(Flash back)So the Journey begins...(WIP) (Solo)

[Kirsten D Armstrong]

The year is 491 AV Winter 69 It was cold, damp with the slush of snow. It became increasingly more difficult to see ahead. “ Kirsten! Kirsten! Why not we stop? You need rest, the horses need rest!”, Her father called out. His head popped out of the tent covered wagon in a pathetic attempt to protect those inside from the harsh elements. He wrapped himself, and James, in the cloak he wore. wrapping it tightly around his neck and face, in an attempt to keep the cold air out. Kirsten called out to her father. but dare not turn her head. In fear of the chilling air that would quickly invade what little heat she had. “W-w-we need t-t-to find sh-sh-shelter!”, She called back to her father, Her teeth chattering from the cold air. “Fine! But switch with Jonathan! He could use the fresh air” replied her father in a sarcastic tone. Her father retreated into the wagon as to let Jonathan come out. after a few moments pass by, Jonathan emerged from the wagon. He made his way to the front of the wagon. where Kirsten sat, to steer the horses. “Kirsten, switch with me” replied Jonathan in is usual deep stern voice. “o-on t-th-the map shows a c-cave, we s-should stop there.” Kirsten pointed to a location on the map. She had issues saying the words because of her accursed mouth that kept on shaking along with her entire body. Jonathan nodded at her and stepped closer to the edge of the wagon. He moved his arm off to the side, indicating to make her way past him. She stood and got out of his way. While she wrapped herself even tighter with her thin cloak. She looked like she was trying to hug what little warmth she had. hoping that the tighter she squeezed, the less would be able to wiggle free. I truly hope all will end well. No! It will end well. There is no time for me to have doubt in our family’s well being. I just wish this wind would let up, if only just a bit. thought Kirsten. while she made her way inside the wagon. She undoes the buckles that held the tent closed and quickly entered inside. She tried to close the tent buckles, but holding onto the reigns for to long made a simple task quite difficult. Zoe who was wrapped inside her own cloak barked at Kirsten “Dammit Kirsten! Close the tent already!” her frozen hands fumbled clumsily with the buckles. She tried to gain control over her hands, but bit from the cold left them to be to numb. “ I-I will! J-just hold on a minute!” Kirsten replied in a louder and slightly annoyed tone. Suddenly, Kirsten felt an overwhelming warmth spread across her hands, as the cold melted away. Kirsten quickly looked down at her hands in shock. A pair of small hands reached out from behind her. Janelle? These small hands must be Janelle's. She thought as she watched her sister quickly do-up the buckles. Janelle's hands fumble around as they search for Kirsten's. “Your hands are freezing” Said Janelle in a worried tone. Kirsten turned around to face her sister. She crouched down, looking into Janelle's eyes with a smile. "Thank you Janelle, I am truly lucky to have you as my younger sister she said in a warm and loving tone. "now then!” Kirsten grabbed hold of Janelle’s hands, spinning her around. Her back now facing towards Kirsten’s chest. She pulled her in, wrapping her cloak around Janelle and herself as she Snuggled next to her. “why not help your older sister warm up, hmm?” Kirsten said in a playful tone. When all of a sudden, there was a large bump. startled, everyone freezes. “Jonathan! What in the world are you doing out there!?” Kirsten's mother called out. Who had been sleeping until she was abruptly awoken by the large bump. “We’re at the cave!, Just a little further. It Should be large enough to fit the wagon inside of it!” Yelled Jonathan from the other side of the grey tent. A series of bumps happened shortly after Jonathan's words. making the entire Wagon feel like it would tip over to the left, then to the right. The wagon comes to a sudden halt, you hear Jonathan slide off the wagons bench and onto the ground. His shoes made a hollowed sound as he lands on the ground. Jonathan's head popped through the back of the wagon, in between two of the buckles. “Come on now, let us make a fire before even our braises freeze as well." Jonathan reached his hand inside the wagon in order to grab the Shovel. “I’ll grab some of the wood” Kirsten said, while she pushed herself onto her feet. She turned around to face Janelle and took off her cloak. In one single movement she wrapped her sister in the cloak. “Now you and James stay put while we set up camp.” Kirsten said as she smiled at Janelle and James. She turned around and grabbed a few logs before undoing a few of the buckles and jumping out of the wagon. “Jonathan, have you started digging the pit for the fire…yet…?” When Kirsten jumped out of the wagon. She was greeted not by her brother, Jonathan. But three men dressed in a heavy cloak pelt and a fur cap, all three men armed. one had a short sword, the other with 2 daggers, and the third had some bludgeon like weapon. “Go back into the Wagon Kirsten, and tell Merry not to exit either.” Jonathan said, in a deep loud voice. Kirsten stared directly at the men who had appeared in the mouth of the cave. She dared not look away for even a second. For it was obvious that, by the look on their faces, they did not stop by to have a nice chat around a fire and sing songs. Kirsten stepped backwards, as she made sure not to look away. “NOT! So fast there little missy.” Said the man in response to Kirsten as she moved towards the wagon. “You aren't going anywhere. tell this Merry person to come out as well!, She must be quite the looker as well judging from you’re appearance.” Said the bandit, with a smirk on his face and lust in his eyes. I hope everyone in the Wagon heard that. Merry is the code name we decided to use in case something like this were to ever happen. So we could let everyone know that it is not safe to leave the Wagon. Thought Kirsten as she stood still, staring directly at all three of the bandits. Shortly afterword’s Kirsten’s mother exits from the back and looks at the man straight into the eyes. She gave a look that we, as her children had always feared. For whenever she gave us that look it would make us shiver to the bones in fear. For we knew that whatever came after witnessing that look was never a good thing. “What’s this?! It’s just some old hag! Bah…Ah well we can still have plenty of fun with the younger one. What was her name again boys? Crystal? Kristin? Ah well, means not if we know her name. She’s just going to be crying out ours soon enough.” Said the middle bandit, while he scanned Kirsten up and down. His beady little eyes, Filled with lust as he undressed her with his eyes. “you Disgust me!” yelled Kirsten, as she stared directly at the one in the middle. She glared at him with her Sapphire eyes as if by giving him the dirties look she could, he would suddenly die in that very spot. “Haha” laughed the bandits as they came closer. “ well aren’t you a feisty one! Good, good. It’s so much more enjoyable to make your type beg and grovel at my feet.” Said the middle bandit, as he chuckled. He walked over towards Kirsten, his weapon held high. Suddenly the bandit on the