Path of Fire Book one

Chapter six

Willow woke up by the feeling of raindrops on her head. She sat up and glanced around, Skylar was awake. But Artemis, exhausted from last night's watch, was sleeping soundly under a tree.

"Ugh, it's raining," Skylar growled under her breath. Willow sighed and nodded, there was no way they were traveling at this stage of weather. Seven days, Hestia had warned. And today was the second day, five more days to go.

"Um, shall we wake her up?" Willow asked.

Skylar shrugged, "I guess."

Willow walked over and gently shook the goddess awake. Artemis's eyes flew open.

"W-what, it's raining?" She asked, rubbing her eyes.

Skylar nodded and pulled out her cell phone. "Harmph, looks like it's showering today. Just great." She said sarcastically.

"No," Artemis suddenly seeming more energetic. "We have to go; we only have five more days left. We need to head north, like the prophecy says."

"In this weather, Lady Artemis?" Willow asked, a bit uncertain.

"We have got no choice."

Artemis's eyes were filled with unreadable emotion. Maybe determination, worry, or sadness? Maybe all three.

Skylar nodded her head in acknowledgment, "Let's go."

Skylar and Artemis started forward, but Willow interrupted "Do any of you have an umbrella? I have one."

Skylar rummaged through the black leather bag she brought and shook her head. Artemis shook her head as well.

"Great, what now?" Skylar muttered sarcastically.

"How about you and Artemis share mine?" Willow asked.

"But how about you Willow? You will catch a cold," Artemis answered.

Willow shook her head. "Who cares about a little cold? A goddess is most important, also you Skylar."

The goddess smiled at her as she took her umbrella. "You are very kind Willow."

Willow took a deep breath and ran into the heavy shower of rain while Artemis and Skylar were sharing an umbrella.

"Come on guys!" Willow tried her best to make her voice audible in the heavy shower. Skylar and Artemis hurried after her.

They walked and walked, through the unstoppable shower. Then, in late afternoon, the rain finally stopped. Iris the rainbow goddess had created a beautiful dazzling rainbow between the puffy white clouds.

Unfortunately for her, Willow was coughing and sneezing already. She growled under her breath, stupid cold. There was NO WAY she was going to get sick when Hestia and so many others are in trouble.

"Willow, are you feeling alright?" Artemis asked as she caught up with her. Willow lied and nodded.

"Willow do not lie to me. I can feel you warming up." The goddess's gaze was stern but concerning.

Skylar looked up at the sky. "We have traveled far already. Let's take a break."

Artemis nodded but Willow shook her head. "We must get going, for Hestia's sake. The weather has improved but——" She broke off into a fit of coughing without warning. Stupid cold, she thought with frustration. Its hogging up our time.

Artemis flashed her a look of worry and sat down on the ground beside a tree and beckoned Willow to sit next to her. She held a weird drink to Willow's lips.

"Drink," she ordered.

"What is that?" Willow asked.

"Nectar, now drink." The goddess said impatiently.

Willow drank. It tasted weird and sweet at the same time.

"Now rest, Skylar and I will keep watch." Artemis ordered as she rummaged through her bag and held out her bow and arrow.

Willow closed her eyes as darkness swallowed her again.