Editing of Knights Fall in progress

The critics gave rave reviews!

"Darker and more suspenseful than the first book!" 


"The intensity keeps building!"


"Have to get book three to see what happens next!"


"Couldn't stop reading!"


"Love the battle with the Lindarians!"


"Great second book to the trilogy!"

The manuscript has been sent to the editor...won't be long now!

Think Christmas for your friends!

Status Update for "Knights Fall"

The rough draft is in the hands of several trusted critics. The cover design has begun. Next step - professional edit, interior design, then PUBLISH!

A Friends Review

Just gave a rough draft to a friend to proof. Here are his comments.


I think you have grown as a writer.  I felt more emotion when reading this
second book.  To give you an example - when you describe Sarah and her
encounter with her slain family.  I was SO with her!  Your writing really
drew me in and connected me with that character.  I could feel that raw
emotion.  I could feel more emotion with every character especially the way
you described their confusion, fear and inner conflicts.  Okay, the young
Ecel and Erin becoming friends very well written with their conversation -
that scene gets a Big Ahhhh from all the women.


Lindar was awesome!  You have a tremendous imagination.  Not just the
Langrans but the plants, council chambers, no roof, the membranes (membranes
- very clever !!).  Loved Salome' battle speech - I wanted to fight!  To be
a Warrior! Great Job!!!


Should be heading to the editor within the month and then it's time to Publish!!

Update on Realms

I am very near completion of Realms Knights Fall and should be entering the publishing process later this month.

Relams The Awakening is now available on Kindle and Nook!

Search; "Realms The Awakening by E. Otto Tilley" on your favorite ebook site!

Ambush!

Ecel, Belal and Jazaal waited to ambush the dark riders. The sun was beginning to set and shadows were beginning to form in the forest. Every bush looked like some sort of living creature. Ecel thought he saw movement down the trail. He squinted his eyes but the object would not come into focus. He closed his eyes so that they would become acclimated to the darkness. Then he opened them and looked at the object again. It was only a palm bush.

Then the silence of the evening was broken by the distinctive footsteps of some type of large animal. Ecel crouched down and peered through the leafy cover. It sounded like a horse, only its steps were too erratic and slow. Ecel caught a familiar scent. It was the smell of a big buck. Soon the massive creature was browsing right next to him. It was totally unaware of his presence. A good sign for his ambush.

He continued to watch the majestic creature feed. He was amazed at the massive rack of antlers on top of its head. Ecel could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He wondered how the beasts keen hearing couldn’t detect the sound of his heart beating. Then the buck suddenly stopped feeding and looked down the trail behind them. Ecel knew its stance meant that it had smelled or seen something. Now Ecel and the deer were motionless. Ecel became aware of something warm on his face about the same time the deer staggered and then fell.

Ecel reached up and touched the warm spot on his face. Bringing his fingers into sight, he saw the blood. Then he spotted a massive blood soaked arrow in the tree beyond where the buck had been standing. A dark rider called out.

“The stag is mine!”

Ecel froze as the large horse of the dark rider galloped to his position. It stopped just before trampling him.

“That shall make good meal tonight.” The dark rider called out. “Young one!” The dark rider ordered and a young boy rode up to his position. “Take the deer back to camp and dress it out.” The boy nodded and dismounted his horse to secure the deer.

Ecel was almost between the feet of the dark riders horse. The horse shuffled it’s feet slightly and Ecel tried to avoid touching its legs. Then the dark rider returned to the main trail and lead the band of riders towards the road. Ecel couldn’t move because the young rider was trying to tie the deer to the horse to return to camp. He listened as the parade of riders went by and he knew the trap would soon spring, but he couldn’t get into position without alerting the young rider.

He watched the boy to determine if he would be gone in time, but the boy was fumbling with getting a knot tied to the deer. Finally, Ecel had to make a decision. He jumped up and grabbed the boy from behind. The boy fought, but Ecel knocked him out with his elbow. The boys horse neighed and the lead rider held up his hand to stop the line of riders. Jazaal and Belal could see the line of riders, but they had no idea of what Ecel was doing. They had not seen the rider kill the deer, and they wondered if the lead rider was suspicious of the trail.

The lead rider called out. “Boy!”

Ecel had him unconscious and pinned against the tree away from the riders.

“Are you okay?” The rider called out.

Ecel quickly grabbed his arm from behind and held his arm out from behind the tree and waved it back and forth.