right took the bludgeon weapon and smashed Jonathan upside the head. Knocking him to the ground. Kirsten’s mother Screamed out Jonathan's name in a fright at watching her son be bludgeoned to the head. Jonathan grunts as he tried to pick himself up off the ground. However the bandit placed his foot on his back, pushing him back down to the ground. “I don’t think so, do what’s best fer ya and just stay down ther lil man.” The bandit lift his foot and started to kick Jonathan. “STOP IT!” Yelled Kirsten. She ran towards her brother, but the bandit grabbed her arm before she could get to him, stopping her in her tracks. “an’ were you think yur goin miss?” said the bandit as he placed his arm around her waist. “Let go of me!” Yelled Kirsten. She struggled, trying to break free of the bandits grasp. The other bandit walked over toward Kirsten’s mother. He raised his hand up high and slapped her across the face, forcing her onto the ground. “I won’t let you get away with what you have done to my children.” Kirsten's mother growled. Her voice shook with anger as she spoke in a much deeper tone then her usual one. “Hahaha!” laughed the bandits as they turn their attention over towards the other bandit had his hold on Kirsten. “you honestly think there’s anything you could do?” replied the bandit who slapped her mother. Kirsten Struggled evermore, as she Tried to break free from the bandit's hold. The Bandit grew tired of her constant squirming and threw her against the wagon’s side, in between the two wheels. The bandit placed his faceright up to hers. His vowel breath could be felt against her face. He placed his leg between hers and pushed upword. His face came closer and closer as he smiled. his smiled revealed his revolting teeth, rotted away inside his mouth. Kirsten and the bandit Never broke eye contact. She stared straight into his eyes, never backing down. He chuckled to himself as he buried his face into her neck. He whispered into her ear “you’re going to enjoy this.” Right then, the bandit that held onto Kirsten screamed out in pain. He stumbled away from her as he fell to the ground, clenching his face. “ARRHG!!! MY EYE!! OH GOD MY EYE!!” Shocked, Kirsten looked up and saw her fathers arm stretched out from the wagon. She looked back at the bandit and noticed a knife sticking out of his eye, where he had been pierced. the other two Bandits in shock from the sudden scream of their friend look straight at him,as they tried to grasp at the situation. Quickly Jonathan grabbed the Shovel that was kicked away from when the bandits entered the cave. He Grabbed the handle and swung it from where he laid on the ground. Hitting the bandit with the bludgeon like weapon square in the head. The bandit however did not fall over, but was stunned. He stumbled for a second as he tried to find his footing. He twirled around to face Jonathan, as he notices him rolling. Jonathan tried to get his footing from a distance. In that moment the Bandit Lift his mighty arms over his head, getting ready to smash Jonathan's Skull with his large Hammer like weapon. As Kirsten watched this all unfold. She quickly runs towards the bandit with the Hammer and Leaps towards him in an attempt to tackle him down. She jumped forward and wrapped her arms around the Bandits waist in mid swing. His balance uneven from lifting such a heavy weapon over his head caused him to fall. Jonathan stood up quickly, adrenalin rushing through his veins. In between him stood his sister, who had tackled the bandit. Who had nearly taken his life, and his mother with the other bandit. This bandit decided to take care of the mother quickly as to make sure no one was behind him when he drew his attention towards the others. A right decision this would have been. Had he not been scared by Jonathan’s sudden deep loud outburst as he charged towards the bandit closet to his mother. The bandit was startled by Jonathan's sudden charge, He spun around to face Jonathan. getting ready to stab him with his two daggers. However He never should have taken his eyes away from this "old hag." after all, even an old goat is still a stubborn and strong one. Kirsten’s mother quickly grabbed a large stone that laid by her feet. she grabbed the stone and swung it as hard as she could right at the back of the bandits head. Causing him to be knocked out instantly as he fell to the ground. In this moment, Kirsten was still on top of the other bandit with the heavy hammer. Much weaker then the bandit was, she quickly looked around for something she could use as a weapon. However, it was to late. The bandit grabbed her arm and threw her to the ground next to him. She looked to her left and saw the sword that belonged to the bandit who had his eye stabbed. She Grabbed the sword and thrust it forward as fast as she could. In this instant the bandit had tried to get on top of her to overpower her. Only to be stabbed in the neck by his friend’s sword in Kirsten’s hand. He hovered over Kirsten, stunned. He gasps for air as blood filled his lungs and trickled down the sword. Kirsten looks directly into the eyes of this bandit. His eyes filled with fear as death comes to his door. She stared at him as his eyes stare right back at hers. Stunned and terrified at what had just happened to him. His pupils grow larger as he tries to find the strength to raise his hands to strangle her. Blood comes out of his mouth as he coughed and sprayed it onto Kirsten’s face. The sudden warmth of blood on her face and what trickled down her arm from the blade was almost relaxing. The bandit’s last sight was Kirsten’s beautiful sapphire eyes that look like they were twinkling underneath a stream of water. Shortly after words the bandit’s eyes showed no signs of life and his body grew limp. Kirsten threw the body to the side and sat up to see how her family was. Everyone seemed fine as she took a deep breath. Thus began her journey to Ravok

[Kirsten D Armstrong]

491 AV Winter: 70 My father, Johnathon and I stripped the lifeless bodies of the bandits and buried them as far away from us as possible, as to try and not attract any unwanted animals, or anything else that could be interested in the aroma of the dead. Though, with how much they smelled while alive, any living being would run away in fright. We all circled around the fire, the light sounds of crackling and popping echoed throughout the cave. Washing us over with a soothing sensation. With the events that had just transpired still fresh in our minds, made us all sit there in a daze, as our bodies and surroundings felt so surreal. Mother stood up to stir the pot of food we had cooking. It’ was mainly just a broth, made from melting the snow from outside, and placing the scraps of food we had left. Though we did, in our wagon at one point. Have more food inside of it at once then I had ever seen in my entire life. We truly did underestimate how much we would have needed to go across this cruel land to reach Ravok. James and Janelle cuddled inside one of the heavy fur cloaks from the bandits. They sat there with a blank look on their faces as they stared at the fire. Mesmerized by the flame, as it danced and flickered. It gave off a wave of heat with every crack and pop the wood made. Jonathan scooted away from the fire to sit back towards