Chapter Three - a fire in the forest

Here is the next chapter in the document. I hope you enjoy.

Chapter 3

I was the heat the awakened him. Sweltering hot for even a summer night.Tzack lay quietly listening to the forest sounds around him. And a fear of the darkness around him crept slowly up his spine. The forest never used to scare him. Not with Pa and Mother around to protect him. 
Sarah and Rachel breathed quietly beside him. Mr Wilks had not let them sleep close to the wagon, so they lay among their discarded items.

The animals around them were restless in their sleep. The hot air must be bothering him too. Despite the heat Tzack clung to the blanket around him, as if it would protect him against any harm that was lurking near.

He tried to go back to sleep, but to no avail his mind awash with all that had happened in the day before. A pang of sadness pieced through the fear. Mother was dying might even be dead. He let the tears fall easily down his cheeks “Mama” He whispered quietly in the dark.

A dark shadow of despair passed over him. He was overwhelmed with guilt and fear. If only he hadn't gone into the forest to get that stupid goat. Pa would still be here and Mother would be fine. He sat up giving up on sleep.

On the bleak road in the distance he could roughly make out a glowing figure gliding towards their camp. Tzack’s breath caught in his throat and instantly the tears stopped. It came closer, gliding hauntingly beautiful. A sudden horrible thought entered his mind. “Mother?” He asked calling out in the dark. It was not close enough for Tzack to see it’s face but clearly it was a woman. In a few moments it would be close enough to see. Tzack sat very still alert. If it was not mother he must alert the others.

A scream came from the wagon behind him. Piercing the silence of the night. Reactively Tzack turned to the sound and when he turned back, the woman was gone, melted away into the night.

Mr Wilks voice came loud from the wagon as he cursed his wife who had done the screaming.

Rachel sat up by Tzack’s side “What is going on?” She questioned. And why is it so hot!” She said throwing of her blanket.

There was a muffled conversation from inside the wagon. And Mr Wilks lumbered out. Cursing under his breath.

“Get up boys it’s time to go.” He said kicking at the places where they slept.

The boys grunted as they stood. “But it’s the middle of the snark’n night.” Sanbar said.

“Listen to me good boys, cus I aint gonna have time to repeat me self. Do ya feel how hot it is? Well that’s hows we know the things close. So unless you want to end up disappeared like me good friend Wesley. Then you be getting your bed roles and haul your little worthless butts out of here. You hear that?” He said yelling to the Cohen’s. “We’re leaving, with or without you.”

Quickly Rachel and Tzack were on their feet. Rachel shook Sarah awake. It a was rushed in the dark to get their things together. The three of them had talked yesterday of taking as much as they could on the goats backs. But in the darkness they were unable to get as much as they would have liked.

They got Safire on a lead, wherever he went the rest of the goat would follow. The sky lightened as a new day dawned. But Tzack felt like it was midday on the hottest day of the year, sweat dripped down his face.

“Forget the pig and the damned goats!”  Mr Wilks hollered. “We’re leaving now.”

The wagon jolted as the skinny horse pulled hard it’s reigns. Bunny cried from inside the wagon.

Ignoring Mr Wilks Rachel continued to hold on to Sapphires lead. “Sarah, you get Ruby. Pa left me with one job and I’m going to do it.”

The three of them lead the frightened group of animals after the wagon. Trying to keep up with the pace Mr Wilks was making the poor horse keep.

The air around them started to cool at a rapid pace the farther they walked. But Tzack was not comforted. Whatever it was that was out there, was still there.

“Wait!” Sarah suddenly cried. “We forgot something”

“Sarah don’t go back.” Rachel protested but it was too late, Sarah had already taken off down the road.

The seconds beat like an eternity in Tzack heart as they waited for Sarah to return. The Wilk’s wagon getting farther and farther away from them.

“I should go get her” Rachel said staring off after Sarah. But Rachel did not move. She just stood there staring wide eyed down the road.

“I’ll get her” Tzack said and ran after her his heart racing.

The heat told him he was getting close. It made running seem slow and laborious. A turn in the road revealed Sarah standing among the discarded items, Mother’s china doll clutched tightly her hand. Her mouth was slightly open and she had a distant look in her eye.

Before Tzack could reach her she began walking off into the forest away from him.

“Sarah!” He yelled in a panic, but she didn’t seem to hear him, and just continued walking. “Sarah!” he yelled again finally catching up with her he ran into her tackling her to the ground

Sarah looked around her intense focus broken.”Why did you do that?” She demanded..

“Because you were being stupid.” Tzack answered

I thought I saw...” Sarah began

The forest in front of them began to groan.and snap. “Something is in there” Tzack said. The temperature around them became unbearable hot, and forest erupted in flames.

