Evmor: The Calling

Chapter 13

Here's another chapter. Thank you to everyone who is reading my story and I hope you enjoy this new part :)

Chapter 13

From the way the forest grew darker each minute, I could tell the sun was starting to set. The temperature dropped significantly and I shivered, pulling my cloak closer around me. It was time we stopped to set up camp.

A few more minutes of walking led us to a dense thicket; the trees would offer us shelter for the night. I pulled Cinæd along and went ahead to study the area, checking for any signs of danger. Since I was alone with Cinæd there would be no one else to stay up for watch tonight.

Finding a sturdy branch I wrapped the reins around it twice, securing it with a tight knot. I rummaged around to offer a meal for Cinæd and while he was occupied I set out for some firewood.

Picking out only the dry branches, I returned to our camp once I had gathered a sufficient amount. Setting them in a loose pile on the ground, I contemplated how to start a fire. I realized with a jolt that I had never had to start a fire before. Even in Evmor Killian had always used his magic to light the firewood.

Dismissing the sense of doubt growing in the back of my head, I settled down next to it and grabbed two branches. I had seen enough movies to know how to start a fire. Placing one on the ground and the other between my palms, I started to twist the wood rapidly. My arms soon burned from exertion but I kept going on, pressing hard onto the bottom branch.

“Ow!” I exclaimed turning my palm to see a splinter embedded in my skin. Sighing in frustration I warily prodded at it, trying to gauge how deep it was. Then with some hesitation I pulled it out, hissing in pain at the stinging sensation.

I tried to set the wood on fire several times again but failed miserably. Finally, I let out a frustrated shout and threw down the branches.

“This is pointless,” I muttered, angry at how helpless I actually was. I had never realized how impotent I was when I had been back at home, or when I had been traveling with someone. But now that I was alone it was painfully obvious.

The sun had already set and the forest was dark, especially without the fire to illuminate the space. Pulling my cloak tighter around me, I convinced myself to stay calm. I had never been alone in the forest the entire time I was in Evmor and I couldn’t help but feel a little forlorn and afraid. Just to reassure myself, I pulled out one of my daggers and laid it on my legs, thinking what to do about my inability to light a fire.

A rustling sounded somewhere in the shadows and the hairs on the back of my neck rose in response. Memories of when we had been ambushed in the forest returned. The frantic shouting, the grim but determined look Rocco had worn, my helpless pleading for him to come with us, and then me screaming until my throat had gone raw.

I sprang up from my seat on the floor and gripped my dagger tightly in my hand, only to find out my hands were trembling. Images of Rocco fighting alone and bleeding kept flashing through my mind and my breath came in panicked gasps. Pressure built in the back of my eyes but I struggled to remain focused. There was something out there.

It could be a demon, or it could be nothing.

The thing could be after me, to kill me, or it could all be my imagination.

I spun around wildly, casting my glance everywhere around me. Suddenly, I heard a shout far off in the forest, a shout so familiar that instantly brought a stop to my oncoming tears.

“Rocco?” I whispered, unbelieving. The image of me leaving him with the demons continued to replay in my mind.

There was another shout in the forest. I started to stumble away from the camp, out into the forest. Cinæd whickered softly as I passed him but I barely noticed.