where Kirsten sat. He Gave her a slightly concerned look as he studied her expression to see how he should act. Kirsten, who was also wore one of the heavy fur cloaks, must have had her arms wrapped around her knees. For even though you can’t tell because of the cloak that covered her. With how small she looked, she just had to of been curled underneath it. Her chin rested on her knees as she slightly covered her face up with her legs. You could only see her eyes as she stared off into the distance. “Kirsten? Are you alright?” Whispered Jonathan in a quiet and worried tone. “I…I guess…I don’t know Jonathan, I’m kind of scared.” Replied Kirsten, her voice was slightly strained from yelling earlier at the bandits. “Of course you would be, taking another Humans lif-“ Kirsten cut’s him off “It’s not the fact that I killed a man that scares me Jonathan! I should be feeling SOMETHING! I don’t understand this weird emptiness I feel" Kirsten stopped for a minute, She stared straight into Jonathan's eyes. "We've always been told that killing is wrong. How it’s an act of evil and to never do it. I should feel grief, sadness, or even disgusted with myself! But, But, I don’t, I feel nothing, and that scares me.” Said Kirsten, her voice quivered from the words that came out of her mouth. As if hearing her own words made her want to cry. she buried her face deeper into her knees and just sat there. Jonathan stares at Kirsten, at a loss for words. He Placed his hand gently on her back as if trying to pick up a glass cup that was dropped and looked like it could shatter at any moment. “You did what you had to do.” Replied Jonathan, as he tried to reassure her that what she did wasn’t a bad thing.

[Kirsten D Armstrong]

491 AV Winter 72 It has been a few days since the time we found ourselves in trouble inside the cave. Fortunately for us, the Bandits had small pouches of food on them, as well as some water. We used the heavy pelt cloaks that were on the Bandit’s bodies, trying to share them evenly between us all. However Zoe refused to come close to it by any means. She sat as far away from whoever was wearing it as physically possible. “I still can’t believe you’d wear something like that!” barked Zoe, sounding even more aggravated and rude than usual. Jonathan stood up inside the wagon and stretched his arms as much as he could. Keeping his head low to make sure he didn't hit the top of the wagon. “I’d much rather wear this then be freezing to death” replied Jonathan, in a dismissive tone. He walked towards the front of the wagon and peeked through the opening of the tent that was between the buckles. Kirsten sat there, her elbows rested on her knees as she firmly grasped the reigns. Her body was hunched from the way she sat, which was abnormal for her. Jonathan undid the buckles. The sun pierced through the opening of the tent. Which blinded him for a second as his eyes tried to adjust to the sudden light. “Well, at least the weather seems beautiful today.” Jonathan called out, letting Kirsten know that he was coming up from behind. Kirsten turned her head in response to Jonathan’s voice. “mhmm, it’s a lovely day compared to what we’ve seen, still bloody cold though.” Kirsten said with a smile on her face. “It’s good to see you smile again” replied Jonathan as he sat down on the bench next to Kirsten. “Hmm? Oh, well I can’t let something like this bother me. I don't wish to worry Janelle or James after all.” Replied Kirsten, as her turned her head forward once more to watch where she was headed. “It wasn't just they who were worried, we all were. Hell, even Zoe was...In her own way.” Jonathan said, with a light chuckle but a hint of seriousness. “Well you have nothing to worry about” She replied. Her voice a little more stern to make sure it stuck to that thick skull of his. “I’m perfectly fine now.” Jonathan stayed quiet for another five minutes or so. He turned his head towards Kirsten and he started to speak. “well! Time to switc-woah Ah, ah ah CRAP!” Jonathan fell from the wagon from a sudden large bump. Which caused the wagon to suddenly rise and then fall once more. A sudden cracking sound was heard as the Wagon fell even further onto the ground. Kirsten, startled from the sudden cracking sound had feared for the worst. Was that Jonathan making the crack? Did one of his arms break or something! She thought as she quickly looked over the edge “Jonathan! Jonathan! Are you alright! Jonathan!” Kirsten yelled. Everyone in the wagon started to yell and asking what had just happened “Kirsten dear! What just happened! Why are you screaming for Jonathan is he alright!” Yelled her mother, as she came out of the wagon. “Yea, yea I’m alright. Can’t say the same for the Wagon though.” replied Jonathan as he dusted himself off. Kirsten looked over to see if Jonathan was alright. He was, in fact perfectly fine. The loud snap we had heard, was not the sound of his bones breaking, but the sound of the wagons wheel breaking. Kirsten’s father then jumped out of the wagon and stood next to Jonathan. The two of them studied the broken wheel. It was almost scary how much they looked alike. Jonathan and her father stood side by side, Staring at the wheel, with their arms crossed. Janelle and James both giggled at Jonathan and their father. While both of them had the same funny, and twisted expression as the gears in their head moved at full speed. trying to think of what to do next. “Well, don’t we have a spare?” said Kirsten’s mother in a slightly frantic tone. “erm, remember how I said this wagon was so cheap? Well I believe one of the reasons was because of this.” replied their father as he lowered his head, daring not to stare at his wife for he could just imagine the look she is gave him at that moment. “Perfect! Just Perfect! So we’re stranded here!? Out in the middle of the nowhere! With hardly any food! Water! And No wagon!?” Barked Zoe from inside the wagon her head peeked through the tent to observe what was going on. “Why the hell did I let you convince me to come with you?!” Jonathan stared straight at Zoe, his Knuckles white from making a fist out of anger. “CONVINCE YOU! CONVINCE YOU!!?! BAH!! I would have much rather of left you. YOU’RE the one who said you wanted to come if all of us were leaving for Ravok!” Yelled Jonathan, the final straw had finally snapped from hearing Zoe’s constant complaining. “IT’S NOT YOU WHO I WANTED TO GO WITH!!!. I just wanted to leave that horrible pit we all called home!” Yelled Zoe. Her face began to turn red as the already simmering kettle had finally boiled over. “YOU DAF CO-“ Kirsten cut Jonathan off in mid sentence “ENOUGH!!”