The Storyteller

Chapter 7: Into the Forest

Melanie paced in her hut. She had learned to trust her feelings and her instincts were almost always right. Being a storyteller helped with that. Now, Melanie felt uneasy. Meredith was in danger. They had never been separated before. She had never wanted her to go in the first place but Meredith was as stubborn as a donkey sometimes. Now Meredith was somewhere, hurt possibly or even d.... No. I won't think about that. Happy thoughts. Think Positive.  No that was too hard right now. I can't let the village know what has or might happen. Everything, my home, OUR VILLAGE would be thrown into turmoil. I need to come up with a plan. Decided upon a daring course of action, Melanie lay onto her grassy bed and slept. 

The sun rose above the horizon. Melanie woke up. She ran quietly through the maze of wooden huts and to the paddocks that lay, lopsided on a hill. Slipping through a gate, she ran towards a brown and white speckled horse. 

Saddling her up, she led her back over to her hut. She packed only the necessities. A basic first aid kit, several small knives and a large dagger, one spear and enough dried food and water to last four days. She hoped it was enough. Melanie packed everything tightly into a saddlebag and with one swift movement hopped onto Monty, her horse. She gave a signal to the horse to tread quietly and they made their way, as best that they could, out of the village. 

Melanie hesitated. She was at the edge of the forest. A large, tangle of trees and shrubs stood before her. She could see no visible pathway and she doubted herself for a moment. What if I can't find my way? She stood still and listened to the silence. 'Listen to what the storyteller before you taught.' the trees seemed to whisper. Yes. That's it. I know what to do.  Silence engulfed her thoughts once more. Suddenly she knew which way to go. Using a large knife, she slashed the branches away from her and followed the invisible pathway, known only to her.

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