The Storyteller

Chapter 8

Melanie found herself in a small, peaceful clearing. It was a picturesque scene with the birds singing softly and the sunlight flowing through the trees. However, some 6th sense told her that something was wrong. There was a sinister undertone to the clearing. It as like someone was watching her. Judging every movement. 

Suddenly she spotted it. Something dark was smeared all over the grass. Bending down to inspect it, she realised what it was. She inhaled sharply. Blood. Fear raced through her body.  Fear for Meredith, fear for herself and  for anyone else that trespassed through this evil place. Something went on here, in this clearing and she was going to find out exactly what. Chances were that it was two animals fighting but Melanie, who had been trained with superior instincts, thought otherwise. On further inspection, she saw scuff marks, made most likely with leather boots, and massive paw marks surrounding the clearing. Her heart sunk to the ground.

If Meredith was here, what would she do? Melanie and Meredith had never been separated before. They played together, they trained together and they hunted together. Twins were never regarded 'special' in their village before. Mostly they were just abandoned or separated at birth however Melanie and Meredith were different. They made it through the Time of Testing but most remarkably, did it as a team. The time of testing was a time where each and everyone who lived in the village must prove their worth. 

For many, it is a time of pain and triumph, but for some, they only endured loss. If you were born as a twin, you would fight to the death to choose who was stronger, who would survive. Melanie's mind flicked back to the Day of Trials. Every year in the middle of winter, the Trials would begin. Newly borns would be placed outside for a period of time and whichever cried first would be outcast. It was cruel, but it deemed a necessary rule by the elders of the village. Only the fittest survived. 

Melanie was strong, but Meredith was stronger, and together, they comforted each other until the period was over. Their mental link to each other gave them help. They worked together but now, they were separated and Melanie didn't know what to do.

At first, the elders wanted to kill them both because they sensed witchcraft to be involved but then the Storyteller Enkil took an interest in them. She brought them up as family and chose Melanie to be the next Storyteller. Enkil recognised the ability and mental strength Melanie had, and chose her as her apprentice, honing her skills and giving her new ones. Meredith was also given a very prestigious and important role as an apprentice Hunter, fighting animals,  and scouting terrain for enemies. 

Now, they both had to prove themselves yet again and get out of each and every situation they were faced in because now they were alone.

Authors Note: 

I am so sorry that I took so long to update. Call it what you will but I really struggled to write this chapter and make everything fit together. I constantly have newfound admiration for any novel writer ever.

Thanks so much for all my readers. I love you all so much. Thanks for your support!

Also, I am going to stop making chapter titles. It is too complicated to make up names for them. I'm so lazy...

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~ BekyWalez