. Her voice echoed throughout the woods. Her fists shook with anger at the sight of her family yelling at each other. “Is this truly the time to be bickering amongst ourselves?” Kirsten’s father took in a deep breath and exhaled with a heavy sigh. “she’s right you know, we need to think of something.” Kirsten jumped down from the wagon and looked at her father. “The wagon might be broken, but we could search for help. We do have two horses we can ride.” she said, while she turned and pointed towards the horses. “Hmmm, do you see anything on the map?” replied her father, eyeing the map in Kirsten’s hand. She opened the map to double check to see if there was in fact anything close by. After scanning the map over, she didn't really see anything close by at all. In fact the closest thing would be Ravok. Which was easily another three days on horseback, maybe longer. “No, the closest place is Ravok.” She replied, her entire body goes limp along with her heart, as it fell down to the lowest pit in her stomach. “We...could try to repair the wheel? I mean, it is after all...Made of wood and we do after all, have a lot of wood around us?” said Jonathan, as he felt left out of the conversation and tries to throw in his 2 cents worth. “I think that’s our best bet for now” said Kirsten. Reinforcing what Jonathan had said. “I have no idea how I’d make a wheel from random twigs and branches.” replied their father. He examined the broken wheel that had split in half.. “I mean, is this even repairable?”there was a short moment of silence while all stared at the wheel. “We won’t know unless we try!” Shouted Kirsten, in a more positive and upbeat voice, as she tried to show a glimpse of hope into the situation. “Then it’s settled, Jonathan. You should go on one of the horses and fetch some wood around the area. I will go and look for something that we can eat. There should be SOMETHING around the area for Dinner. Father, you should stay at the wagon and help mother set up camp here.” She continued to say, while she was undoing the harnesses that held the two horses to the broken wagon. Jonathan looked at Kirsten with a blank expression. He then turned to his father and whispered. “When did Kirsten Become the boos?” His father leaned in as well and whispered back to him “since she started to make the most sense out of us all. She is the old hag’s daughter after all.” Replied their father, with a smirk on his face. “Besides! This isn’t anything knew for you. You’ve fallowed her every word since you came to this world!” he continued to say to Jonathan, laughing at his words as he slapped the back of his back. Kirsten oblivious to what her father and brother were talking about, twirls around. She faced the two of them as they still stood there, not moving. “Well Chop chop! The camp isn’t going to make itself you know!” Kirsten said as she waved her finger at the two of them. Jonathan chuckled to himself as he headed towards the horses. He grabbed onto the reigns of one of the horses and pulled himself on top of it. As he got onto the horse, the horse moved back and forth which caused Jonathan to lose his balance. Startled he grabbed onto anything he could so he would not fall. As he tried to get used his standing, he looked down towards Kirsten. “r-right well, I’ll be off then” said Jonathan, a little scared of being up so high up. “Make sure you get wood to burn for a fire as well Jonathan.” Kirsten said as she jumped onto the other horse. “I’ll make dinner once I get back. Mother, if you could start prepping anything we have left, that would be lovely.” As Jonathan started to ride off, away from camp he thought to himself. “Looks like the rein of mother won’t just end with her after all, she really did create quite the predecessor for the house hold.” He thought to himself, with a feint chuckle as he left. Kirsten carefully rode through the woods on top of her horse. Along the woods, she kept a wide eye out for any type of edible foods that she could bring back with her. She would stop at the occasional tree in order to make a marking on it. She would take a small dagger from one of the bandits and carve an arrow. The arrow pointed towards her camp, to let herself know where her home was. As she headed further and further into the woods, she stumbled across some footprints in the snow. She got off her horse and approached the footprints while she held onto the reigns. She bent down to try and get a closer look at the foot prints. She examined them closely and noticed two different pairs of footprints, both headed into the same direction. The footprint was well defined in the snow, the sole of the shoe print made Kirsten believe that it was two males. Some mud mixed in with the footprint made it stand out in the snow. Giving it a dirtier look compared to the rest of the thin layer of white that covers the land. Judging from how prominent the foot prints are, they must still be fairly new. She thought as she jumps back onto the back of her horse. She continues to fallow the foot prints. The mud mixed with the snow in the foot prints made it much easier to fallow them. Even if she sat so high on top of the horse. Excited at the thought of finding someone else who could possibly help, she was also scared. What if these are the footprints of more bandits. She thought to herself as she gripped the sword she brought with her. Memories of stabbing the previous bandit flood into her mind. Stupid! This isn’t the time nor place to think of such useless thoughts. Pull yourself together Kirsten. She tries to convince herself that, no matter where these footprints may lead. It is her job to find out. Rather it be help or harm, doesn’t change the fact. That in either scenario she needs to press forward and find out. So she could hurry back to the Wagon in order to let her family know. As Kirsten presses forward she stumbles onto a small clearing, where the footprints end. In this clearing is an old fire pit, some lose belongings and a couple of cots. A camp? She thought as she steps down from her horses back. She walks over to the fire pit and places her hand over it. It’s hardly throwing off any heat at all. This must have not been lit for hours. She thought to herself as she places her hand into the fire pit. Grabbing a piece of the burnt charcoal left from the remains of the wood. These were probably burnt last night for sure with how cold it has become. She turns around to survey the rest of the camp. On closer inspection there are 5 cots around the fire pit and a clothes line with a few clothes hanging off of it. Just beyond the cloths line is another area. This area has again, another fire pit. She notices the two tents that sit by the second fire pit. Kirsten quickly walks over to where the tents are. She takes a peek inside and see’s that no one is in either of the tents as well. Whoever this camp belongs to cannot be too far away from here with the bulk of their belongs still remaining. Kirsten then turns around and looks into the second tent. To her surprise it is filled with a wide variety of weapons and other items. This doesn’t look good she thought as she steps back, her eyes wide. No no no, it’s ok Kirsten. It’s not abnormal for travels to have a bunch of weapons. She tried to reassure herself, frighten at the thought of this being a bandits camp. Judging by the number of cots there are, they could easily over power her in numbers. maybe even outnumber her entire family. Even if they are travelers, why would they have such a wide variety of different items! No, maybe they’re like us and are just moving their entire household. Maybe their wagon also broke! Kirsten argues with herself in side her head. Debating if she should stay or wait for the owners of the camp to return. For now Kirsten, you shouldn’t stay here by yourself. I should come back here with my brother at least, just in case. She turns around and runs back to her horse. Her heart