She whispered.

******

Mica felt the four pairs of eyes watching her after she said her name, and they all had stiffened. She felt uncomfortable revealing her identity, and growing panic started expanding in her chest. What were they thinking?

The one called Maple was the first one to speak. “So…Mica. That is a nice name, but what were you doing trespassing in our forest?”

Mica swallowed. She knew this part would come. So, since she knew she had no choice, she told her story.

“I ran away.” Were her first words. Then others started pouring out of her mouth, words of her story. All four of them watched her face intently the whole time, even the younger ones, whose faces were stone hard. When Mica finished, Willow nodded.

“You are sin free for this wrong doing. And you didn’t know.” She tapped her chin. “But according to forest rules, every trespasser must pay the punishment.” Willow made a half-nod to Maple, who spoke, “Every trespasser must serve ten lashes along with a moon of no food in the gnarled cherry tree, top branch. Just water from the stream.” She turned to Mica, “But since you did this wrong with no intention, you will serve five lashes and only a week upon the cherry tree.”

Mica tried to take this information in. Five lashes. She wondered how much that would hurt. A week without food. But couldn’t she just jump off the top branch or climb to lower ones to escape?

Willow seemed to read her mind, “We will bind you to the top branch, so there is no escape. We’ll just leave your arms free to move. None else.”

Mica’s heart ached. She knew it and would admit it. There was no escape. Tears pushed against her eyelids, threatening to spill out. She blinked them back quickly, wishing she could reach out and wipe them. The vines were bound tight and strong, so she knew that she couldn’t escape them unless they untied her.

“I am a good person, I swear. I could not hurt any of you anyways, so could you please let me out of my arm bonds?” Mica asked nervously. She saw Willow glance at Maple, then shrug. Maple stepped forth and worked on untying the vine. When she was done, Mica stretched her sore wrists and rubbed the red marks made from the vine and rope. Sighing, she knew there was no way out of here, but at least she could try to make friends with these strange people. She held out her hand for a shake. “Nice to meet you—people.”

Maple looked at it with a blank expression. Then Mica realized. These people actually were living in the Forlorn. They’d have no clue what to do when she stuck out her hand like that!

“You’re supposed to shake my hand.” She explained. “That’s what we humans in the modern world do to greet each other.”

Pepper eagerly stepped forward and grabbed her hand, jerking it up and down. That caused waves of pain to course through Mica’s body.

“Ow!” she cried, pulling her hand away sharply. “That hurts!” When she saw Pepper’s dismayed expression, she said gently, “Softer, Pepper. And just do it once, like this—” Mica took hold of Pepper’s hand and shook it.

“Ohhh. I see.” Pepper said. She grabbed Mica’s hand again and she flinched. But this time Pepper did it right; a short, firm handshake. “Great job!” Mica exclaimed. Pepper beamed.

She sat back to her seat. Willow patted her on the back. Maple smiled shyly at Mica. They all seem friendly enough. She thought. Perhaps I can trust them, or even better, they’ll let me join their pack! But she pushed that outrageous thought away. After my punishment, I’ll probably just be sent back to Mom and Amber and have to deal with them. Mica sighed. She might as well enjoy herself for now. 

Chapter 7

My eyes stayed open even after everyone had gone asleep. I was thinking about the strangely friendly human that had trespassed our territory yesterday. We let her sleep freely tonight, without any bonds in a temporary teepee we set up. I began wondering if that was a bad choice.

“Willow?” I whispered. Maybe she was still awake.

“Yeah, Maple?” her voice sounded drowsy. “What’s up?”

“I was wondering if we made the right choice last night. Would if she tries to kill us?”

“Aw, Maple. Don’t worry. We all outnumber her, anyway. Plus, just one of us, even Pepper, could easily defeat her in a duel.”

“I suppose.”

“Ok now, hush. Go to sleep. Tomorrow is a big day.”

“Wait! Willow, I was thinking—”

“Sleep. Sleep now, Maple. Tomorrow she serves her punishments. We don’t want her to think we are lazy, do we?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

“Then go to sleep.”

I took Willow’s advice and tried to get to sleep. I tried. I really did. But something kept nagging me in the back of my mind that I just couldn’t get to. Finally, past midnight, my eyelids drooped shut. But my sleep was restless, and soon after I was awoken by a scream.

******

She tried. She really did. Mica really tried to kill the youngest, Pepper. She had stolen one of the older ones’ spears, and tried to spear her, thinking that Pepper wouldn’t stand a chance.

But she did.

Pepper fought like a tiger, moving so fast it blinded Mica. Her javelin grazed her countless times, leaving sores, bruises, and cuts. Mica thought Pepper’s intention was not to kill her, but only to weaken her, otherwise she’d be dead on the ground hours ago.

When Mica attacked, Pepper had let out a glass-shattering scream, sure to be heard by her comrades. After getting bruised and battered some more, she fell to the ground and raised bother arms in surrender. Pepper had leapt into a tree and now pounced down, pinning Mica hard to the ground. She gasped for air and groaned, “I give up…”

Pepper’s eyes were wild with fright, but also blazing with rage. “I—I thought I could trust you…” Giving a shake, she banged Mica’s head on the ground three times. Her head exploded with pain, her eyesight turned white…

And she awoke on the ground again, hands and arms tied behind her back. Maple stood over her, her expression grim. Willow held a threatening ax, sharpening it. Pepper and Chive sat aside, whispering to each other.

Uh oh. Mica thought. They are going to kill me now.

Maple squatted and leaned close to her face, causing her to flinch. Maple’s breath was warm, and smelled of fresh picked apples. “Why? Mica, why did you do this?”

Mica shrugged stubbornly. “I wanted to—” Her voice broke.

“Did you want to hurt us?”

She hesitated. “Not really.”

“Then why? Everything has a reason.”

Mica thought. What was the true reason she had tried to kill Pepper? Because she wanted to show them she was capable of defending herself. But instead Mica said, “I wanted to escape.”

“Escape.” Maple echoed, her eyes suddenly glazed, as if she was remembering something faraway in the past. But in a heartbeat it was gone, and Mica wondered if she had imagined it.

Willow stared at Mica, her eyes like deep dark pools. She shivered. Did the wise leader see past her murky lies and into the glow of truth?

“What is the true reason, human?” She squatted beside Maple. Mica couldn’t meet her gaze. The forest was silent, other than the soft chirp of birds. The four were all waiting for her answer.

Mice shifted uncomfortably. “I—” She hesitated. Should I tell them? Quickly she glanced at the expectant faces. “I wanted to show you that I was capable of defending myself.” She confessed, not daring to look up. What would their reactions be? Would they be angry?

“I understand.” Willow’s voice sounded surprisingly gentle. “I used to be like you, human. We all were.” She paused. “But we learn from our mistakes. That is the only way we became who we are today.”

