Exile

Part 32

The next morning, Italzi woke up early to do a morning jog. It was something she had frequently done every morning with her sister. She really missed her. 

Every morning, she'd make delicious porridge, and her sister would run with her. She had loved Italzi, and Italzi the same. 

How dare that wretched psychopath of a king ever walks on the pure earth.

She cursed. "I hate him!" She muttered under her breath with nothing but pure spite. 

But just then she decided she would save her anger. Kindle it, store it in a bundle. And then, release it when she fought the King.

At the camp, Cindie was making breakfast with rye bread and Atlas had come with firewood, and something else.

"I found some wild berries, and brought back a handful," he said.

"Leave them over there," Italzi said. "And be sure to get more firewood." When they had finished cleaning up camp, Atlas and Italzi carried the heavy kitchenware, and Cindie and Alana carried the tents. Immi carried her flute and nothing else.

"Half of this stuff is heavier than me!" had been her excuse, and seeing as it was true, no one argued.

Finally, they headed into the forest. Cindie was skipping and jumping, for the tents were very light. She then offered to carry some other kitchen supplies.

"I'm the one using them, so maybe I can help carry a spoon or two!" she said, smiling. Cindie was obviously in a good mood, but as they journeyed farther into the forest, it looked very long and tiresome and they were starting to feel light-headed. This must have been the Enchantress's curse.

"Italzi," said a strange ethereal voice. She spun around but saw no one. She heard her name called over and over again, "Italzi, Italzi," but she couldn't look back. She focused on her goal, the elixir. She focused on the hate she felt for the king, she would avenge her sister.

Suddenly, a hooded figure dropped from the trees above. The Enchantress?   thought Italzi. The figure turned around, looked right at Cindie, and ran.