beating harder and harder, for every minute she stays here. The more this weird feeling of dread grows inside her chest. I have to get back to the camp as soon as possible; I have to let everyone know what I came across. Kirsten thought as she tells her horse to go faster and faster. Night begins to fall, covering the sky slowly with darkness and the cold breeze along with it. Kirsten’s knuckles becoming pale from holding onto the reigns as tightly as she could. As the air whizzes past her she hurries back to the wagon. Her face becoming rosy colored from the cold biting her skin. The feeling of dread inside her chest becomes heavier and heavier. Terrified that maybe something had happened while she was away. Her camp comes into sight, everything seems well. No, wait there’s a figure off in the distance she isn’t familiar with? She stops her horse and jumps off of it. She looks around her surroundings quickly and finds some bushes close by. She hides in them and tries to get a better view of the Wagon to see what is happening. What should I do? Who are these people? Are they the ones from the camp before!? I wish I could get a better view, I need to see what’s happening! She thought has her head begins to spin in a swirl of panic the longer I stay in this bush the longer my family might be in trouble!! She musters the courage to get closer as she closes the gap. She hears voices, some unfamiliar and the other, her father’s? They’re talking? She gets even closer now. Hiding behind the tree as she listens to the conversation. “Thank you very much for your help sir!” Kirsten’s father said as he bows his head over and over. “Had you not come along when you did, the wolves would have killed us all for sure!” Kirsten looks over to see six men who she had never seen before. Three of the man still had their weapons drawn, covered in blood. Down at their feet are sure enough, the bodies of some wolves. They must have come to the camp while Jonathan and Kirsten were away. “Truly it was no trouble at all. We have a camp set up not too far from here. We were coming back from hunting when we noticed some arrows left on the trees. they lead us straight to here.” Replied a very large man in the center of all six, he stood a good 6’ 4’’ and was quite muscular. His Beard down to his torso covered most of his face. He had thick brown leather boots and a long jacket that went down to his ankles that was made of different pelts. He grabs his jacket to clean his sword with, Sheathing the sword after words. “Markings on the trees? Oh those must belong to either my daughter or my son. Did you happen to run into anyone along the way?” replied Kirsten’s father looking at the man in the center, who towered over him easily. “No, afraid not, I only saw the markings.” Replied the large man with his very deep voice. “I see, Well hopefully they should return shortly then.” The father said in a worried tone. “HA! Well in the main time. Why not we skin the wolf and have a nice meal for dinner!” bellowed the large man. His Deep laughter Echoed throughout the woods. If they just came back from hunting, where is their prey? Kirsten thought as she scan’s the Men standing at the camp. I don’t trust them, but I won’t accomplish anything while I look from afar. Kirsten then sneaks back to her horse, unnoticed by anyone. She jumps onto the horses back and pretends to have just arrived. “Mother? Father? Where are you?” Kirsten yells as she approaches the camp. The Large man comes out from behind the wagon where he was talking with her father. “Hello there! I’m glad to see you have returned safely.” Bellowed the large man in a friendly tone. As if he was greeting a friend who he had not seen in ages. “Oh!” pretending to be surprised by the man’s sudden appearance. She jumps back a little on top of the horses back. Forcing herself to make a surprised expression. “Sorry little girl, did I frighten you?” the large man said with a smile on his face. “Don’t worry Kirsten! He’s a good fella! He saved our very lives. That he did.” Kirsten’s father said. Standing next to the very large man. Kirsten jumps off of the horse as she walks towards the wagon. She pulls the horse with her and ties it to the Wagon. She then grabs the sword that was attached to its side and uses the string to tie it to her cloths. She turns around and faces the large man straight on. Kirsten looks straight up into the large mans eyes as he looks down. The Size difference between the two made it look like the man was a giant. Both not backing down from their little staring contest. The man then says with a grin. “It’s a pleasure to meet your acquaintance miss.” He extends his hand out slowly, expecting to shake hands. Kirsten looks down at the man’s hand for a second and then back into his eyes. “Where are Janelle and James?” Kirsten replied with a stern voice. “They’re inside the wagon, they were frightened by the wolves. Zoe is in there with them at the moment.” Replied Kirsten’s mother. A little shocked by the way she is acting. “Has Jonathan come back yet?” This time Kirsten breaking eye contact and looking towards her mother. Glaring at her in a way her mother has never seen Kirsten do. Taken aback by the look she received she replies in a worried tone. “No, he hasn’t. these kind men said they haven’t seen him either. Kirsten takes in a deep breath, letting out a heavy sigh. “well, he will be back shortly I’m sure. Let’s make dinner while we wait.” Kirsten said. Walking past the large man and towards the wolves that lay dead on the ground. I don’t know why, but something deep down is telling me to not trust these men. Even if it is true that they saved our families lives. Kirsten thought to herself as she goes to the head of one of the wolfs. “You, person closest to me, help me prep this wolf.” Kirsten said. Saying it in a flat and even tone, even though her words sounded very demanding. “Who, me? Oh, Um, my name is Calvagh.” Replied one of the six men. “well Calvagh, please come over here and help me.” Kirsten repeated. The Large man lets out another one of his deep loud laughs. “I really like this girl, you have a fine daughter sir, a fine daughter indeed!” He said turning to face Kirsten. Her eyes looking back into his once more. “Kirsten right? A fine name! I get the feeling you and I will get along just fine.” He said, grinning once more. Some time pasts by now. All 6 of the men made themselves right at home. My mother and father are both having a great time. Zoe is off flirting with one of our guest while we all eat food. Janelle and James both stayed inside of the Wagon for they felt shy around the guests. The general mood of everyone is in much higher spirits now that everyone has food in their bellies. However Kirsten’s mother has a worried expression on her face. After all it’s been a few hours now since Jonathan went out on what should only take about half an hour to do. “I’m sure he’s fine mother, he’s probably lost. At worst he found himself a cave to rest in and will come back to camp by morning.” Kirsten said to her mother. Though she to doubts those very words that came out of her mouth. As Kirsten has been praying for her brothers return. Because while everyone else is becoming more and more relaxed around our saviors. Kirsten grows more restless