Mica lifted her face up to look at them. “What will you do to me now?” Her voice quavered.

“You still must serve your punishment.” Maple spoke, “But you will only serve twenty lashes, since your case wasn’t too bad. We added lashes because of your attempt to murder Pepper.” Mica glanced at the young warrior, but her face was unreadable. The only sign of expression was her eyes, which eyes glittered with a mixture of anger and sadness. A sharp stab of regret hit Mica. She vowed to earn her place back in Pepper’s heart.

“You will serve the lashes now.” Willow interrupted her thoughts. Mica shuddered, a growing feeling of dread trickling down her throat. But she knew she had to stay strong. She didn’t want them to think she was weak.

“Do to me as you wish.” Mica forced the words out with as much courage as she could muster.

Maple raised her eyebrows. Chive and Pepper rose, expressions grim. “We’ll meet you at the post.” Pepper said quietly. Mica searched her gaze desperately for any sign of affection, but there was none.

“Let’s go.” Willow’s voice had hardened to her normal state, and she roughly jerked Mica to her feet. She resisted a cry of pain, but gritted her teeth until her jaws hurt.

Maple disappeared into the teepee, then reappeared brandishing a long, flexible vine with a wooden handle. The whip. Mica thought, fear closing her throat.

Experimentally, Maple snapped it up and down. The impact sent ripples of dread through Mica’s heart. Twenty lashes. She cried silently, will I come out alive, or as a bloody corpse?

Willow nodded curtly to Maple and dragged Mica along. They went to a small clearing, where a fallen log was set down by the edge. Pepper and Chive sat down there, their backs straight and stiff. In the center of the clearing, a tall, straight birch tree rose. The first branch of the tree grew fifteen feet above Mica’s head. It was a perfect whipping post.

Willow shoved Mica down to her knees. Swiftly, she and Maple tied her hands to the tree and untied her feet. Then, out of nowhere, Maple produced a knife, slicing Mica’s shirt down the middle of her back, leaving her back bare but unharmed. Mica let out a cry of protest, twisting around to glare at them. Maple didn’t respond, and ripped her shirt clean off her body, until it was just torn fabric dangling from her fingertips.

Mica gritted her teeth, warmth spreading out all over her body. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment. “You didn’t tell me you were going to take my shirt off—” she seethed, feeling the urge to tear that smug look off their faces.

“Well, how else would we be able to do it?” Willow asked, clearly amused.

Mica glared daggers at her, fury clenching her muscles. Pepper let out a giggle at the far end of the clearing which was abruptly cut off. The world spun around Mica, and she squeezed her eyes shut, wishing the ground could open up and swallow her at that moment.

“Ready?” Maple sounded like she was trying not to laugh.

Anger and embarrassment scorched her body, but Mica forced out a feeble, “Get on with it.”

“Number one.” She heard the swish of leaves as Maple transferred the whip to Willow. There was a breezy whoosh, and Mica squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for impact. Whack! Ripples of pain spread out over her body. She couldn’t stifle the scream that followed.

“Number two.” There was a snap, and the pain exploded again. Tears spilled down Mica’s cheeks. How can I survive eighteen more?

“Number three.” Mica’s knees buckled as she screamed. Darkness clouded her vision.

“Number four.” Let me lose consciousness! Mica pleaded. She couldn’t take it any longer.

“Number five.” Desperate, she writhed to the side. The whip grazed her hip, but missed its target. Satisfied, Mica blinked her eyes open and struggled painfully to her knees.

“Number six.” Willow’s voice sounded strained with anger. I can do this. Mica thought, twisting to the side again. But Willow was ready, and the whip met its mark with even more force them before. Mica screamed with agony, and her vision blacked out again.

Chapter 8

I winced each time Mica's scream split the air. I felt something close to relief when she dodged the whip, but the next time Willow snapped the weapon with more force then ever. The human shrieked and then slid down, her stomach barely brushing the grass as she blacked out. I flinched as the whip snapped the air again, then brought down hard onto Mica's crimson back. I blocked out the sounds and stared, frozen, as the punishment went on, until all twenty lashes had been served.

A bitter taste arose in my throat as I helped Willow drag the limp body back to camp. Mica's back was blood red,t hough no flesh was torn from the whipping. We set her gently down in the recover teepee, then secured the door tightly so that she wouldn't be able to escape.

"We must hunt." Willow ordered, grabbing her bow and quiver. My stomach growled its aggreement, and I quickly slung my own weapons over my back to hide my embarrassment.

"Can we come too?" Pepper piped up, bursting out from the teepee. Her friend followed her out more slowly, then straightened and said pleadingly, "Please, Willow? We've been studying day and night now, and really need a little exercise."

"Of course." Willow replied, amusement glimmering in her soft brown eyes. "Just get your spears, and we'll be off."

"Yay!" Pepper exclaimed, dashing for her javeline before I could even blink. I let out a little chuckle, and then turned to Willow. "What about the human? Is it wise to leave her here alone with no one to guard the camp?"

"Oh, right." The eldest sighed. She shot me a questioning glance, "Would you be okay with staying here? We need such skilled fighters to stay and guard camp."

A smile of pleasure curved my lips. "Of course, Willow. I'll make sure nothing happens. Make sure you bring home lots of food, because I'm starving!"

"Hurry up, Willow! We're waiting!" Pepper's voice rose up from the edge of the clearing. My friend laughed and promised to hunt lots of prey before running off to catch up to her comrades.

"Good hunting!" I called. This is how it should always be like.

Sighing with satisfaction, I set my bow back on its stand in the teepee. Then my eye caught on a splash of curved white, sitting in the corner of the room. I walked across the room and picked it up, running my slender fingers over the smooth ivory. It was the remaining stag horn!

Hung up just above it was the first horn that I had carved into a bird whistle. I flashed back into the happy memories, then shook my head. There was still one horn left to use, and I had a good idea on waht I was going to carve it into.

Excitement tickled my heart as I grabbed the knife and skimmed up the familiar oak tree. This will really please Willow, I thought as I started to work.

Midway through the intricate design, there came the sound of struggling in the recover teepee. My heart pounded as I set the horn down carefully in a crevice I had cut out in the trunk of the tree. Swiftly, I climbed to the ground and dashed to the tent.

"Help!" Mica shouted, kicking the side of the teepee. I undid the lock on the flap and slipped in, then reclosed it up tight.

The girl let out a sharp scream, then fell silent. I calmed myself, then said gently, "You are safe here, Mica. How are you feeling?"

Mica stared at me suspiciously, then sighed and flopped down. I kneeled and smiled at her, trying to sound friendly. "The lashes weren't so bad, were they?"

She shrugged and rubbed her bare back. "Can I please have my shirt back?" she asked, sounding wary.