The lead rider waited for a moment then called out again. “Hurry and get that deer back to camp!” Then he motioned with his arm and the rest of the riders began to move. Ecel let the boy down to the ground, tied his hands and gagged his mouth. The boy was wearing a large fur cloak. Ecel thought for a moment. He knew he couldn’t cover the ground on foot that the boy had cost him. The trap would soon spring and he would have to be in place to take care of the last rider.

The lead rider approached the road slowly. Jazaal and Belal sat motionless waiting to spring from their concealed position. Ecel placed the fur cloak over himself and mounted the boys horse. The lead rider looked carefully down both sides of the road then began to walk forward. A small bead of sweat rolled down the bridge of Belal’s nose and landed on a leaf below. Ecel nudged the horse just short of a gallop to catch up to the back of the line of riders.

The lead rider caught Ecel’s movement. “Boy?” The rider turned his horse to face the back of the line. When the horse turned, it’s back legs tripped the wire releasing the log that Ecel had hoisted into the air. Ecel saw the trap spring and he kicked the horse into a full gallop. The lead rider called out. “Boy!” As the word escaped his mouth, the log swung into his side and threw him across the road and into a tree on the other side. He fell motionless to the ground.

“It’s a trap!” The next rider called out. Jazaal and Belal sprung their traps. Jazaal’s rider fell dead. As the last riders horse wheeled backwards from the trap, Ecel ripped the cloak off to free his arms. The rider hit the ground in a daze. Ecel leapt from his horse in full gallop, drew his sword, and plunged it into the rider. They both his the ground and rolled several times.

Now all the dark riders were aware and looking for the attackers. One drew down on Jazaal with a black arrow, but Jazaal twisted as it neared him. Jazaal quickly dropped into the thick underbrush and rolled several feet. He jumped up and intercepted a rider in full gallop. Before the rider could react to his presence, Jazaal plunged his sword into his belly. Ecel jumped up and spotted two riders closing in on Belal.

“Belal get down!” He called out.

Belal dropped into the brush. Ecel drew back his bow and followed the first rider for a second then released the arrow. It quickly found it’s mark, piercing the dark riders head. He fell limp in the saddle and the horse galloped into the forest. The second rider stopped where Belal had dropped down. He pulled back on the horses reigns and circled looking for him. Belal jumped up and plunged his sword into his side. The rider fell, but Belal’s inexperience with a sword and left the rider wounded but still able to fight.

Ecel began running to Belal while Jazaal continued to pick off riders with his bow. Belal and the wounded rider clanged their swords. The rider was stronger than Belal even with his wounds. As Ecel neared the two men he felt the ground beneath his feet rumbling. He dropped to his knees and thrust his sword back over his head just in time to cut down the horse of a dark rider that was attacking from behind. The horse collapsed and rolled over Ecel, throwing the dark rider to the ground. Ecel stood but the horse had knocked the wind out of his lungs.

The fallen rider quickly jumped up and ran towards Ecel. “I’m going to rip your guts out while you watch Evanescian.” The riders voice was deep and angry. Ecel staggered but managed to draw his sword. Without breaking stride, the rider drew his sword and brought it down with all his might on Ecel. Ecel blocked the deadly blow as he tried to catch his breath.

“Ecel!” Belal called out. “Help!” The wounded rider was beginning to get the best of Belal. Jazaal heard the cry for help and started towards him.

The dark rider circled Ecel as he taunted him. “You are going to make a nice addition to our meal tonight.” 

Ecel started to fall but used his sword and to keep himself from collapsing. The dark rider saw his opportunity and raised his sword high above his head. “Goodbye filthy Evanescian.” He laughed as his sword came down, but Ecel quickly picked up his sword and swung it full circle through the rider. The riders eyes were wide and he dropped his sword and grasped at his belly. He fell to the ground in disbelief.

Ecel and Jazaal close in on the last rider. The wounded one that was fighting with Belal. Ecel swung his sword to cut the rider down, but it was met in mid air by Jazaal’s sword. Ecel staggered back and Belal called out. “What are you doing!”

“You have to learn to fight.” Jazaal yelled at him.

“Jazaal!” Ecel yelled.

Jazaal held up a hand towards him. “Stay out of this Ecel I know what I’m doing.”

The rider ignored the other two and focused on Belal.

“He’s going to kill me.” Belal’s voice trembled.

“He’s wounded Belal. Now focus! Don’t let your fear control you. You know how to fight!”

Ecel stood and watched uneasily. Jazaal noticed his bouncing sword. “Ecel, let me handle this.” He assured him. “Belal focus. He’s wounded on his right side and he’s weak.” 

