Secrets of the Starrs

Chapter 9

Two weeks after the announcement that Kare was gaining power, Sam and I were sent out to fight. Master Konrad informed us we'd be sent into the dangerous area of the kingdom, near to where our mother was. All we knew is it was filled with forest and it was rarely daytime there. Perfect.
Saying goodbye to Elody was the worst, especially as her mental state was less than ideal. I'd remained strong most of the day, determined not to get upset and show I was weak. However, when it was time to leave, Elody started to cry and grabbed both of us in a tight hug.
"Don't go, don't go!"she sobbed, her fierce claws hanging onto us.
"We have to,"I said, trying to disguise the fact my voice was cracking. Sam cried as he said goodbye.
A few tears escaped when I hugged Elody for the final time. Feeling the General's eyes boring into my back, I wiped them away as surreptitiously as I could.
We left and chose not to look back. It would make the whole experience even more painful than it already was.
Master Konrad was to be coming with us, leaving the General behind to manage things. They embraced briefly on departing.
"Good luck, General,"Master Konrad said, grasping his hand. "I hope you will correspond regularly with me while I am away."
"Of course Your Grace,"said the General, giving him a quick bow. We'd never heard anyone call Master Konrad that before.
"Good. I shall see you on my return."

We left for the enchanted kingdom in a horse and carriage. The sun beat down heavily, making us all sweat. Sam and I peeled off our furs after forty five minutes and even Master Konrad followed suit.
As we got nearer and nearer the sun began to go in and the entire forest was plunged into darkness. Despite this, it was so still stifling hot and no one needed their furs on.
Several more horse and carriages followed us but now we split, going along different narrow dirt roads in the dark wood. Master Konrad, Sam and I were in one carriage that proceeded down the darkest, most ominous path. It might as well have been nighttime.
"Our barracks are around ten more minutes,"said Master Konrad. "We're all situated around a ten mile radius, with the daemon headquarters in the middle. There's four tents. You two will share one, I will have one and we will be joined by two more Warriors from another tribe when we get there."
We nodded, trying to drink all this in. It was a lot in one day. Master Konrad seemed to notice this, and fell silent.
The horse stopped at a large clearing, bathed gently in moonlight. Four large tents were in the ground already. Another master, slightly smaller than Master Konrad was assisting two warriors in cooking a meal. We approached them apprehensively.
"Good evening, Master Kawan,"said Master Konrad, shaking the man's hand. "Safe trip?"
"Long,"replied Master Kawan. He was a strange looking man, very round faced with rich brown eyes and cropped brown hair. "Yours?"
"Likewise,"said Master Konrad. "I've brought two of my finest warriors. This is Max and Sam Starr."
"It's a pleasure, gentlemen,"said Master Kawan. "I've brought warriors of my own actually. This is Lunah Rose."
Lunah was gorgeous. Prettier than Elody even. She had long curly red hair and soft brown eyes. She was wearing battle armour and had a bow slung over her shoulder.  She inclined her head to us.
"Good,"said Master Kawan. "We've set up a meal for you."
Another boy was stirring a pot sitting on top of the campfire. He wasn't overly attractive; more stocky with brown hair and blue eyes.
"This is Callum Shadow,"said Master Kawan, pulling him over towards us. "Now, eat up!"

After dinner we retired to our tents. Everything was silent, except for the faint chirping of crickets and rustle of bushes. I didn't think I'd be able to sleep, but I dozed off, wondering what was to come.