"Your shirt?" I echoed, "What do you mean?"

Mica snorted impatiently. "My shirt. You cut it off my back, remem..." She trailed off, realizing what she said.

"We can let you wear one of our deerskin cloaks." I offered.

Her eyes flashed with suspicion, but then she sighed, as if giving in. "Sure." she mumbled, cheeks red with embarrassment.

I nodded curtly and said, "Stay here, okay?" When she muttered, "Okay." I exited the tent, securing it tightly behind me, and went to fetch the cloak. Just as I was about to enter the main teepee, leaves rustled and Willow appeared with her bow and her bag of prey. Chive and Pepper followed shortly, looking exausted with their spears hanging at their sides. I chuckled to myself as I imagined Willow training them until they could barely walk on their legs.

"How was it?" Willow prompted me, setting the hunting bag down close to the fire. "Any trouble?"

"Nope." I answered, grabbing the cloak quickly and coming back out to meet her. "She wanted her shirt back, so I told her I could get a deerskin for her." Quietly, I leaned closer to her ear and murmured, "She seems pretty depressed, if you ask me. We should do something to cheer her up."

Willow nodded thoughtfully, but there was a skeptical look in her eyes. "Like what?" She asked, gazing around the clearing. Pepper and Chive were sleeping in the teepee, their breathing soft and even. I looked up to the sky, then said, "I'm not sure. Let's first go check on her."

We peered into the small tent. Mica was scrunched up in the corner, dark circles under her eyes that showed her weariness. When she saw us, she curled up tighter and buried her face in her knees. I stole a glace at Willow; she pursed her lips and suppressed a sigh.

"Here." I said gently, placing the deerskin next to her. "Don't be afraid. You have endured your punishment. Come; you must be hungry." I took her hand and attempted to pull her to her feet. The weary girl resisted, then slowly uncurled. Her eyes were bloodshot, her hands raw from rubbing her eyes. I murmured sympathetically, and draped the cloak around her shoulders as she slowly rose to her feet.

"Come." said Willow briskly. She whisked out of the teepee, Mica and I not far behind. The mouth-watering smell of roasted deer meat stew filled my senses, and I sucked in a lungful of air.

"Pepper! Chive!" Willow called; almost immediately the two friends trotted out of the teepee, their black hair brushed and briaided neatly. I smiled with pleasure as the two started to set the utensils out along the wooden board that served at our meal table, giggling as they talked. I glanced sideways at Mica; her expression was blank, the only clue to what she was thinking was the mixture of emotions in her dark navy eyes; sorrow, fear, anxiety, and a hint of something else. Was that joy I saw in her gaze?

Chapter 9

Mica sat down quietly beside Maple, feeling pretty awkward. The strange black haried girl had told her that everything was fine, and that she was welcomed now as a guest. A funny feeling of happiness fluttered deep in her chest, and she longed to dig it out and let it soar in her heart.

Willow finally sat down, and she muttered a quick prayer before picking up the wooden bowl and devouring the food. Pepper and Chive did the same, as did Maple, and within seconds they were all done. Mica shifted uncomfortably and drank her own serving of deer soup, and suprisingly, she savored each sip. It was delicious, with the sharp tang of spring in the small chunks of meat.

"Was it good?" Pepper spoke up, the old light she used to have back in her bright eyes. Mica grinned and licked her lips. "Delicious!" she answered, remembering her vow to make it up to the young warrior.

Maple smiled her soft, gentle smile, and Willow couldn't help but suppress a chuckle. Chive sat back and belched loudly. They all laughed, and for once Mica felt more at ease, as if she was where she belonged.

Willow held up her hand for silence. "Mica is here as a guest for now, and if you would like you can show her around our territory. But remember," she added with a sideways glince at the brown-haired girl, "tribe secrets must stay secrets." Maple looked pointedly at Pepper, who lifted her chin defiantly.

"What, me?" the younger girl protested loudly, "I could never do such a thing!"

Maple just shook her head, hiding a smile. Willow nodded at Chive and Pepper, who groaned in unison but started clearing the bowls and utensils. Mica laughed to herself and sighed a satisfied sigh, the tasty deer stew taste still fresh on her tongue.

"So," Maple broke into her thoughts. "While Pepper and Chive are busy, would you care to come with me? I'll show you our territory, if you would like."

Mica's spirits soared. "Yes, please!" she chirped, eyes lit up like two shining stars. Maple laughed and said, "Come on, then. We don't have much time."

In a heartbeat she was off, striding through the forest confidently, and Mica had to jog to keep up with her long, graceful walk. "Wait up!" she called, stumbling over a protruding root in the soil.

Maple slowed, and when Mica had caught up to her, she asked with a hint of impatience, "Why do you humans walk with such ungrace? You tumble your way through the woods like foxes in fits."

Mica opened her mouth to loose a defensive comeback, but then caught the playful glimmer in her soft brown eyes. "Uh..." she stammered, suddenly realizing the truth to Maple's words. While following the wise young warrior, there came no sound from under Maple's leathery shoes. However, with Mica's cloppy sneakers, her feet kicked up a cloud of noise; either from snapping a twig or cruching on a dead leaf.

"Uh...sorry." Mica stuttered, her cheeks burning. Maple smiled, "It's fine. When I was learning how to walk silently in the forest, I made almost as much noise as you." Mica relaxed, and felt the red on her face fade away. She liked Maple. She was one of those nice, easy going friends that weave a friendship lasting for life times.

That's when Mica decided to fully trust her. "How long am I going to stay here?" she asked quietly. It was the number one question she had not dared to ask, for fear of what might be the results.

Maple hesitated, her gait pausing. She seemed to be considering on whether or not to tell Mica, in case Willow might not approve of it.

Finally loyalty to her Tribe prevailed. "I cannot tell." she sighed, continuing to walk. "However, I can tell you something. Willow doesn't plan to keep you here for very long. You'll find out pretty soon when that is."

Mica's hopes dropped. "Oh." she mumbled, scuffling leaves with her feet.

"It's okay." said Maple. "Come, let's have a look around, shall we?" She gave Mica a small shove and raced off, not a single sound coming out from under her blurred feet.

Mica laughed and sprinted after her, thinking, Might as well enjoy myself for now. "Wait up!" she called, trying to keep the flash of Maple's light brown cloak in sight.

The hem of her robe disappeared behind a tangle of trees, and Mica stopped to rest, panting. A knot formed in her stomach as she wondered where she was. The forest suddenly seemed darker and colder as Mica looked round and round, panic building up in her chest. "M-Maple?" she called, her voice quavering. Am I lost? Fear prickled up her spine as a hawk screeched in the distance.