“Let’s get out of here!” Sarah yelled.

They flew down the road, quickly returning to Rachel, who was now accompanied by Sanbar and Pallus.

“Fire!” Tzack managed to get out between breaths.

“Fire?” Pallus queried.

“In the forest back where we camped,” Sarah gasped. “We need to get out of here. It could spread here any minute.” Sarah grabbed the Saphire’s lead from Rachel and pulled him quickly down the road. Tzack followed, but Rachel, Pallus, and Sanbar did not move.

“Well aren't you coming? Sarah asked.

“There’s a fire” Tzack said pointing down the road. Maybe they hadn’t clearly understood him the first time.

Rachel looked at Sanbar nervous anxiety on her face.

Sanbar stood there cooly, a smirk on his strong jawed face. “The forest is too wet.” He said, “If there is a fire. It won't spread far.”

Tzack stood aghast. A fire was blazing away, possible heading their direction right now and he was content to just sit here. “You’re an idiot.” Tzack said.

Anger blazed in Sanbar’s eyes. Rachel quickly stepped in “Mind your manners what would mother think. Sanbar is not an idiot the forest is wet.” She hesitated, “But I would still like to get moving just the same.”

“I didn’t ask you to defend me. I can take care of my own problems” He said threateningly, his eyes drilling holes of hate into Tzack. “We go when I say.” He paused as if he were waiting for something.

“But-” Pallas started

Sanbar held up a hand a gave Pallas a controlling glare. Pallas immediately stopped. ”Alright, we go, now,” Sanbar said and stepped out into the front of the group.

Tzack wanted to run. He just knew the fire would be on them at any moment, sweeping them up and roasting them. But he couldn’t just leave Rachel and Sarah. So he stayed, continually checking behind him.

By mid morning the fire still had not come.

Tzack scowled at Sanbar. He and Rachel were smiling and talking. Smug idiot, Tzack wanted to punch his face. And what made him more angry was the way that Rachel looked at Sanbar drinking up his slime.

“He really is awful” Pallus said reading his thoughts. “But don’t you be telling him I said that or I might end up with stinging worms in my bed again.”

“He put stinging worms in your bed?” Sarah said overhearing.

“Yes and other things.”

“That’s awful.” Sarah said a melodramatic frown on her face.

“That’s nothing. If I’ve learned one thing it’s to not get on Sanbar’s bad side.”

If Tzack hadn’t of seen the wagon he still would have known they were getting close just by Mr Wilks yelling.

“Stupid woman,” He was saying, “You’ve gone and sent my boys off to get killed. All for a bunch of good for nothing brats.” Mr Wilks said stomping up and down the road. Mrs. Wilks lay huddled in the dirt her bony arm over her head.

Mr Wilks grabbed Mrs Wilks hefting her up, and throwing her against the wagon. “Get up woman, I’m talking to you.” He said.
“Pa, we’re here” Sanbar said running over to stand between the two of them.
“Don’t you interrupt me boy. I’m talking to your mother. Now move.” He said stepping in closer to Sanbar.
Sanbar did not move. He stared at his father matching his gaze.

Mr Wilk’s slapped Sanbar across the face, knocking him to the ground. He stepped over Sanbar, to Mrs Wilks.

“Listen to me woman.” He said. “You do something like that again and I’m going to kill you. Now lets go.”
Tzack stomach rumbled and he realized he was hungry, they had not eaten anything all morning and now the sun was high in the sky over head. But he was too scared to say anything to Mr Wilks just now.
Then a little voice came from inside the wagon. “Papa, I’m hungry” Bunny said.

“Get yourself and your brothers a few biscuits. You stupid child” He said, Glaring at her.

Then Mr Wilks hopped up into the wagon and returned with a small bag of corn meal. He handed it to Rachel. “For you” he said “And don’t you be asking for more, this is all you three get”
Rachel poured a little cornmeal into Sarah and Tzack’s hands. Tzack licked at it. It was coarse and dry in his mouth but it still tasted good after the long mornings walk. And he washed it down with water from the canteen that the three of them shared.

Before they were even finished Mr Wilks was up on the wagon seat again driving the wagon onward.

Rachel tried a couple of times to talk to Sanbar but he was no longer in the mood to talk. So she pouted as she walked quietly with the rest of them family behind the dreadful wagon.

The longer they walked the more Tzack had to fight back the tears that begged to overwhelm him. Sarah had lost that fight long ago, as she always did. Every so often a new wave of sobs erupting as they walked the long road.

Tzack needed to be strong. With his Pa away he was the man of the family. So no tears, at least no tears that anyone could see.

As the sun fell in the sky they came to a place where the road met a river. Tzack had loved the river when he visited it with his father those few times. The way the water rippled over the jagged rocks. White foam churning through the current. He had wanted to touched the foam. But Pa had stopped him saying the river was much too dangerous and would quickly pull a small boy like him under. Taking him miles and miles down the river his body never to be found.

