Dark Travelers Ch. 01

"Yeah, yeah. I know. But sometimes only...not for every little thing like you do."

nterrupted once again, Anya fetched a sigh and didn't respond. Rather, she gazed around at her surroundings. It was still early, just an hour or so after daybreak. Birds were beginning to chirp in earnest now and the sky was turning light pink with the rising sun. Looks as if it would be a warm day after all. Luckily, she had thought ahead to bring a pack for her jacket. And anything else they may acquire throughout the day. Planning stuff is dumb, indeed. She smiled, pleased with her little private joke, and shifted said pack into a more comfortable position on her shoulder.

They walked for a ways in contented silence. Then, "Anya, how long ago did mom and dad die? I try to keep track but I never can."

"I was thirteen so about seven years ago. Why?" She replied, curious. Andi never seemed to want to talk about their parents' death.

"Because it's something I should keep better track of. I miss them sometimes, but I can hardly remember what they look like. It's almost like they never even existed now. Is it bad of me to feel that way?" Andi seemed genuinely concerned. Like it was something that had been troubling her.

Anya considered, "If it troubles you, then you should make an effort to remember... if only to ease your thoughts. But, no. I don't think it's wrong to move past tragedies and go on with life. Remember, you had only just turned ten. It's easier for younger children to adapt to big changes."

Andi listened intently and seemed somewhat relieved. "Ok. I just worry sometimes that I'm not a good daughter for forgetting. You never forget stuff like that."

"I don't think mother and father would want us to grieve eternally. They would want us to live life," Anya paused here, feeling a bit odd saying these words. She wondered if she was being a hypocrite, she didn't exactly live to the fullest.

Andi indeed gave her a funny look but only nodded in reply. "Alright." Then, instantly distracted, "hey look! I can see the town square already, Yay!" She sped up and left Anya behind once again.

Anya followed Andi's gaze and saw she was right. They were almost there indeed. Mission of the day, to have fun. She squared her shoulders in determination and hurried to catch up with her sister.

3.

It was late-afternoon when Anya finally called a halt and allowed herself to collapse on a bench. Andi, surprisingly enough, seemed grateful for the rest as well. They had gone non-stop since they arrived. Andi had wanted to look at all the little shops, taste all the fair food, squeal and coo over the farm animals, and go on all the rides.

The young people were gathered in full force today and Andi had wasted no time in chatting up several peers within her age group. Two or three young men had given her appreciative looks and she had walked around with her head held a bit higher afterward. She loved receiving attention.

Anya was amused by her sister's antics and was satisfied enough to watch. She didn't notice several slightly older gentlemen trying to catch her eye throughout the day, it just wasn't in her nature. Andi had tried to point this out but to no avail.

"Anya, he's smiling at you. Go talk to him. He's so handsome!" She had said this when she'd noticed the leather-maker gazing longingly at Anya.

She'd waved it off. "Oh no, he's just being friendly. I don't want to bother him in the middle of the work day, it's not polite. I don't have any business to offer him, besides."

Andi rolled her eyes and gave up. Anya must not like men, she decided. She couldn't remember a time when she'd seen her sister flirt with a man, much less have a boyfriend. She on the other hand had no such qualms. Andi had gotten several date invites from the young men today. And the day was young. Now how to get Anya to let her go out on those dates, by herself, was another task entirely.

As she tried to work out a plan, she failed to notice that Anya's attention was caught by some sudden noise. Barking to be precise. Puppy barking. Interest piqued, she rose and began to walk purposefully in that direction. Andi didn't notice for a moment and was taken aback by her sister's sudden departure.

"Hey wait! Where are you going," she called, bouncing to her feet to run after Anya. "Wait up! What are you-awwwww puppies!" She wasted no time in scooping the loudest, most boisterous one up and cuddling it, baby-talking it all the while.

"Lookit you little snuggly wuggly poo. Aren't you just the cutiest little puppy ever," she cooed. The puppy in question was yipping excitedly lapping at Andi's cheek. Anya observed this for a few moments before quietly speaking to the boy the dogs belonged to.

Andi was now on the ground, mindless of the dirt, playing 'get my fingers' with the little spotted pup.

