Chapter 8.4

Katatshi and Jaala proceeded out of earshot from the river to a small outcropping of rocks on the valley floor.  It was nearly dark now, the twilight slipping from the valley.  The two had been companions long enough now that neither spoke their intention, they simply move among the rocks and lay out their bedrolls for the night.

“Thank you, Katashi,” Jaala said softly.

“Goodnight,” Katashi responded.

Both had eased into a state of almost sleep where thoughts vie with dreams for supremacy when something woke them.  Sitting up they looked ahead into the valley.  It appeared as if a giant wild-fire were sweeping down the east side of the valley.

“We appear to be on the edge of where it will come,” said Jaala.

“To be safe we should move,” added Katashi.

Jaala nodded and they gathered up their belongings, heading back South toward the river and to the western edge of the valley.  With the fire once again in the distance they bedded down again.

They had not lain much longer than the first time when Jaala propped himself up and grunted his displeasure at the rapidly advancing flame.  This time they moved North, hugging the sheer face of the valley.  They traveled twice the distance they had to the rock outcropping, the fire  more a dim glow than the advancing wall of flame they had first seen, and once again laid down.

This time, Katashi sat up after a half sand and commented without emotion, “It follows us.”

“We must face it then,” rejoined Jaala.

The two companions stood, drawing on their weapons.  Katashi took Cuauhtemoc’s pin in both hands and assumed the Dancing Reed stance, waiting for the Elemental.

~ by beinnsgriob on September 18, 2009.