On the bank of the river the Cohen family's wagon sat abandoned. A lone horse grazing on the green foliage nearby.

Tzack’s heart sunk and then rose again when a young woman’s voice joyfully cried out, and emily ran to meet them.

“Oh, I thought you would never come. I’ve been waiting here ever so long by myself.” She said.

“Where’s Mother and Pa” Rachel asked.

“Oh, you should have seen it,” Emily said. “When we got here the river was ever so high. Much higher than it is now. Pa said he didn’t want to risk the wagon getting swept away in the current and us with it. So he told me to wait for you, and cross when the river had gone down. Oh, Pa was so brave. He took mother out of the wagon and put her on Pride, because he is the stronger of the two horses as you know. Then he hopped on too.

I thought I was going to die watching them cross. I was sure that they were going to be swept away a couple of times, but they made it. I was jumping up and down I was so happy. But then I realized I was now all by myself and I’d have to wait here by myself.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn't scared a few times, but sang quietly to myself and stayed close to Courage, stroking his neck for comfort and then I felt better. He really is a brave horse you know.”

“We are going to camp here for the night.” Mr Wilks said hopping down from the wagon. “Sanbar you’re in charge. I’m going hunting.”

“But -” Mrs wilk protested she held her hand up to the right side of her face which was developing a nasty bruise.

“Shut-up woman. I’m going to do what I want to do.” And he was off into the forest, as a clap of thunder hailed his leaving.

Chapter Two

First thanks to everyone who left comments on my last chapter. I gained invaluable insights and have made changes and I think it is much improved.

So valuable I'm doing it again with chapter two.

As you read please remember two things.
1.) This chapter hasn't been edited for grammar or punctuation. Yes I know I need help desperately with this, it has never been my strong point. (any volunteers?)
2.) Don't be afraid to be harsh in your comments. I wont get better if I cant take my medicine. I've got a tough skin and can take it.

Chapter 2
An eight year old boy should never be asked to sit quietly as his mother’s life fades before him. Tzack prayed ever so hard that she would not die. He promised God he would be good and always do what his parents said if only she would not die.
Each passing moment her breath became fainter as her life slip from her piece by piece. After what seemed like an eternity the fog finally lifted. Mr wilks placed mother in his wagon and wheeled it up the road to where the Cohen family was hunkered down.
Pa was not there when they arrived. Emily, Rachel, and Sarah came running to the wagon as soon as they saw Tzack.
“Where’s your Pa?” Mr Wilks asked.
“He went into the woods to look for Tzack and Mother as soon as the fog lifted.” Rachel answered.
“Damned fool, ain't got no sense” Mr Wilks said “Your mother’s in the wagon” He pointed a grimy finger to his wagon.
Rachel cried out in shock when she peered down on mother. Tzack too was surprised by the paleness of her skin and her sunken cheeks that were so plump and full only a few hours before.
“If your Pa don’t get back soon, if he ever gets back. I’ll guess I’ll be take’n your mother to Rough River, me self.” His voice was flat and unemotional.
Tzack hoped desperately for his Pa to get back soon. The idea of Mr Wilks taking Mother anywhere alone made him nervous.

Pa soon walked out of the forest dragging the goat on a rope behind him. He showed some relief when he saw Tzack but quickly asked. “Is your mother here?”

“She is in the Wilk’s wagon and might DIE!” Sarah said as she ran to father and she burst into tears.

Father rushed to the wagon he did not hesitate when he saw the state of mother. “Get everything out of our wagon, and hurry” He said to his children.

He left mother and helped heft all of the heavy items. And with the help of Mr Wilks and the Wilks boys the wagon was quickly emptied.

Father ever so tenderly picked up mother and brought her to their wagon, and placed her gently inside.

“Emily you ride in the back with you mother” Father directed “Mr Wilks would you be so kind as to bring my children with you.”

Mr Wilk’s shrugged “It might cost me a bit to feed them and such ...” He said trailing off.

“Take anything you want from that pile.” Father said pointed to their possessions scattered on the side of the road. “Rachel you stay with your brother and sister and take care of the animals.”

“But what about our stuff.” Rachel protested

“Rachel none of that stuff would matter if your Mother was dead.”

Abashed Rachel nodded.

Father hopped on the wagon seat and flicked the reins and he was off, faster than Tzack had ever seen the old wagon go before.
Sarah was gripping Rachel tears running down her cheeks. They just stood there like that the three of them hoping it was not the last time they would see their mother alive.
Tzack only turned away when he heard Mr Wilks rummaging through their things. He hated to see the corse man carelessly touching each item as he assed it’s value and then tossed it to the side. Soon the whole WIlks family was standing around the small collection of items.

