A Long Way Back
Prologue
The legend says that Jorvik once was a lifeless rock in the middle of a dark and cold ocean until the day a star fell from the sky.
From the impact of the star emerged a girl on a horse, shining from within with a glowing light. Majestically she rode across the surface of the ocean and her presence calmed the rough waters.. In her right hand she held a shining candle.
The girl and her horse reached the middle of the dead island and placed the candle. Light and life spread from that single flame and what once was cold and dark bloomed with light and warmth.
Jorvik has always had a unique bond with the horses that live on the island. Some people say that horses are the soul of the island.
The legend tells us that in a time of despair and darkness a girl on a horse will return to bring light and hope to those who think everything is lost…
Chapter 1: Rise and Shine
“BEEP, BEEP, BEEP.” 6:00 AM. I got up extra early today. The thought of leaving my whole life behind sent shivers down my spine. I’m Olivia. Olivia Smith. I waited my whole entire life to get right to this moment. I was to be heading to a town called Jorvik. I was told at a young age I would be sent to this place but I never understood why. Finally, age 14, I was told. “Honey...I’m so sorry. The chemicals mixing in this air are unhealthy for children and teens. I wouldn’t send you away if it wasn’t like this.” Said mother. I grumbled and pulled my white silk sheets above my head. “I don’t want to!” I shouted. I then pulled down my blankets and stomped past mother. “Hello sweetie.” Dad said pouring his coffee. “Hi.” I mumbled quietly. “Got your bags packed up?” He said sipping his coffee. “No.” I grunted. “I know. I know you’re sad about leaving home. But it’s just what has to be done to keep you safe!” Dad explained. “Your father is right.” Mother says walking in the kitchen with my new silky dress worth at least 2,000 dollars. “Would you like to take your dress with you darling?” Mom seemed to suggest. “Why? I’m going to a crazy hillbilly country. They might use the thing as crocodile bait.” I said out of anger. “HEY. Don’t talk like that young lady!” Shouted father. Mother just placed her head in her palm and shook her head. I took an apple from our shiny marble fruit bowl on the kitchen counter and walked into my bedroom. “BOOM!” I’d slammed my door shut. “Oh, the day is quiet, as the night, is shining. The way the moon shines so pretty, will one day, you come home to me…?” I sang quietly to Shadow my Black-Coated Retriever. I started packing my bags and got my coat on while walking back to the kitchen. Mom and dad just stared at me once I had come in. They seemed to be giving me the “I’m so sorry” look. I couldn’t help but dip into a hug. Mind you, my family is primely rich. We’re the highest of highs of rich. The Grandfather Clock struck 7:00 AM. A knock on the door made Shadow yipe. “DING-DONG-DING-DONG” The bell shouted. “I’ll get it.” Mother said rushing to the door. All I could hear was the sound of two men speaking and mom crying. The two men walked to me. They were to white men in jean-like overalls. “Ma'am? We’re here to take ya’ll to Jorvik.” One man said. “Ya’ll? There’s more than one coming along?” I said surprised. “Well, whoop de doo. Of course! We wouldn’t send you alone darlin’ now would we?” The other man said enthusiastically. “Yeah.” I said shyly. I kissed mom and dad goodbye, and the two men took my bags and took me to the truck.
