Chapter 2: The Walk

After struggling out of bed and getting dressed, Daine staggered into the mess hall. She saw Onua signaling for her to take the seat between her and Numair. In front of the chair was a plate of bread, cheese, and fresh soup. As she took the seat, she noticed Alanna, George, and Thayet also sitting at the table.

"Sleep well, youngling?" asked Alanna. She was wearing the same pale-brown tunic and green breeches as everyone at the table, showing she was going to stay at the Swoop for a while. Daine smiled meekly at the Lioness.

"Fine, I suppose." She didn't want to mention the Badger's strange conversation he had with her yet.

She started eating her soup while thinking about the Badger's appearance in her dream. Seeing her doing so, Numair decided to talk about something else so she wouldn't be bothered.

"Thayet, how are things at the court?" he asked glancing at Daine. If only I could tell her...

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Maybe I'm over reacting, Daine thought. The Badger didn't say it was BIG, so maybe its not a war. Just a little army or-

"Daine? Daine!"

"Huh?" Daine said, startled from her thought the second time that day.

"How are the war horses coming along?" asked Thayet, concern in her voice.

"Oh, their fine. Most are well and healthy but some have ear mites. They can be cured fast."

"Good."

Thayet eyed Daine suspiciously. Daine saw this and looked down at the half-empty bowl of soup.

"Are you well, Daine?"

"Yes, just tired," she said, not looking up to meet Thayet's stare. "I think a walk through the woods would clear my head"

"Of, course. Be careful"

"Do you need company?" asked Numair, worry in his eyes and his voice. Standing up, the young women said,

"No, I'll be OK. I'm just going to talk to the animals."

Still seeing worry in Numair's dark brown eyes, she put a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"I'll be fine. I promise."

With a sigh, Numair returned to his soup. While Daine passed him, she heard him say,

"Be careful, magelet."

With that she walked out of the mess hall and into the open yard in front of the Swoop.

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As she headed for the beach, she closed her eyes and breathed in the smells of the flowers, trees, and everything else around her. She walked along the edge of the sand and let the water come up past her ankles, then rush back.

She walked in silence, listing to her surroundings, when she heard footsteps in the rocks behind her. Daine turned around but saw nothing expect seagulls perched on the rocks by the water. Must be my imagination. I need to cam down.

Daine walked steadily down the edge until she found two boulders put side by side. Between the boulders was a small ditch. She sat here and stared at the horizon. She laid her head back for a moment, only to be startled by small pebbles falling around her. Daine scrambled to stand up but only made it to her knees. Someone came behind her and covered her mouth with their hand.

"We meet again, Daine," said a familiar voice.

Before she knew it, she fell unconscious by someone she thought she would never see again.

Perin.