Chapter Five

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Smoke rose in the distance. Domonic ran toward it but seemed to be walking. He knew he would be too late to help. Suddenly the forest around him seemed to be a flame. Pieces of burnt trees fell from above burning Domonic's arms with their heat. Eric moved from out of the flame.

"Father," Domonic tried to say, but the smoke choked him into silence.

"Son," Eric spoke clearly in the smoke, "The fire is hot in your heart, you must control it."

"What does that mean father?" Domonic tried but was again choked out by the smoke. Eric burst into flame right before Domonics eyes, but Domonic couldn't move, couldn't breathe. His heart pounded in his own ears as Sampsons vile laugh echoed through the burning woods:

"I'll take everything from you!" Sampsons voice came, "You will be alone!"

* * *

"Domonic!" Erics frantic voice woke Domonic, who threw himself into the air off of the sofa.

"What?"Domonic looked around frantically, "is something wrong?!"

"You were thrashing around and were in a cold sweat!" Eric replied, "I was making sure you were okay!"

"I'm fine," Domonic sat back down, placing his elbows on his knees and his face in his hands, "Bad dream is all."

"Alright," Eric said, "but I guess I would have had to wake you soon anyway."

"And why would that be?"

"Face it, son, you are terrible at getting things around in time."

Domonic shook his head laughing as he got up. On the table, Domonic saw saddle bags full to the brim with food. A pack sack half packed with Domonics clothing and some pans. As well as a dark green blanket which, Folded neatly on the table, sat under Sallys quilt.

"Take Caramel," Eric said, "she'll ride better then Sue (an old mare Eric used for trips to town) on long trips. Watch her tho, she still has that cold pipe in her."

"Thank you, dad," Domonic said as he reached for Sallys quilt, picking it up he turned to face Eric, "Take this dad. Keep it safe for me till I return!"

"Oh son," Eric looked at the quilt and fell to the sofa, his eyes clouded with tears and memories, "Your mother wouldn't leave Sampsons without this, even when I told her that Sampson intended to kill her."

Domonic wrapped an arm around Eric, "Keep it, dad. Mom would have wanted you to have it."

"Thank you Domonic," Eric hugged his son as a knock sounded at the door. In Domonics ears, it sounded like someone was trying to break the door down so when he opened it he was surprised to find his traveling companions, not hunters. But what did surprise him was that there were two others along with Josh and Ace. Their names were Luke and Marrium, both young werewolves who had been bitten because they ran stupidly into a young pup that had no adult around them.

"Luke and Marrium wish to join the trip," Josh explained.

"Safety isn't guaranteed," Domonic explained, "you living isn't guaranteed."

"Domonic!" Eric howled, "can you not point that out!"

"Sorry dad," Domonic shrugged, "they have to know what they are getting themselves into you know."

"Yes, but still!"

Domonic smirked at his dad. Everyone had brought horses, some from Joshes house where he owned about five, and supplies for the trip. Ace wore a saddlebag over his shoulder filled with, Domonic could smell, some dried meat, dried fruit, crackers, and some bread. Marrium had a bag on one shoulder with some pots and pans well Luke carried a saddle bag that had a couple swords on it. Josh had another saddle bag with crackers and some utensils to start a fire. Amongst the five of them they had enough supplies to last a month. Domonic hoped that wouldn't be the case.

"Well," Domonic smiled, "you already? Then let's move out!"


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