Chapter Meeting Cole

Annabell woke up feeling very relaxed. She had slept so well.

A lion cub was curled up against her. Without thinking, she began to stroke the fur of one of them, enjoying the feeling of the soft hairs between her fingers. Thinking back, she wished she knew what was wrong with Joshua the previous night. He had looked so sad.

The cub made a gentle, throaty sound that reminded her of a cat’s purr. As she rolled over to sit upright, she noticed that Joshua was still asleep. The lions had scattered themselves around the clearing, and the carcass of an unknown animal lay half-eaten under the bushes furthest away from her. A thrill ran up her spine as she looked at it. She had momentarily forgotten that the Star Lions were carnivores and the scene of the fresh kill brought that reality home without question.

The cub stood up and ran to its brother and sister.

Annabell had a sister somewhere. She had a family for the first time in her life. Since she had started thinking about the fact that she had a sister, found it hard to stop again.

Will she like me? Do we have the same interests? Are we identical twins? Does my sister know of my existence?

A grunt form Joshua, shook her from her thoughts. He rolled around and thrashed in his sleep. Watching him battle invisible enemies, she found it hard not to laugh. As she nearly lost control of her amusement, he opened his eyes and stared right at her.

“What?” he asked, and she burst out laughing. He sent her a confused look, and then looked around seeming disorientated. Sitting up he waited patiently for Annabell to finish laughing.

“Sorry,” she finished with a cough, and looked down.

“We have to get moving today,” Joshua said.

“Do we really have to? I like it here,” she whined. He didn’t bother answering. Instead, he started packing things away.

With a heavy sigh, Annabell handed her blanket over to him and stood up.

“Do you have any idea which way we should go?” she asked him. He looked around a couple of times before stepping up to the biggest tree, the one they had slept under.

“I’m going to climb this tree, and see which way the coast is. I’m thinking we are in the middle of the country, but I hope I can at least see the river from up there,” he said and patted the trunk.

Annabell watched as he slowly made his way, using knots and branches to pull him up. It wasn’t long before he disappeared into tree’s dense, green canopy. She waited patiently for him, watching closely for any sign of his return. Stepping back into the middle of the clearing, she could see movement in the treetop. He was up high now.

From her spot on the ground, she couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous. A fall from that height would likely prove fatal. And, if the fall didn’t kill him, his injuries surely would. It took her a moment, but she became aware of the fact that she had been holding her breath. The realization left her slightly embarrassed and she felt her cheeks flush.

She told herself told herself she only cared about his safety because he was her only hope of getting back to civilization.

After several moments, he began his climb down. She watched and listened as the movement slowly crawled down the tree. Beside her, the three cubs watched as well, seemingly confused by the noise coming from above them. A groan could be heard from Joshua as his feet became visible, dangling from the tree. Slowly he lowered himself from the branches, taking a moment to hang like a monkey before dropping to the ground, panting.

He hit the ground hard and collapsed. Despite not making a sound, the pain showed clearly on his face. She ran to him without thinking. He rolled over and coughed a bit.

“That was hard,” he said, looking up at Annabell.

“Did you figure out where we are?” she asked. Relief filled her as she saw that he wasn’t seriously hurt.

“Yeah, this way is west. So, to get back to the coastline we should walk that way,” he said, and pointed right. Annabell nodded her understanding.

“Okay then, let me just say goodbye to them,” she said, and pointed to the cubs that were still beside her. Joshua glanced at them, clearly still nervous. He stepped aside, and watched as she squatted down, petting their little muzzles. The Lion that had led them to the clearing came over and bowed its head to her, closing its eyes as she reached out to nuzzle it gently on top of the head.

With a wave, back she walked over to Joshua and together they stepped out of the clearing and into the woods, not looking back.

Joshua led the way in silence. Annabell wanted to ask what was wrong with him last night, but she had a feeling that it might do more harm than good.

Gradually, her thoughts returned once again to the fact that she had a sister. Being away from the clearing and the lions, the realization of her current situation came crashing down. It made her head hurt to think about and she swore she could feel the weight of it all pressing down on her shoulders. The pleasant mood she had felt in the clearing began to quickly fade.

