Alex: Lol. Actually, half the time I don't know either. I have no plans. I just go with the flow.
Clux: I figured the title would intrigue people. Anyway, yeah, I get ill off and on. Yet, as of now, I'm feeling pretty well. Thanks.
Panda: Could be Klor…but maybe it wasn't…hee, hee, hee…
Fab: That's too bad. What's Carolyn's web address? Maybe I'll pop in and read a few of your stories. That is, if you don't mind.
Taya: Well, gee, I'm not all that patient either. Where's your next chapter? Coming soon? hopeful smile Anyway, thanks for the wonderful compliments. They really make my day.
MMJ: Thank you so much. big smile You'll find out what she saw in this chapter so read to find out!
KDC: Thanks! Are you working on any stories, yet?
Keys: Lol. Me? Enjoy scaring you? Of course not. evil laugh And I don't know. I think ChosenOne may have let your secret out. It may just be why you get those weird looks. Lol.
ChosenOne: Hey! It's not stupid. And if you dare spend another 3 months before your next chapter then I will kill you – and not with suspense. gives you a warning glare Got it? (Lol.)
Kat: You're right. It wasn't mentioned in Unexpected Danger. Don't worry. You haven't missed anything. And I can't kill you with romance. Sorry, but what would I tell the police?
Madge: Thanks! I'll try!
Julia: Thank you very much; and I intend to not only continue it, but finish it as well! big smile
Zeus: I'll be sure to swing by and read it. Thanks for the review!
Chapter Ten
Out of the Grave
The day was uneventful as they trudged along the uneven ground conversing about everything and nothing. Marguerite had nearly forgotten her terror of the previous night as the sun began to set and the stars started to peek out from hiding. She trekked along behind Roxton's right shoulder, grumbling about how she always had to be the one to hike to the villages simply because she knew the languages. It was then she collided into the hunter, grunting as her chin smacked into his shoulder. "What," she complained. "We still have some daylight left. I would like to make it to the village and sleep indoors for a civilized change. You may enjoy these jaunts into the forest, but I…"
"Quiet," he scolded in a harsh whisper, raising his rifle and pointing it towards the underbrush a few yards away.
Marguerite groaned and unclipped her pistol from its holster. "What now," she whined bitterly.
Roxton placed a finger to her lips, silencing her from saying anything else. "Raptors," he whispered. "Two…maybe three."
Marguerite's heart skipped a beat and then raced like a horse until her stomach began to get queasy. Ever since becoming a mother, she grew more and more terrified of the dangers on the plateau. She couldn't face the possibility of her children having to grow up without her. She – being an orphan herself – dreaded the very notion of being forced to abandon her children whether through death or some other cruel twist of fate.
"What are they waiting for," she mumbled, scanning the surrounding area.
"I don't know," Roxton replied hoarsely. "Maybe we should wait them out. Let's climb that tree over there." Roxton was a hunter at heart, but even he didn't want to risk their lives and leave their children parentless. He led Marguerite to the tree and kept watch as she scurried up it. He then followed her.
-*-*-*-
Two hours had passed before Marguerite sighed and muttered: "Looks like we're stuck sleeping outdoors for another night."
Roxton shrugged and leaned back against the trunk. "Better that then in the belly of a bloody beast."
Marguerite snorted and repositioned herself so that she was nestled between his legs, her head resting in his lap. "I wonder what they're doing."
"They should be in bed."
"Mmm," Marguerite agreed. "I hope they haven't learned any new words without us."
Roxton laughed. "Darling, we've only been gone two days. You act as though we haven't seen them in weeks. And why so clingy all of a sudden?"
Marguerite set her jaw in arrogance. "I'm not clingy," she defended. "I'm a mother. And good mothers worry and wonder about their babies. So excuse me for loving my children enough to worry and wonder."
"Oh, Marguerite, again you twist my words around. You know damn well what I meant." He pecked her on the top of her curly head. "I know you're a damn fine mother. You won't hear any arguments from me, Marguerite."
"And you're the best father they could ever have," Marguerite said softly. "I…I wouldn't have wanted any other man to be their father."
Roxton grinned and tightened his arms around her. "Go to sleep, love. I'll take the first watch."
-*-*-*-
A cool breath of air brushed across her as it were whispering a forewarning. As though captivated by an eerily sixth sense, Marguerite slowly drew away from Roxton and peered down the path into the darkness. Against the hauntingly enchanting moonlight, a shadow was cast over the trail. Marguerite hunched further down, trying to avoid detection even though she knew its eyes were boring into her. She could feel its gaze tingling her skin and raising the tiny hairs on her neck.
"Why do you show yourself to me," she murmured under her breath.
The murky silhouette vanished. Marguerite held her breath, fear causing her blood to thicken into ice. A bush swayed; and she began to shiver, unable to contain the terror to just her mind.
A twig snapped.
Frozen in place, she couldn't cry out to Roxton; and the warmth of his presence seeped away. She felt trapped and vulnerable. Was Roxton even there? Or was she now the only living person left on earth: alone in this world of torment and horrors?
A rustling noise below the tree brought tears to her eyes. Go away, her thoughts begged. Please, go away. Please. Leave me alone.
"Mar…guer…ite," the wind hissed.
No, not the wind, she realized, squeezing her eyes shut. Dear God, it's not the wind. Her tears spilled over, cascading over her pale cheeks.
"Marg…uerite."
"No," she whispered inaudibly. "No. Go away."
"Marguerite," the scratchy voice snickered into her ear.
Marguerite gasped, catching her breath. Her lips trembled as she silently wept; and her lungs burned with the need for air.
"This way, Marguerite," he taunted. "This way."
A cold caress, like frigid fingertips, grazed her cheeks and Marguerite's eyes sprung open as she jerked away, screeching: "NOOO!" In that instant, she had jolted too far and rolled off the branch, plummeting to the ground below. And just before she hit, she saw the terrorizing face of Klor and dozens of spine-chilling, expressionless spirits peering down at her.
End Chapter Ten
Sorry it took awhile. I was working on my other stories. And then FF.net was wacky for a couple days.