"THE PRINCESS & THE QUEEN" series -SCROLL VIII: CONQUERING A BYGONE ERA

pt.10

The already fridged temperature continued to plummet, with the bitter, icy wind keeping up its head on assault as Gabrielle ducked her head to try and keep the wind from hitting her directly in the face. Aurora cried as the thick blankets were no longer working to keep the little girl warm. They had been traveling for a long time now and Gabrielle still didn't see any signs of civilization anywhere. The sun was beginning to set which meant that the climate would only continue on its downward trajectory. Gabrielle knew that there was no way that they would be able to survive the night out in the open like they were. She desperately needed to find a shelter of some kind and she needed to do it soon. However, Gabrielle was finding it extremely difficult to focus on anything but the shivering child in her arms and the numbness that had begun to set in on her hands that had needed to be exposed to the harsh elements between holding Aroura and steering Arrian as the horse grew slower with the ever-deepening snow and he too became increasingly affected by the artic like environment.

GABRIELLE
Come on Arrian. I know it's cold and you're tired buddy but we have to keep going.

The steed snorted in response as he slowly pushed onward. A particularly icy gust of wind blew that felt as though it cut right through Gabrielle and caused Aurora to cry.

GABRIELLE
(thinking to herself) I could've been sentenced to death like Xena and it would've been less cruel than this. And to think they would subject an innocent child to this. We're as good as dead out here. I don't even know where I'm going right now because of this storm.

Gabrielle tried to comfort Aurora as she tried to think of anything she could do to keep the toddler at least a little warmer. After a moment Gabrielle got an idea and stopped Arrian as she opened her coat and needed a moment to catch her breath as the wind hit her chest and sent a deep chill down to her bones. Gabrielle pushed through the extreme discomfort as she pulled Aurora close and then closed the coat around the both of them. Hoping that the extra layer of clothing and her body heat would be enough for the time being to keep the child at least a little warmer. Though Gabrielle's heart broke knowing that she couldn't do anything more for her daughter as she felt Aurora shivering against her.

GABRIELLE
Unfortunately, this is the best mommy can do right now Aurora. I'm sorry. Just hold on. I'll find somewhere for us to get out of this storm soon.
(talking to herself) Gods I hope so.

Gabrielle then got Arrian going again and they continued onward for a while. The snow continued to pile up and become increasingly deep as Gabrielle urged Arrian forward at an ever slower pace. The steed struggled to push through the growing level of snow with his passengers on his back. That is until finally,. Arrian just stopped walking.

GABRIELLE
Come on boy we can't stop here.

The steed just shook the snow off of his head and snorted as he stood in place.

GABRIELLE
I know you're cold and tired, but we have to keep going.

Gabrielle gave his sides a nudge with her boots for him to go, but still, Arrian wouldn't budge.

GABRIELLE
Arrian come on.

The steed snorted as Gabrielle tried to get him to move again and failed. She then looked down and noticed just how deep the snow had gotten and knew that it must have become too difficult for Arrian to carry them and safely walk. She patted his neck.

GABRIELLE
Sorry boy I didn't notice the snow had gotten this deep.
(thinking to herself) As if this wasn't already bad enough.