Tribes

9. Unknown Family

"This sure is a long drive way." Said John as our horses trotted up the stone path.

A little cottage came into view, built with very dirty brown bricks and a straw roof. One that didnt look very strong. Around the house were masses of padocks fulled with all different sorts of animals. The farm was very well organised. Sheep in one pacdock, cows and horses in another.

There was also a chicken coop with a small chicken house in the middle of it. Chickens going crazy and clucking like they have no heads. Near the cottage was an old barn. For the stables and wear aunty kept the tractor and all the farms tools. All around the farm, was pine trees, covering every nook of the farm it was very well hidden. As I took a look at the house again a figure was rocking on her chain on the porch, staring right at us.

"Why hello there children." Said the old crocky voice. Our ponies settled down in a small padock near the front of the house as we approached our unknown family member. She looked a lot like father, same blonde hair and green eyes, but she was older much older. Wrinkles covered her face as they danced, on her olive skin, her face was warming and I knew my brother and I were safe here.

"Please please." She said. "Come and unpack then I will introduce myself." And she walked inside probably to get some tea and cookies ready.

We came inside with our hands full of items from our travels. She lead us to our room. There was one room for each of us. Which was going to be interesting because we always shared a room. My brother and I were really close. My room was small but cozy and warm. Inside was a sofa and a big bed. Near the east of the room was a fire place which was great for me to dry my wet clothing. At the oppsite side of the room was the window with brown curtains pulled shut. I opened them to see the back of the farm. It was a sunny day outside and the cows and horses were grazing in the padocks.

I shuttered, I have never slept on the ground in a long long time. What if a wolf broke into the house and ate my brother. I was grateful aunty had given us our own room but the thought of sleeping by myslef on the ground scared me.

"Children!" I heard her call. I quickly put my belongings away and went to go greet her. My brother was already sitting on the couch with a hot tea and some cookies. She gustured me to sit and went to fetch me some tea and cookies. "Hows your room?" I asked John.

"Small but nice." He said taking a sip of his tea. "But I have never slept on the floor before."

"Yes I know." I replied. "But we must be grateful for all the aunty has done us."

In no time at all she came back in with a mug full of hot tea and a plate full on peanut butter cookies. "Thank you."

"No problem." She said with her kind blue eyes. "My name is Sonja."

"Nice to meet you." I said. "My name is Marcus and this is my brother John."

"I know who you two are." She said. "I have heard many great stories from your father."

She looked down as a tear rolled down her face. I could see the pain and sorrow in her eyes. I went over to comfort her. "Its okay." I said gently. "Everythings going to be alright."

She wiped her face and laughed dryly. "I know its just that i havent seen him in ages and when I heard the news I was heart broken." She said. "Last time I saw him was before John was born and that was a long time ago."

"Here." I grabbed out a little package wrapped up in brown paper from my pocket and placed it in my aunties old wrinkled hands. "We picked it up during our jorney."

She unwrapped the small gift and gasped in amaze. It was a golden compass with patterens of dragons and serpants and pixies all over it. We had bought it from an antique stand at the market in the capital, it was meant to bring good luck. "It will guide you." I said. "When you are lost."

Aunty Sonja smiled.

I couldnt help but feel sorry for Aunty Sonja, she and my father always used to hang out togther as kids, now they barely see one another. What if that happens to John and I. Hes my best friend and I can't imagine losing him.

"Its getting late." Interupted Aunty Sonja from my thoughts. "You two have had a big day and I think you need some rest, I have a few chores for you two strong young boys."

And with that we hugged Aunty Sonja good night and went our seprate ways in our seprate rooms seprated from eachother. This was going to be an interesting night.