and aggravated. I’m not sure what this feeling is, but I just can’t seem to shake it. Kirsten thought. While she looks down at her plate of food. “Kirsten, are you ok?” James had come out of the Wagon and gone over to his oldest sister. As he seems to be the only one in her family who has noticed that something is bugging her greatly. “Everything is fine James, why not you go back into the Wagon for now and sleep.” Kirsten told James. Looking at him with a gentle expression as she places her hand on top of his head. “Is it ok if I sleep out here with you?” he asks looking at her with a slightly scared look. He must be scared as well. He has every reason to be. After all the last time some random people appeared before us, they tried to kill us. She thought as her expression turns to a sadden one. Poor James, this isn’t the life I wanted to have him live in. I can’t wait for us to get to Ravok so we can finally go and have real friends. She thought to herself as she runs her hand down James cheek. “sure, I don’t mind” she replies to him. Opening up her arms to let James sit on her lap. James passes out almost instantly. Oh wow, he must have been exhausted, huh? Kirsten’s vision begins to get blurry as before she realizes it. Her entire body felt heavy. Her eyelids becoming increasingly hard to keep open. Her head begins to nod back and forth as she tries to keep herself aware of her surroundings. W-what is this!? Why do I feel, so tired all of a sudden! She thought in panic as she tries to call out to her mother. However words wouldn’t come out, as if she lacked the energy to be able to speak at all or cry for help. In her dazed state she looks around her, noticing that everyone has passed right out and the men are beginning to pick them up. As everything is still becoming hazy, she can hear the men talking around her. “Looks like the drugs finally kicked in.” “ha, about time, I was beginning to grow restless” said a couple of the voices around her. “Ha, I was actually kind of enjoying the company of this one chick here.” Said another one of the men. “Then you can do what you will with her” said the familiar voice of the large man. “however, this one is mine.” He said, as he walks over to Kirsten. Grabbing her hair and lifting her head up. Kirsten’s body felt like it weighted 100 times more then it usually does. Feeling helpless and defenseless she just sits there. Another one of the men come along and goes to grab James. He reaches across Kirsten to grab the boy from her lap. In this moment something snapped inside Kirsten. The very family she loves more than anything in the world. The very family she gave up most of her life in order to protect and raise. Is now being taken away right in front of her eyes. Anger welling up inside her chest, she finds the strength to open her mouth. Biting the mans arm that was reaching for James as hard as she could. The man screams in pain as he holds his arm out. The iron taste of blood flows into Kirsten’s mouth as she holds onto his arm as if her life depended on it. the man then clenches his other hand into a fist and smashes her face as hard as he could. The force made her let go as she fell to the ground. Her head ringing and spinning like crazy. Partially from the blow and maybe because of the drugs they fed her. The Large man Laughs allowed again “Hahahaha!! Oh god I love this girl! Even drugged she still manages to put up a fight.” He bellows as he punches the man who had his arm bitten. Causing him to go head first into the ground, being knocked out cold. “I warned you, this girl is mine. Don’t anyone of you lot dare lay a finger on this one.” He said as he grabs her by the waist effortlessly picking her up. Her head still spinning, dazed and confused. She finally closes her eyes. As the effects of the drug finally over power her and her entire family is taken away.

[Kirsten D Armstrong]

491 AV winter 73 Kirsten hears movement as feet walk on what sounds like a wooden floor. Different voices that Kirsten has never heard before swirl around her. Trying to gain consciousness she feels her head moving back and forth in a pathetic attempt to lift it up. She tries to look up but her entire body is still limp from the effects of the drug. “OH GOD NO, PLEASE! STOP! PLEASE STOP!” Kirsten heard. The sudden yelling from her mother ringed inside her head. Trying to make sense to what is happening. Memories flood into her mind as she thinks about the men dragging her family away. Her mind falling into a panic stat. Screaming inside her head she thinks DAMMIT KIRSTEN! Wake up, get up! You need to move! She fights as she tries to overcome the drug through her will. Unable to open her eyes yet she hears her mother screaming even more. “DON’T PLEASE I’LL DO ANYTHING! DON’T!!” suddenly Kirsten hears a cold slicing sound. The sound you hear when a knife carves into flesh. Some type of warm liquid splats onto her face. It slowly drips down her cheek. She hears a loud thud fall at her feet. Her mother screams “NOOOOOO MY HUSBAND! Oh god no.” Her voice trails off at the end as she breaks down crying. What’s happening! What about father! What happened to him! Why can’t I wake up, dammit! Kirsten thought. She hears heavy footsteps move towards her. Her heart begins to race as she thinks about what might happen to her or any of her family members. The steps get louder and louder until they stop right in front of her. “Coming to now eh? Good, I wanted to see that spirited look in your eyes.” Said a very loud and deep voice. It’s the voice that belonged to the large man she met at the wagon. Dread over comes her as she can feel her heart sink deeper and deeper into despair. The Drugs beginning to wear off, she finally opens her eyes. The first thing she sees is her father as His eyes were open and his faced filled with terror. He’s stripped naked with cuts and bruises all over his body from being beaten. His neck sliced open where they must have slit his throat. He lays there not move, but still breathing. He gasps for air while drowning in his own blood. Sufficating he looks up with his eyes. Looking at his daughters face as tears run down hers. He tries to say her name as he looks up. Slowly stretching out his hand in a attempt to reach out to her. Slowly his hand grows limp; his eyes close as air leaves his lungs. Kirsten Screams out for her father as she watches the life leave his body. “It’s a good thing you didn’t wake up earlier.” Said the large man. Grinning from ear to ear with a crooked smile. His eyes wide open as he tries to burn every expression that comes onto Kirsten’s face.