“I’m comin’ to ya, honey,” David said again.
“It’s me, Miranda!” I cried.
David’s smile faded for a moment and he said, “Miranda?”
“David, you’re hurt. Your leg is broken. We’re going to heal you. You’ll be okay,” I said as a tear fell from my eye.
“Oh sweet girl,” David said as he smiled once more, “I’m goin’ home to my wife and daughter.”
“No!” I cried out as another tear fell from my eye. “We’re going to heal you. Dad, Nathen, Help!” I cried as I placed my hands on David and continued to chant.
My father and Nathen were soon by my side and placed their hands on David’s body as they started to chant. The four of us continued to chant as David quietly stared up at the sky with a small smile on his face.
“I’m coming honey,” he said again.
I felt tears fall from my eyes, as I knew David was going to die.
“I can help take away the pain,” Damon said softly as he placed one hand on the top of David’s head.
“Please don’t die,” I cried as tears began streaming from my eyes.
I felt my father wrap his arms around me as I reached out to grab David’s hand.
“I’m almost there honey,” David said softly as the smile never left his face, “I’m almost—”
David’s smile went limp and his eyes closed shut.
“David!” I screamed as I squeezed his hand, “David! Please don’t go. Please don’t go.”
But it was too late; David had already reached his wife.
Chapter 13
Damon took David’s pulse once more, and as he shook his head, I began to sob. As I sobbed, I began to shake, and my dad held me tight in his arms. Damon shook his head and slowly wiped a tear from his eye. Nathen crawled to his son’s side and put his arm around him.
“What will we do with his body,” I cried as the sky began to clear, and the falling ice slowed to a stop.
“We can’t bury him in the ground,” my dad said. “We can bury him in the snow.”
I shook my head, “He’ll get eaten by animals. He deserves so much more than that.”
Everyone nodded in agreement.
“We can burn his body, and hold a ceremony...right here...right where he died,” Damon said softly as he wiped a tear away.
I nodded my head. “That would be nice,” I cried as I wiped a tear away. “He didn’t deserve this. We should have got to him sooner.” I began to sob once more. Through sobs I said, “We could have...have...save his life.”
My dad held me tight and said, “If we would have went out there, we could have died as well. Honey, he’s in a better place. He’s with his wife and daughter.”
I nodded my head, but the tears continued to fall from my eyes.
The storm came to an end just as quickly as it had begun. As the wind grew calm and the sun sank beneath the mountainside, the sky turned into a beautiful canvas of colors, creating the perfect scenery for David’s ceremony. Even though our group was torn up and covered in injuries, we all put aside our pain, so that we could honor David’s life. Although we kept most of David’s gear and hunting bag, we dressed David in his hunting suit and wrapped him in his blanket. Ben, Nathen, Damon and my father carried him to the place he died, and we placed his hatchet across his chest.
As we all stood quietly for several moments, I finally pressed my hands forward, and set David’s body ablaze. As his lifeless body went up in flames, tears began to fall from my eyes yet again. Ben was standing to my right, and he wrapped his arms around me.
As the seven of us watched David’s body burn, I thought about how quickly I had become friends with David. He had taught me to do things I never would have done in the past, and he pushed me to keep going, even when the task at hand seemed impossible. David came on this journey, because he believed in me. He believed that Damon and I would make Sidhe a great place after the previous Queen had made it hell for so many years. And he believed that I would raise my son to be a great king one day.
As we stood quietly in honor of David, I realized I had to be a better supernatural, a better mother, a better wife and a better Queen, not just for myself, but for David, a man I only knew a short while, yet a man who believed in me. I would always remember David, my short-lived friend and the man who helped keep us alive.
After watching David’s body for quite some time, my father said, “It’s almost dark. We should find shelter.”
Everyone nodded their head, and we tied ourselves together again. As we continued down the mountain, my father assumed leadership and led the way.