The rider whipped his head from Jazaal to Belal.

“All you have to do is focus.” Jazaal’s voice was eerily calm. 

Belal gripped his sword with both hands and brought a swing from over his head. The dark rider blocked his swing, but Belal quickly spun around and brought his blade from his knees and cut the rider down to finish him off.

As Belal stood over the body, Jazaal turned to walk away, but Belal called after him. “What was that!”

“You needed the experience.” Jazaal answered without turning.

Belal went to confront him but Ecel stopped him. “He’s right.” Belal looked at Ecel. “I don’t like it, but he’s right.”

“Ecel, I thought I said no horses?” Jazaal remarked as he continued walking towards where Ecel had started.

“The riders shot a deer back there and they called a boy that was riding with them to take the deer back to camp. I couldn’t move while the boy was there so I fell behind the line. The  horse was the only way I could catch up.”

“Did you kill the boy?” Jazaal asked.

“No, he’s just a young boy. He can be rehabilitated.”

Jazaal kept walking. “Where is he?”

“Tied up behind that tree.” Ecel pointed to the large tree he had used for cover.

The three men came around the corner to see the boy tied up and gagged just as Ecel had left him. When he saw the men, his eyes widened and he tried to fight at them.

“You can’t rehabilitate that.” Jazaal said.

“Well, we’re not killing him.” Ecel answered. “We’ll just let him go.

“And let him warn the hive?” Jazaal said. “I don’t think so Ecel.” Jazaal stepped toward the boy while drawing his sword.

Ecel stepped in front of him. “We’re not killing the boy.” The two looked into each others eyes. Ecel had never looked so deep into Jazaal’s eyes. They were deep and dark, almost black. He had never seen eyes so dark before. Jazaal placed a hand on Ecel’s shoulder breaking his concentration. “You’re fight my friend.”

Ecel stepped toward Belal and heard the unmistakable sound of a sword penetrating flesh. He quickly turned to see Jazaal removing his sword. “We didn’t kill him, I did.”

Ecel and Belal watched the life fade from the boys eyes. They looked at each other speechless.

“Let’s clean up this mess before we run out of time.” Jazaal’s voice was calm and matter of fact.

Dark Moments

Kairas and Dagan stood on a rocky outcropping overlooking the valley of blood. The insight from the witches was intoxicating to Kairas. As he looked out over the valley, he spoke in a different tone to Dagan than he was used to.

“The darkness is intoxicating to me.” He took a deep breath. Dagan watched his nostrils flare open. “You have done well my faithful servant. Soon you will share in my bounty.”

Dagan chose his words carefully. “What do you think it means my lord?” Kairas turned to face him and he finished his question. “What the witches said?”

Kairas’ eyes widened. “Isn’t it obvious? All of my planning, all of my wisdom will soon be rewarded. I have served King Dakar for millennia without one hint of promotion. Not one piece of ground has he granted me as my own on this miserable planet.” Kairas’ clawed hands closed tight. “I have kept the realm of Glodoria at bay and I have advanced the dark realm of Dakaria...and for what?!” He turned to face Dagan. His eyes were red with anger. “Only to have him keep me in the dark about his plans for this place.” He took a few steps closer to the edge of the outcropping. “I knew that I was on to something with this...Lord Johan. I knew that there was something different about this province.” He moved back toward Dagan and held his right hand up to his face. “And I was this close to exposing King Shinar’s plan for invasion.”

Dagan took a step back as Kairas continued. “King Dakar kept me in the dark on his plan because he knew that if I was the one to thwart King Shinar’s invasion, I would be exalted above him. He knew that the drakan’s would see me as a wiser leader.”

Dagan responded without thinking. “But Dakaria is ruled by fear my lord...not wisdom.” As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized his mistake. He braced for the wrath of Kairas. Kairas stepped towards him and stood face to face. Dagan closed his eyes and waited for the blow. “Wisdom, my cloakan ally, when inspired by fear, can overthrow thrones!” His eyes widened and he grinned. Dagan was relieved at the response. Kairas turned to walk away. “If you ever speak like that again...I will kill you.” Kairas walked back into the eternal caves, leaving Dagan to celebrate his narrow escape.

As Kairas walked through the dark caves toward his main chamber, his head was swimming with power. The thought of absolute rule over Dakaria was intoxicating. As he neared his chamber, a shadow moved across the entrance. He stopped to see if something was coming out. His first thought went to the drakan he had assigned earlier. The spy that King Dakar had so predictably sent into his ranks. He morphed into his drakan form and entered the chamber.