Anya approached with a pleased grin on her face, "he's the one is he?"

Andi looked up, puzzled. "He's the one what?"

"He's the one who will be coming back with us, I assume?"

The young girl's face lit up with understanding at her older sister's words. "Ohhh, really? I can keep him?" She scooped the puppy up once more and gurgled at it happily, "did you hear that, little guy? You get to come home with me!"

The little dog barked excitedly at her tone. This girl was obviously very pleased with him for some reason. And she was playing with him and she was so much fun. He wagged his tail as hard and as fast as he could to show her that yes, yes he was happy to be with her. He was happy that she was happy. Yes yes yes.

"Consider him an early birthday present. From me to you. Come on now, gather him up. We need to buy provisions for him," Anya said, beckoning the two to follow.

"Best. Gift. Ever." Andi scrambled to her feet, excited to go and buy things for her new pet. "We'll have to get him food, and a water bowl, and a leash, and some toys, and a bed, and a ball, and a..."

"Yes, all of that. He'll be your charge you realize. I'll expect you to look after him," Anya began seriously, knowing all the while that she would eventually be caring for the pup when Andi forgot.

"I promise," came the inevitable response. To which Anya merely smiled.

They came upon a store that in addition to regular items, also sold some pet apparel. The pickings were a bit slim, but good quality. Andi was rather put out when she failed to find a matching leash and collar - but settled when she found two that looked nice together. Anya rather doubted that the puppy would care either way, but she said nothing and let the girl have her little shopping spree. It wasn't as if money was an issue - their parents had saved and saved. Most of their food was homegrown and their clothing was mostly home-made. The money that they did earn, selling extra eggs and produce, Anya put along with her parents' savings. It was actually a bit nice to have something to spend money on for a change. And it made her happy that she could afford it.

Andi was chattering away to the shop-keep about what sort of food would be best for puppies. Anya let herself wander around the store, glancing here and there at this and that. Little statues and figurines adorned this shelf. Oldish-looking books and parchments sat on another. Her attention was caught by a smallish pendant attached to a thin silver chain. She picked it up and a tiny jingling issued forth from within the charm. It was a shiny round sphere, no bigger than a pea. Simple but elegant. Anya liked it very much, and wondered if she should bother to purchase it. Reluctantly she decided against it. She had no other jewelry to wear it with - her ears weren't even pierced. Silly to spend money on something she'd never put on.

Slowly, she replaced it and strolled back towards Andi and the puppy. There was quite a pile of pet merchandise on the counter, making Anya arch a brow. There was more than two puppies needed, let alone one. The little creature was already beginning to be spoiled. She silently took inventory of Andi's choices so far: three rubber balls - all colored differently, several chew bones, two leashes, two collars, three bags of food, a water and food bowl, a large bed-pillow and four little bags of treats.

"How do you suppose we will be able to carry all of this back home?"

Andi merely smiled and held up a large cloth bag she'd just added to the pile. "And there is also that bag you thought ahead to bring. You were right, it was a good idea."

Anya stared at her younger sister before sighing and holding up her hand, "we'll have to put some of this back, I'm afraid. Now, now before you throw a fit hear me out. There is no reason to have doubles of everything for one small dog."

In the end, despite loud protests, Anya put back two of the treat bags, the second collar and leash set, two of the rubber balls and one bag of food. Even so, the load would be a heavy one and the walk back was long. And they had a new puppy to deal with as well. It was late in the day too... This was turning out to be a longer excursion than she had anticipated. Suddenly anxious to get back, Anya paid for the items and hustled Andi out of the store.

Andi, a little startled by Anya's abrupt demeanor change, ceased to argue and went willingly enough. She cradled her new pet close to her as Anya lead the way towards the front gates. Apparently the day was over. Andi merely smiled. She couldn't complain now, she'd gotten a long, fun-filled day with a bonus puppy. Just as she'd requested.

They were just starting along the trail back home when a small whimpering stopped them. The pup was squirming against Andi uncomfortably.

"I think he needs to relieve himself, Andi. Put the collar and leash on him and let him do his business. House training can never begin too soon. When he does go, praise him like he's the smartest dog in all the realms. He'll begin to catch on quickly," Anya instructed, glancing nervously at the horizon. The sun was beginning to set. They'd never make it back to the house before dark. Curse the luck.