“You, You Bastard!” Kirsten growls as her voice shakes with anger. She looks down at her father’s face. A single tear runs down as her heart is filled with emotions she has never felt in her life. She violently raises her head and stares Directly at the man towering over her. “I’m going to kill you! Once my brother finds where we are. We will kill you! I swear it!” She yells thrashing as hard as she could as she tries to reach out to attack the man. But restricted of all movement from being chained to the wall. “HAHAHAHA! Now this is what I like to hear” The man crouches down, placing his face in front of hers. “Now why not you sit there and watch the show, hmmm?” She stretches her body forward as far as she could. Her arms still attached to the walls as she sits on the ground, helpless. “make sure you keep your eyes forward now” The large man grabs her chin with his giant hands. Forcing her head to look towards her mother. Her mother restrained to the floor. She looks over at Kirsten her face filled with grief and terror from the sight of her loved ones corpse. Tears flooding down her face as she weeps, crying out her Husbands name. A man comes into sight from another room. In his hands is a wooden bucket. Filled with a bunch of different instruments of all shapes and sizes. The bucket is covered in dried blood as is the man’s cloths. He set’s the bucket down next to her mother, across from Kirsten. His eyes lighten up with this look of insanity as he observes his next victim. “Ahhhh, I love working on Woman. They, always seem to last longer than the males do.” Said the man who hovers over Kirsten’s mother as his hand searches for which tool he should start with. “Whatever shall I do with you first” as he observes his new victim from head to toe. He takes a sharp knife and places it gently on her cheek. Her mother’s eyes Widen in fear as they try to fallow the knifes movements down her cheek. “please god, oh please don’t.” she cries out. Gasping for air as she shakes with fear. He traces the knife all the way down her body until he reaches the end of her dress. Grabbing the dress he begins to cut upward. Cutting her cloths all the way up to the neck and ripping them to the side. He stares at her old naked body. Taking a much smaller knife he starts at her chest, lightly pressing it against her skin. The cold sharp blade made her shake even more with fear, As it presses against her. He looks back at her face as he runs it down her chest, to her stomach. He grins even more as he applies more pressure. The blade begins to enter her body. The sound of the knife cutting her flesh seems far louder than it actually should be as it rings through Kirsten’s ears. Her mother screaming out in pain. Gasping at the air as she opens and closes her eyes. He hole body tenses and relaxes as it spazzes out from the pain. He lets go of the knife, leaving it inside of the wound as he grabs another thin knife. He drags the edge of the knife to a lower part of her stomach. Slowly piercing it once more. He then makes the knife more vertical and begins to cut open her stomach. He keeps cutting until he reaches the other knife. Then pulls both of them out. The mother shaking frantically as her blood begins to spill all over the floor. Her eyes popping out from how tense her body is becoming. The man then processed to stick his hand inside of the open wound. Grabbing onto her intestine and slowly begins to pull it out. He keeps on pulling more of it out as her mother begins to shake franticly. Her entire body spazzing out as she begins to puke. The puke rolls down her face as she coughs. He stops and looks at her expression, taking his time in order to enjoy this. Kirsten staring at her mother, watching every poor thing that happens to her. Burning it into her memory, swearing that the second she gets the chance she will help her. He looks at the mother, the smile fades from his face as she stops spazzing out. He looks back at the wound and back at her face. Did she die? She thought, as her mother’s face is turned towards Kirsten’s her eyes looking in her direction. Suddenly the man takes a knife and stabs her in the hand. Causing her mother to twitch from the pain. The smile returns to his face as he realizes she is still alive and continues to reach into her body. Pulling out anything else he found as he placed it next to her body. Each time he grabbed onto something, her mother’s body twitches and spazzes out in an awkward way. As she pukes more, this time blood mixed in with the rest of her stomachs contents. Wheezing from every slow breath she takes. She turns to Kirsten and looks directly into her eyes. Not saying a word her face of terror begins to relax as the man continues to ravage her insides. She manages to put on a faint smile as she looks into Kirsten’s eyes. Her body stops twitching. The light beginning to fade from her eyes. Kirsten breaks down in tears as she watches her mother pass on right in front of her. The man realizing that his toy finally broke, he takes of a large butcher knife and begins to dissemble her body. Stabbing her and cutting her to pieces as he laughs a wicked and sinister laugh. Truly enjoying the moment of bliss he is in from the sensation of destroying her body.

[Kirsten D Armstrong]

491 AV winter 74 Night has fallen by now. The men left the cabin to go rest somewhere else. Leaving Kirsten chained to the wall. Alone with her dead parents, still lying on the ground in front of her. Wondering where Zoe, Janelle and James are she tries to call out. “Zoe!” She yells, her voice horsed from all the screaming and crying earlier. “Janelle! James! Are you in here!” She calls out, her throat burning every time she speaks. “Hello!?” Her head drops down as she feels drained after only calling out their names. Are, are they dead as well? She thought as the tears begin to roll down her face again. Suddenly she hears light thumps banging on the floor. The bumps seem to be coming from the other room that’s closed off with a door. Kirsten listens as she hears what sounds like a woman trying to speak. “Zoe, is that you!” the murmering gets louder as she tries to call out. “Zoe, are you ok!? Is James and Janelle with you!?” Kirsten called out. Trying to get a grasp on what is happening. Why isn’t she calling out!? Is, is she gagged? Can she not speak because her mouth is covered? She thought as her heart races. Filled with the glimps of hope from the thought of her sisters and youngest brother still being alive. “If your gagged and can’t speak, try knocking twice for yes! Once for no!” She yells out. Hoping her sister heard her. She waits preying that she will hear some type of knocking sound. *Thump thump* Kirsten’s head shoots straight up as she looks at the door. It is her! She is beyond that door! Oh thank you, thank you! Overwhelmed with joy from her sisters response. “Is Janelle and James with you?” *thump thump* Tears weld up in her eyes from the happiness at this discovery. “are they ok?!” There was a long pause, Kirsten’s heart begins to sink as she braces for the worst. *thump thump* I heard two thumps! So they’re ok! “are you able to get out from there? *thump* “does that mean your tied up?” *thump thump* “Wait, if you’re tied up. Does that mean you’re using your head to hit the floor with?” *thump thump* Kirsten laughs weakly at the thought of Zoe rapidity hitting her head on the floor. She stop’s laughing as her heart sinks once more. I can’t believe I just laughed in a situation like this. She thought, amazed at herself and slightly disgusted as well. Kirsten starts to sing a lullaby that her mother used to sing to her. She used to sing this Lullaby to Jonathan, than Zoe, Janelle, and James. She would sing this every night to them before they went to sleep. She continued to sing until she to finally closed her eyes. Falling into the land of dreams. She dreams about being at home. With everyone there at the entrance. Smiles on their face as they wave to her.

