Thrown to the Wolves (The Faith in Peril Trilogy) by Newcastle Holly

Author:Newcastle, Holly [Newcastle, Holly]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: All Is Calm Publishing
Published: 2014-05-11T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

“Are you all well?” asked Daniel Stoltzfus, his expression concerned, yet interested. “Is anyone hurt?” He wore trousers and a coat, with a rifle in his hands.

“We’re fine,” said Anna. “But our dog, Molly, is dead. She was attacked by a pack of wolves.”

His mouth fell open. “Truly? We’ve had problems with them. They kill livestock, but they don’t normally seek out humans.” I seemed to have his full attention. “You seem well, Rebekah.”

Of all the people in our community, how on earth was he the only one who had found us? “Where’s my father? Is he coming?”

He placed the rifle against a tree, turning to face me. “Many people are looking for you. I joined the search as soon as I heard you went missing. Your Dat and brother are more northerly, I believe. Others went west and east. I skirted around the edges and came this way.” I found his smile bewildering. “I’m glad I was right.”

“Did you bring food?” asked Jacob. “I’m starvin’.”

“I’ve some dried meat in a pouch.”

“Oh, that’s heavenly,” said Anna. “I’m so glad we won’t have to spend another night in the woods. I can’t wait to see Mam.”

Jacob jumped excitedly. “Me too! I’m dying for some hot chocolate and apple pie.”

“Not so fast,” said Daniel, holding up a hand. “You’re miles from any farm and night’s approaching.” He glanced at the fire. “You’ve already chosen a campsite. We can’t go back now. It’ll be dark soon.”

I had been expecting this. “How far out are we?”

“A great distance.”

Anna groaned. “We never should’ve been allowed in the woods alone. We’re far too stupid to be trusted to go on a walk.” She sat by the fire, folding her arms over her knees. “There’s nothing to be done about it tonight. At least he has a weapon. I feel far better knowing that. I don’t want to be eaten by a wolf.”

Daniel reached into a knapsack, which had been slung across his shoulder. “Here. You may eat it all. There should be enough for everyone.”

“Thank you kindly, sir,” said Jacob, taking the bag from him.

“Are you responsible for the fire?”

“I certainly am.” My brother stood as tall as he could, although still shorter than Daniel by three feet. “I’ve been taking care of everything.”

“What a fine little man.” He grinned.

Not knowing what else to do and feeling awkward by the arrival of our rescuer, I sat next to Anna, staring at the fire, which blazed heartily. The last person I had wanted to see was Daniel Stoltzfus, and yet, he stood before me.

“Why aren’t they firing more?” asked Anna. “If they had kept shooting, we could’ve followed the sound home.”

“Ah, you remind me,” said Daniel. “I’m to shoot three times, if I find you. Cover your ears.” He grasped the rifle, holding it to his shoulder, while pointing the muzzle into the forest. The noise carried for some distance. “I’m not certain they can hear that. We’re far off track. You’ve managed to clear that ridgeline, and the sound might not travel as well.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.