"I'm going to call him Taters," Andi piped up, patiently waiting while Taters sniffed around endlessly for just the right spot.

Anya blinked, "Taters? Why Taters?"

"Potatoes are really good and I really like them," came the earnest response.

Anya bit back a chuckle and smiled when Taters finally found what he'd been sniffing for. Andi dutifully praised the puppy thoroughly and the trio continued on the journey home. Andi's animated chattering trailed off as the shadows grew. Soon she fell silent and appeared to be as uneasy as Anya felt. The crickets were chirping loudly now and the faintest glow of sunlight could still be seen in the sky. But that would soon be gone as well.

"I think we should have headed home sooner," the younger girl whispered. "Are we almost there?"

"We're about a mile away. Hurry along now, we should be quick and quiet. Carry Taters, please," Anya replied, shifting the two packs she now carried.

Andi opened her mouth to reply and then suddenly closed it with a snap. Her breathing became heavier and she was darting her eyes around with fear. "Did you hear that?"

Anya gazed at her little sister with dismay and listened intently. The crickets had gone silent and she realized that the air felt different somehow. Heavier. There was also a distinct impression of being watched. However, she heard no strange noises. "No. What did it sound like?" She whispered back.

The two began to jog down the path, trying to look in all directions at once. The heavy, oppressive feeling did not go away. Rather, it seemed to keep pace with them. The hairs on the back of Anya's neck began to prickle and Andi began to whimper. "It was like shuffling, or crackling almost. I dunno. It stopped almost as soon as it started. What is it Anya? What-"

Anya shooshed her and began to drag the two of them along, running full speed now. Visions of bandits and monsters danced around in her head. She began to remember the tales of ghosties and ghoulies and long-legged beasties that her mother would tell them on stormy nights. Things that her rational mind knew weren't real. But in the middle of the woods at night, anything could be a monster. She wished she'd thought to bring a dagger of some sort or any weapon, really. Then, as quickly as it came about, the feeling of being spied upon by unseen eyes vanished and the crickets began their song once again. Anya did not slow down, however. She kept the same swift pace for the duration of the journey back home.

Andi was soon huffing and puffing. Anya could really move when she needed to. Not that she was complaining. She'd also felt like something was glowering at her from the darkness. Something just beyond her sight. She cuddled the puppy closer for comfort and heaved a sigh of relief when she felt her feet hit the familiar cobblestone walkway.

"Oh thank the Gods. We're back," she breathed, setting Taters down.

Anya didn't reply, fumbling around in the now full pack for the keys to the front door. She should have just put them in her pocket or something, this was ridiculous. She began to get panicky when she couldn't locate them, thinking she'd dropped them somewhere, when her fingers finally brushed against the familiar key ring. All the way at the bottom of course. Glancing around nervously, hardly any use in the near dark, she unlocked the front door and pulled Andi inside.

The two stood in the living area for a moment, breathing heavily and not speaking. They both listened intently for any sound outside that might indicate that they had been followed.

Nothing.

Anya gave her head a slight shake and locked the door with a brisk click. She then set about the house, locking all the doors and windows. Andi, feeling secure once again, began to unpack the bags. Taters was sniffing around happily, unaware of any disturbance.

"What do you think it was, Anya? I've never felt anything like that before. It was scary," Andi began, setting the dog bed by the fireplace.

Anya wrapped her arms around herself and shrugged, "I don't know. Whatever it was didn't want anything to do with us, though. Most likely why it left us alone." I hope, she thought.

Andi didn't seem satisfied with this explanation, "do you think it was bandits?" She doubted this herself. Bandits would have attacked and robbed them, at the very least.

"No. I don't think so. There would have been an altercation if it were. It felt like...like" she trailed off, unable to find the words.

"It felt like they were observing us," Andi finished.

Anya blinked again, "yes. Exactly." She shivered again, trying to dispel her unease. And yes, it had felt like more than one. They. "Well, they must have found us lacking. Thank Gods."

Andi offered a small smile in return but Anya could see that the incident had frightened her as well. And she was not the type to jump at nothing. Even now Anya observed her little sister double checking the locks on the front windows - something she'd never bothered with before.