Mr Wilks picked up the long knife that father used for skinning animals. He pulled it out of it’s sheath and ran his finger along the sharp edge. “Seems sharp enough, here son for you.” He said and handed it to Sanbar.

He open the barrels of food, peered in once tossing the lids aside. “Nothing good in here” He said.

Mr Wilk’s moved to mother’s fine chest. The chest had always been with them as long as Tzack could remember. But Mother had never opened it, and refused to answer any questions Tzack had had about it.

“Aint this a beauty” Mr Wilks said running his fingers along the hand carved top. He moved his hand to the ornate lock and pulled. Tzack couldn’t help but hold his breath he had wanted for so long to see what was inside. The clasp didn’t move. “Damned thing is locked.” Mr wilk’s said. “Pallus, get me the hammer from the wagon.

“But Mr Wilk’s” Rachel said stepping forward from behind Tzack “That’s our mothers”

“Well she aint got much use for it now, now does she” And he laughed a sick laugh. Sandbar joined in with his father sharing in the sick joke. Even Bunny who clearly did not really understand the joke made a few short chortals. Mr Wilks smiled encouraged by his children “If she does live, which don’t seem very likely, I saved her life and she be oughing me a thing or two. I’m sure she would be more than happy to give me whatever be in this chest here.”

A new wave of tears broke forth from Sarah. And Rachel Scowled “What a cruel thing to say.” She said putting her arm around Sarah again.

“Aint nothing but the truth” Mr Wilks said and he laughed again.

Pallus returned with the hammer. “Won’t take but a few stikes with this thing to get it open.” Mr Wilks said hefting the hammer.

Mrs Wilks stepped out in front of the chest. She was visibly shaking.

“Get out of the way woman” Mr Wilks cried lifting his hand to strike her.

“Maybe we could find a key” Mrs Wilks said ever so quietly, as she coward before the blow.

Mr Wilks Paused and frowned. “It would save the chest now wouldn’t it. Where’s the key?” He asked turning to Rachel.

She looked frazzled and unsure what to do. She gazed around as if there might be someone else there who could help her.

“Tell me where they key is” Said Mr Wilks his words coming out in a smooth slimy tone. “You wouldn’t want me to ruin your mothers lovely chest. Aint that right Sanbar.” and he winked discreetly at his son.

Sanbar picked up on the cue. “Sure, sure” He said walking over to Rachel a swagger in his youthful step. “We aint gonna do noth’n to what’s inside, beautiful. We just have a look see here.” He put his muscular arm around Rachel’s shoulder.

Rachel blushed and turned her head to the side. She looked as if she were fighting an internal battle “Okay” She finaly said biting her lip.

Rachel rummaged in their pile of things for a bit and then produced a lovely china doll.

“Daddy I want it” Screeched Bunny.

“Quite child!” Mr Wilks said roughly.

Rachel lifted up the dress and pulled out a key that lay pressed against it’s back. She handed it to Mr Wilks. His hand shook as he moved towards the chest.

Furious Tzack lunged at Mr Wilks. How could Rachel let him get at whatever was inside the chest. Tzack was little but his aim was true and he knocked the key out of Mr WIlks hand and flew into the muddy slop by the side of the road. Tzack ran to the spot where the key had fallen and stomped around in an attempted to hide the key.

Mr Wilks angrily grabbed Tzack and threw him harshly to the side. “Damned child” He said.

Tzack landed hard hitting head against one of the discarded barrels. The world spun around him. “Help me find the blasted key.” Mr Wilks screamed to his children.

Tzacks vision cleared and he saw Rachel scowl at him as she walked over to the mud and bent over to help in the search.

He was surprised to see that even Sarah had joined in on the search. Didn’t she even care that the chest was mother’s and that this awful man was going to take all of her precious stuff?

He stood up and felt his head where a large lump was forming. He was so angry he wanted to scream. But he held it in and stood staring hatefully at the crowd rummaging in the mud. Only Mrs. Wilks stood quietly by, averting her eyes when she saw Tzack looking at her.

The group was a mess when they finally stopped looking. Mud cover their hand and fronts of their clothing, but there was still no key.

Mr WIlks had work himself into a rage. He was muttering things under his breath that Tzack was sure him mother would disapprove of. He reached for the hammer that now lay by the side of the chest. He raised it and this time Mrs wilks did nothing. Tzack cringed as the first strike hit and then another and another. But the lock did not brake. Other than faint dents on the work work the chest looked untouched.

Mr Wilks turned on Tzack, hammer in hand, death in his eyes and suddenly Tzack wished he had not knocked the key out of Mr Wilks hand.

