Chapter 2-1

Wiggling her toes in the cool water of the stream, Madelyn lay on the bank edge staring at the sky above the trees. The sky was bright with very few clouds passing over. Madelyn closed her eyes as the water ran over her emerged legs and feet. She listened to the surrounding forest. It was quiet. Not a creature was stirring. The only sound was Thorn softly breathing. He was resting nearby in the moss next to the stream. Madelyn sat up and decided it was time to explore further. She pulled her feet out of the water and stood. Looking in all directions, she wondered where to go? The stream flowed south to north and on the west side was a large rock base. She decided to follow the rock base down the stream and see where it leads her.

William reached the main road. The horse protested as William pulled on the reins to slow him. Nero was a black stallion of impressive size and stamina. He could outrun the wind in a storm or charge through the strongest of enemy lines. It had been many moons since his master had ridden him into battle or for leisure. Unlike Thorn, Nero was no spirit guide but he was loyal to his master. Although he longed for the wind in his main, he halted to allow William to decide in their direction.

To the east, the road would lead to the cliffs. The sea lay beyond. Following the road west would take you to the forest. Just beyond the forest was the barrier. William had a feeling deep in his gut that Madelyn was near the barrier. With a quick nudge, Nero was off like the wind heading for the forest.

The cat had appeared perched on Thorns saddle. In a matter of fact tone the cat said, "By the way, my name is Mira." I nearly leapt atop the ridge at hearing the sound of a voice behind me. Stumbling, I twisted my ankle over a rock and fell to the ground with a thud. Mira jumped to the ground and ran to my side. "Madelyn, I didn't intend to scare you. Are you Ok?" I rolled to my side and pushed myself up from the ground. A sharp pain radiated through my ankle as I tried to put weight on my left foot. I let out a scream and I fell back to the ground. Tears filled my eyes. The pain was excruciating. Now what was I going to do? No one knew where I was. I could send Thorn for help. Would he be able to lead William back to me?

Trodding now, Nero followed the stream south into the forest. The lay of the land was quite simple. The realm consisted only of the Castle Keep and the surrounding forest and seas. Once much larger, the Realm deteriorated over time. As if connected to the grief of its inhabitants. No one knew for certain what laid beyond the great dividing barrier. William's father once told him that the edge of the realm was just on the other side. Those who traveled past it, never returned. William's fear was getting stronger. He whispered, " Faster Nero, faster."

"Mira! How dare you startle me like that? Now, look what has been done!" Trying not to yell out in pain or anger, I asked Mira to let loose Thorn's reigns. Maybe I could pull myself up with them and use Thorn to balance my weight. As if on cue, Thorn knelt down and bowed his head to me so I could reach the reigns. His ability to read my mind was uncanny. At the moment I was pleased that he had not spoken and quite possibly couldn't. Now if only that mangy cat was as helpful!

I grabbed Thorn's reins and slowly he pulled me up. I hobbled on one foot to rest against the rock wall. I looked up through the break in the forest canopy. It was high sun. Surely the maid told William I intended to be back by now. He would certainly come looking for me. I sulked realizing that it could be hours before I was found. My stomach started to growl and I remembered the bits of breakfast wrapped in the napkin the maid had given me. Hopping on one foot, I pulled the food out from where I had placed it beneath Thorn's saddle. Suddenly, I was famished and gobbled the food where I stood. The napkin held a great amount and variety of food. I should thank the maid for being so thoughtful when I return to the Keep. If I return. I hobbled back to the wall and rested against it for stability. I had to assess the situation and prepare for the possibility of an overnight stay.

William scanned every bush and tree as Nero trotted along the stream embankment. Listening for any sign of Madelyn and Thorn, he wondered when the last time he had been to this side of the realm. It had been ages. He had once rode along the great barrier, curriouse to what was on the other side and how far it's reach was. His father forbade him from crossing it fearful he too would not return. The barrier ran the entire length of the realm from north to south and was as high as any mountain, blocking the setting sun from view in the evening. Bringing darkness quickly to the realm. Thankfully it was still high sun and the forest was well illuminated. As a young boy, he had spent nearly a whole day looking for a break in its massive rock walls.Now, he only wished to find his beloved.

The rock wall was warm against my back. I shut my eyes again and stilled my breathing. I came here to find solitude and solitude is exactly what I found.

Now to focus. "Mira, i believe it is time for you to explain what Spirit guide is and what's your purpose to me." The cat leapt down from the saddle, perched in front of me, and began to smooth down the tufts of hair that ruffled in the leap. After a moment or two, she looked directly into my eyes and said "I am your spirit guide. I am here to guide you as you journey through your life. I can not tell you much about the future but, I can say you were born of great power that you have yet to find.Your father was a great man who loved you dearly. He bestowed upon you the last of his shine. The light within your soul. Much of the answers you seek will not be found in this realm. However, it was a pleasant place for you to rest and heal."

I was still very shocked to hear this tiny creature speak to me. Can all animals speak? I looked over at Thorn, "Thorn, can you speak as well?" A loud commanding voice rang through my head. "Yes, although I fear only you can hear me." Mira began to groom herself again. Thorn knelt down and began to graze. Not once did his lips move or his eyes meet mine. His voice was heard completely in my mind. Mira paused her grooming for a moment and spoke again, "Thorn and I were made specifically for you. We are connected to the shine in your soul. No one else can hear us. As your spirit guides, we are yours to command. We will give you our most loyal service, as we have vowed to protect you with our lives." I listened intently to Mira. What was shine? She had mentioned my father had placed the last of his in my soul. As I pondered these questions, I could hear soft hoof steps approaching me from the north. William my love has finally found me. Relief came across me. I would not have to stay here overnight after all.