Autumn Wind (BOOK ONE)

2

(Evelyn Summers)

The house her father had bought was located in a place called Silverglade village.

The village was quaint, with tiny brown and white houses and little shops. It was surrounded by walls, and there was a lovely view of the Silverglade Castle.

The house her father bought had been the only house available on the whole island. It was tiny, with only five rooms and one floor.

Evelyn's room just so happened to be the smallest.

She stood with a large cardboard box under her arm, peering into her new room. Her father stood behind her, frowning.

"Dad, I don't like it." Evelyn said, grimacing.

Her father glared at her. "Hun, I know this place is falling apart, but I'm sure we'll fix it up in no time."

Evelyn sighed. She went into her bedroom, and dumped the box on her bed. Next to the bed there was a window, and under that there was a dresser. Those were the only things in the room.

Evelyn sighed again, staring up at the ceiling. She was trying to convince herself that her father was right, and that they could fix this place.

"Besides," Her father said, "The doctors said this place would be good for you mother."

Evelyn forced a smile, turning towards her dad. "I know. I'm sorry I complained. It's just..this place.. feels..wrong."

Her dad smiled back, his grin a little less fake and more real. "I know what you mean. It'll take time to get used to this place." He then turned, vanishing into the kitchen.

Evelyn started decorating her room. She tapped the pictures of her friends to the wall, put her purple sheets on her bed, and placed the picture of her mother on the dresser. She then left her room, and headed into the room next door, which belonged to her parents.

Her mother lay in bed, the sheets pulled over her head. She didn't move.

"Hi, Mommy." Evelyn whispered.

There was silence. Evelyn's heart ached, but she still approached her mother's side of the bed. She gently pulled the sheets back a little, and kissed her mother's cheek.

"I love you." Evelyn said softly, before pulling the sheets back up over her mother's head.

She left the room, heading towards the front door. Her father, who was standing in the kitchen, glanced at her.

"Where are you going?" He asked.

"I want to see the stables." Evelyn said.

Her father smiled. "I'm glad you still have your passion for horses." He said gently.

Evelyn grinned. "I'll be back soon, okay?" She pushed the door open, and stepped outside.

Silverglade Village was stunning. The small houses were all very pretty, and there was a large town square in the middle of the town.

There was a fountain in the square. It was surrounded by small shops and benches.

Evelyn approached the fountain, and leaned against it. From here she could see the front gate. People came in and out, all of them looking very busy. A few of them shot her odd looks.

Evelyn sighed. She had never been very good at talking to people. She usually felt awkward and out of place.

When she was with horses, that feeling vanished. She felt brave and special when she was around them. Like she was unique and different.

She stopped leaning, and went out through the front gate.

The village was surrounded by fields. The grass looked like waves in the wind, gently swaying back and forth.

A dirt road led to the north. Evelyn followed it, absentmindedly twirling a lock of her hair around her finger.

The stables was nearby. She could hear the horses. Their loud cries and soft nickers. Evelyn smiled, suddenly excited.

The stable was located off the road. The barn was small and square, and their was only one outdoor riding arena. Horses grazed beside and behind the barn.

Evelyn quickened her pace, and reached the nearest paddock, which was to the right of the road, opposite the stables. A palomino was grazing there, but the horse lifted its head when it spotted her.

"Hiya!" Evelyn whispered.

The horse watched her for a moment, and then lowered its head with a snort.

Evelyn slumped against the paddock fence. When her mother had gotten sick, she had feared she would never ride a horse again. Riding was her life, but the only horse she really wanted to ride was Lavender.

Now her mother's mare was gone. And so was her mother, in a way.

In the corner of her eye, Evelyn spotted a girl with dark hair and dark eyes approaching slowly from the barn. She held a halter and a lead rope in her hands.

"Don't move!" The girl hissed. She was staring out at the fields, her eyes narrowed.

Evelyn froze, but couldn't stop herself from peeking over her shoulder.

Behind her, a bay horse was standing. The bay was the color of milk chocolate, and had a thick black mane and tail.

The horse let out a soft whinny, and tossed its head back. It's eyes were dark and intelligent, and look almost human.

Evelyn watched it for a few more seconds before the girl who had come from the barn began to creep slowly forward. The horse noticed this, and bolted, tearing across the field until it stopped nearby.

The girl shot Evelyn a look. "Want to follow him with me?"

Evelyn glanced at the girl. "Um.. Sure," She said, a bit stunned, "What's your name?"

"Sierra." The girl said, flashing Evelyn a wide grin. "This gelding likes to play games with people, likes to lead them into the Hollow woods. That's why his name is Loki."

"How does he lead people into the woods?" Evelyn asked.

"You'll soon find out." Sierra's grin grew larger. "Come on. Loki might get himself hurt."

Evelyn, still a little shocked, began to follow Sierra across the field, towards the gelding.