"We've had a long, tiring day. Best go to bed now," Anya said firmly.

Andi nodded without arguing and slowly headed off to her room. Taters, noticing his new favorite person's departure, left his sniffing exploration to follow her.

4.

The cold weather came earlier than expected. A vicious cold-snap affected GlenShadow almost overnight. Some of the newly planted crops had been affected but not all. Still, it would be a meager winter harvest. The people began to take special pains with the care of their own backyard gardens. It would be a winter of self-reliance rather than communal.

Anya stared at the piles of snow on her front walk with distaste. It would take ages to shovel all this away, and it was backbreaking work. Grumbling, she made her way to a small tool shed and rooted around for her snow shovel. She didn't have two, so Andi would not be able to help her when she got back. Pity. It'd go much faster with two people working at it. Anya began the arduous chore with an unhappy expression.

She was a bit more than halfway done when she began to look around in search for Andi. The girl had gone down to the stream a bit ago to hopefully catch a couple of fish for tonight's supper. She'd been gone for quite awhile. Taters had gone with her of course. In the two months or so that he'd been with them, Andi and he had become inseparable. And, much to Anya's pleasant surprise, Andi had indeed kept her word that she would pick up after him and care for him properly. She hadn't missed a day of feedings, Taters was now also completely housebroken and had learned a selection of simple commands. All at the hands of her little sister. Perhaps she was growing up a bit. Anya was proud to see Andi showing such responsibility to be able to care for another living thing. Maybe she would give in to the girl's pleas to go out on a date with a boy.

Maybe.

She had almost finished when she heard faint barking coming from the trail. She turned, both relieved and a bit cross that Andi had been gone for so long. She opened her mouth to perhaps give a bit of a scolding but fell silent. Andi was bounding up the trail stark white and wide-eyed. She raced up the walkway and caught hold of Anya, pulled her inside and slammed the door shut.

Taters was barking excitedly at the commotion. Andi leaned back against the door and slid down until she was in a sitting position. She was breathing heavily and shaking.

"What?? What is it? What's happened?" Anya knelt by her sister and looked her face over, shaking the girl gently.

"I-I saw... down by the stream, he was watching me. I saw h-his eyes and they were glowing!"

Anya furrowed her brow, trying to make sense of Andi's broken explanation, "slow down, Sweet. Tell me again. Who did you see? Whose eyes were glowing?"

Andi gulped and took a deep breath, attempting to slow her thundering heart. She glanced up into Anya's worried face and trembled again. "I was fishing on the big flat rock. You know the one where the trout like to hide?"

Anya nodded and Andi continued, "I was having rotten luck and was just deciding to pack up when Taters started growling. I looked over to see what he was upset about and saw this...this man."

"You saw a man? Who was it? Did he threaten you? Are you hurt?" Anya fired one question after another, outraged at the thought of someone attacking her sweet little sister.

She shook her head, "no. He wasn't doing anything. He was just standing there...staring at me. And he wasn't a regular man. He wasn't... I don't....I can't..." she began to stutter with the effort of trying to explain what it was she'd seen.

"What do you mean, 'he wasn't a regular man'? Was it an elf perhaps? They live in the forest as well-"

Andi shook her head forcefully, cutting Anya off, "no! He wasn't an elf and he wasn't a human! I don't know what he was! I never saw anything like him before in my life! All I know is that he was just looking at me and when he noticed I'd seen him it looked like he got surprised. Then angry. His eyes began to glow and then he just like...backed away into the trees and was gone!"

At this point Anya had sat back on her heels and was giving Andi a quizzical look, "are you sure you saw something? Perhaps you fell asleep and-"

"NO!"

Anya jumped, surprised at the force behind Andi's shout.

"I didn't dream this! Taters saw him too! He was growling and that's the only reason I looked over there in the first place. And you know what? When he disappeared into the trees he was still there. I could feel him watching. It felt like that night when we were walking back from town a couple of months ago."

Troubled, Anya rose to her feet. Andi was not known for telling tales, if she said she'd seen something then she had. Even more upsetting was the reference to the night that someone - or something - had followed them. She'd taken extra care to lock the place up at night after that had happened.