Our brutal journey continued on for another twelve days. We climbed mountains and journeyed over several more icy lakes. Each member of our group used the skills David had taught us to keep going and survive. Although my father and Emerlee were able to use the map and lead the way, none of us were skilled hunters as David had been. We had to ration our food as it was quickly running dry.
Twelve days after David’s death, we were hiking down another small mountain, when I suddenly felt sick to my stomach and quite dizzy. Ben was in front of me, so I tapped on his shoulder and said quietly, “I’m not feeling too good.”
“What’s wrong?” he asked as we kept a steady pace.
“My stomach is upset, and I’m feeling a bit weak.”
“It’s probably just the altitude sickness. Maybe we should take a break,” he said.
“It’s okay,” I said, “I think I can keep going a little bit longer.
“Are you sure? Last time you passed out.”
“We’re headed down the mountain, I should feel better soon,” I said.
Ben nodded his head and we kept walking.
As we continued down the mountain, the sick feeling never went away. It only grew worse, but I didn’t want to stop the group, so I fought through the sickness. As I hiked on, the sour feeling in my stomach grew unbearable and I began to gag.
“Oh God!” I cried as I leaned over and began to throw up.
Ben quickly turned around and held me as I threw up all over the snow.
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” I said over and over again.
“We should take a break,” Ben called out.
Everyone headed towards a flat area and we all sat down in the snow. Ben sat behind me and I leaned against him, as I felt very ill.
“We’re almost down the mountain,” Ben said hopefully. “You will feel better soon.”
I nodded my head and hoped he was right. I didn’t let the group wait long, as I was anxious to find my son. After a short break, our group continued down the mountain. Even as we neared the bottom, I still felt terribly ill, and with each step, I grew exhausted as I felt horribly sick. Once we reached the bottom, I felt a cold sweat beading across my forehead and I began to tremble.
Damon was behind me and noticed my condition, “Miranda, we should stop.”
“I’m okay,” I said softly, trying to continue on, but suddenly I felt so weak, my legs collapsed and I fell to the ground.
Damon and Ben quickly kneeled down as I sat up.
“Honey, what’s wrong,” Damon said.
“I don’t know. I just feel sick and weak.”
Damon looked at my dad and said, “I think we should stop for the night. I’m sure there is a cave we can sleep in.”
My dad nodded his head. I tried to stand up, but I felt so weak I couldn’t move.
“I can’t get up,” I said quietly.
Damon and Ben both looked extremely worried, so my dad said, “Nathen and I will find a place to camp. The five of you can stay here and relax for a little bit.”
Damon nodded his head in agreement.
Nathen and my father returned after a short while, as they had found a cave not far from where we were resting.
“Can you stand up?” Damon asked.
I shook my head, “I don’t think so. I’m sorry. I feel like I have the flu.”
Damon looked concerned as he sc
ooped me into his arms. As Damon carried me, our group hiked to the nearby cave. As soon as we entered the small cave, my dad and Ben quickly set blankets across the floor as Damon laid me down. As soon as I hit the ground, I fell fast asleep.
I slept soundly, until I felt someone shaking me and whispering, “Miranda...Miranda.”
I felt heavily fatigued as I slowly opened my eyes and saw Ben hovering above me. “Ben?” I whispered, as I felt confused as to when I fell asleep.
“Baby, you have been asleep for fourteen hours. We tried to wake you a few times, but you just moaned and fell back asleep.”
“What happened?” I said feeling confused.
“We brought you to the cave and you passed out.”
I slowly began to sit up. “I must have the flu,” I said softly as I still felt quite ill.
Ben put his hand against my forehead. “You’re not hot,” he said.
“It must just be exhaustion catching up. We can keep going,” I said as I climbed out from the blankets.”
The moment I stood up, I felt the sickness in my stomach return. I stumbled from the cave, and just as I reached the snow, I vomited everywhere. As I threw up, I felt Ben holding me, and I saw Damon was standing nearby.
“She can’t travel like this,” Damon said.
“I’m fine,” I said, “I don’t have a fever. It’s just the altitude.”
“You shouldn’t still be sick though,” Ben said. “I’m really worried about you.”
