The Fall of Eden

Chapter 4

The next day, deep in the Winterhorn Mountains

            The unending snow brushed across her cheeks as Méria slowly stalked her prey. The cold winds of the Winterhorn Mountains seeped through her white fur coat. It hardly bothered her. Her whole life consisted of a constant winter. The Winterhorn Mountains were part of a massive mountain range that separated the East from the West in Transcend's Northern Colonies. To the West was Lion's Reach, a kingdom of forest and mystery, where the dragons fly. To the far East was Eden, a wonderful kingdom of peace and beauty, where people can live and love in safety. Winterhorn was a treacherous land, plagued by cold winds, harsh cliffs, wild beasts, and Natives who would kill her on the first sight. She quietly stepped through the grey trees, looking for a deer or really any animal that could provide some food.

            She wore a beautiful white fur coat with soft furry edges. It may have looked elegant, but it was still short and tight. Worthy hunting gear. A leather strap held a quiver on her back as she held her wooden bow in her left hand. She slowly stepped through the snow, heel then toe – heel then toe, for fear that loud steps could give away her position. She looked between the skinny grey necks of the bare trees. There it was – a lone doe.

            She pulled an arrow from her quiver and raised her bow. The doe had its face dug in the snow to grab some food. It lifted its head and looked around. Méria watched as the winds played with the hairs on its back. She remained completely silent, trying not to spook it. Food was not always plentiful and she felt that she needed to do her part to help. The doe's ears finally nodded back and the dear seemed to relax.

            Méria slowly drew the arrow back against the string. The bow flexed back and Méria kept her focus on the target. Her heart slowly thumped at her chest and her breath was low and steady. With one last breath, she released the arrow.

            Right on target, the arrow hit just above the heart. The doe dropped before it could even take three steps. Méria ran up to it and placed her hand on it, to feel if the doe was still alive. She felt its muscles calm as the life slowly ebbed away. Méria sighed in relief and put her bow across her back. She then wrapped her catch in a blanket to bring it home.

            The winds were beginning to pick up as Méria drug the doe through the snow. The Sun was still high, lighting the way ahead, but the rain of snow began to limit her vision. All she could hear was the whirring of winds and the steps of her own feet. She listened to each step as her feet shoveled into the snow. She thought about the snow.

            "Snow. Why did that have to be my last name? As if I am bound to this white stuff for the rest of my life..."

            Then, as she listened to her own footsteps, she could hear the faint steps of another. It was as if the sounds of her steps were echoing out of tempo.  She looked behind her, but she already knew what she would find. A Native.

            A tall man was close behind her wearing a fox skin and white paint. His right hand held a long spear. As soon as she spotted him in the distance, he let out a terrifying roar and began his chase. He was after her.

            Méria knew that the wall was near and she was not about to surrender her doe to some savage. She stomped through the snow as fast as she could. The cold air bit at her throat as she took panting breaths. A grey stone shadow began to come into vision. She was nearing the wall. Méria knew she shouldn't look back, but she couldn't help it. When she turned her head, the Native was only a short distance from her. His spear was raised high as he prepared to throw it. His arm then launched the spear into the air towards Méria.