He was stopped in his tracks at the sight of King Dakar sitting on his throne. He swallowed hard, gripped his fists and released them.

“King Dakar.”

“Kairas.” Dakar said as he studied his protruding claws which were covered in black blood. “You’ve been busy.” 

Kairas looked at the floor in front of the throne. The small drakan was torn into pieces at his feet, and the three witches were stacked on top of each other. Dakar pointed to the small drakan and spoke calmly. “A bit too obvious don’t you think?”

Kairas answered. “It wasn’t hard to figure out. I would have done the same if I were in your place.”

Dakar leapt from the throne and towered over Kairas. He placed his bony hands on his shoulders and let the tips of his claws begin to prick the skin of Kairas. “You’d like that wouldn’t you Kairas?” He bent over to look into his eyes. “To be in my place?”

Kairas bowed his head and avoided eye contact. He tried to go to his knees, but Dakar held him up. “No need for groveling Kairas.” He released him and walked behind him. “Just tell me why these witches were flying free outside these caves?” He paused for a moment. “I just happened to be coming in as they were flying out.” He kicked one of the bodies. “Only I or one of my trusted generals have the power to grant freedom to these miserable souls and it wasn’t I. So I assume that there is a very good reason why I would find them escaping from your lair?” 

Kairas thought quick. “I was merely inquiring of our attack on Braham my King.”

“And this was worthy of unleashing these miserable creatures on the surface?”

“I thought so.” Kairas responded.

Dakar spun and, with the back of his hand, knocked Kairas to the ground.

Kairas wiped a small spot of blood from the corner of his mouth. “I’m sorry my King.”

Dakar bent down and looked into his eyes. “Either you are very stupid.” He stood back up. “Or very crafty.”

Kairas talked quickly. “The news was good my King.”

“For you...or for me?” Dakar responded.

“It is only good for me if it is good for you my King.”

Dakar moved in close again smiling. “You are indeed the crafty one Kairas. I’m not sure resurrecting you from the abyss was such a good idea.”

Kairas bowed. “I am eternally grateful to you my King.”

Dakar studied him for a moment. “What is it you want Kairas? I can smell the deception in your words. What are you hiding from me!”

Kairas knew the next inquiry would be with great pain. “My King I only want revenge on the one who sent me to the abyss.” He pulled the sword from it’s sheath. “The one who wielded this sword.” He looked to the ground. “I know that you have a plan my King and my revenge is of no concern to you. That is what I’ve been hiding. I am carrying out every one of your wishes, but I also have my own wishes that come second only to yours.”

Dakar reached down with his right hand. A claw extended from one of his fingers and he began to scratch the top of Kairas’ head just enough to draw a small amount of blood. “So the scope of your ambition is limited to revenge on this Evanescian?”

Kairas whenced and answered. “Yes my King.”

The claw of Dakar slipped down the side of his face and under his chin. He lifted the face of Kairas so he could again see into his eyes. “Carry out my plans...as I give them...and you will have your reward.” He smiled.

Kairas answered. “Yes my King.”

Dakar released him and sat back on the throne. “The Hives will begin arriving tonight. In two days time they will all be here. Several of the knights from Braham castle have been hunting the hives and they’ve managed to kill many of them, but not enough to thwart my plans. Your Evanescian is among the hunters.”

Kairas smiled. “I’ve already told Dagan what to do my King. Release me so that I may exact my revenge on the Evanescian.”

Dakar interrupted. “First you will lead the Hives back to Braham castle. I now have control over the one they call Johan.”

Kairas’ head tilted slightly. “How my King?”

“That is none of your concern.” He stood and began to walk around the room. “They’re crippled. Without his leadership, my task shall be easy. King Shinar was seeking to reestablish the old ways of the Princes. Johan would have been his first foothold, but I’ve outsmarted him, and Johan is mine.”

Kairas kept the inquiry alive. “How shall we attack my king?”

“Bring the Hives in from the east side of the castle. I will meet you near the Lakes of Lindar and we will lead the Hives together against Braham.”

“Yes my king.” Kairas resonded.

Dakar walked behind him and whispered into his ear. “I know you are cunning Kairas, and I know that you are not being entirely forthcoming with me.” He walked around in front of him. “I know you realize what that Evanescian did to you is nothing compared to what I would do to you if you betrayed me. I’m sure that a few well placed claws on your friend Dagan would unlock a treasure of information.” He waited for a response, but Kairas was silent. 

