Catherine stood on the bank, watching
the rushing river gush out of the mountain side. It was said that
once a mighty prophet had struck the mountain in his anger. A river
had exploded out of the mountain side, sweeping away a throng of
complaining followers. No man had ever been able to cross the wide
river that had been created. Building a bridge would be impossible
and swimming meant certain death, but Catherine intended to be the
first to cross alive. She didn't have a choice. Freedom depended on
it. She took one last look at the roaring water. Taking a deep
breath, she retreated several steps back and then ran forward with
all her might. She was going to leave the Dark Land forever, along
with all its painful memories. Catherine's feet left the ground and
she flew through the air towards the opposite bank. The ground
returned sooner than expected, her momentum causing her to tumble
across the ground. Her head smacked against a tree, and pain overcame
her senses. Her surroundings blurred before going completely black.
“Are you okay?” a young voice
questioned. Catherine slowly opened her eyes, trying to remember
where she was. A headache pounded her skull, but she had made it! She
was free! The sun peeked through the forest's canopy, illuminating a
girl about her age leaning over her. Her fiery orange eyes were
filled with curiosity, and auburn curls cascaded down her shoulders.
“I'm fine.” Catherine pushed
herself to her feet. Dizziness instantly blurred her vision. The girl
reached out to steady her, but Catherine shoved her away. “I'm
okay, really.”
Her new companion crossed her arms and
watched with twinkling eyes. “Are you sure? Blood is running down
your forehead, and you can hardly stand by yourself.”
Catherine leaned against the tree to
steady herself. She felt the warm blood trickling down her face, but
ignored it. “It doesn't bother me.”
“That was a pretty big jump. I've
never seen anyone cross that river before. How did you do it?”
“It's my ability gem,” Catherine
replied. She slipped the chain off from around her neck and swung the
medallion in the awed girl's face.
“You mean your gift stone.”
“No, ability gem. Nobody gave it to
me,” Catherine retorted.
The girl shook her head. “Sum gives
us all our abilities.”
Catherine rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”
She crossed her arms to match the fiery girl's stance. “So who are
you anyways?”
“My name's Ember.” She extended
her hand. A wide smile spread across her face.
Disgusting smile, Cricket
thought. These Ruby Barbarians are weaklings. At least they are
free from the Empress. She
ignored Ember's outstretched hand. “I'm Catherine Campbell Corrie
of Midnight's Claw, daughter of Clifton Clark Corrie, master of...”
“Midnight's
Claw? What's that?”
Catherine
sighed. “Oh, never mind! Do you
have any gift stones?”
She eyed Ember's clothing, searching for a necklace, ring, or belt
that might hold one. She wore a bright red dress with bell sleeves
and gold trim, but she saw no sign of a gift stone.
“Aye, but I'd
rather not show mine right now if you don't mind.”
“Why not?”
“It's kind of
hard to explain...” Ember uneasily examined her bare feet. “Would
you like to meet my family?” She said, changing the subject. I
assume you're not going to jump back over that river.”
“I'm never going
back there.”
“Good.” Ember
turned to leave. “Follow me. We need to do something about your
head.”
Catherine
hesitated. Could she trust Ember?
“Come on,
Cricket!” Ember ran towards a path in the woods.
“My name's not
Cricket!”
“Cathy?
Whatever! Just come on!” She motioned wildly.
Catherine
sighed. “Okay, okay. Don't fall apart. I'm coming. And it's
Catherine.”
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