“You boy” Mr Wilks said. “Have caused me a lot of trouble.” He raised the hammer high. “I have half a mind to teach you a lesson you’ll never forget.”

“Pa” Pallus’s voice came from by the chest. “I got it open. I picked the lock”

Tzack realized that he hadn’t been breathing as a rush of oxygen filled his lungs.

Mr Wilks glanced maliciously down at Tzack. “You lucky boy” and he walked over to the chest roughly pushing Pallus aside. “Now lets see what we got in here.”

Tzack held his breath when the sturdy lid was lifted.
The look of excitement on Mr Wilk’s face was soon replaced by a look of disappointment. He reached into the chest and pulled out a beautiful cream and pink lace dress. Without even a second glance he through in the muddy road beside him.
Rachel shrieked and quickly moved to pick it up.
Mr WIlk’s pulled out a few more items of clothing casting them to the side. Then came a pile of papers which he glanced at briefly and then cast aside. “Worthless” he said.
He rummaged around in the bottom of the chest lifting each item out and casting it to the side. Finally he pulled out a metal box about the size of a large book. “This looks promising” He said. The metal looked soft and Tzack wondered how someone would make something so perfect and smooth like that.

Mr Wilks tried to open it, pulling up at the top. It did not budge. Mr Wilks swore and grabbed the hammer. Slamming it against the box. Tzack thought it would crumple under the hammer strokes. But the box did not even suffer a dent.

Mr Wilks placed the box and hammer under his arm and picked up a couple of other items. “I’m going to be in the wagon nobody bother me. We are going to camp here tonight.” He directed.

Afraid, Tzack waited until Mr Wilks had left to come any closer to the chest. Pallus and Bunny were rummaging around in it, while Mrs Wilks looked lacklusterly on. Sarah was picking up the papers thrown about and Rachel was holding the dress close to her feeling the lace in her fingers.

“That dress would look good on you” Sanbar said eyeing Rachel.

“You think?” Rachel said shyly.

“Sure, you should put it on.” Said Sanbar.

“Okay” Rachel said trying to hid a smile.

Rachel walked past Sanbar and into the forest. Sanbar’s gaze followed her as she did, looking her up and down like he was assessing her value. He looked after her until she disappeared, standing up to get a better view but sat back down disappointed. Tzack stepped out in front of him.

“I don’t like you looking at my sister.” He said

Sanbar laughed. “Well that ain’t my problem kid.”

Tzack stamped his foot and glared at Sanbar. Sanbar lauged again. “You’re one feisty kid ain’t you.”

That made Tzacks stomach boil. He picked up clod of mud and threw it at Sanbar.

Sanbar ducked easily, and his mood quickly changed. “You better watch it kid. Ain’t no telling what might happen to a boy who don’t respect his elders.”

“You’re not -” Tzack began to say but was interrupted by Rachel who had returned.

“What do you think?” She asked shyly.

“Oh, it’s lovley” Sarah said a small stack of muddy papers in her arms. “And to think we never even knew mother had that dress”

It was long and elegant, lace tracing a vine of flowers of varying size over the entire dress. Tzack had never seen anything so lovely.

“Humph” Said Sanbar frowning “It ain’t that great. I’ve seen better better in the capital” and he turned away.

Rachel’s demeanor changed she looked as if she had been punched in the gut.

“You’ve been to the capital?” Sarah said looking wide eyed.

“Yup.” Said Pallus joining in the conversation. “We used to live there before Pa -”

“Pallus!” Mrs interrupted.

Pallus looked at his mother “Before we had to move I mean.”

“I’m going to go exploring” Said Sanbar standing up “This is boring.”
“I’ll go with you” Said Rachel hopefully.
Sanbar smiled that unnerving smile that Tzack hated. “Then I’m coming too” He said staring defiantly at Sanbar.
“Nobody is going out there” Said Mrs Wilks.”Not with what has been going on in there lately. We will stay here, make camp, and get a good night’s rest before we leave tomorrow.” She looked sternly at her boys. “You don’t know what is out there. I’m not talking about some slimy slider neither. We ain't be leaving our home for no reason. I’ve heard the stories and it chills me to my bones”

Chapter One

As some of you may know I have been working on a book for a little over a year now. I have gone through several drafts and outlines. I have thrown away a multitude of crap writing (which at one point I thought was great lol). I have been researching how to be a good and entertaining writer and I am hopeing that I have finally figured out just how to do. But want to make sure I've hit the mark. So I am sharing the first chapter with you.

Obviously not everyone is going to like what I have wrote, but I want to see how close I am to a good first chapter. So would you be a pal and read this over and let me know what you think. Be harsh I can take it. I am determined to write a book that gets on the New York Times best seller list, and constant and true feed back is one of the ways to make yourself a better writer.

