Beyond the Galaxy by J Thorn et al

Author:J Thorn et al. [al., J Thorn et]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Molten Universe Media
Published: 2020-06-18T22:00:00+00:00

I reined in my horses as we crested the ridge on our way out of the Qualmie Valley. I had brought both Father’s mare, Gertie, and my gelding, Rufus. It would be useful to be able to swap mounts, if an extended gallop was necessary, and a pack horse allowed me extra storage. I had packed as much as I could of our lives onto the horses. This was all I had left, now.

The saddle creaked as I twisted to look back at the valley. The sun was just peeking over the mountains to the east, and far below, the town of North Falls was starting to wake up for the day. In another hour or so, Moira would find my note on the kitchen table, along with the bodies of Father and Lucas in the hallway. I trusted that she would follow my instructions to bury the bodies and scrub the house clean of all traces of the brutality from the previous night.

A second note was to be delivered to the Elders, explaining that I hadn’t wanted to be left behind and that I had chased after Father, intending to follow him to the capital. By the time the Elders figured out what had really happened—if they ever did—it would be too late. I would already have explained the situation to the High Council, placing my fate in their hands and putting me out of the Elders’ reach.

Father had been right; Now, it would be far too dangerous for me to stay. According to castle law, I was in the right to defend Father, myself, and our home against Lucas, but neither Elder Janis nor the Eldest would see it that way. To them, I would forever be the girl who murdered their kin.

I would never return to North Falls. I would never see Father’s grave nor visit Mother’s again. I would never become the town Historian.

My whole life, I had dreamed of leaving North Falls to see the world. Now, I would get my wish.

And yet, I would trade it all for a chance to again see Father sitting in his chair by the fireplace, lost in a book. To feel the thrill of sneaking away for a day to go foraging in the woods, knowing that when I returned home, Father would be waiting. To tell Father that I loved him, just one last time.

A tear streaked down my cheek, and I closed my eyes and bowed my head, saying my silent goodbye to Father and to this place. To everything I’d ever known.

With a deep, cleansing breath, I opened my eyes and raised my head. I turned my back to the valley and, with a squeeze of my legs, nudged Rufus into motion. Gertie trailed closely, connected by a lead rope. I rode on toward the capital, the sun warming my back as a new day dawned.

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