“I promise I’m okay,” I replied, “Dad says we’re over three-quarters of the way to the Queen’s cabin. I don’t want to stop now.”
“Maybe it’s too much jerky,” Damon said. “It might be too much for your stomach.”
Just then, Emerlee stepped out of the cave and came to our side. “There is a trading village about six miles from here. I know it’s small, but they may have a healing fairy...if nothing else, warm beds and real food. I know a family that lives in the village. We can go there until you are well again.”
“I think that is a good idea,” Damon said.
“Miranda?” Ben asked.
“I guess so,” I said, “but I’m sure I’ll be fine by tomorrow.”
“I’ve already told Alexander,” Emerlee said, “It’s only about twenty-minutes out of the way.”
“Okay,” I said hastily. I was aggravated that I was so sick, when I wanted so badly to rescue my son.”
Our group lined up once more and headed towards the village. The journey was rough, as I threw up several more times. I sipped on as much water as my stomach could handle, but I was hiking on an empty stomach. After an hour of travel, I had to stop and rest.
“Can you keep going?” Damon asked, as I sat on the ground feeling tired and out of breath.
“I think so,” I said as I tried to stand, but my legs were too weak, and I collapsed to the ground.
“I’ll carry here there,” Damon said without thinking about it.
“We have at least another hour of travel. Can you handle it?” Ben asked.
“If it becomes too much, I’ll take her,” my father piped up, as he stood nearby.
“I am so sorry Damon,” I whispered.
“This isn’t your fault,” he cried as he handed my backpack to Emerlee and scooped me into his arms.
As we traveled on, I could tell Damon was growing tired as he carried me in his arms. His face was turning red and he was huffing loudly.
“Damon you need a break,” I whispered.
“I have this!” he wheezed.
“My dad can carry me,” I said.
Damon shook his head, but as he continued to huff out of breath, he finally put down his pride and set me on the ground. My father handed Damon his backpack before he scooped me into his arms. I felt bad, as my father was not young anymore, but thankfully he was still in incredible shape for his age.
“Are you sure you can do this?” Ben asked my father, more for his own sake than my father’s. I could tell Ben felt unworthy, as the others were much stronger than him.
“It’s fine, son,” my father replied, “If I get tired, Nathen can take her.
Ben looked down in embarrassment. Eight years ago, Ben could have sprinted at top speed with me in his arms for hours. Now he was the weakest of all the men, including my father and Nathen, who were physically much older. I could tell Ben was struggling with his new identity.
As I lay in my dad’s arms, I looked at Ben and smiled. “I love you,” I said.
Ben gave me a kind smile as he said, “I love you too.”
Our group journeyed on for another half hour, when I saw a small group of houses nestled inside a valley in the distance.
“We made it!” My father cried.
We continued hiking on, as we enthusiastically picked up our pace, and after a short while, we entered into the tiny town. The village was charming, like something out of a storybook. There was a single street, paved with bricks and devoured by snow. The street was lined with charming buildings and a few quaint cottages, and the stone walkway was decorated with old-fashioned gas lanterns, marking each small structure. Each building was colorful and unique, and the cottages had a certain fairy-tale charm.
As we walked down the short road, surrounded by snow covered mountains, I looked around, feeling amused by the towns light-hearted charm. Emerlee led the way, and stopped halfway down the road in front of an adorable brick cottage. She opened the rickety wooden gate, and continued up a short path that was partially covered in snow. As Emerlee began to knock on the large white door, I gazed in awe at the tiny brick home with large white shutters and a weathered gray roof.
After a few seconds, the door was thrown open and a chubby little woman, standing at most five foot tall stepped outside.
“Emerlee!” the woman cried in a harmonious tone as she embraced her into her arms.
“Ella!” Emerlee cried as she squeezed the woman tight.
“Come in! Come in!” Ella cried as she gestured us all inside her tiny home. She looked amused, as her smile grew so high, her rosy cheeks were lifted just below her kind eyes.