Have at it and enjoy.


Missing hearts
Chapter One

“Hurry up sleepy bones, the wagons all packed we need to leave”

“What?” Tzack said his voice cracking with the nights unuse.

His father stood over him his thick tawny brows accentuating his weather worn face. A bushy beard that often hid a cheerful smile, now lent itself well to the stern disposition that Tzack saw before him.

Tzack sat up and looked around the cozy one room cabin that he had lived in for all of his eight years. The wooden shelves that lined the walls on which had perched much of what his family held dear only the night before, now lay empty exposing the dust and dead bugs that one only finds when everything is moved. The barrels of corn meal and bacon, mothers squeaky spinning wheel, father’s long rifle from over the fireplace, all gone. Only the family table and the big bed on which Tzack lay remained.
Father handed Tzack his britches, course work shirt, and hat then gathered Tzack’s bedding from under him.

Tzack tried to blink the sleep from his eyes. His brain an uncomprehending mush. He stumbled in the dawn light trying to slip his clothes over his nightshirt.

“We’re leaving for Voltern” His father said curtly and stepped out the front door.

The rising sun cast dark shadows through the thick crystal green forest leaves that surrounded them. The old wood wagon lay before him, with the white muslin cover on it that only got put on for long trips. Tzack’s stomach turned in excitement. They where leaving the cabin. In all his eight years Pa had only ever taken him three times to Rough River  and now they were going to Voltern and that was supposed to be 10 times as big as Rough River. Tzack looked around trying to spot his older sisters.

Rachel was walking up the mossy hill herding their goats up from the small wood barn, her long woolen skirts ruffling in the wind. .He ran down to met her, his bare feet traveling easily over the twigs and rocks that lay haphazardly about. “We’re going to Voltern!” He exclaimed.  
“Yes we are” she said gently and she smiled at him, but the smile did not reach her eyes. She paused for a moment and looked around at the massive crisp brown oaks trees and almost effervescent foliage, that surrounded their beautiful little home. “I bet you didn’t even think to ask why we are leaving” she said and at that moment Tzack realized with a start that the smile she was wearing was not hiding sadness, as he had thought but fear. She was scared of something, but she was halfway up the hill before he thought to ask her just exactly what it was.

Coming up the hill behind him was Emily, she would tell him what was going on. She was leading Ruby the big milk brawn from the barn. Emily’s brow was furrowed on her long face. Her cascade of black hair that was usually tied up tightly in a braid at the base of her neck, fell down her back in a loose ponytail.

Emily’s expression changed when she saw Tzack “Good morning little slug” she said mischievously. “You were sleeping like a rock this morning, could have sworn you would have woken up with all of the noise we were making.”

“What’s going on.” Tzack demanded.

“Were leaving” Emily said

“I can tell that, why are we leaving?”

Emily lifted her brows.“Well, fairies came and told Ma and Pa that the world was going to end tomorrow so we are heading to the mountains to get a better view.” Emily said as they finished the walk up the hill and she tied the brawn to the back of the wagon.”

“Really?” Tzack asked half believing her. This was Paradise after all who knew what was out there in the woods.

“No, silly” Emily said rubbing his head.

Tzack wandered around to the front of the wagon, clearly Emily was not going to tell him what was going on. Sarah just a few years older than Tzack sat in a bright blue dress holding the leather reins of the families two bay maires. He climbed up in the creaky seat next to her. He was now unsure whether he should be scared or excited, or both.

“Don’t suppose they told you know what is going on.” he said.

“Nope” she said in her sweet gentle voice, her freckled nose wrinkling in frustration. “But nobody ever tells me anything”

“Looks like we’re ready to go.” Mother called from the other side of the wagon. She pulled her small frame up onto the seat with Sarah and Tzack.

Mother must have read a little too much into his expression because she said “Don’t worry your little heart over a thing. We’ve just got to get the family to the town. That’s all, nothing to fret over” Mother smiled but Tzack could see fear in her eyes.

Tzack’s might not have been scared before but now his stomach rolled. Mother was clearly scared and nothing ever scared Mother.

“No how about you hop off the wagon and help Emily and Rachel with the goats.We’ve got a long trip in front of us.” Mother said as Father took the reigns from Sarah.

Tzack sauntered back, and father yelled “yah” and the wagon jolted forward.

The day quickly turned sour as the clear blue sky was overcome by depressingly gray clouds, a mushy blawness seen through the foliage above. The animals became restless as the little family haphazardly guided them down the road. They bawled in complaint when Tzack or his sisters pushed them back on track.

The rain came first in a drizzle. Wetting the brim of Tzacks worn hat. Dripping over the edge and spilling onto the now muddy earth. The wagon wheel sucking at the mud beside Tzack as it dug into the road spraying mud spin after spin spoke after spoke.

