The Call

Wanderings

Serene's blonde braids flew behind her as she raced across the field with her brother a step ahead of her. The joyful sound of laughter filled the air as she caught up with Inimicus, and they reached for the finish line. Two hands touched the rough bark of the oak tree at the same time, and the two children slowed to a walk to catch their breath.

"That was fun!" Serene said between breaths.

Twelve-year-old Inimicus nodded, brushing his dark hair out of his face. "You're getting faster."

At a call from a distance, both children looked backward to see two figures walking toward them. Inimicus glanced at his sister.

"First one to Father really wins," he challenged.

Serene's eyes lit up. "Alright, but I get a head start."

Inimicus took a deep breath. "Alright, one step."

Serene smiled, and the two lined up.

"On your mark, get set," Inimicus almost whispered. "GO!"

The two children burst into a run toward their parents, Serene one step ahead. As they approached, Inimicus passed her to run into his father's arms a moment sooner than his sister. Imrah caught him, laughing.

"Don't get too worn out, you two," he cautioned. "We're here for the whole day and if you wear yourselves out now, you'll fall asleep before noon."

Brother and sister nodded, walking to catch their breath again.

Serene skipped over to slip her hand into her mother's. Wynn's green eyes brightened, and she squeezed Serene's hand as she skipped beside her.

"Did you see me, Mama?" Serene asked. "I almost outran Inimicus! Twice!"

Wynn laughed. "Yes, I did! You're getting so fast, my darling."

Serene's smile widened. "I'll be able to win every time soon!"

Wynn smiled. The family walked over a small rise and up to the oak tree where the children had raced.

"Are you sure this is the spot?" Imrah asked, feigning doubtfulness. "I thought the tree was bigger at our other place."

Inimicus laughed. "No, this is the spot. Look! Remember, I carved my name in it last time." He led his father over to the back of the tree to see the markings.

"So you did," his father said, examining the carvings. "Well, I suppose you must be right then. This must be the spot!"

Serene laughed and ran to take her father's hand. "Of course it is, Papa! You said you'd let me climb the tree this time!"

"Yes, I did, didn't I?" Her father nodded slowly as if remembering.

Serene tugged at his hand, and he looked down at her to wink.

She giggled. "May I climb it now?"

He took the pack of supplies from his back and set it against the tree. "Not yet, princess. Let us get settled." He looked at her. "Besides, we haven't even eaten yet."

Wynn set down the basket that she carried. "Why don't you two go wash up in the creek while we get the food ready?"

"Yes, Mama!" The two ran off toward the creek. Once there, they scrambled to take their shoes off to wade in the clear water, trying to catch the tiny fish that swam between their toes. The bright sun shone overhead, casting miniature rainbows on the rocks of the stream bed.

Soon, they had washed their hands and faces thoroughly and were running back to the tree where they would spend the rest of the day...together.

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