" Duality is part of the human nature,"
Soon enough the wind picked up, and snow began to fall, heavily. We were blasted from seven different directions. Even though it is scientifically impossible for such a thing to occur, it most certainly felt like so.
Our advance had slowed, and the protection that the forest was offering us, had remained behind with it. Once we stepped out into the open field we held onto each other for dear life, tripping on our own feet and Shay, who stuck so close to us that it was impossible to put a foot in front of the other without stepping on one of his paws. He yelped each time, and each time he did, we stopped to reassure the poor creature that we didn't mean to hurt him. It was the bare minimum that we could do.
" We need to find shelter," I shout to make myself heard over the howling wind. Graham nods and looks around but I already know it is pointless because we can barely see each other, let alone something that is far off in the distance.
He looks behind us, " We could go back into the forest, " He shouts back and I look over my shoulder at the shadowy wall behind us. We haven't made much progress, even though it felt as if we had been walking for hours on end.
We both nod because I no longer have the strength to shout and we all turn around in tandem. Shay yelps again, and I don't know which one of us had stepped on him this time around. I have lost feeling in most of my extremities, and once again I'm surprised that we are still breathing.
Once we stepped into the forest the blasting wind subsided a little and we both heaved a breath of relief and moved deeper into the woods, where the trees are the thickest.
The trees groan and creak from every single direction creating an eerie, nightmarish scene. I shudder and focus on the wind howling above like an enraged beast.
Once we are deep enough, we stop to take a breath. The wind isn't as bitter, and the snowfall isn't as heavy. We can finally take a moment and think about what to do.
Graham pulls down the bed sheet he'd been using as a scarf and huffs," We can't stay in one place for long, we will freeze to death," I try not to think about that, but we are out of options.
" We could walk around...maybe we can find a hallowed tree or-," Shay vanishes in a blink of blue light.
Graham and I both look at each other, hopeful. We don't want to scream bloody victory just yet. If Shay returns with a foe, we might end up screaming bloody murder. Shay could bring back anyone. He can't discern between bad or good. He can't help himself.
After a few minutes, a flash of blue light appears in front of us and Shay scuttles at our feet.
I swallow heavily when the man before us- no one I have ever seen before-, reaches for Graham's hand.
" Son of a gun, " The man exclaims huddling himself within his thin coat.
" Aaron," Graham seemed surprised at the new addition to our group.
" Please tell me that there is someone on the other side that knows you are here, " Graham panics, fisting the lapels of Aaron's flimsy jacket.
" Calm down. Emmeline knows I'm here. I'm not as stupid as you. Grab onto Shay," I don't wait to be told twice and lower myself on the ground next to Shay.
" Emmeline should call-," We were engulfed in a ball of light, and landed somewhere warm," Any minute, now" Aaron finishes his thoughts and I don't dare to open my eyes. It felt surreal. The rush of being transported hundreds of miles in the blink of an eye was dizzying, exhilarating. Like sky diving but without the earth rushing at you hundreds of miles per hour.
Someone lets a breath of relief, and then someone grunts while l remain at Shay's side. He was my lifeline. I was afraid that if I opened my eyes, it would all disappear. All of it, not just Shay.
" You two look awful, " I crack an eyelid open at the familiar-sounding voice.
" Surviving on rations for months will do that to you, " Graham makes an effort to sound upset but fails. He was just as relieved as I was. The last twelve hours or so felt like a dream. Not a very nice one.
Emmeline steps into my view and I finally let go of Shay and push myself up on shaky legs.
She pulls into a beat hug, and I choke a sob. Because we made it, just about.
" Sorry, it took us so long," Emmeline grumbles in the crook of my neck and soothingly rubs my back. The same you do with someone that you've known for years. Someone that you cherish, and hold dear to your heart.
" That was fun. Let's not do it ever again, " Graham sarcastically says and pulls Shay to him. He'd been trapped between me and Emmeline, but he didn't move or whine. I guess he was happy that he was somewhere warm.
I gently pull away from the hug and look at Graham, " How come Shay hasn't gone back to his point of origin?"
" Hasn't he told you that -" Graham Cutts he off before finishing her thoughts on the matter.No. Not a peep.
" Hey, " Graham feigned to be outraged, " Don't spill the house secrets," Graham turned on his heels and walked off with Shay on his heels. Aaron and Emmeline laugh and I stare at them like a lunatic.
" Come," Emmeline cups my elbow and guides me through what appears to be the lobby of a mansion. There are a few sconces on the wall providing a soft orange light but not enough to discern the details of the build.
I'm numb inside and out. My brain struggles to keep up, and I move mechanically because every cell, bone and muscle feels like it's being cut into pieces by tiny shards of glass one step at a time.
" We have food and a warm bath for both of you. I'm glad you're here," Emelline softly says as she leads me down a corridor lined with doors left and right.
" Thank you for getting us," I squeeze through gritted teeth, trying to keep the shivering at bay.
" Eat, rest," Emeline and Aaron slow their steps in front of a door, and I follow their lead. Aaron pushes the door open, and walks inside while Emmeline guides me in. At that moment, I'm not capable of much else than letting others take the lead.
" I can stay if you need help, " Emeline drops her hand to her side while Aaron fumbles with the plates on the table, then walks into the bathroom, and comes out a minute later. I feel like royalty. No one has ever done that for me, except for Mason and Enid.
" No, " I finally say snapping out of my stupor. I don't think about my safety. My primary instinct desperately want food and warmth.