The scenery became monotonous and repetitive. A nagging feeling told her they were walking in circles, but it was only when they passed she knew she had seen before that she decided to say something.

“Hey, are we lost?” she stopped and asked.

With a sigh, Joshua stopped and turned around. He had the map in his hands.

“I’m afraid so. This map is absolutely useless in here,” he said, and put a hand up to scratch his head. The remains of his sleeve dangled from his arm. Annabell took a moment to notice the shabby condition of her own clothes. Both of them were in serious need of new attire.

A long, warm bath wouldn’t hurt either.

Sighing, Joshua looked around. Once again, Annabell had no idea what he was looking for. The look on his face said that whatever it was—he wasn’t having any luck finding it.

“Well, either we just try and get out of here, or we wait for the night, so I can read the stars,” he said and ruffled his hair before her looked back at her. Annabell thought he resembled a lost puppy. She couldn’t help but smirk at the image of Joshua looking like a dog.

“You find this funny?” he asked with anger.

“No, I just thought you knew everything about your precious quest,” she shot back, annoyed with the anger in his voice.

“I’m so close to just leaving you here. Do not test me, Annabell,” he warned and turned away from her. Making a grimace at his back, she followed shortly after.

He walked in between some trees, and disappeared out of sight. Annabell ran after him, and saw him bending over a sapling, tying something around it.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m tying a ribbon here, so we’ll be able to see if we are walking in circles,” Joshua explained. When he stood up, she saw that he had tied a piece of his shirt to the tree.

“You shouldn’t ruin your clothes like that,” she said.

“No? Well, I gave you my spare t-shirt, and I don’t have anything else to use. So, unless you want to donate yours, it’ll have to do,” he said and trudged off. Annabell walked behind him, wondering why he had suddenly become so rude.

I haven’t been that bad, have I?

Lost in thought, she failed to notice Joshua had stopped and plowed into him.

“Hey! What did you …,” she began saying when he shushed her. Wincing, she rubbed her forehead and looked around him to see a dog staring at them.

Carefully she stepped beside him, feeling the dog’s eyes on her.

“Kato! Here boy!” a male voice yelled, followed by a whistle. The dog looked back.

“What have you found now, Kato?” the owner of the voice said as he stepped forward and noticed them.

“Oh, hi!” He bent down to pick up a stick; the dog looked at it with hungry eyes.

“Kato, fetch!” he said, whipping his arm forward and sending the stick tumbling away. The dog darted after it.

“Sorry about that. It isn’t often that there are people in this part of the woods,” he said, and walked over to them slowly. He had loose clothing on, and the greasy, black hair that fell down over his face indicated that he had been away from civilization for quite some time.

He offered his hand to them and Annabell took it first.

“My name is Cole,” he presented himself with a pleasant smile. Annabell shook the hand and smiled in return.

“I’m Annabell, and this is Joshua,” she said, motioning to her companion.

Joshua hesitated to take the man’s hand, though; he did eventually shake it once. Cole’s eyes danced between them.

“What brings you to this part of Glist?” he asked, and stepped back.

“To be honest we are a little lost,” Annabell answered before Joshua could say anything. He cast a glare her direction, but she ignored it.

“Lost? Yeah, it’s easy to lose your sense of direction in here. Especially with the trees blocking most of the sky,” Cole said while nodding.

“What are you doing here then?” Joshua asked. He winced when Annabell stuck her elbow in his side.

“Oh, me? I live here with Kato. That’s the dog back there. Yeah. We don’t really like the noise in the big cities, so instead we found a nice little place out here,” Cole explained. A happy bark from behind him told them that Kato had returned.

The brown dog emerged from the undergrowth and returned to them, the stick in his mouth and his tail wagging happily behind him. Cole squatted down at patted him on the head.

“You live out here?” Annabell asked, surprised.

“Yeah, we have a little shack back there. We’ve lived out here for seven years now,” he told them.

“So, you must know this part of the forest pretty well?” Annabell asked excitedly.