Suddenly there came a low, scary growl behind her. Mica's blood turned to ice as she resisted the urge to scream. Terror clutched her heart like a silver claw as she forced herself to turn around. What met her eyes was not what she expected. There was nothing there, just the same swishing ferns and thorns, swaying slowly in the breeze. No sign of a beast.

Grrr... Mica spun around as the growl sounded again, this time on the opposite side of the clearing. Her throat ran dry, and her heart prickled with fear. There was nothing there. Was this beast stalking her just out of sight, so that at any moment it would spring and tear her throat out?

The very thought sent a small wail to escape her throat. Her mind flashed with gory visions of her death. Terror-stricken, Mica let out a whimper, then, unable to take it, she crumbled to the ground and started to sob. Tears flooded from her eyes as she wept all her fear onto the ground.

A slender hand touched her shoulder. Mica let out a wail and feebly kicked at the attacker. "Calm down, young one." There came the gentle, soothing voice of Maple. "Don't cry. You're safe now. Don't be afraid." Mica's eyes went dry as she tried to cry some more, but there were no tears left. Relief flooded her body as she shakily struggled to her feet, letting Maple guide her back to the camp.

"There you are!" Pepper's high, bright voice sounded as she crashed through the undergrowth. "Willow was worried about you!"

Worried about me? Mica blinked her eyes open and rubbed the blurry perspiration away. Her vision came into focus, with Pepper standing in front of her, her bright smile on and dark hair brushed neatly, put up in a tight double braid.

"Are you okay?" The concern in her voice touched Mica. "You look awful."

"I'm okay." Mica rasped. She cleared her throat and stepped away from Maple. "Sorry for staying out so long and worrying you. Well, I'm back now. Do you want to play?"

Pepper looked up into her eyes. "Why were you crying?" she asked innocently, as if Mica hadn't spoken. She felt a stir of discomfort. "Because I got los..." she trailed off, furious at herself for acting so weak in front of Pepper.

"Lost?" The young girl sounded confused. "But, we never get lost! The forest is so easy to read, its like the rings of an old cedar tree." Maple shot her a look. Pepper shut her mouth, looking apologetic. "Sorry." she muttered. "But, I mean, how is it even possible to get lost in here?"

Mica felt stupid. How do you not get lost? She wondered, her spine prickling with irritation that she had acted so foolishly.

Maple broke into her thoughts. "Time to rest." she announced, pushing her way in between them. She looked straight at Mica, but spoke to Pepper as well. "Willow is expecting us. Tomorrow is a big day; it is the day of your release."

Chapter 10

I was unable to sleep that night as I lay in the teepee, eyes flitting around the darkness. I trusted Mica more than before, but I still was suspicious on whether she would try her tricks again. That is, if she managed to escape from the recover teepee we sent her to sleep in.

As I thought about the release tomorrow, a strange feeling crept into my throat. I shut my eyes and pushed it to the back of my mind. Did I miss the human already? I knew she didn't belong here. We have to send her back. I kept saying to myself, over and over again.

My mind refused to sleep, so I slipped silently out of the teepee, careful not to disturb the others as I stepped out into the cool, still night.

A bright waxing gibbous shone high in the clear night sky, the air sharp and fresh as I skimmed up the oak tree. My horn and knife were stored safely in the crack I had cut out, undisturbed by animals or wind. I smiled happily as the trill of a finch rang softly high in my tree. Gently I took out the smooth ivory, half-carved, and started to work.

Light was dawning when I finally finished. Willow had awoken early and was setting the fire. I admired my handiwork as I ran my fingers over the picture. I had carved a beautiful scene on the horn; the Wild Tribe hunting together as a pack, trees towering over them, birds fluttering among branches, squirrels and rabbits scuffling in the undergrowth. Then, in the very corner of the scene, there was an open space left. I felt like I wanted to carve something special in that white section, but I could grasp what. Sighing, I placed the horn and knife back in the crevice, then leapt down the tree to hunt.

"Hey," Willow greeted me, swinging her bow over her shoulder. The fire blazed brightly in the center of the clearing, a cooking pot sitting next to it. "Care to come on a hunt with me?"

I grinned and agreed, already smelling the delicious stew cooking over the fire. Swifltly, I grabbed my own bow and quiver and said, "Let's go!" We raced off as a pair of deadly archers, arrows nocked and ready for action.

The forest became alive with chirps and squeals, and we slowed to a halt in our favorite hunting spot. Kneeling, I spotted a squirrel digging for nuts near the base of a sapling, and drew the string, one eye closed as I locked my aim.

Whiss... The deadly sharp tip pierced the squirrel's flesh. It gave a sharp squeak that was abruptly cut off as life was snatched away from it. I muttered a prayer of thanks under my breath and strode over, plucked the prey by its tail, and twisted around to drop it into the hunting sack.

"Nice catch!" Willow congratulated. "Thanks." I said. "Come on, you have to get something too, before we go back!" I dashed off, my friend hot on my trail.

"Shh!" hissed Willow as she dropped to her knees, eyes locked on something rustling in a patch of brambles. I ducked low in the grass and held my breath, motionless, as she took her aim and released.

There came the sound of thrashing, then all was still. Willow's dark brown eyes were clouded with anxiety as she crossed the area and peered into the brambles. A heartbeat later, her lips curved into a smile and she reached down, pulling out a dead rabbit by its ears.

"Great job!" I exclaimed, admiring the plumpness of the prey. Willow grinned and said, "It was just luck. Half the time I didn't even know what I was shooting at!"

I laughed and pulled the arrow out, then added the rabbit to the hunting sack. "Shall we go forward?" I asked.

"Lead on!" she agreed, notching an arrow.

We walked silently through the lightening wood, eyes open and ears strained. I knew the prey would burrow underground soon; winter was approaching and we needed to stock up on as much as we could. I already spotted the sparkle of frost lining thin branches in the bare trees.

The soft sound of scuttling feet stopped my dead in my tracks. Willow sensed my freeze and halted as well, crouching low to the ground. I kneeled gingerly and peered around for the source of the noise. A fluffy tail bobbed in the air as the squirrel raced for a nearby tree. Hastily I drew my bow and aimed, excitement building up in my chest. The animal was shimming up the trunk, it had almost escaped! My throat closed and I released. The deadly missile whizzed at its target. The squirrel bunched its muscles to leap, but the arrow thudded into its tail just as it jumped. It struggled franticly with high squeaks of pain, trying to get away. Membrane tore and blood flowed, and I yelled and ran at it with my bow raised. Willow beat me to the tree and stabbed the squirrel with her arrow, right between the eyes. It fell, twitched once, and was still.

"Awesome!" I high-fived Willow. We took our things and left for home in a good mood.

The terrifying sound of screams met our ears as we got closer to camp. "Maple!" It was Mica's voice. "Willow!" She and I exchanged a horrified glance, and we both thought the same word. Attack!

