Cloak as Red as Blood

Chapter 15: Forest of Dreams

The cottage was on the move. We had to get away from the dark creatures that followed. I was 

in bed with a fever. Those fiends had done a number on me, and it seems my fast werewolf 

healing wasn't a match for whatever they had afflicted me with. It all began three days ago. My 

brothers and I were arguing because we felt we had gotten lost. "Let's face it Hunter, we'll never 

find our way out of this forest", said Jonathan. "We have to Jon, Mum, Da, and Saoirse are 

counting on us", I protested. "What do you suggest we do then?", demanded Henry. "For one 

thing I suggest we all calm down, bickering like this is getting us nowhere." "What about the 

thing you did to find us when Tava and her pack captured us?" "That was during Moonstime, I 

don't think I can do it without the full moon." "I don't understand it, I should remember the 

way. I was only ten when we left", said Jonathan with frustration. "You were young, and the 

woods have changed in the past twelve years", I offered. Suddenly we all felt the cottage stop 

moving. "Boys!", called Skylar from upstairs. "I believe I've found the answer to our problem." 

"You've found a way out of the woods?", asked Henry. "Not exactly...but I did find a place for us 

to rest." "Rest? How can we rest when our friends and family are suffering gods know what right 

now?", demanded Jonathan. "Look we're all tired because we've been wandering these woods 

for almost three months without a way out. So far we've faced witches, monsters, crazy 

werewolves, and transformation mishaps. I'd say we've earned ourselves a break don't you?" 

"She's got a point there", I said. The constant battles have taken a toll on us. We were all 

undoubtedly exhausted, and that exhaustion was beginning to manifest itself in crankiness and 

tension. "Maybe some relaxation will do us some good", said Henry. "Some? All you do is relax", 

snickered Jonathan. "Hey that's not true, I pull my weight around here." "Oh really, how's your 

training going?", I asked. "You guys don't train either", complained Henry. "Actually we do. Early 

every morning before the cottage moves." Henry  looked over at Skylar. "It's true", she said 

shaking her head. "Well, whether Henry trains or not, he's right. We all could use a little break."

So the matter was settled. Skylar got the food for the picnic while us boys undressed to take a 

dip in the lake. The water was cool, and the day was surprisingly warmer for Harvestime. Soon 

the snow would fall and the warmth would be replaced with cold. Henry splashed me and I 

splashed him back. Soon Jonathan joined in the fight. "Hey Skylar, I could use some help", said 

Jonathan. "Can't, sorry. Looks like you're on your own Jon." "Oh come on Skylar, come get in 

the water with us", said Henry. "You won't regret it", I chimed in. Skylar laughed at our 

invitation. "Later guys, I have to get this food out if you all want to eat." "Suit yourself lass", said