(FULL BOOK AVAILABLE IN AMAZON)After many winters...
It was almost midnight, and the cool breeze brushed against little Harold's ears, the howl of the wolf made him shiver with fear.
"Dad, can't we just wake up early and go?" he asked, his voice trembling.
"No, dear," his father replied, kissing his forehead. "You'll understand soon, won't you?"
Harold nodded innocently.
"Dad, where are we even going?"
"Once we arrive, I'll answer all your questions, sweetie. Now let me put these things in the cage." He hurried, then remembered it was time to wake his daughter.
"Rose Lin, wake up!"
"I will," she mumbled, only to fall back asleep.
Eventually, Rose Lin woke up, gathered their belongings, and sat beside her brother.
"Do you know where we're going?" he asked softly holding her fingers while going into the cage.
"I don't know either," she replied. He looked worried as he is snuggling into her lap.
Two friends were talking nearby the cage.
"It's time," Ferlin said, his heart heavy.
"It is," Herbert replied, trying to stay composed.
"Take care"
"When will we ever meet again?" Herbert grasped his friend's arm.
"Whenever you want! You can visit me in Orckeez Bloom at Rosemary Waterfall."
"Okay," he said, struggling to hold back tears.
"I'll miss you, Herbert" he hugged.
"I'll miss you too," a tear escaping down his cheek. "Take care of the kids. Don't let them feel the absence of their mother."
"I will," Ferlin promised. "I can't imagine a single day without Mel. It's hard to accept that she's gone."
"I know. But don't cry—little Harold might see you, and he can't handle that."
"I know," Ferlin said, wiping his eyes.
"Rose Lin is old enough to manage, but never let Harold feel sad. It's crucial now to guide him."
"I will, Herbert. I promise."
"I made you food for the journey," Viv said, handing a bag to Ferlin as they shared a final hug. "We'll miss you."
Both waved goodbye as Ferlin and the kids left.
Rose Lin and Harold exchanged glances, trying to suppress their questions.
"So, did you both sleep well?" Ferlin asked, forcing a smile.
"We did," they chorused.
"There's a really great place I know. It has a secluded waterfall, and for five miles around, there's no sign of any houses. We'll have the land all to ourselves!"
Both children beamed with joy, eager to explore.
"Do we have a garden?" they asked in unison.
Ferlin nodded, their excitement lifting his spirits, but he couldn't shake the longing for Mel.
"I wish Mom was with us," Harold said quietly, looking up at his father.
Ferlin fought back tears. He embraced his children tightly, whispering, "Everything will be fine." Rose Lin, strong and resolute, joined the hug, vowing to look after her brother.
Rose Lin was a striking brunette, standing at 5'8", with captivating black eyes that seemed to hold the power to enchant anyone who dared to meet her gaze. Her beauty was undeniable, and she had a warmth that could make anyone feel at ease. Deeply caring for her younger brother, Harold, she often took on the role of both sister and guardian.
As Ferlin fell asleep, Harold glanced at Rose Lin, then quickly looked away. Noticing his hesitation, she asked, "Do you want to say something?"
He shakes his head as he has nothing to ask, though his expression said otherwise.
"So, what do you want for your birthday?" he inquired.
She put her arm around his shoulder and pulling him close, planting a kiss on his cheek.
"What are you going to give me?" she countered, looking at him.
"I bought some lily seeds and planted them in the garden. They'll bloom by your birthday, but now that we're moving, I don't know what else to get you."
"It's okay; you can plant them there."
"But they won't grow in time for your birthday," he responded, disappointment evident in his voice. "How old will you be?"
"Twenty-One," she said proudly.
"Wow, how many winters do I have to wait until I'm your age?"
"Eleven more," she laughed.
"Dang it!" he exclaimed.
"No bad words!" she scolded, taking on the role of a judgmental elder sister.
"Can you see those people near the tree waving at us? Maybe they're asking us to stop."
"Harold, stop fooling me!" Rose Lin replied, rolling her eyes.
They woke their dad, pointing out the family with two little girls nearby. He felt a pang of sympathy and approached them.
"Where are you headed?" he asked. "You can join us."
"We're going to Mell Zween. Thank you so much, sir. Our horse was bitten by a hyena," He explained.
"A hyena?" he echoed, surprised.
"What ages are your little girls?" he asked.
"Ten and twelve," the mother replied.
Harold tried not to look at the younger girl, but curiosity got the better of him. He sat stiffly, stealing glances, while she completely ignored him. Desperate to break the ice, he asked, "Would you like some water?" but to avoid suspicion, he added, "Does anyone else want some?"
Both Ferlin and Rose Lin beamed with pride at his small act of kindness.
"I'm ten, too," he said, hoping to connect. She smiled but didn't respond.
He checked to see if anyone noticed his second-hand embarrassment. Rose Lin stifled a laugh, covering her mouth, which only made Harold feel more self-conscious. Mustering all his courage, he asked, "What's your name?"
"Tyra," she answered.
"That's a really nice name," he said, waiting for her to ask for his in return. A long moment passed in silence, and he felt a wave of sadness wash over him as she never asked.
As they passed by hills and rivers, Tyra's sister, Lora, asked Rose Lin why her parents wouldn't let her talk about the mountains.
"Evil roams around there," Rose Lin replied cryptically, sensing the fear in the air.
"Oh my god," Lora hesitated, wide-eyed.
They sang songs together, and Rose Lin taught them a few spells, which made Harold feel a twinge of jealousy at his sister's camaraderie with Lora.
When they finally reached Mell Zween, Harold waved to Tyra. She glanced at him but didn't wave back, leaving him feeling embarrassed. He looked at Rose Lin, silently hoping she hadn't noticed his awkward moment.
Viv and Herbert locked their door and talked how Ferlin made the best decision moving to Orckeez Bloom as it's a bit far from Nelblinxton.
A warlock in black mantle which has red lining inside, holding a scythe knocks Herbert door asking if they know where Alzqueen is.(FULL BOOK AVAILABLE IN AMAZON)