The Snake Warriors

Chapter One

"For the last time Lyndis, I've made up my mind. I'm going out to find him," I say as I finish packing the last bag.

"Sorcha, you shouldn't rush into this," Lyndis says from the doorway.

"Lyndis, how many years has it been since Cace left searching for Grandmother Raina's cure?" I shoot at her as I sling my bag around my shoulder. Lyndis rolls her eyes.

"What are you going to do out there if a band of thieves attacks you, huh? Or if you anger an evil witch and get cursed? You know that's probably what happened to Cace, otherwise he wouldn't still be gone after four years."

"Mother's taught me well. I can handle myself," I stand in front of Lyndis. She's blocking the doorway. I sigh. "Lyndis, I have to do this.'

"Why, because you have a crush on some guy who barely noticed every attempt you made to impress him who's probably dead? And even then he's three years older than you. Sorcha, get reasonable."

"I'm twenty. As you get older, it matters less. Besides, someone has to tell him Grandmother Raina is dead. That he needs to come home so his remaining family has one less person to mourn. Even if he never loves me back, someone has to do this."

"Sorcha, he's probably dead! Get that through that thick skull of yours!" Lyndis pounds her fist against the doorway. I jump, taken aback. She takes a few deep breaths.

"Lyndis. You're worried. I get that. But it's time. I've been meaning to travel anyways. I want to see more of the world than what Hazelhill has to offer."

"Sorcha, you're my best friend. My only friend. Please don't leave me."

"I have to. I'll be back, I promise," I look her dead in the eyes. We stare at each other. Lyndis sighs.

"I see I can't change your mind. Fine. Just get your butt back here in one piece," Lyndis finally gets out of the doorway.

"Thanks Lyndis. You know how much this means to me," I walk past her into the hall.

"Yeah, whatever," she mutters back. I chuckle and head to the living room. Lyndis follows me. Mother is waiting for me. She's wearing all black, as usual. Her back is turned. I clear my throat to get her attention. She turns around. Her eyes reflect the sunlight. Same eyes that shine with wisdom beyond anyone's' imaginings I've always seen, just more and more tired as time has passed. Last time I'll see them for a while. Her hair has a strand or two of silver, but it's still as wild and unruly as ever. I sigh. Mother smiles.

"Are you ready Sorcha?" Mother says. She... looks like she's faking that smile.

"Of course," I smile back. Best to let her think it worked. Mother smiles and nods.

"I've packed you some rations and some herbs, and it's organized just the way you like it," Mother hands me a medium sized drawstring bag with runes etched around the opening. From the looks of it, protection runes, so that only the owner can open it. Smart.

"Thank you, Mother," I say as I hang the bag with one of the drawstrings on a small hook on my belt.

"You're welcome dear. So, which direction do you plan on heading?" Mother asks.

"Cace went south, so I figure I'll head that way as well."

"Be careful. I hear there's a group of ruffians living down in Rächer Cavern, and the mouth of that cave is just off the main southern road." When she says ruffians, she means outlaws.

"Of course I'll be careful. I always am," I add a little extra honey to my voice. That'll help smooth over any worries she has. Lyndis's too.

"Well, I need to get going if I'm to get past Rächer before dark," I cut the conversation short. Mother nods. She moves in for a hug. I follow suit. We hold each other for a few seconds, then let go. Mother moves her hands to my shoulders.

"You look so much like your father you know," She says with a smile.

"I know, you tell me every day," I say. Mother, I need to hurry. She cocks her head at me, and sighs.

"Well, we best not be delaying you any longer," Mother lets go of me. I smile warmly at her once again, turn around to Lyndis, who has been apparently standing awkwardly by the front door this entire time. Whoops. I smile warmly at her too. With all this smiling I have to do, I'm gonna have sore jaws before I even get out of town. Lyndis smiles back at me. She walks closer, and we hug. Maybe my arms will be sore too. We let go. Lyndis is on the verge of tears. Crap.

"I'll be back, I swear," I say.

"I know. Happy hunting Sorcha," and with that Lyndis opens the door. I smile, look back at my mom, smile some more, and head out the door. I manage to make it halfway down the hill before I look back. They're standing in the doorway. They started waving, now that they've seen me looking. I wave back once and turn away again. No turning back. Oh Cace, where are you?