Wings of Shadows ~ Book 1 ~ Beginnings ~

One more day

"Good morning!"

As Rivynn opened her eyes, they met her brother's eager gaze.
He beamed excitedly at her while Star sat on his shoulder and mewed in greeting.

"Are you all better?" She mumbled groggily. The air was fresh from the washing of last night's storms.

"I'll be alright." He gave her a winning smile and climbed up beside her.

She giggled as he purposefully kicked his foot to jangle his chain loudly and began singing one of his stupid songs.
"Rivynn was a little girl that liked to sleep a lot...
But she had a brother who made sure she didn't ever sleep forever!!!"

"I wouldn't sleep forever!" She objected, giggling.

"That is what she thought, but her brother, he knew better!"

"Rain was a little boy who didn't like to eat his meals..." she interrupted, imitating his singing. "But he had a sister who made sure he ate his breakfast - and his lunch - and his supper so he would grow to be biiiiiiig and strooooooong someday!"

They both burst into laughter.

Usually, they spent a good portion of their day watching the villagers, but today, all day long, Rain made sure they played all their favorite games and made her giggle until her sides hurt.

"This is the best apple I've ever had," he said as they sat on their little hill eating supper, the day drawing to a close.

"We have apples every day," she giggled, but stopped when she noticed he was trembling as he bit into the fruit.

"Are you feeling sick again?" she asked, putting a hand on his forehead.  This time, it was strangely cold.

He smiled reassuringly, but unlike this morning, his eyes were dull and strangely distant.

Star mewed and rubbed against her leg, hoping for more scraps.

"You're the best sister in the whole wide world," he said abruptly, his eyes filling with tears.

"Why are you crying?" she asked, confused, but instead of answering, he pounced her with a hug.

Unsure, she gently returned the gesture. As soon she held him, however, she felt his hands fall limp to his side, and he collapsed into her arms.

"Rain?" she said quietly. But he didn't answer.

"Rain!" Quickly she laid him carefully on the ground and tried to wake him. His breathing was haggard and his hands were so cold...

Fear gripped her, and she sprang to her feet and ran to the end of her chain. At the top of her little voice, she shouted at the village. "Help! Rain's sick! I need help!"

She spotted Ella heading to her home. "Ella! Ella!!!"

The woman frowned, noticing her cries and quickly came closer - but only just enough to hear better. "What is the matter, little one?"

"It's Rain!" She half shouted, half sobbed. "He won't wake up! Please help!"

Fear and sympathy flashed across the woman's worn face. "I'll go get Brother Ruben," she called back.

"Hurry!" Rivynn cried. She could only watch helplessly as Ella hustled to the parish.

A moan from Rain, brought her hurrying back to his side.
"Ella is going to get Ruben," she soothed, somewhat relieved that he had opened his eyes a little. "You're going to be alright."

She then went to the bed and pulled both their blankets off.
As she started to cover him where he still lay on the ground, the sound of approaching riders came from the village.

"Rest here. I'm gonna see what's going on," she said even though his eyes had closed again.

Nearly half a dozen strange men on white horses had gathered outside the parish. Unlike the men in the village, their silvery hair was long and ornately braided, and they looked very strong.

They were speaking with one of the other monks. Ruben had mentioned before that his name was Marren.

Ella stood beside him, and Rivynn noticed she seemed confused and distressed.

Suddenly, Marren motioned towards their little dwelling.

Rivynn slowly took a step back as the strangers all turned to look where he was pointing, their gaze meeting her's.