Our group squeezed in Ella’s tiny living room, which was so small, I wasn’t sure we would all fit.
“I’m sorry to impose,” Emerlee began, “I have a lot to tell you, but I am traveling with the new Queen—”
“The Queen!” Ella squealed as she slapped her puffy hands together and lifted her smile even higher.
Emerlee pointed to me as my father held me in his arms.
“Oh dear! Oh dear!” Ella cried as she ran to her tiny couch and signaled for my father to set me down. The moment, I was laid on the couch, Ella was already covering me with a thick quilt. As she paced around full of concern, I welcomed the warmth of the nearby fire and the comfort of the soft couch.
“Oh do tell me what’s going on,” Ella squeaked as she began to wring her hands, “and you can stay as long as you wish. Oh, I am sorry my house is so tiny.”
“It’s okay,” I said gently, feeling amused by Ella’s animated personality.
As the others began setting down their gear and taking off their snowsuits, Emerlee quickly introduced Ella. Ella had known Emerlee for many years as she had occasionally come to the castle for trade. Ella was an ice fairy who lived in the mountain village and made quilts and clothing for trade. After Emerlee introduced her plump fairy friend, she told Ella everything that happened and the reason for our travel.
When Emerlee mentioned David’s death, Ella’s eyes began to tear up as she said, “That poor soul. He was a true friend of my husbands, and he stayed with us many nights.”
“What happened to your husband?” I asked quietly.
Ella continued wiping her tears away as she said, “Killed by a beast on a hunting trip. My husband and David hunted together.”
“I’m so sorry,” I said as I shook my head in sadness.
“Well let’s not worry now,” Ella said as she tried to force a smile, “It’s been many years since he p
assed away.” She wiped her tears away and quickly smiled, “My Queen, you can have my bedroom. It not much, but I can’t have my Queen sleeping on the floor.”
“Thank you,” I said softly.
“No. Thank you!” she cried, “You saved our people from her wrath. She was evil...pure, pure evil.”
I nodded my head as I was in complete agreement.
“Now then,” she said, “I’ll fetch the healing fairy while you rest up.” She looked around the living room and said, “I do apologize. My house is so tiny, but you’re welcome to spread out as you wish. One of you can take the couch tonight.”
“Oh no,” Emerlee said, “We have been sleeping on the ground for several nights. The carpet is a warm welcome.”
Ella looked around nervously as to disagree, but everyone nodded their heads and refused to sleep on the couch.
Ella looked back at me. “Go ahead and get settled my dear. I have a bathtub with hot water if you need to bathe, but I do warn you...the hot water runs out quick.”
I nodded my head. “Thank you, Ella,” I said, feeling grateful for her kindness.
She smiled, “I’ll fetch the healing fairy. She may be able to help you.”
Ella headed out the front door as Emerlee followed closely behind, leaving the rest of us behind in the tiny cottage.
I began to stand up to head to the bedroom to rest, but as soon as I was on my feet, I felt faint and grasped onto the couch. Damon was quickly by my side and had his hands attached to my waist. As I wobbled around, I suddenly felt the urge to vomit, so I took a deep breath in.
“Can you carry me to the bedroom,” I asked Damon softly.
Damon nodded his head and scooped me into his arms. He quickly carried me to the tiny cottage bedroom and set me on the plush full size bed. I felt relief as my body collapsed against the soft mattress covered in a cozy quilt. Damon sat down next to me and stroked his fingers through my messy hair. He gave me a caring look as he began to unzip my snow jacket.
“Let’s get you undressed and give you a nice hot bath,” he said. “It’ll be nice to wash up and clean our snow suits while we’re here.”
I nodded my head, as a bath sounded wonderful. Damon began peeling the clothes off my body until I was completely undressed. Then he wrapped me in a quilt to keep me warm as he went to the small attached bathroom and began running the water. After only a few moments, Damon scooped my naked body off the bed and carried me to the bathroom and sunk my body into the steaming hot water.
The Portal to Sidhe: Book 2 Page 15