Heart pounding, I sprinted just behind Willow, and soon we broke into the clearing. Intruders! Anger blazed in my friend's eyes, and I felt my own heart burning with rage.

Mica was cowering against the old oak tree, screaming our names, while Chive and Pepper fended off the intruders, driving them back against the recover teepee. I yelled a battle cry and nocked an arrow. Willow did the same, and we leapt together at the enemies. Mica caught sight of us and let out a cry of happiness. Pepper whacked the taller female with the end of her javeline, and while the enemy was dazed, she turned to us and called, "C'mon! We need to protect Mica!"

I didn't understand what she meant, but too soon, the two humans sprang at us with a shout of rage. Instinct took over my suprise and I aimed my weapon and shot. The arrow struck the smaller human's arm, and she howled with pain, buckling to the ground. Willow's shot pierced the taller one's ankle, and she collapsed in an agonized heap. The second one cried out, "Please don't kill us! We surrender!" Her daughter, it seemed, was bawling her eyes out, gripping her arm so hard her knuckles turned white.

Slowly I released the tension in my string. Willow slung her bow over her shoulder and approached the humans, face stone hard.

For a few moments she stood, staring at them with a hard look in her eyes. My mind swirled with angry thoughts to the intruders. Kill them. I seethed, muscles trembling in rage. But deep down I knew we would never kill for revenge. Slowly my mind cleared, and I took a deep breath to calm myself.

"Take them to recover." Willow was ordering. Her eyes drilled into mine. I quickly nodded, casting my eyes away. Feeling slightly self-concious, Chive and I pulled out the arrows from their wounds. They didn't even try to resist. Tears streamed from the girl's eyes. My mind flashed with an image of Mica. She looked unmistakably alike to this girl.

I shook my head to clear it, and took out a wad of cobwebs. Murmuring soothingly, I pressed it to the wound. I felt her muscles relax, her eyes close. I fished out a few poppy seeds to help her sleep, and pushed them gently into her mouth. Once her throat swelled and retracted, indicating that she swallowed, I hefted her in my arms. Recoiling from the foul human reek, I quickly carried her to the recover teepee. Swiftly I spread healing paste over the middle of the bandage, bound it over her arm, and tucked a deerskin blanket up to her chin. For a moment I gazed at her face, calm and relaxed, again reminding me of Mica. I reminded myself to question her about it later.

Willow spotted me just as I ducked through the door of the teepee. "Come and help!" she called, waving me over. I sighed with weariness and trotted over. The newly caught prey dangled in her hands; two squirrels and a rabbit. I voiced my opinion, "I think we should save the rabbit. Rabbits tend to stay fresher easier."

"Good idea." Willow agreed, dropping the animal in the hunting sack, to be stored later. Quickly, we skinned the squirrels and took out the bones, chopped them into small cubes, and set the stew to warm up over the fire.

Chive stepped out of the recover teepee, face breaking into a smile as she smelled the cooking stew. Pepper's bell-like laugh rang over the camp as she and Mica appeared through the grasses, talking and giggling. "Hey Chive!" Pepper called to her friend, "C'mon! We're having a tree-climbing contest!" Chive ran over to join them.

Willow exhanged an amused glance with me as the trio started to skip away. "Well," I sighed, gazing up at the sky. Thick thunder clouds blanketed the blue, and the sun was barely visible through the dark gray. I could feel a storm approaching, the fresh scent of rain hanging in the air. "I'm off for a nap. Make sure the humans don't cause any trouble. Call me if you need help." Willow barely nodded, her mind fixed on something faraway. I yawned and streched my arms wide, then headed for the main teepee.

Embers glowed softly in the small fire pit. I snuggled in my deerskin bed, sleepiness tugging at my eyes as they drooped shut, giving away to a peaceful slumber.

Chapter 11

Thunder boomed, and lightning crackled, splitting the sky into two halves with a jagged flash of light. Dark cloud rolled in, and Mica flinched as a drop of rain splashed on her arm. She tried to concentrate on the game she was playing with Pepper and Chive, but he mind spun with questions. Why did Amber and her mom come? Did they come just to try to take her back?

"We'd better get back to camp." Chive's urgent voice broke into her thoughts. She was gazing at the ominous clouds, her playful smile vanished. Mica deflated inwardly with relief, and quickly said, before she could change her mind, "Right. Let's go."

The trio hurried along, hoping to arrive in the shelter of the teepee before the sky tore open in a downpour. Mica jogged as lightly as she could, not only with hopes to get out of the rain, but also to see what happened with Amber and her mom.

A flash of lightning cracked the sky like an eggshell just as they entered the clearing. A light drizzle was showering the forest with soft drumming. Mica's eyes darted immediately to the recover teepee, but all was silent. Willow gave the three a small nod of acknowledgment, dark circles under her eyes that indicated her weariness. Mica smiled and waved as starting toward the main teepee, eager to get out of the rain. Pepper trotted alongside her, obviously not bothered by the change of weather. The young warrior's mouth gaped in a sleepy yawn. "I'm off for a nap." she announced, rubbing her eyes as she ducked into the teepee. Mica followed, feeling Willow's hard eyes grazing her back as she entered the room.

"Excuse me." said Maple politely as she was just about to exit. Mica's heart lifted at the sight of her new friend. "No problem." she answered lightly. Maple didn't reply, and stepped out into the hardening storm.

Eyes drooping, Mica snuggled in the soft deerskin blankets, and her last thought before loosing conciousness was Amber, you will never get me to leave. This is were I belong.

A flash of doubt entered her mind as she saw Maple's friendly face, her lips moving as she had said, Willow doesn't plan to keep you here for very long. You'll find out pretty soon when that is.

*****

"I interrogated your mother and sister, Mica." declared Willow as we all sat down in the dewy grass, including the intruders. I stole a glance at my bow, propped up against the main teepee, only a few steps away.

"They have a good reason for coming back for you." Willow continued, her gaze sweeping over the family of three, who sat opposite of each other. Mica's eyes were downcast, her lips pressed together in an expression of dismay. "Your release date will be tomorrow morning, and we will send you away with your family. You must never come back. No kindness will be shown toward intruders in our territory."

"We won't." Mica's sister promised, her eyes glinting with triumph. The glimmer of tears appeared at the tips of Mica's eyes, but she gritted her teeth and blinked them away. I felt a rush of pity and something bitter as regret. Mica's mother remained blank and motionless, and when Willow had announced Mica's release, her mouth twitched upwards in the beginnings of a smirk.

Bitterness rose in my throat as I glared stonily at the two humans. But deep in my heart I knew Willow's judgment was just.

The meeting was dissmissed and with a wave of her hand Willow shooed us away. I swallowed hard and blinked rapidly to force back the upcoming flow of tears.

