Chap. 16
Serenity looked up to see who had spoken to her, but she had a good idea who, as she had heard the voice before. “YoKo,” she gasped, and sure enough, YoKo came walking out of the woods.
You called? She asked politely.
“Oh, YoKo! I’m so glad you’re here!” Serenity called and rushed to her.
Whoa, slow down there, Serenity. Where’s the fire?
Serenity slowed down, but then muttered, “There is no fire, although we did get ambushed, and Jason and Shinku are gone.”
The news surprised YoKo, and she made Serenity tell her all about it. Serenity sighed and sat down on a burnt log, YoKo along with her, and began telling her story.
Serenity started out at the part where Jason and their own little group started out from Albyra. She told of the city they went to get supplies, and all the way to what happened three days ago. Esmera was there to assist Serenity when she got all choked off. When they were finished, YoKo just sat there, motionless. Finally, she spoke up. Serenity, the story you have told me is the most unfortunate, and, as much as this will hurt you, and me I have to say it. Serenity, Jason and Shinku are dead.
Serenity wheeled around and looked YoKo in the face. “Jason and Shinku are not dead.”
How can you be sure of that? Malks have a tendency to slay their victims and then eat them, burying the bones. Or, they could have kidnapped them to save for their leader.
“I just know,” muttered Serenity.
Serenity, the necklace, Esmera informed her.
“Oh yes! YoKo, Jason gave me a necklace sometime ago, with a chip of the Firestar in it. The necklace tells what condition he is in. When it is glowing, that means he is healthy. When it is dim, it means he is injured, and when it is black, it means he is dead.”
YoKo nodded, showing she understood. Serenity reached behind her neck and unclasped the clutch on her necklace and brought it in front of her face. It was just as red and glowing as when she got it. Serenity sighed, and put the precious necklace back on. “You see? He is alive.”
YoKo nodded once more, deep in thought. “That is very interesting, Serenity. I’m glad Jason gave that to you. But, if Jason’s still alive, then we can only make sure he was kidnapped to be taken to their leader.”
How can we help them? Questioned Esmera.
We have to go to the elves and ask for the assistance. They can probably help us track them down and rescue Jason and maybe Shinku. We still don’t know if Shinku’s alive like Jason. We shall take the original plan: go to Mirthira.
Serenity understood, eager to get help for Jason and possibly Shinku. “Alright then, let’s go.”
YoKo nodded, then told Serenity to get on Arabella and ride. She told Esmera to fly ahead near the Kothari Mountains and meet them there when they arrived. Serenity looked at YoKo pointedly and said, “YoKo, you aren’t going to walk are you?”
Of course not, dear Serenity. I am going to run.
Serenity looked bewildered. “You can’t do that,” she objected. “It would be better if you rode on Arabella with me.” Raider and Arabella had been left behind when they were ambushed, as Serenity and Esmera were the only ones to have left. Raider was dead on the ground, a spear through his side, but Arabella had run off into the forest and waited there until Serenity called for her.
You would be surprised at how fast I can run.
“But not fast enough to outrun a horse.”
Really? Do you want to bet on that?
Sure that Serenity was right, she nodded.
Then let us go. First one to the big tree ahead wins.
Serenity made Arabella ride and Esmera was overhead to watch the fun. Halfway to the tree, Serenity looked to her right and saw YoKo running right beside her. “Come on, Arabella, giddy up!” Arabella ran faster and they soon reached the tree in a matter of minutes. She got off and looked around for YoKo.
“YoKo!” she called. “I won!”
No, you didn’t, came YoKo’s voice from above. Serenity looked above her to see YoKo sitting in the tree gently licking her paw.
“When did you get here?”
Only a couple seconds before you arrived. I have to say, Arabella sure is fast. She explained, then hopped onto the ground. Okay, now that you have no problem with me running beside you, can we ride? We should get to the base of the Kothari before sunset.
Serenity nodded, then got back on Arabella and rode off, still disappointed at losing the bet.
YoKo and Serenity arrived at the base of the Kothari Mountains a while before sunset. YoKo caught some rabbit and Serenity boiled it above a dimming fire that Serenity had managed to light. After their meal, Serenity looked up at the sky and wondered, “Oh, Jason, where are you?”
Don’t worry, Serenity. We will help him soon, Esmera assured Serenity.
Serenity nodded, then looked at YoKo. “Why were you so close to the site of the ambush?”
I did not know that was where something misfortunate happened. I was merely hunting. That is my favorite place to hunt.
Serenity sighed, then rolled around to where Esmera was laying. She snuggled closer to her and drifted off into sleep, thinking of Jason and Shinku.
Adding your comment: