---Indigo---
There was another Evil attack just before we exited the patch of dense evergreens. Jason, with a burst of adrenaline, raised a mountain out of the ground and blocked the Evils' way. Now, he was exhausted and slumped on the back of his horse, sleeping. We galloped through the prairie-like part of the Aurora Forest. We didn't dare slow down or rest. Ashley and I switched, with her keeping an eye on Jason and me leading the way. By this time, the sun was slowly sinking in the west. We had maybe two hours before it got completely dark. We had to hurry.
Eventually the grass became sparse and filled with rocks. Then gravel, and a dirt road. Yes! We made it out alive! Ashley and I had a celebratory hug. I couldn't help but let out a few whoops, because I really didn't think we would actually get out of the forest alive. Jason woke up, blinking his sleepy eyes, and seemed surprised that we were no longer surrounded by trees. "Thank the gods," he whispered, relief washing across his face. "We're out of the forest."
But we still had a long way to go. After stretching our legs a bit and having some water, we leapt onto our horses and galloped down the road with the forest to our right. I kept an eye out for signs of movement in the forest and hoof prints in the road. Were Aaron and the others out of the forest yet? Did they do okay on their own? Our horses kicked up dust as we flew down the dirt road, the forest becoming a brooding, dark presence alongside us.
We pulled up into the village square just as the sun was almost completely gone. The shops were closing down for the night, and a few people threw questioning glances at us, unsure what three dusty and tired-looking teenagers carrying weapons were doing in their village. I led the way to George's Shack. We dismounted just as a round middle-aged guy came out, wiping his hands on his apron.
"Oh, hello there," he said, taking in our tired horses and our appearances. "Will you be staying the night?" His gaze landed on me and his hands dropped. "Indy? What are you doing here?"
"Hi Uncle George," I greeted him as I gave my uncle a hug. "How's Aunt Jenny and the cousins?"
"Indy! I haven't seen you in a long time!" exclaimed Uncle George. "Come on in. I'll tell Alex to take care of your horses." I beckoned for Ashley and Jason, who were hanging around the door looking unsure, to follow. Inside, I breathed in the familiar smell of apple cider and food. Ashley and Jason looked around at the neatly set tables and admired the various trophies on the wall. There was a stuffed bear head and a tapestry belonging to an ancient king among the other cool items Uncle George had.
"Sit, sit," ushered Uncle George. I picked the table in the corner and sat down with Ashley and Jason. "I'll tell your Aunt Jenny to prepare some food, and then we can talk, yeah?"
"Thanks Uncle George!" I called as he turned to hustle into the kitchen. Ashley leaned in towards me.
"That's your uncle? He opened this inn?"
"Yeah. Well it used to be a bar, but when Uncle George bought it he turned it into an inn and restaurant. He really likes it here," I explained. "Our family hasn't seen them in awhile. That's why he was so surprised to see me."
"Are you going to tell your uncle about the quest and everything?" asked Jason. "I know he's your family and all, but can we trust him?"
"I'll tell him some parts, but not all," I decided. "That way, if the Evils manage to track him down he still won't know where we're headed and stuff."
"Indigo! You've grown so much!" came a voice. I turned to see Aunt Jenny bustle over with three mugs of apple cider.
"Aunt Jenny! It's so great to see you!" I gave my dear aunt a hug. "How are Alex and Linda?"
"Oh they're doing great! Alex loves his little sister, and Linda simply adores her older brother!" said Aunt Jenny happily. "How's your mum and dad?"
"They're fine. Dad says he might come visit during the holidays."
"That's great! We really should have a family reunion some time; it's been a few years since we saw each other," said Aunt Jenny. She looked at Ashley and Jason, who looked like they just drank the best thing in the world.
"Who are your friends, Indigo?" Aunt Jenny asked.
"This is Ashley and Jason. They also go to the Academy. Ashley, Jason, this is my aunt, Jenny."
"I love your apple cider!" blurted Jason.
"It's delicious!" Ashley chimed in. Aunt Jenny beamed.
"Thank you kiddos. If you want a refill just ask!"
"Jen, Linda is calling for you," said my uncle as he carried a tray towards us. "I'll feed these kids, don't worry."
"See you later, Indigo," said my aunt as she left.
"First up is corn chowder, house special," said Uncle George as he placed a bowl of steaming deliciousness in front of each of us. Ashley sniffed it and smiled.
"Then, you have roast beef, cheese n' bacon stuffed mushrooms, fried shrimp, and chicken drumsticks, all made with our family recipes." Plates were set down. Jason was practically drooling.
"Man, this makes Academy food look like scraps," Jason murmured. Uncle George raised an eyebrow. "Do they not feed you in that fancy school of yours? I thought you would eat a five course meal every single day." We all laughed as Uncle George grinned at us left, promising to bring us something delicious for dessert.
It was the best meal I'd eaten all day. In fact, I agreed wholeheartedly with Jason: Uncle George's food does make the Academy food taste like leftover scraps. And after all that riding, fighting, and running, I was starving.
"Your uncle makes the best food in the world," commented Ashley.
"Yeah. These drumsticks are delicious," said Jason as he tore off another strip of meat with his teeth.
"I know right," I said as I drank my chowder. "I knew I brought you guys to the right place." We devoured more food, enveloped in a sense of warmth and a feeling of safety.
Jason was on his third drumstick ("You're going to eat the entire plate," complained Ashley) when the front door burst open. We turned around, and my hand reached for my sword instinctively. Framed by the last rays of the dying sun, four people staggered in. We stood up.
"More customers?" Uncle George came out of the kitchen. He stopped when he saw the various weapons that they were holding and how they all looked like they barely escaped death. The girl in the front raked her gaze across the room. I realized with a start who they were.
"Katherine?" I rushed up to them, followed by Ashley and Jason.
"Indigo! Oh thank the gods, we all made it out!" Katherine cried. The seven of us did a group hug, filled with relief.
"Aaron! Are you ok?" I asked worriedly as Aaron leaned on Lucian for support.
"Yeah. Yeah I'm fine, it's just a scratch on my leg," said Aaron.
"Dude, you've been eating drumsticks?!" asked Lucian, eyeing the food in Jason's hand.
"Huh? Yeah. Oh, this is Indigo's uncle," introduced Jason. Uncle George looked shocked at all the people.
"Are these all your friends from the Academy?" he asked.
"Yes, Uncle George," I said. "Can we please have some more food? They're probably starving."
"I could eat a horse!" exclaimed Lucian. "And Jason, you better share some of that drumsticks, they look delicious."
"Indigo, what's happening? Why are so many of you so far away from home?" asked Uncle George. He looked at each of us as we looked at each other. I sighed.
"I'll tell you what's happening as soon as they're all fed, uncle. And please, make sure no one else overhears, okay?"