The first thunderclap made Tzack jump, as it shattered the sky around him with lucid terror.  The restless goats jumped the brawn bawled out.

Pa stopped the wagon.

“Gather the Animals close before the fog” he yelled his sweat soaked shirt clinging to his massive arm and chest.

Mother was quick behind him. Slipping gracefully through the rain. She forcefully grabbed the brawn who was on a lead on the back of the wagon. She pulled the massive beast close in to the wagon. Pa unhitched the nervous horses and tried to calm them as they stamped their feet and pulled against the reigns he tied them next to the brawn. The rest of the family herded the goats in. Once gathered they huddled close by and under the wagon trying to find shelter from the gathering storm.

Tzack’s clothing was now soaked in the tepid summer rain, but he felt chilled as the winds picked up, whipping his clothing around him.

Another bolt of lightning lit up the sky around them. Followed close by a bone shattering thunderclap. The horses bellowed and pulled at their leads. One of the goats leaped and jumped tearing away into the forest. Without thinking Tzack chased after it slipping in the mud as he went. He could hear his father yelling behind him but Tzack did not stop for fear of losing the goat.

The forest was dark despite it being midday and the rain began to fall so thick that it almost blinded Tzack. The goat was fast and Tzack’s thin legs struggled to keep up. Each lighting strike sending the goat into new panics. Tzack stopped realizing he would not be able to catch the goat. He breathed hard as he fought for breath.

The rain stopped abruptly and Tzack found himself alone in the dripping forest. Tzacks heart stopped. If his parents had drilled one thing into his head it was that he should never be alone in the forest after a flash rainstorm.

And as they had always told him it would wet hot fog swept out of the ground around him. Tears welled up within him as thoughts of the beast that haunted his dreams crowded his mind, leaving no room for anything else. He was frozen to where he stood, the threatening mist curling menacingly around him.

How could he be so stupid. He tried desperately to remember what Pa had told him to do if he ever got caught out in the fog. But all he could think of was unseen beast jumping out at him, tearing out his tender throat, and leaving him lifeless on the warm moist ground.

Thunder rippled in the distance shaking him from his paralyzing fear. Instantly he remembered what to do. He flew to the ground crouching in as small a ball as he could. He wrapped his shaking hands over the back of his neck covering the unprotected skin, and waited. There was nothing else to do but wait for the fog to lift, and pray a Slider did not find him.

He closed his eyes and listened anxiously to the hidden forest around him. The smell of decomposing life resinating in his nostrils.

A desperate voice called his name from somewhere in the fog.

“Mom!” Tzack called out then covered his mouth. Pa said you must be absolutely silent when the fogs came and the Sliders were out. Then why was Mother calling him? Didn’t she know about being quiet? Of course she did, that was silly.

“Tzack” Mother called again this time a bit closer.

“Mom!” Tzack called out again his voice shaking. He couldn’t help himself. Soon she would be here, her warm soft arms around him and everything would be okay.

Unseen the the fog the bushes in front of him rustled. He looked up “Mom” he said in a quiet hopeful voice.

No one answered. His heart pounded in his chest. If that was a slider would he be able to run and get away before it attacked? If he did get away, would it attack mother when she came to get him.

“Tzack!” Mother called again this time from only steps away.

The thing before him scuttled towards mothers voice.

Not even hesitating for a moment he cried out, and sat up exposing himself. He waited for what he knew would happen next.

The fog lifted ever so slightly and he spotted his mother a few paces away, her dress was asku and ripped in places, but her face was alight with relief. Tzack felt momentarily safe but that was fleeting as he saw the crouching Slider, triangular to him and his mother.

It’s skin was slick and wet like an amphibian. Although not very big it’s body was powerful and strong like a cat. It had no eyes for it only hunted in the fog and did not need them. It’s lips were pulled back exposing it’s long poisonous fangs.

The beast hesitated for a moment seeing the two victims before it. And at the same moment that it leaped stretching it’s deadly form at Tzack mother through herself between Tzack and the beast.

Tzack’s heart sank as he watched the beast jaws close around Mother’s outstretched arm. They landed sprawled across the wet leaves.

Tzack kicked at the beast’s ugly head, but it still clung tight to mothers arm. Mother cried out in agony as it pushed off taking a piece of her arm with it, and scampering away into the foggy forest.

Blood gushed from mothers fore arm. She grunted with pain as she ripped a strip of cloth off the bottom of her dress. “We need to stop the blood.” She gasped “Help me wrap this”

Tzack did the best he could with his unskilled hands to help tie off the bandage. Mother looked satisfied with the results. “Now lets get back to the wagon” She said “Before any more of those beasts find us.”

