Chapter eleven
Shira and Nume took their belongings and set foot outside their cozy and warm home. Their understanding of the danger of this journey was clear as glass. They had to travel for an excruciatingly long week through the vast forests, high hills and deep rivers. Shira, as always, looked on the bright side. “ At least we’re together." She grinned at Nume.
Nume and Shira made their way through thick underbrush, withered shrubs and spiky, leafless bushes which clung to them like a lonely child, desperate for attention. The sisters shook off the spines from their clothes and went on no matter the obstacles that were in their way; brambles, rocks, and animals, big shrew like animals were particularly abundant. Winter was on its way, freezing the air, water and ground. Herbs and grass slowly became a pretty silvery shade of white. Every single breath Nume or Shira took, created a miniature icy cloud in front of their faces, enveloping their faces and blocking the girls' sense of smell and sight. Little cuts and bruises covered Nume and Shira's muscular legs. "How much longer?" Shira moaned. Nume took a look at their map. A thin long pencil drawn line connected the barbarian tribe and the Ghost plains."Quite much. We should find a place to stay for the night." They constructed a small tent, just big enough to accommodate both of the sisters. The night was promisingly calm like water in a pond, but Nume couldn't help but feel a slight nervousness and felt like something terrible was coming their way.
The setting sun was bloody red in the ochre sky. Shira peacefully slept on the rocky and moist floor. Nume didn't sleep. That innerving feeling gnawed at her, not letting her sleep. She gazed at the patches of the beautiful moon, rising up in the sky. It was very quiet, only a quiet chirp of birds dared to disturb the still cold air. Nume decided to go out for fresh air. The girls' fire crackled pleasantly. It made Nume feel drowsy. She sat down near the fire, but her rest didn't last long. Suddenly, the girl heard a strange yelp in the distance. All Nume's drowsiness was gone in an instant. She reached for her sword, only to find nothing. Aw, shoot! Nume forgot her sword in the tent. As quick as lightning, she sprinted there to get it. As she ran back, the girl honed her ears to determine from which side the ominous sound was coming from. Nume realized too late that the source was right behind her. Claws slashed in a mere centimeter from her head. She ducked down and turned back. The sight that hit Nume's eyes was terrifying at least. Bright red bulging eyes pierced the darkness. Its feathery wings spreaded widely, almost two and a half meters wide. Big claws on the creature's wings and on its gigantic feet that reminded Nume of bird feet. "Well what hasss we herrrre?... " It hissed threateningly as it approached.