Search for the Crystal Key (A Continuation of Dark Escape)

Chapter 15

Her life force was ebbing away, making even that simple task of breathing an excruciating chore. Joshua aided her in sitting beneath the gnarled apple tree. Its rough bark cut into her back. Feeling the pain somehow reminded her she was still alive, so she made no move to adjust her position. He was off searching for more firewood. She hadn't paid attention to the time, but it seemed like he should have been back by now. It would be dark soon. The last thing she wanted was to be alone in the wilds of the woods at night. She was completely defenseless against a myriad of predators that roamed the darkness. She hoped he'd return soon.

Tara!

Tara heard the voice so clearly that she swore the woman stood nearby. She turned her head quickly from left to right while she searched for its source.

'Tara, can you hear me!'

The voice echoed through her head. She wished her head was clearer, so she could tell who the voice belonged to. It had a vague resemblance to Maggie's voice. Was Maggie trying to reach her from the spirit world?

Joshua returned with an arm load of firewood just as she was contemplating calling for Liam. It was the first she thought to do so and she wasn't even sure he'd be able to reach her while she was back in time, but it was worth a try. Of course, with Joshua so close, she abandoned the idea.

Tara!

"Did you hear that?" Tara struggled with the words, finding her vocal chords reluctant to respond.

"What, dearest? Did I hear what?" Joshua soothed.

"Someone's calling my name. It was loud," She said as she shook her head. "You didn't hear anything?"

Joshua approached her crouched body and gently took her hands.

Pulling her carefully to her feet, he said, "No darling, I heard nothing except the howling of a few wolves in the distance. Now, let's get you closer to the fire and under the lean-to I made of some fine pine branches. I caught a fat rabbit for a stew that will be ready soon. I dug up some roots and wild mushrooms, so our meal should be tasty, but even if it isn't I want you to promise to eat every bite that I give you.

Tomorrow we enter Shadow Land and you will need all your strength for the journey."

Tara nodded and followed him willingly. The mere mention of the rabbit stew, no matter what it tasted like, pulled her attention to the fact that she hadn't eaten in quite some time and she was very hungry.

After helping her settle into the make-shift quarters he'd created, Joshua set forth building a larger fire to insure it would last through the night. It would be dark soon and although the howling sounded far off, he didn't trust the creatures of the night in this realm. They weren't as responsive to his commands as those of Shadow Land. Looking at the brilliant full moon, he questioned if it was even wolves they were hearing.

He pulled tin bowls from his pack and dished out a fair amount of the surprisingly aromatic stew for her. Realizing he'd forgotten the eating utensils from the inner zippered compartment of the bag, he set the bowl down in front of her and moved back to the bag.

The faint sound of twigs breaking under the weight of someone or something caught his attention. He turned to focus in the direction of the sounds and searched the darkening tree line. He saw nothing. After waiting a little longer for more noises that would key him into the exact location of whatever wandered in the thick brush, he grabbed the spoons and moved back to his ward. Grateful for the attention, she smiled weakly as she gripped the spoon with her trembling hand.

With poor dexterity and extreme effort Tara did her best to transfer the evening's fare from the bowl to her mouth, chew, and then swallow. She accomplished it far better than she'd expected, with only a small amount of it spilling onto her chin or lap. Not only was it the most delicious stew she could remember eating, she felt mildly rejuvenated after cleaning her bowl. Satiated and relaxed and feeling a little more like herself, she snuggled into the bedding Joshua arranged to provide her as much comfort as possible.