Mothers usually strong gait quiver more and more the farther they walked, the mist making their movements a lot slower that Tzack liked. This walk seemed like an eternity and he began to fear they would not reach the wagon before mother collapsed.

Finally mother stumbled and did not get up. She gripped her arm close to her and moaned.

“Get up mother” Tzack said “we have to get out of the forest”

Mother did not respond. She moaned again and closed her eyes.

Tzack grunted as he pulled one of her sturdy legs, she slid slowly across the misty forest floor. But Tzack realized he did not know where the wagon was. "Mother” he said shaking her. “Where’s the wagon!”

She just lay limp.

Tzack wanted to cry out for help but did not want to risk attracting the attention of the slider again. The fog was growing think again around them. Tzack searched for some sort of weapon to protect themselves against the sliders if the were to return but there was nothing but small loose branches and dead leaves in his immediate vicinity. Frustrated Tzack wanted to cry. Mother shouldn’t be hurt probably dieing. Stupid goat why did it have to run out into the forest.

Then with a sudden insight he gathered as much debris as he could and spread it over mother. He hoped this would provide adequate protection against the sliders, until the fog lifted and they were safe again.

Tzack nuzzled down next to mother covering as much of himself as possible, then he lay perfectly still, hardly daring to breath. HIs heart beat rapidly in his chest, and the heat of the warm ground beneath him making him ever so uncomfortable.

He held his position listening desperately to any noise in the forest around him. He thought he heard something moving over.

Mother was so quiet and still beside him. Was she already dead. He had to get her back to the wagon. He couldn’t just wait for the fog to rise and her to die, but he didn’t know what else to do

A gunshot reverberated through the tree’s. It was close. Tzack stood up. He pulled mothers leg again dragging her to the direction of the gunshot. She was limp and unresponsive.

Just a few paces from where they were the forest opened out onto the road. Where had the gunshot come from? He called out blindly “Help!”

“What’s going on?” It was a man’s voice, and he was close.

“A sliders attacked my mother” Tzack said trying to locate the source of the voice.

A man stepped into view holding a rough looking rifle. Tzack recognized him at once. It was Mr WIlk’s he, along with the rest of his family were their closest neighbors. He was strong and broad like father, but several years older.Tzack wished that it was anyone else but Mr Wilks that was here to help for Mr Wilks scared him almost as much as the sliders did.

“Aint you the Cohen boy, and what in the name of the creator were you two doing out in the forests during the fog.” He said harshly as he knelt down next to mother.

Tzack did not like the way Mr Wilk’s looked at mother. Something about the way he looked her up and down sickened Tzack, and with all that Tzack had just been through he could not answer. Tears fought there way out and spilled onto his flushed cheeks.

Mr Wilks swung his gun around his back and picked up mother gruffly, “Stop your crying child, and tell me where your pa is.”

“Pa’s with the wagon but I don’t know where that is” Tzack managed to get out as he tried unsuccessfully to hold back the flow of tears.

“It must be farther up the road then. I’ll have my Martha look after her until the fog clears.” He carried mother easily over the road and in a few steps a small covered wagon materialized. A fat pig, and a scrawny old horse stood nervously by the back.

“Martha,” Mr wilks called “Get out of the wagon and help me.”

A small frail woman crawled out of the wagon. She was followed by two large teenage boys and a petite girl who was about Tzack’s age.

Tzack wasn’t sure that this was better than the forest. The two boy’s Sambar and Pallus teased him mercilessly the few times they had been together.  And the little girl, Bunny, was worse because she was a girl and girls were sneaky, plus you weren’t supposed to hit a girl.

Mr Wilk’s placed mother roughly on the road, then took up his gun turning away to peer out into the fog. Mrs Wilk’s sat down delicately next to mother. Her frail boney hand brushing away the damp leaves that still covered her. She felt mothers forehead, and bent over her placing her ear to her mouth listening for breath.

“Is she dead?” Pallus, the smaller of the two boys, asked.

“No, not yet” Mrs Wilk’s said “But her breath is shallow.”

“It’s her arm” Tzack said trying to be helpful.

Mrs Wilks nodded. She gently lifted mother’s arm. Blood had completely soaked through the bandage. Ever so carefully Mrs unwrapped the bandage. “Was it a Slider?” Mrs Wilks asked.

Tzack nodded.

Then we better let the wound breath and let the poison leach out.

Blood continued to ooze but it was slower than before.

“What are we going to do?” Tzack asked.

“I’ll do everything I can, but I’m no healer, our best chance is to wait for the fog to lift and get her to a healer as fast as possible.”

“But she might die!” Tzack said desperately wanting to do anything but wait.

Mrs Wilks looked up at Tzack sadly “Don’t you worry your precious soul about that. Your mother is a good woman. She will go to heaven if she passes over.”