Dakar placed his hand on his shoulder and squeezed until he drew blood. “Remember...your place is under me.” Dakar opened his wings and flew up and out of the throne room. Dagan had been listening from around the corner and he entered the room. “What shall we do my lord?”

With his teeth bared, Kairas answered. “Exactly as he wishes.” He walked to the witches bodies and kicked one of them. “Leave me!”

Dagan backed out slowly. “Yes, my lord.”

Carnage of the Dark Riders

This is the aftermath of a scene in which the Dark Riders came in and raided a small village. If I get enough requests, I'll post the raid. To request to see the first part of this scene, simply ask in the comments box below the post.

ENJOY!

Sarah watched from a distance, concealed by a tree, as the dark riders began to assemble their loot. Horses stolen from the town were loaded down with food and supplies taken from the homes. People were segregated randomly. Some of all the town would be taken alive back to the Hive to be used for various reasons. Slave labor was the biggest use, but life as a slave in a Hive was brutal and short lived. Many times the slaves bore the brunt of Hive violence, and they were used as sacrifices in drakan worship.

Many of the women and children were crying. In the distance the sounds of death penetrated the air as dark riders hunted down the men who had retreated. Sarah searched frantically for sign of her family, but could see none. The leader of the raiding party galloped alongside the line of horses and people, surveying his bounty.

“This is a good haul! Tonight the drakan’s are pleased with our efforts.” His right hand dropped to a shofar dangling from his saddle horn. He pulled it to his mouth and blew hard into the ancient horn. Soon the entire raiding party was present and the leader gave the order to head back to the hive.

Sarah watched helplessly as many of her friends were lead off into the dark forest. She could feel the heat of the warm tears running down her face. As the end of the line disappeared into the forest, she ran towards her home to look for any signs of life. When she approached the door to her tiny home, she stopped suddenly. The moon revealed a wet puddle on the steps leading to the door. In the dark, it was impossible to see color, but she knew the color of this shiny puddle would be red. 

Slowly she put one foot in front of the other and moved towards the steps. The door was slightly ajar and a small hand lay, palm up, in the opening. She drew closer and realized it was her little brother. She tried to push the door open to reach him, but something was against the door on the inside. She pushed harder and could feel something sliding on the floor inside. She opened it far enough to fall to her knees beside her brother. She grabbed his shoulders and pulled his lifeless body towards her.

She sat on the floor cradling his limp body as she gently rocked back and forth. She thought about all the times she had yelled at him for aggravating her or putting frogs in her bed at night. She ran her fingers through his hair and began to sing his favorite lullaby. With each rock of her body, she could feel the anger growing inside her. She relaxed her arms so that his head fell gently to her lap.

Then she turned to survey the rest of the room. Her mother lay face down in a pool of blood, her right hand clutching a poker from the fire place. She slowly turned her head to see what was against the door. Her father had fallen in the seated position with his back against the door. His shirt was saturated from the blood that had poured from his cut throat. Sarah’s eyes didn’t blink as she looked around the room. Then, as if from the deepest part of her soul, a cry escaped her lungs and broke the silence of the dark night.

She buried her head in her hands. The blood from her brother now mixed with the tears that were flowing from her eyes. She doubled over, grabbing her stomach as she wrenched in deep sorrow. She wanted to leave this horrible sight, but she couldn’t find the will to move her legs. She sat for what seemed like hours on the blood soaked floor. The tears continued to flow, but the cries had stopped. Anger began to fill the deep void in her soul. 

She continued to rock, but the motions that once vented her sorrow were now filling her with energy like a rubber band being twisted. She used her left hand to gently lower her brothers head to the floor. Outside, she could hear survivors wandering around looking for loved ones. Some were crying and some were yelling, but they all had a deep desperation in their voice. Sarah walked slowly to the fire place and stared into the flames. Images of the dark riders danced in her imagination. Images of the cold hearted figures going through her home and killing her family.

She could see her mother trying to protect her little brother. She imagined her father fighting furiously until being overpowered by the dark riders. She stared into the eyes of the beast that slit her fathers throat and imagined his delight in the suffering he was causing. Then she imagined her little brother, all alone, shivering in the corner by the door. She thought what it must have been life for him to see his mother and father killed. Then she could hear the heavy footsteps of the beastly dark riders as they walked over to him.

She imagined them towering over him and laughing at his little terror filled frame shaking on the floor. She wondered if they even considered what he was feeling or thinking, but she knew the answer. Just as her mind began to reveal his agonizing death, she grabbed her face with her hands and fell to her knees. Once again, the agony of her soul spilled into the night air. A woman, looking for her family heard the cries and walked into the room from outside.

