Elderflower, The Last Halfbreed

Chapter 7 So Much Blood

The mountain seemed to call my name as we neared the rocky peak. This was the only way to Diathalon. It was faster but dangerous. Wolves stalked the mountainside for any stragglers. It was already noon. That morning I had prepared for going over the mountain by killing some deer and using their hide for blankets and clothes. I had gathered some food and even made a sled to carry Arthur on. I knew that Arthur was getting worse. I could hear it in his voice whenever he woke up.

Now at the base of the mountain I only had one choice. With one more breath from the grassy air I tightened the strap of Retribution around my waste. Then I began the long journey up the steep mountain.

There was no stopping me. Even though the sun had fallen I knew I had to keep going. The stench from the dead carcasses made me gag. Wearing a freshly dead animal was terrible but it kept me warm until the wind picked up. Snow blew in my face and blinded me. My face grew numb and it felt like thousands of needles were poking me in the face.

I bowed me head against the onslaught of the wind and continued up the rocky mountain. My legs grew numb, then my toes, and finally my fingers. Cold. That was all I thought about. My lungs burned until finally I stopped. The moon glowed behind the clouded sky. Faintly I could hear the howl of a wolf in the distance.

I drew Retribution out of the sheath and then it started to glow. Then I started to walk with two daggers in each of my hands. I could hear the wolves getting closer and closer. Now it didn't matter what happened to me. I needed to protect Arthur with my whole heart. Never in my life had I handled a sword but I felt it guiding me. I twirled the two daggers in a frenzy and I threw one into the blurring snow. I heard the howl of a wolf. Then I threw the dagger up and it hit the other wolf. I didn't see the other one. It came up behind me.

I heard it first and then the pain. The wolf swiped his paw against my back with claws out. I suddenly felt the warm blood pouring down my back. I reached for the dagger and lifted it with deft fingers. I didn't remember much after that. The pain was unbearable. Now I knew that both of us would die before we got to Diathalon. With a sagging breath I climbed into the sled with Arthur and had tears streaming down my face.

I felt so scared. So alone. I realized then that the sled began to go forwards and tilted. I felt the sled going faster and faster down the side of the mountain. I didn't realize it but when I was fighting the wolves I was on the top of the mountain. A few minutes later we were down on the other side of the mountain. Away from the wolves and away from the biting wind. I knew Diathalon was right there. Waiting for us.

With a gasp I tried to get out of the sled. My hands were sticky with blood. Everything began to get hazy. A white mist enveloped me in a warm embrace. I couldn't though. I couldn't die. I couldn't let Arthur die. Not now.

With a grunt I got to my wobbly feet and picked up Arthur. My back was soaked with blood as I carried the unconscious warrior towards home.

There was still snow on the ground. That was all I looked at as I trudged along the wet ground. Every muscle in my body ached and burned. I was surprised I hadn't died just then.

I thought I heard my name being called. It seemed hazy. Dawn was beginning to creep over the mountains in a light pink. It seemed like I never existed. I felt like a walking corpse.

My legs gave way and I fell into the white snow, coating it with my blood. Staining it crimson. I couldn't move. I tried to tell my mind to go but my legs wouldn't react. My eyes closed in a peaceful slumber. Then I heard my name again. I wanted to get some rest. They kept waking me up. I heard his voice and then he shook me.

I could hear every word. He saw the blood. I could tell. He called someone else to come over and then I felt myself floating. No, I was being carried by this stranger. My head drooped. I felt a heaviness as I drifted off to sleep. I heard another man call my name. It was Henry. I could tell by his voice. I knew it was him.