“I know it like I would know my own backyard. Which it just so happens to be!” he said, and laughed at his own joke. Annabell forced a laugh, but Joshua remained skeptical, his face flat and unreadable as ever.

“You guys need help I reckon?” Cole asked. Annabell nodded eagerly.

“Well then, let me offer you guys dinner. You look starved. I’ll help you tomorrow okay?” he said and gestured behind him.

“That sounds so great! Yes I’m starving, and thank you!” she answered and walked up beside him, motioning for him to lead the way. Joshua lingered a moment, but followed a few seconds.

Cole led them on winding course through the forest. Annabell got the sense he could have done it with his eyes closed. After a few minutes the roof of a little hut was visible in the distance.

“Are you sure about this?” Joshua whispered to Annabell. She just rolled her eyes at him.

“Welcome to my humble home!” Cole exclaimed, spreading out his arms and turning around.

The place was small but cozy. Annabell could see that the primitive-looking hut had been built out of whatever the forest provided. The orphanage often made them build things from wood when she was younger, and she recognized some of the faults she had been taught to avoid.

Despite looking like it could collapse at any moment, the hut was actually rather impressive. Cole had managed to seal of all sides from the wind, and the roof seemed water proof enough for him to live under. The fireplace was well maintained, and the addition of a few perfectly cut logs made it a perfect place for sitting.

“This is so cool,” Annabell said, never in her life had she seen someone so content with so little. Cole rewarded her with a smile in return.

“So, I have something here. Which would you rather have for dinner? Rabbit or pigeon? They’re both fresh,” he said with excitement. He had made a little grill place to cook food on, near the fireplace.

“To be honest, I don’t mind either. I would eat the ass end of horse right now. I’m starving,” Annabell answered.

“Rabbit it is!” said Cole. He disappeared out the door, returning a few moments later with four rabbits, two in each hand, hanging limp in his grasp.

Annabell joined Cole in the preparation of the meal, though; her lack of actual cooking experience made her more of a hindrance than helpful. She was especially not fond of skinning the rabbit, nor the sound it made as the skin was peeled away from the meat. Joshua took a seat near Kato and watched them, brooding.

Before long, the wonderful smell of seared meat and herbs filled the tiny room. It added to the homey feel of the place and Annabell found herself imagining living as a hermit in the woods on more than one occasion. She didn’t mind as it took her mind off the aroma swirling around, driving her hunger to maddening new heights.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Cole announced the meal ready.

“Joshua? Are you hungry?” Annabell startled him awake. Somehow he had fallen asleep. She was behind him with a plate filled with delicious meat, waving it at him. He stood up and nearly toppled over.

“Thank you,” he said brusquely. Giving both of them a small nod, he sat back down, choosing to keep his distance.

she thought.

“How old are you Cole?” Joshua asked.

“I am twenty-three. I’ve lived out here since I was sixteen,” he answered, not bothering to finish chewing before he did.

“How come you chose to live out here when you were so young?” Joshua asked.

“Joshua!” Annabell stared daggers at him for stepping over the line.

“No, no, it’s okay. When I was young my parents died, leaving me in foster care, which I hated. So as soon as I had a chance, I ran away,” he explained, and once again flashed his signature smile.

“Really? You were in foster care too? I was raised at an orphanage. I’m 16 too. I’m just like you, running away,” she told him.

“I’m glad you are free of that place then. What about you Joshua? You an orphan, too?” Cole asked.

“No, I’m just kind of tagging along,” he said.

“So what, you just left your home?” Cole sounded surprised. He thought about it for a moment and frowned.

“Well, my father is dead, and my mother has enough problems on her hand. I was always getting into trouble at school, and the phone calls from them didn’t exactly help her much,” Joshua said, noticeably choking up.

“I would give anything to see my parents again,” Cole said, and for a moment he looked up at the sky.

“Sometimes it just feels right to be around your own kin, you know?” He looked at them and Annabell nodded eagerly.

“I’ve never known my family. I was left at the doorstep. But one of my greatest wishes is to meet my family one day,” she explained.