Breathing hard, I skimmed up the old oak tree, and in my heart I knew what I was going to carve in that open space on the ivory stag horn. I twirled the knife in my fingers and skillfully began to cut the stone hard surface.

Many times I glanced down at the camp, searching for the face I was copying, making sure that I got it perfectly right. Each curve in her face, the right position of her eyes, long lashes, whisky hair that swayed in the wind.

"Hey Maple!" Willow's voice drove me back to the oak, as I was drowning in the perfection of the carving's flawless eyes. "What are you doing up there?"

"Working!" I replied, tearing my eyes away from the beautiful girl I had just born of that empty space. "What's up?"

"Nothing really. I was just wondering if you'd like to go on a little hunt with me. You know. To stock up for the winter."

I felt an urge to leapt down the tree and agree. My muscles itched for a good hunt. "No thanks." I answered. "I'm working on something very important up here." I hoped my tone sounded light.

Willlow raised her eyebrows. "Whatever you say." she said. "I'll go fetch Chive. And let me have a look at that 'very important project' later." She disappeared into the trees, and I gulped a little, wondering what her reaction would be. Sighing, I looked at my work, almost finished, and pondered on whether I should just throw it in the river. So much hard work wasted. My lips pressed in a thin line. No. I'm doing this for her.

My heart tickled like tiny feathers were brushing the softest sections. In a way I felt giddy with excitement, but also sick with grief and worry. Teeth gritted, I carved the last part; a missing chin and ear, her forearm just showing on the screen. As I admired my handiwork, I noticed something was wrong. Where's her smile? I stared with disgust at the thin, grim line that worked for her mouth. I shook my head and tilted her lips upward, so that she showed just the hint of a wonderful, mysterious smile.

I smiled a little and placed both back in the crack. I slid slowly down the trunk of the tree and gazed around the camp. A freshly skinned rabbit hung over the fire roast. Willow's bow and arrow were missing from the rack. Mica's mother and sister were no where to be found, and even Mica herself was missing. Chive and Pepper left footprints in the muddy soil, their tracks leading far off, out of my view. No one was guarding camp. Except for me.

Fear prickled up and down my spine. I shuddered and tried to reassure myself, everything's fine. You are not going to be attacked. But just in case, I hurriedly grabbed my bow and arrows, one projectile notched and ready to fire.

Footsteps sounded just outside the camp. My blood turned to ice and I spun around, bow drawn and arm quivering. A slender arm pulled back the ferns, revealing Willow.

I sighed wih relief and lowered my bow. "The prey are disappearig already." groaned the archer. "All I caught was a mouse, and even that was a very clumsy catch."

A trickle of panic crept up my throat. "We have enough to sustain ourselves, right?" I asked anxiously.

"For now, yes." she replied. "But we need more if we are to survive."

"I'll go out right away." I offered. She merely gave me a nod, but I could tell something was up. I decided not to bother her for now.

I sprinted silently through the wood, the trees just a blur of green and black around me. I drew my bow and fired at the small scuffling to my right. There was a squeal, and all was silent.

My heart lifted with triumph and and I went over to retrieve my kill. I froze. Is that a wolf cub?

Chapter 12

Maple's voice carried over the camp, loud and alarming. "Willow! Willow! Come help!"

Mica rushed out of the main teepee, Pepper and Chive behind her. She abandoned the game of "Poison, or not?" they were playing, all her attention directed to the other side of the clearing, where Maple and Willow crouched.

"Please save it." Maple was pleading. "I didn't mean to hurt it! It's just a cub! It doesn't deserve to die!"

Willow was calming her down. "Don't worry. The wound isn't too deep. Let's go to the recover teepee to have a closer look at it." The two scooped up something dark and furry and raced to the recover teepee.

A head poked out of the tent, just after the two warriors had entered. Mica's eyes narrowed and she instinctively bristled with anger, all muscles clenched with fury.

Amber strode coolly over to her, stopping only a few feet away. "Soo..." she smirked, arms crossed. "Ready to come home tomorrow?"

Mica seethed with anger, eyes blazing. "Shut your big fat mouth, idiot. I'm never going back with you!"

Amber took a step closer, and it took all Mica's will power not to step back. "Oh yeah?" Amber sneered. "Didn't you hear what that dork Willow said?"

"I heard it." Mica balled her fists. "And she's not a dork!"

Amber grinned wickedly, ignoring her sister's comment. "Getting mad, are you?" she jeered. "Come and fight me, you weak little coward!"

A wave of rage swept over her body. Mica desperately wanted to claw that ignorant smirk off her sister's face, but she was aware of Pepper's wide eyes staring at the scene. Chive stood beside her, frozen with shock as she watched the quarreling sisters.

The tent flap opened and Mica's mother appeared. Mica blew a sigh of relief and called, "Mom! Amber's being a stupid dope!"

Suddenly the mother spun around, eyes blazing with fire. "What did you call her?" her mother demanded, storming over. "My daughter is not a dope!"

Mica felt her heart tear in two. She burst into tears. "How can I live with these people?" she cried, tears streaming from her eyes. "I thought they loved me! I thought they would welcome me back! I thought that at least I could live with someone that actually cared, someone with a warm heart. Oh, how precious love is. I never got any! Until I met Willow, Maple, Chive and Pepper, I never felt how life should feel like. From them I felt love and care. So far I've felt none of that from you. None!" She yelled the last word, glaring at her family. Her eyes were fierce as a tigers, burning with hate dark as death. Amber's eyes widened as she saw Mica's fists ball up. Her legs bunched for a leap, face creased with anger. Pepper almost stepped in to stop her, but Chive held her back. "It is a fight for her to fight. Not ours." she whispered.

The two angry girls circled each other. Fear flickered in Amber's eyes. But it quickly vanished, replaced by a smirk. "I'll give you a deal." sneered Amber. "We fight. If I win, you go home with us. If I lose, you can stay." With a sideways glance at Pepper and Chive, she added, "With Willow's permission."

Mica snarled, "Fine, It's a deal. Prepare to be crushed." Amber just tucked her fists close to her chest, saying nothing.

Mica screamed all the misery and rage she had bottled up inside her for so long, arms flailing as she sprang at Amber. At first Amber's eyes were wide with terror, but it was soon replaced by furious determination. She shoved her mother backwards. "Stay behind me. Stay out of this, unless I need help."

Amber raised her arms to meet Mica's fists. Mica cried out in pain, a burning jolt slicing up her arm. She retreated a few steps, the fire dimming in her eyes. But she kept a confident sneer on her face. "Is that all you got?"

Amber didn't reply. They circled each other like gladiators in a ring. Mica's eyes darted franticly around her enemy, searching for an opening to attack.

"Yahh!" shouted Amber as she launched herself at Mica. But Mica was ready. All those years of Taekwondo finally paid off. She yelled "Hi yah!" and flexed her arm up to block Amber's blow.

