CARLIE: The Adventure Of A Lifetime

06 | the journey continues

06 | THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

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      TOB HAS PROVED TO BE AN AMAZING HELP through the journey. He's kind, loyal and very cute with his brown color and hair that looks way better than mine. It's weird talking about a horse like this but he managed to lift my mood immediate after he saw my tears. He had abruptly stopped, looked at me and gave me a horse hug— which I believe is when a horse brings it's face to you and licks your face. It resembled the actions of a dog and that made me giggle and forget all about the reason I was even crying in the first place.

Keller actually left and didn't even look back to rethink it. I'm sure because I shamelessly glanced back to see if he had hesitated to go. Back I only got a glimpse of his hastily retreating figure. It makes me so upset when I think of how he walked off like that. The fact that he was so willing to accompany me before he knew I was the servant's daughter, the product of queen Minerva's mistake and the sad girl whose siblings didn't love.

I even managed to forget that it was my birthday until I opened my bag to take out some bread but came across a little gift instead. I don't know how, but my father had put it in. There was a nice, clean blue dress that had fancy beading and it was really long. I don't feel right for the dress so I doubt will ever wear it. But it's a present so I might as well give it a try one day. He also put in a small note that said happy birthday and so many other things that replaced the frown on my face with a smile.

I've been travelling for five days and I honestly don't see myself getting anywhere. The road is rocky, trees hit my face from all directions and I've had four different insect bites. Tob has been there to help me when we have a path that diverts and I've learnt to trust him because he always picks the bad looking road. Something I trust considering my father warned me about that.

As I eat the last of my bread, I let Tob have some apples from a nearby tree. There are only about three left and I know Tob needs them all so I don't bother helping myself to some.

Suddenly, I start to hear a soft movement from behind me know the bushy areas it the forest. My body stiffens and I expect Tob to be alert but he simply finished off his last apple and calmly walks over to a stream. He always freaks out at external sound that aren't natural. Is he really that hungry?

"Who's there?" I ask with a shaky voice that's most likely giving off a nervous tone. "I have weapons."

I hear a chuckle that sounds too familiar causing me to roll my eyes. "You don't have any weapons." Keller says as he emerges from the bush.

I look away and walk over to Tob. "Did you come to rob me of my last travel companion?" I ask, careful not to look at him.

"No, not at all." He says. "I came to join you. I shouldn't have left you in the first place."

"How did you even get here so fast?" I choose to ask instead of all the questions that fill my head.

"After I reached home and spoke to my parents, I came back immediately. I couldn't leave you alone for so long so I wanted to get back as soon as possible." He admits. "I took a path that oddly looked like a shortcut but it led me astray and I was lost for a whole day. Luckily, I met an old man and he gave me a ride on his horse."

I stare at him for a while, trying to figure out why he's back, why he left, I don't even know how to ask all these questions so I just sigh and run a hand through my messy hair.

"I should have let you take Tob with you." I simply say. "Is he why you're back?"

I'm scared of his response because i didbt even want to ask him that. It scares me that he might be here to take Tob and leave. A large part of me wants him to accompany me because I don't know what is ahead of me. I don't know what I'll find and I want someone to be with me when I do. Even if it's just Tob.

"I came back completely for you and I want to help you." He tells me, looking straight into my eyes and I don't see anything proving that he's lying.

Choosing to forgive and forget it, I give him a small smile and nod. "We best get going now, we'll be there sooner." I tell him then turn to get Tob but he's not there.

Panic floods over me as I turn around in all directions trying my best to locate him but he's nowhere to be seen. I try to call you his name but I nothing. Keller looks really upset and I can't help but feel so guilty.

I quickly try to think of something but I honestly didn't see this coming. But it hits me. There's a small bat close to here; Tob and I passed by it on our way.

If this person who took Tob is as dumb as I hope, they will take him to the bar to have a drink before he takes him home. Everyone's home is quite far from here.

"The bar!" I exclaim. "Let's check the bar."

Keller, obviously desperate to find his horse, nods and follows me after I pick up my sac. It doesn't take us long to arrive at the old little bar. Faint noise cab be heard from outside and that's when all my confidence flees. I don't even know how to enter a bar.

Before I can mentally prepare myself, Keller's hand grand mine and pulls me in. As expected, a man had Tob tied to his chair as he drinks beer from a large, glads cup.

Quickly, Keller walks over to the man and punches him right on the face. I don't even know what to think as the guy gets up and hits Keller back. I can only gasp ad punches are thrown, stomachs ate kicked and grunts replaces the chatter from before.

I have to think quick. After some thought, Tob comes into view and that's when I run over to him and get him.

"Keller!" I yell and almost everyone stops to look at me as I stand by the open door.

"That little girl has my horse," the man yells but I pay him no attention as Keller runs to Tob and I so we can leave.

Suddenly, it's a full chase as the man tries to get to us while Keller is struggling to keep up with his swollen eye, bruised lip and limping self. Luckily, we get away since Tob is such a fast horse. We get on the horse and let Tob carry us as far as he can.

"That was the most fun I've had in years." Keller says as we get off the horse.

"Same here." I tell him. "I didn't think my body could ever have adrenaline. It's scary to have such energy."

We laugh together for a while and I can admit I'm actually happy. I've forgotten about all the problems I have, the aim of this journey and I'm just smiling with pure joy.

All that fades away the moment I realise where Tob had just brought us; Carveler mountain.

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word count : 1301