One of the Stars

Chapter Seven

Like a shooting star, Soli set off into the night. She provided a way for us to see in the dark. Although the closer we got to the fires, the less her glow was needed. I knew that by morning there would be nothing left of my town but ashes.

As we neared a thicket on the edge of the village, Soli motioned for me to stop. I halted behind her, waiting for direction. She zipped back to me, whispering in my ear,

"Follow me closely and quietly. They must not be found by our clumsiness."

My clumsiness she means. Soli zips past the thicket and into the hollow within. I don't know how I'll follow her. She's the size of my hand, she can fly, and I...am going to be in pain as I crawl through this passage. I wince my way through the thorns, stifling a yelp every time one of the wooden blades scratch against my skin. I finally make it through the thicket and into the hollow. In reality it took me thirty seconds, but in my head it took a million years. When I stood up in the hollow, my breath was taken away.

Eight children, faces aglow from the fire and Soli's light, stood before me. I knew all of them. Ann. Sharien. Lukin. Martha. Cyran. Lilsa. Jo'han...and Thaurvon. I knew Thaurvon well. He was the eldest of those gathered here. He must have been in charge of the firewood group. At seventeen, Tharvon, or Thar, was a natural leader. His deep-set black eyes were like coals that burned into your flesh, demanding respect. He had a tan complexion and dark looks that made him look as though he was constantly brooding. Despite that, he made friends with everyone. The children, with the adults, even with the lord's guards. He was admired by all, held in the greatest respect. He had only one fault...he utterly despised me. Why he does, I'll never know, but since we were children, he's kept his distance, only looking at me to give me withering glares of hate. As soon as he sees me, his deep glare of hate multiplies tenfold.

"Xandra. Why are you here?"

I return his glare.

"Oh, I just wanted to survive. Sorry if that's too much to ask."

"It is."

Soli looked at the two of us. She looked over at Thar and me.

"You two know each other."

Thar nods.

"Sadly."