The Ancients A Tale of Survival

Ştårbrîghţ

"I can't run anymore Jåcóbӱ.  I just can't."

Jåcóbӱ stopped and came back to where Mỷrἇ had collapsed in the grass.  Jåcóbӱ pulled her to her feet.  "Come on Mỷrἇ just a little farther."

Mỷrἇ tried to run, but fell down again.  "I can't Jåcóbӱ.  My legs won't hold me."  Mỷrἇ looked up at Jåcóbӱ with eyes swimming with tears and wide with fear.

Jåcóbӱ looked down at her and then over to the forest that was steadily growing closer.  His eyes measured the distance before he turned and scooped Mỷrἇ up.  He swung her around.  "Wrap your arms around my neck .  I'll carry you."

Mỷrἇ's thin arms wrapped around his neck as her legs wrapped around his waist.  She buried her head against his shoulder as he resumed running.  Jåcóbӱ's strides were strong and long, but even he was tired.  He ran for many minutes before he stumbled and face planted.  Mỷrἇ cried out as she was thrown over his head.  She looked up to see Jacoby struggling to his feet.  Her eyes snapped to a man that was running towards them.

"Jåcóbӱ!  Look!"

Jåcóbӱ turned and looked in the direction that she was pointing.  He lurched to his feet and took a protective stance in front of her.  Mỷrἇ scrambled to her feet and peeked around Jacoby.  The man had the same coloring as Jacoby and he wore black around his eyes just like their father had.  The man stopped panting before them.  He raised his hand in greeting before he spoke.

"Steady son.  I mean you no harm."

"Who are you?" Jåcóbӱ demanded.

The man gave a weary twist of his hand and a bow.  "I'm known in my tribe as Ştårbrîghţ.  Your father belong to the same tribe as me."

"You knew our father!"

Ştårbrîghţ smiled at Mỷrἇ.  "Yes I did and that is why I'm here.  I came across your trail days ago and have been following you.  I know of the hunting party chasing you.  I can help you find safety.  You have to trust me."

"Why should we trust you?  We do not know you."

"And you shouldn't son, but right know I'm the only person who wants to help you.  I can teach you how to hide in the forest.  If I don't help you then you will be captured and the consequences will be severe."

Mỷrἇ tugged at Jåcóbӱ's shirt.  Jåcóbӱ turned and looked at her being sure to keep Ştårbrîghţ in his sight.  "What ?" He hissed.

"He's right Jåcóbӱ.  There's no way we can survive in the forest alone.  We grew up on the prairie.  We need his help.  Please Jåcóbӱ."

Jåcóbӱ sighed.  "Anything for you Mỷrἇ,"  Jåcóbӱ said gently before he turned his attention back to Ştårbrîghţ.  "If you betray us, I vow that I'll hunt you down and destroy you."

Ştårbrîghţ inclined his head.  "I vow to protect you  and to not fail you.  I failed your father.  I will not fail you.  This I vow to you."

Jåcóbӱ nodded.  "I will hold you to your vow."

"Good," Ştårbrîghţ said as he moved forward.  "We need to hurry to the forest.  The hunting party is less than two hours behind us and the Dark Forest is still an hour away.  If we are to make it, you have to stay on your feet.  If your sister will agree to it, I will carry her on my back."

Jåcóbӱ and Ştårbrîghţ looked at her. Mỷrἇ nodded as she walked towards Ştårbrîghţ.  "I give you permission to carry me."

Ştårbrîghţ inclined his head to her.  He turned and squatted, presenting her with his back.  Mỷrἇ walked up and wrapped her arms around his neck like she did when Jåcóbӱ carried her.  He stood up and caught her legs underneath his arms and settled her weight more comfortably on his back.  Once Mỷrἇ was settled on his back, Ştårbrîghţ turned towards Jacoby.  He inclined his head at the forest.  Jåcóbӱ turned and started a ground eating jog towards the forest.  Ştårbrîghţ followed him Mỷrἇ with safely on his back.