Humphrey awoke the next morning and sighed, knowing that they still had a long way to go. Partner’s cuts had dried up, but he still walked with a limp, a reminder of the events of last night. Humphrey was thankful that he had acted when he did, for the outcome could have been much worse.
The fire had simmered down, so Humphrey restocked it with sticks and leaves and it again jumped to life. They had a meal of squirrels and drank from a nearby stream. He then put out the fire and they marched up the mountain. They wove through trees climbed over boulders. They waded through shallow rivers and hiked below thousands of clouds, growing closer and closer to them as they grew nearer to the mountain’s peak.
They both were physically worn out, but mentally determined to make it to the other side of the mountain. The sun hung directly over their heads, and the clouds met land. Humphrey looked straight ahead, and saw the Earth below him. He was on top of the world, he had climbed a mountain, and he was one step closer to fortune. Humphrey and Partner celebrated by eating some squirrels that they had already roasted in preparation.
Eager to move on, Partner was the first to start down the mountain and leave their place of superiority.
Going down the mountain was thankfully much easier that going up. In approximately two hours, the sky had darkened and the air had become much cooler. Humphrey could tell that they were at least half way down the mountain, and they were anxious to get some rest. Once again, they built a fire, ate the remainder of their squirrels, and went to sleep.
Humphrey had the dream once again, and it played over and over again until the morning arrived. Once we woke up, he decided that they needed to stock up on food during their trip to Aspen forest. He and Partner ventured down the mountain, Partner treeing squirrels and Humphrey shooting them down with the arrows that he had brought, making more misses than hits. Humphrey’s satchel was overflowing with smelly creatures, and once they were satisfied with their stock, they continued down the mountain normally.
Time passed quickly, as they were actually quite enjoying their adventure. The steep path became a small hill, and the small hill became flat ground.
Humphrey looked up the mountain behind him, and smirked at the memory of looking up at the mountain in front of him.
Still, they moved forward into unfamiliar territory. It looked like an abandoned market place, but further down the road he saw a few people. There was a sign to his right that said ‘WELCOME TO ASPEN’, but it didn’t seem very welcoming. Humphrey estimated that they still had some fifteen miles to go until he reached Aspen forest. He tried to consult the map, but it was useless, considering that it only provided directions from Charles Walter’s former home. Sighing, he decided that the only way he was going to find his way to Aspen forest was by asking a local.
They walked towards an elderly woman, with long brittle grey hair, a wrinkled face, and she was missing most of her teeth. She had a mysterious glow to her, and Humphrey felt as if he could extend his arm out and reach right through her.
When they approached her, she smiled wide, baring her gums, and asked in a British accent, “What can I do for you, honey? Would you like some corn, beans, or tomatoes? Or how about some nice zucchini?” She gestured towards a rusted wheelbarrow filled with bruised and crushed vegetables.
“Um… no ma’am. But we would like to know how to get to Aspen forest from here.”
The woman was quiet for a while, clearly thinking very hard. After several seconds of awkward silence, she spoke up slowly and quietly, “Remember this: walk along this road for about two hours. Once you get to the point where the roads diverge, take a left. It should lead you to a small bridge. Cross it, and continue on that path for about an hour. You should get to Aspen forest if you do it right. Don’t you forget that now; a LEFT!
Humphrey thanked the woman and started down the street, Partner at his heels. For the next two hours, the scenery stayed mostly the same; the same suspicious people lurking in the ghettos and the dark corners of the abandoned alleys.
...
HEY YA'LL! How are you? I'm so glad that its FINALLY the weekend; this week dragged on forever! What do you think about the new character, zucchini lady? Just a heads up: there is more about here to come in coming chapters!!!! I have a really busy day today and tomorrow, so I'm not sure when I will update next. Its my brother's birthday weekend, I have a soccer game, and have to complete LOADS of homework. Anyway, if you are interested in Harry Potter FanFiction, you may enjoy the fanfic I am planning to write in the next few weeks. I am in the planning process but won't post until after I am finished with this story. I am thinking about doing my fave otp: Snape and the Squid (Squape or Snid)!!! If you have any other suggestions or ideas, I would be gald to hear them because I'm still unsure about the Squape thing. Until Chapter 10,
-Gean Parkins
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Chasing the Sky
Ficción históricaWhen poverty strikes during the Great Depression, little Humphrey wants to help his family. He decides to run away in hopes of returning with the financial aid that his family so desperately needs, but will his efforts be successful? And will he m...
