The Sword Bearer

Chapter 6

Gravel was being churned under someone’s boots. I held fast to Daren’s arm. Had they found us already? My heart skipped a beat when I thought of that. The darkness shrouded us leaving us wondering what was out there. I shivered as a soft breeze blow. My senses were enhanced to I was startled at the slightest movement. The footsteps came closer and closer. I gulped as I felt someone’s eyes on me. Daren was sitting up straight. He was ready if danger was about to come. A silhouette appeared in front of me.  The figure was slender but looked quite healthy. One hand was resting on its hips. But the one thing that shocked me immensely was that the figure was not a man. Its hairs extended to her shoulders. It swerved across her face in the wind. Daren had succeeded in creating a fire on a branch of a tree. He moved the light towards the girl and all the small details on her started to show. Her hair was straight and the same color as Daren’s her hazel black eyes studied us intently. On seeing Daren I saw recognition in her eyes. Her lips were pursed in a frown as she was looking at us. She was beautiful. I had to admit it because it was the truth. I also saw sympathy in her eyes. I hoped what I saw meant that she wouldn’t hurt us. She walked closer and I held my breath as she stood in front of us. I let go of Daren’s arm and stood up.

Her eyes betrayed something but I couldn’t tell what. She extended her hand to touch my face. “It’s you” she said in a soft melodic voice.  It hit my memory somewhere. I had heard her voice before somewhere. She rushed forward and engulfed me in a hug. I hesitantly put my arms around her awkwardly. “She doesn’t remember yet, Twilya” Daren muttered from behind. “You’re Twilya…” I said in confusion. She nodded. I saw the expectation on her face though her brow was furrowed intensely. “I remember your name from somewhere” I thought out loud. Her face lightened up. Her eyes glistened with a coat of tears. She meant something to me I just didn’t know what. “I’m Daren’s sister, well,” she hesitated, “His half sister” she said through clenched teeth. I looked at her confused. Why did she say it like it was a bad thing? “Is that a bad thing” I asked. “Well not really but it’s just a personal thing” she said quietly. I stayed quiet because I knew she didn’t want to explain. I fidgeted with my hand staring down at my lap. Twilya went over to Daren and hugged him and said “I missed you”. It was obvious that Twilya was older than Daren. I looked at them and noted their similarities like their hair and the intensity of their gaze.

We all went to sleep a few hours before dawn. I had another vision that night. I was sitting in a house, but no I realized this was my house. I looked around as someone tapped loudly on the door. I went over to open it expecting my mother but I saw a very young Twilya. She was about twelve. She looked down at me with sad eyes. I stepped back from the doorway to let her in. “It’s too early” she muttered to herself. “What?” I said offering her a seat on the couch. She sunk it to it gratefully. I sat opposite to her on a chair. “So what wrong?” I inquired. Her mood had perked up my curiosity. “I know it’s too early. Our parents are making a mistake. I don’t know what they are thinking” she said in a rush. “Get to the point” I said throwing her an impatient glance. “Well…they are planning on getting you and Daren marked” she huffed. I stared at her blankly. “Umm well when you get marked with someone you basically are bonded to them till death and you will always be able to find each other but it hurts a lot when they mark you” she explained.  “It’s fine. Daren is my best friend” I shrugged.  “Oh you’re so brave dear” she said and gave me a big kiss on the cheek. I smiled up at the older girl and she left the house while I sat there pondering what she said.

I zoned out and felt myself wake up. The vision zoned out and I felt myself wake up. Twilya had slept next to me. I looked at her face finally realizing how familiar her face was. When she slept she looked so much like Daren. Her mouth was slightly open like his was when he slept. I smiled amused. Daren was not anywhere to be seen so I stood up and started wandering around the camp. Twilya slept so soundly. Maybe she hadn't sleep for a long time so I didn't disturb her but I was worried about where Daren was. He usually didn't go off like that. I let my hand pass through my hair then I started to bite my nails. I knew I always did this when I was nervous. I hoped he was okay. I remembered last time he disappeared with dread. I sat with my head in my hands with it resting on my knees. I felt someone tap me. I knew it was Twilya. I looked up and smiled at her. She sat next to me and said "How much you have grown since I last saw you". I also realized how much she had grown from the twelve year old to this beautiful woman. I couldn't believe the turn of events. Who know that we wouldn't see each other for so long then meet up in middle of a deserted place? I heard footsteps that marked that Daren was back.