Time Cursed

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  Cole felt a sharp pain in his heart and was awakened with a jolt. He felt like he couldn't breathe and was gasping for air. He had one name in his head, Arlana. He had one picture in his mind and it was her beautiful face. He felt a sudden urgency to get to her, and quickly. He sprang out of bed, grabbed his bag, and headed straight for the inn door. Lately he had made his bed out in the woods with only a couple of hours sleep each night. Last night he had decided to stay at an inn and take a much needed bath as well as stock up on food supplies. While he had been in town he had asked around if anyone had seen Arlana but he found no clues and no one reported seeing her. Now he was regretting taking a whole night from his search. He hurried to the innkeeper to pay his bill. He plopped down three coins on the counter and hurried for the door.

  “Wait!” the innkeeper called after him.

  “What is it? Is that not enough?”

  “No, that is more than enough. I just saw a story in this morning’s paper that I thought would be of interest to you.”

  Cole grudgingly headed back to the counter. He wondered why this guy wanted him to read the paper. But his heart practically stopped as he read the headline, “Girl with No Memories, Living at the Giordano Family Estate.” Giordano family? No, it couldn't be the same one, but as he read further he knew that it was. The description read: Lovely girl in her teens. Strawberry blonde hair, golden eyes...it was her! He was kicking himself internally for not heading back with the Giordano's when they offered, they were probably already there now! “Oh, I'm so stupid!” Cole yelled out loud.

  “Is everything ok sir?” the innkeeper quietly asked.

  “Um, yes, I mean it will be. Here's another coin for your troubles.” Cole headed out the door like lightning, he loosened his horse, jumped on, and rode off down the road in search of Arlana.