“Sarah?” The woman asked as she entered. “Oh no!” She exclaimed as she saw the carnage in the room. She saw Sarah by the fire place and immediately went to her. Grabbing her shoulders, she tried to console her. “I’m so sorry Sarah.”

Sarah didn’t answer. She could hardly hear the woman’s voice. Everything sounded muffled and distant. The woman turned her away from the dancing flames and looked in her eyes. Sarah just stared back with no expression.

“Sarah, honey, it’s going to be okay. You can stay with us.” She pulled her into her side under her arm and began to walk towards the door, but Sarah stopped. “What is is Sarah?”

She wouldn’t answer, she just continued to stare straight ahead. She could feel her foot touching her little brothers leg. She looked down at him and then towards the woman who had come in and then back at the door. Beyond the door was black night. In here was light and her family. She pulled away from the woman and walked over to the sink and found a rag. She walked over to where her mother’s body lay bloody and began to wipe up the blood from around her.

The woman watched as Sarah, the once playful and energetic friend of her own two daughters, moved about the room like a doll with no emotion. She moved over to her and tried to stop her. “Sarah, honey don’t do this. We’ll come back later. Right now you need to come with me.” Sarah continued top swirl the rag in the pool of blood. The woman grabbed her wrist firmly and lowered her voice. “Sarah.”

Sarah’s right hand immediately grasped the wrist of the woman and she squeezed with all her might. All of her pent up anger coming through her fingertips. The woman dropped to her knees in pain. “Ow, Sarah, you’re hurting me!”

Sarah looked at the woman but she imagined a dark rider. Her fingers began to sink into the woman’s skin.

“Sarah!” She grabbed Sarah’s hand and tried to pry it off of her wrist. “Sarah!” She knew Sarah was in shock. 

Sarah felt her finger tips pierce the woman’s skin. She looked down and saw blood begin to emerge from under her nails. The woman was crying in pain. Sarah released her grip and the woman fell back from her on the floor. Sarah stared at her.

The woman raised her left hand open towards her, “It’s okay Sarah. I’ll come back.” Sarah’s eyes fell to the woman’s bleeding wrist and the woman used her other hand to cover the wound and hide if from her. “It’s okay. I’m okay. I’ll come back.” The woman slowly stood and walked out of the open door.

Sarah stood and looked down at the bloody rag and her mother’s body. She surveyed the room once again and let the images of her family burn into her mind. Then she turned and walked up the stairs that lead to a small loft overlooking the bloody room. This was where she and her brother slept. She gathered a few articles of clothing, stuffed them into a cloth bag and then headed back down the stairs.

She went into another small room on the main floor which was where her parents slept. Underneath their bed was a small chest. Sarah pulled it out and opened it. Inside were her father’s personal things. She pushed aside several items and found what she was looking for in the bottom of the chest.  She pulled the two small hand axes out and studied them. Her father was a master at the use of the hand axe. When the townspeople would gather for celebrations, they would always ask him to put on a show. He could split an arrow from thirty yards with the throw of an axe. His hand eye coordination was incredible.

He had taught her the basics of axe throwing, but had not allowed her too much liberty because of her age. She pulled the leather sheath out of the chest and strapped it over her shoulder. Then she placed both axes in their sheath. Turning from the chest on the floor, she saw her father’s bow in the corner of the room. She went to it and picked it up. This, she was more familiar with. Her father had taught her how to hunt and how to stalk prey. She picked up the quiver, full of arrows and threw it over her back.

She stepped back into the bloody room and looked one last time at her families bloody demise. She started out the door, but stopped by her little brother. Something caught her eye and she bent down to see that he was wearing the necklace she had made for him. She grabbed it and gently pulled it over his head. Then she placed it over her head and let if fall to her chest. She could feel the emotions beginning to erupt again, but she fought it. She swallowed her tears and fixed her eyes on the darkness outside the door.

She stood and walked out of the house. The woman who had tried to help her before saw her come out and called to her. “Sarah!” But she didn’t stop walking. “Sarah! Where are you going?” The woman began to walk after her. “Sarah! They’ll kill you. You can’t fight them alone!” The woman began to run after her, but Sarah turned and held her hand up open to her. The blood stained hand was firm and it’s message clear. The woman stopped. She reached her left hand out gently. Sarah looked at her open hand, then at her own blood stained hands. She turned and walked into the darkness.