Amber leapt back and circled again. Mica narrowed her eyes as she studied her sister. She is stronger then me, she thought, but I am faster.

Mica attacked without warning. She flew at her enemy, darting from side to side. Amber raised her arms to block the blow, but at the same time Mica lashed out with her leg and swept her feet out from under her. With a yell, Amber tumbled to the ground.

Mica leapt out of striking range and stood, gasping for breath. Amber staggered to her feet. Her eyes blazed with anger and disbelief. "How dare you, you little worm?" she growled. Mica simply smiled, a sweet, devilish smile. "Dear sister," she crooned mockingly, "Did you get a boo-boo?"

Amber snarled viciously and flew at her sister, arms outstretched. "This is what you get, moron!"

Mica sidestepped easily, leaving Amber to claw the air. "Too slow!" she jeered.

But the sister retaliated, also trained from her years of learning karate. She quickly recovered and balled up her fists, tucked them close to her body, and shifted her weight to her left leg. In a flash her leg came up in a bone-shattering kick, connecting with Mica's chin. She screamed in pain and tried to balance, but stumbled back, eyes rolling. Amber let out a triumphant shout, and pounced for her sister. Her hands grabbed Mica's shoulders, and they went down into the grass.

Mica struggled helplessly in her sister's relentless grip. She's too strong! She's too heavy! she thought in dismay.

Amber shoved her knee into Mica's chin. A strangled gurgle escaped her throat. Mica's mouth filled with dust as her sister's foot pushed her face into the earth. "Stupid, stupid girl." Amber smirked in a voice that dripped with honey. Her rank breath billowed in Mica's face. "Do you surrender now?"

Mica gasped for air, her eyesight darkening. Argh! she screamed in her head. You can't be beaten by your sister! Mica swung her fading gaze around the clearing, her eyes locking on Pepper's. The little warrior's face was etched with worry. When she caught Mica's eyes, she forced a confident smile and a thumbs-up.

Strength flooded throughout Mica's body. With a heaving shove, she pushed Amber off her. Amber yelped in suprise and rolled once on the ground before coming up to her feet. Mica stumbled and stood shakily, breath coming in short gasps. "You got lucky that time." Amber spat. "But you only get lucky once." She stalked toward Mica, fists balled, eyes burning with no mercy. I can't do this! Mica wailed. She blinked hard against the approaching tide of tears. I can't go back. Please don't make me! Her heart felt heavy as a stone. Her limbs hung from her body like lead. I'm so tired...

Amber lashed out with her fists. Somehow Mica managed to jump back just in time. But her sister's right fist caught her cheek, and there was a burst of pain as she staggered on one leg. Amber circled again, panting from the effort. She saw her chance as Mica wavered, almost regaining her balance. No! Please! Mica pleaded, heart filling with dread. Quick as a viper, the sister darted into striking range and landed a teeth-rattling blow to the side of Mica's head. Pain exploded from where Amber had hit her. Her eyesight blacked out. Mica crumbled to the ground. She was unconcious.

Chapter 13

I had watched it all. My heart pounded as the battle wore on, and I felt as if I'd been struck everytime Mica was hit. Mouse bile rose in my throat as I watched, helpless, as she fell to the floor. Amber had won.

Willow glanced at me, treating the wolf pup. "What's going on out there?" she asked.

I tore myself away from the scene and tried to talk. But my voice came out as a rasp, "Mi-Mica got in a fight with her sister." I croaked. "Her sister--she beat her into the ground. Mica blacked out."

"What?" Willow asked in disbelief. She rubbed the last bit of ointment into the wolf's wound and stood. "I always thought that girl was a fighter. Come. Let us go out and see what happened."

I followed her out into the clearing. Mica's sister was standing over Mica's unmoving body, eyes bright with truimph. Her mother was grinning nearby, applauding quietly. When she saw us, she straightened and tucked her hands behind her back.

"What's on here?" Willow demanded in a voice that meant buisness.

Pepper scrambled to her feet and bounded over from the opposite side. "Amber hurt Mica!" she cried. "They made a deal, and Amber won! Mica has to go home now!" She burst into tears.

Willow reached down and rubbed Pepper's back comfortingly. "Who is Amber?" she asked gently.

"Mica's stupid sister!" Pepper sobbed into Willow's cloak.

I cleared my throat and turned to Amber. She was dirt-smeared, dried blood caking her hands and legs. Her lips curved in a small smile, and I couldn't help but admire her appearance. She really was a beautiful girl, and with all the muddy smearings, she looked just like a zombie hunter straight from the woods.

"So, Amber." I said, getting used to the way her name felt on my tongue. It sounds just like ember. "What was this deal you made with Mica?"

She straigtened and answered clearly, "We agreed on a bet. If she wins, she can stay. If she loses, she leaves with us."

I nodded thoughtfully. "Seems reasonable. Though you would need special permission if Mica intended to stay." I glanced at Willow. "So I take it you won, correct?"

Amber lifted her chin. "That's right." she replied.

I felt a stir of irritation. "No more fighting, understood?" I said. "And Mica shall leave with you tomorrow morning."

"Yes, Maple." Amber answered. "And, what shall we do with Mica?"

"Let her rest in a nice soft patch of moss. Fetch me if she awakes."

I turned away before she could anwer and went back to the recover teepee. Willow was in there already, leaning over the wolf cub. "He's awaking!" she said excitedly. I shook off my grief and anger and jumped over, heart pounding with anxiety.

The cub's eyes blinked open to reveal large intelligent pools. His eyes were a startling shade of midnight blue, swirling with the fiery blaze of a sunset. His ear twitched as he sniffed our smell. I reached out and stroked his soft mane, murmuring soothingly. A soft rumble of pleasure vibrated in his throat, and his eyes closed again. Don't. I longed for his bright, mesmerizing eyes. I barely heard Willow say, "He's all yours," and then whisk out of the tent.

I stared at his beauty for a while; perfect stature, sleek, muscalar body, lithe legs that were built for speed and accuracy. His pads were hardened from the forest, but also tender for a silent step. Razor claws peeked out from his paws, and snow white fangs barely showed in his powerful jaws. But the thing I loved most about him was his feather-soft pelt, eerily jet black with splashes of silver moonlight splattering his back. White-tipped ears, river-gray paws, and a silky tail with streaks of red entangled. He was a natural born hunter.

My heart immediately fell in love with my new wild friend. "Twilight." I whispered, naming him after the beautiful skies of the evening. "The noble wolf of the night."