The lean meat was white and juicy. Cole had used some herbs from around the forest and it was slightly spicy. Though not the heartiest meal, it did much to fill their empty bellies. They soaked in the fire’s warmth and felt drowsy.

“I am sorry. I only have room for me and Kato inside the house. Though, we could all sleep outside tonight? It could be like a campout,” Cole said when they had finished eating. Annabell agreed, while Joshua remained silent.

While Cole cleaned up, Annabell moved over to Josh.

“Why are you sulking so much?” she asked and took a seat beside him. He glanced back at Cole, nodding towards his back.

“I don’t trust him,” he said and met her eyes.

“What? You can’t be serious. He’s like one of the kindest guys I’ve ever met. He not only offered to help us, but also a place to rest and food,” she said giving him a look that said she thought he was crazy.

“Exactly, don’t you think that’s a bit weird?” he argued.

“No, actually, I think your paranoia is weird. I mean, how often do you think he gets visitors? Of course he would help when someone stumbles by,” she said, and with a small huff turned away, greeting Cole as he came back.

“I found a few extra pillows if you want. I mean, the ground isn’t that brilliant to sleep on,” he said and held up two pillows. With a grin, Annabell took them, and with a sour look at Joshua threw one of them over to him. He barely caught it.

The evening sun had almost disappeared, and in the dim light from the fire place. Annabell chatted happily with Cole.

Joshua kept silent behind them. She thought he was being insecure and stupid, guys and their stupid resentment against asking for directions. At least Cole was pleasant to talk with. He already made her laugh numerous times, and she found herself enjoying his company.

“So where are you going exactly,” he asked.

“Well, we have an idea that Yildun would be a great place to seek out,” she answered. It wasn’t on purpose that she didn’t want to tell him the truth. Something just held her back. Explaining it with Joshua’s hesitation towards the guy, she ignored the feeling.

“Ah, that means you wants to go west I take it,” he said, and she could faintly make out his face, the light from the fire, made several shadows dance over his unshaven face. His eyes were dark, almost black and a few laughter lines framed his eyes, making him seem friendly.

“Yeah, do you know which direction that is?” she asked.

“So eager to leave me already, huh?” he joked.

“No. I was just … making conversation,” she said and blushed at the humorous glint in his eyes.

“Well, a compass is always useful out here, especially when you don’t know the area. Though, if you ever intend to come back you should just look for a three that resembles a dragon. That means you are near. And from there it’s basically almost a straight line to Kokab. I would suggest you to take that road, since the way to Yildun are much easier from there,” he said, and pointed to the right side of the house.

“That way, is east. So you were actually on your right way somehow.”

“That’s something I guess,” she answered.

“Your friend, he doesn’t seem to like me much,” Cole noted, and gave a nod towards Joshua. She looked back at him.

“He’s just grumpy because he got lost. I don’t think it has anything to do with you,” she said. Meeting Cole’s look again, a thought occurred to her.

“Besides he’s not even my friend. We just happened to go the same way,” she said. Cole raised an eyebrow at this.

“No? He seems rather protective of you, though.”

“I guess it’s because he wants to be the hero of the day. You being here sort of put an end to that,” she explained and enjoyed the low chuckle from Cole. A peaceful silence fell after that.

“So how long did you have Kato? And have you never been back in the civilization?” Annabell asked breaking the silence.

“Kato was with me when I ran away. He was just a puppy back then. And, of course we’ve been back. I mean, I didn’t have all these things with me as I ran, and I didn’t find them around the forest either,” he said with a wink.

Laughing with him was nice. Annabell envied his carefree nature. She was still annoyed at Joshua, and the fact that his male pride had been hurt.

“We should probably get some sleep soon,” Cole said, and she met his eyes. It was easy to get lost in there. She almost felt sucked in. In a way she felt that his eyes promised the end of all her sufferings.

“We should, it was nice talking to you though,” she said and gave him a smile before lying down. The trees above her gave room for the sky to show. The stars twinkled down her and she with a final sigh of content she closed her eyes.