The Last Alive

Chapter 7: Kindel

I woke up to the sound of Bear and Star giggling. I sat up and saw that they had put leaves on Brimundur like a dress. I sighed. They had been getting on Gendamyr's nerves for the past two days of our journey and were now onto a new victim.

"Guys, why?" I said.

Without looking at me Bear said,"Why not?"

Star giggled and continued adding leaves to the dress they were making on Brimundur.

I sighed and ran a hand over my face. It had been a hard few days without Nickie. She was the one who kept the younger in line and they didn't listen to me.

Nickie had left us a few days ago and we had left about half an hour after her. I didn't like not having Nickie here. It just didn't feel right. She was always here and now all of a sudden she's not. I didn't have any feelings for Nickie. She was like a sister to me and that's where my distress came from.

Star and Bear ran over to me as Brimundur woke up and saw what they had done. They both hid behind me and giggled While Brimundur looked toward me. He made a confused face then made himself look angry. He had a little twinkle in his eyes that I hadn't noticed before. He put his finger to his lips and made his way slowly over to me. Then, he growled playfully and reached behind me, scooping up Bear and Star in his arms. They both laughed as he ran around the clearing. It was a scene I had not expected to see.

Brimundur hadn't said much the whole trip and the wolf-men left him alone most of the time. He seemed to have an air of seriousness and sadness about him that no one wanted to disturb. And now he was chasing Star and Bear around the clearing, laughing and smiling. It was like he was a different person.

Saprindale saw what was going on and came and sat down next to me.

I turned to him,"This is something I never expected to see."

"Yes, I am also surprised. Though, there is an explination in his past," Saprindale said.

 "What's the explination?" I asked.

"He was married to an elf that worked with the plants in the queens palace. They were happy and had children. The children brought Brimundur great joy. He loved his family so much. But a few years ago there was an invasion. Their house was one of the many that was set on fire. His family was in the buning home and they died. He hasn't remarried. His love for them will never end."

I looked back at Brimundur playing with the kids. They were now playing in the trees, hiding and running from one to the other.

"He's really good with the kids. I'm glad they chose him to bother," I said.

Saprindale nodded,"It was a wize choice." He stood up,"We need to get going soon."

I nodded,"I'll get them ready."

He nodded then walked off toward the others.

I got up to get Star and Bear and suddenly realized Lego was nowhere to be seen. I spun in circles looking for him in the woods that surrounded our camp. I started to panick when I couldn't find him. Then, I heard Lego's laugh coming from the group. I turned toward the group and saw Lego standing and talking to Lilitine along with Moon. I relaxed and continued walking over to Brimundur and the younger ones.

"It's time to go guys," I told them.

"Awwwww come on Kindel, just a few more minutes!" Star whined.

"I'm not the one who decided we have to leave now. That's up to the adults. And the adults said it's time to go," I said firmly.

Bear looked up at Brimundur,"You're and adult! Can we stay and play for just a few more minutes?"