*****

 Soft moss tickled Mica's nose as she slowly blinked her eyes open. A big, ugly bruise throbbed painfully on her left temple. Moaning, she tried to sit up, but jolts of pain flashed in her chin and she fell back again, struggling to breath. Her throat ached as if she had been close to suffocation, and suddenly her memories flooded back into her mind like a tide of rushing water. No, no, no, no. Mica gasped, It can't be! She beat me...I can't! I can't go back! In her panic she tried to get up, but waves of pain shoved her back down onto her back. Tears brimmed in her eyes as she gritted her teeth, fighting the blackness that edged her vision.

"Are you okay?" It was Pepper's soft voice, anxious and wary.

"Y-yeah." Mica barely got out, breathing again as the pain ebbed.

"You-you fought well." said Pepper haltingly.

Mica shut her eyes, resenting her sister more than ever. After a moment of silence she opened them again. "No." she whispered. "Amber beat me. And I-I just can't go back! You don't know what they'll do to me!" She squeezed her eyes tight again. "Please...tell Willow, I'll do anything not to go back!"

Pepper fell silent. Finally she spoke, her voice low and grave. "I'll tell her. But there is no guarantee that she will agree."

 

Mica cried that night, dreading the day ahead. She sobbed softly into her bed, heart clenched with misery and panic. No, no no. I don't want to leave. Please don't make me!

She hoped to loose conciousness and fall into sleep, never waking up, but her mind refused to rest. Her weary heart longed for the darkness, the black blanket that could envelope her up and never open to the sunlight. Waves of sorrow coursed along her arms, her legs, all the way to her chilled heart. She ran out of tears and drifted into the blackness.

Chapter 14

Sunlight broke through the dark clouds overhead, magnificent shafts of light pouring its warmth onto the camp. I breathed in the crisp, fresh air, trying to take weight off my grieving heart. But it burdened me like a stone, almost crushing my fragile soul.

Movement caught my eye ad I turned to see Amber and her mother step out into the chilly late autumn air. Willow emerged from the main teepee on the other side, a blood shot Pepper following. Chive dropped down silently from a small maple sapling growing at the edge of the clearing. I peered around for Mica, but she was no where in sight.

"Where is she?" Willow asked, approaching me. "I don't know." I answered, feeling as puzzled as she looked.

"Could she have run away?" the leader wondered. "Maybe we should send a search party after her."

I disagreed. "Did you check the teepee yet?"

"Oh right. I saw a black lump in the corner of it...I'll go check."

I watched her disappear through the flap. I puffed out a frustrated sigh and crossed my arms, looking around the clearing. Amber and her mother were chatting happily on a log bench, awaiting Mica's arrival. Pepper was sniffling sorrowfully on the ground, staring blankly into the trees. Chive sat beside her, mute with an air of sadness. I myself was feeling pretty down, but fair's fair. Mica had to go.

"Hey guys!" Willow called as she exited the main teepee, dragging a tearful Mica by the arm. "A little help?"

I rushed over and took her other arm. "Everything's going to be alright." I murmured soothingly. "Come on. We'll make sure they are good to you."

Mica stood shakily and wiped her eyes. We helped her to a log bench on the opposite side of her family. Willow strode to the center and cleared her throat. Amber and her mother quieted down and turned to face the leader.

"Today is the day of Mica's release." announced Willow. "She is free to go with her family now. They must never, ever, come back." She emphasized the word, fixing her gaze on the twosome. Straighteneing, Willow stepped back and waved for Mica to come over. Eyes downcast, she trudged over. Amber bounced to her feet and jumped by her sister's side, her mother following more slowly.

"Reunite." Willow declared. I saw Mica swallow very hard. Pepper bit her lip. Chive wrapped her arms around her friend, eyes shut.

"You may go now." said Willow. Mica took a shaky breath and took Amber's hand. Amber's eyes weren't glinting with their usual sneer. They wer brownie soft, lips curved in a gentle smile. "It's going to be alright." she said softly.

My breath caught in my throat. Did she just say that? I watched as Mica lifted her face to gaze into her sister's eyes. Suprise and joy flitted in her eyes like a butterfly set free. She said nothing, but turned her head. Her eyes locked on mine. Her lips moved. Thank you.

It was as if I was jolted out of a dream. My muscles moved, set afire with alarm. "Wait!" I shouted as Mica started to turn away. "Wait! I have something for you!"

I raced up the old oak tree, fast as a diving eagle. Carefully, I removed the precious stag horn. Tucked under my arm, I leapt nimbly from the branch and ran over to Mica. "Here." I said, breathless. She took it, happiness lighting her eyes. "Thank you so much." she breathed.

"It was no problem." I said. I took a deep breath and gently squeezed her arm. "Goodbye, Mica." I said. "I will always remember you."

"As will I." Her eyes twinkled with joy. She craned her neck to gaze at the rest of the Tribe. "Live long and happily for me." she said, emotion shaking her voice. She winked at Pepper, who was no longer sobbing. "Goodbye, everyone." As she turned away for the second time, Pepper's voice rose up in a shrill squeal. "Wait, Mica!" Mica turned araound, rolling her eyes playfully. Pepper bounded over and handed her a braided reed necklace with shimmery pink shells dangling from the string. "Thanks, Pepper." Mica gasped in delight. The young warrior grinned and trotted back to her place next to Chive.

"Bye, Wild Tribe!" she called as she disappeared into the wood.

"Bye!" We anwered in unison. Willow's voice rose. "Thanks for coming! You taught us so much!" But Mica was gone.

I sighed happily. Suddenly there came a sharp, high bark. "Twilight!" I cried, turning as the wolf cub barreled into me. My face became wet with wolf slobber, and in between laughs I tried to order him to stop. My family around me was howling with laughter.

I finally got Twilight off me. It was getting dark. We gathered around the fire pit to eat, share, and laugh. The cold fall air was swirling with happy emotions. This time, when we sang the Tribe song, I was the one to start it off:

Walking towards a wishful dream,

By my side a crooked stream,

The clouds break forth in shafts of light,

Darkness falls and brings forth night,

Stars twinkle like my sister's eyes

Sweeping 'cross the navy skies

At my tribe mates' side I'm not alone

We fight through cold and bitter snow

By the fire we gaze above

Knowing our trust is bound with love

As my Tribe mates' voice faded, I closed my eyes and added a verse of my own, sung from the very bottom of my heart:

Midnight skies and broken stars

These words are from my very heart

Like scars on skin they're tightly sewn

We wish you, dear, a loving home

I ended my song with a flourish. Willow smile warmly at me. "Beautiful." Chive murmured. Pepper grinned with delight. I acknowledged their compliments with a slight nod, and gazed distantly up at the sky. My heart flooded with peace. At last.

"We are strong." My voice echoed through the air, causing the whole clearing to tremble. "We are loyal. We are powerful. We are the Wild Tribe. We are,"

"We will," Chive and Pepper chorused.

Willow finished, "And we always will be."

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Tag der Veröffentlichung: 24.09.2013

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