[Kirsten D Armstrong]

491 AV winter 74 Kirsten is awoken suddenly by the screams of her Sister, Zoe. Startled from the sudden screams, she franticly looks around the room. Zoe is being carried out of the room with the closed door. Her cloths ripped to shreds, bruises cover her from head to toe. She screams and squirms as she tries to break free of the men carrying her. “Whoa a feisty one!” Said one of the men carrying her. “Now she has some life in her?! She was very submissive when we were with her yesterday.” The other man said. They drop her to the ground as they tie her up where her mother once was. When did they move her body? Thought Kirsten as she had no recollection of them coming into the room to do so. Kirsten looks around and notices her mother and father’s remains were in the corner, on the other side of the room. Luckily for Zoe she could not see the remains of her parents from where she lay. After they had strapped her down soundly, the men leave the area. Zoe looks over at Kirsten. Her older sister was chained to the wall. Her cloths mostly intact and her body hardly bruised. Minus her left eye where she was punched while she was at the Wagon. However her Body is much skinnier then it was. Even though it’s only been a day or two. But the lack of water was really beginning to show in all of them. Kirsten looks at her sister as she smiles. Her a happy feeling whelming up inside as she is over joyed at seeing her sister alive. Zoe however, felt anger. Angry at the fact that her older sister isn’t hurt. Angry because they had not done anything to her. Angry at the fact that all the things they did to Zoe can never be undone and yet. Here sat her sister, hardly hurt at all. “How are James and Janelle?” asks Kirsten as she looks to her sister. “Janelle isn’t there, James seems fine though.” Zoe replied, her voice cold and heartless. “Janelle, She isn’t there!?” Kirsten replied her voice strainged from how dry her throat is. “She wasn’t there when I woke up ok!?” Snapped Zoe as her anger reaches a boiling point. “When I asked you if James and Janelle were ok you said yes!” Kirsten replied, thinking about the two thumps from last night. “How the hell was I suppose to explain to you that Janelle wasn’t there through hitting my head on the floor!” Zoe barked. She starts to cough from yelling at Kirsten. “Zoe, stop, you need to save your strength.” Kirsten said. Her throat burns from raising her voice. Every breath she takes hurts her as she tries to swallow. “So the boss decided to let Yabet’s have a go on the girl?” said a men as two enter the building. “Yea, real shame I had a lot of fun with her. But the little one should catch a good price.” Replied the man as they walk over to the remains of their parents. With two plates in their hand each man goes to one of the corpses. Grabbing which ever Organs and flesh they could and piled it onto the plate. The disgusting sounds coming from their hands grabbing the flesh made Kirsten want to puke. As you listen to the squishing and weird pops made as their hands wiggling into their bodies. They both turn around, the plates filled with the remains of their parents. The two men smile as one heads to Kirsten and the other to Zoe. “Good morning girls, time for your breakfast” said the men. The grin curls around their face more and more, the closer they got. They giggle at the thought of what they are about to do. T-t-they wouldn’t, No. They wouldn’t. No, no they can’t they won’t they, NO! Kirsten thought as the words keep running over and over in her mind. The men sit next to the both of them. Grabbing a piece that looked like a long worm. Zoe and Kirsten both close their jaw as much as possible. Trying to keep the “Food” as far away as possible as they turn their heads back and forth. The man grabs Kirsten’s cheeks, applying as much pressure as he could. Forcing her mouth open. He jabs his hand into Kirsten’s mouth along with the intestine of her mother, forcing her to eat it. Kirsten feels the squishiness of the intestine in her mouth has it wiggles and moves around her tongue. The texture and the thought of watch was forced down her throat causes her to puke. “HA this one threw up already!” he yelled to the other man, who is forcing Zoe to eat as well. “This one is really taking it like a camp!” he bellowed back as he grins with excitement. The man feeding Kirsten grabs the chunks that she had thrown up and forces it into her mouth again. “Now now, can’t have you wasting any of the food we so generously gave you!” he says in a sarcastic tone. Grinning from ear to ear as the excitement for him grows more and more. If I can just stomach this, If I can just get through this. It will all be over, If I can just make sure I don’t puke, they will stop feeding me this. She thought as she is forced to eat more. Every time she bit down she felt like she was going to puke. Every time she puked he would force it back into her mouth. Coughing and choking as she is gagged at her mother’s flesh. She can feel a piece of her dying inside with each mouth full. Her will is breaking as she would gladly accept death at this point. Finally her plate is empty; she tries to not throw up as both men watch Kirsten. Making sure it stays inside of her. After what felt like hours had gone by the men finally get up and leave. Kirsten throws up everything she was forced to eat the second the door closed behind them. Blood and chunks of god know what spews all over the floor as she looks at her mother’s remains come out of her body. Her body completely drained of energy she falls in and out of conciseness as an eerie stillness fills the air. Zoe and Kirsten, completely alone, are left there. Only to think about what horrible thing will happen to them next.