The morning air was cool and humid as the red-orange sun still hung low on the horizon. The dew from the cool night had not yet evaporated and Kira could hear the birds beginning to rustle and chirp in the nearby trees. She pulled the strap of her leather satchel over her head and rested it on her shoulder. Pulling her long brown hair out from under the satchel’s strap, she tugged at the sheath on her waist, confirming its presence. Her shale stone knife inside it held fast. The satchel rested comfortably on her opposite hip. Inside the bag, she had packed a skin of water, some fruit and berries, and a small portion of jerky. She knew the journey was long and that there would be no guarantee of dinner, but she couldn’t risk weighing herself down if she hoped to make the journey in under a day.
Kira squinted in the low hanging sun as she peered up at her uncle Druin. He had a frown on his face. He didn’t think she should go, but knew he wouldn’t be able to convince her to stay. He had learned the hard way that Kira was a stubborn and headstrong girl, much like her mother had been. The two were more alike than either would have admitted, and he knew that if his sister was still alive, she’d be quite proud of her daughter.
He had witnessed firsthand Kira’s headstrong nature by being the one to teach her how to hunt and fight. At first he had refused to instruct her as it wasn’t customary for women to go to war, let alone on the hunt, but eventually he gave in. Since then, she had become exceptionally strong and fast, and was by far the greatest warrior in the village, although he would never admit it in front of the others.
Kira reached out for her spear, but Druin paused a moment before handing it to her. “I wish I could come with you…” he lamented, as he tested his ankle again. He was immediately punished by a sharp, shooting pain. Wincing he asked, “Are you certain that you want to do this?”
“What choice do I have? Just sit here and watch him die?” She shook her head. “I can’t let that happen.” Looking down at her sister, Kira saw that she had tears in her eyes again.
“Please let me come with!” Kaya pleaded as the tears rolled down her cheeks. “I can help! I promise!”
Kira grabbed her sister’s hand, her heart breaking as she shook her head no. “I’m sorry. This time I have to go alone.”
“Why?!” Kaya protested.
“It’s too dangerous. I shouldn’t even be going, but no one else can, or will. You need to stay here with Uncle Druin and Yamara. Take care of them while I’m gone.” Kaya tried again to protest but Kira pressed on, “Don’t leave father’s side either, until I come back. You understand me?”
Crying too hard to speak, Kaya gave in and nodded her head. Kira let go of her hand and turned back to the others. Wiping the tears that were welling in her own eyes, Kira tried to compose herself. Letting out a long breath she began to walk towards the village gate.
“Good luck,” her uncle called.
As she passed through the village’s gate she looked back over her shoulder and could see that Druin, Yamara and Kaya were still watching her. She waved and they waved back. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be back soon enough, she thought as she turned back and quickened her pace. She knew she would have to be fast; as there was precious little time.
After a few minutes she reached the top of the first hill and stopped for a moment to survey the path ahead. Rolling hills, strewn with occasional trees, sprawled out before her for miles, but despite how far she could see there was no sign of the Black Wood. She knew it would be a few hours before she’d be able to see it and she wasn’t looking forward to that. Checking her satchel and knife one last time, she firmly grasped her spear and began to jog down the hill towards her destination.
* * *