Awakening by Lucy A. McLaren

Author:Lucy A. McLaren
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: BISAC Subject Categories Primary: YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fantasy / Dark Fantasy

BISAC Subject Categories Secondary: FICTION / Fantasy / Epic
Publisher: Santa Fe Writer's Project
Published: 2022-02-23T16:24:43+00:00

18

Chapter 18:

Evelyn

Evelyn straightened her clothes, brushed back the wisps of hair from her face. Time to get some answers. She nodded to Raif and Rose, and the three entered the hut.

Inside, the air was heated to an almost uncomfortable level by the central firepit. Smoke billowed upwards, drawn through a chimney. Evelyn squinted against the brightness of the flames as her eyes adjusted. There were animal furs on the floor and lining the walls, varying in colour from tan-beige to deep black. It was larger than expected too, with a smaller room separated from the main hut, a fur hanging across the doorway and blocking anyone from seeing inside.

At the centre of the main room, a woman sat on a wooden chair behind the fire. Her face was obscured by the dancing flames, features flickering in and out of visibility too quickly to get a full image. Despite this, Evelyn had the sense she was being watched.

“This is my sister, Avanna,” Mak said, arm held out. He introduced them each in turn.

“Welcome to the camp,” Avanna said, standing and holding her hands out in greeting. Like her brother, she had wide-set brown eyes and shoulder-length hair. However, where Mak might have worn an easy, friendly expression, there was an uneasy air to the smile she gave. She was trying to emulate her brother’s natural warmth and failing. She wore a similar outfit to her brother too—much like everyone in the camp, it seemed, with brown trousers and cream tunic, though her wool waistcoat was dark blue rather than green and was considerably less faded. It was clear she took pride in her appearance and held herself as such as she moved round the firepit to stand in front of them. Evelyn couldn’t deny she had a certain presence about her; she drew the attention of all as she cleared her throat to speak.

“My brother tells me you’ve had a long and stressful journey,” she said. “Please, take a seat. Some refreshments will be here soon.” She directed them towards a cushioned seating area in the corner.

Evelyn sat beside Raif and Rose with Avanna and Mak opposite. Dog scratched at some of the furs before circling twice, lying down, and promptly falling asleep.

“You aren’t the only ones to seek shelter here,” Avanna said, eyes drifting over them all—hesitating a moment longer on Rose. She turned to Mak. “We had some more arrivals while you were away. Nomarran men, a few women, and children. I’m sure they won’t be the last.”

Mak nodded gravely.

“Nomarrans? We passed some on the road ourselves. And there was one … There was a man in the tavern where we- where I—” She glanced at Raif and Rose, gulping.

Avanna’s gaze was intense—sympathetic and measuring both at once. “These are trying times for many,” she said, bowing her head. “But enough of such talk. You are safe now. Tell me about yourselves. Or if you have any questions, you may ask them.”

Raif chewed his lip. “Will we be safe here?” he asked.

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