Aleksandr waited until everyone had fallen asleep before he made his move. He crawled to the side of the roof and shimmied down to the side before climbing into the window leading to Raine and his loft. He had to be careful as Taryn’s room was just below. Raine was asleep on their side of the room, and Aleksandr did his best to quietly collect his things. Some clothes and other supplies he would need for his long journey ahead. Aleksandr froze when he heard Raine shift in their sleep.

  “Aleks?” Raine groggily asked.

  Aleksandr sighed before turning around and kneeling beside his sibling. Although it was dark out, Aleksandr could see Raine tear sunken eyes under the moonlight. Raine’s voice trembled. “I’m so sorry, I wanted to help, but I was so scared.”

  Aleksandr shook his head. “You don’t need to apologize I’m the one who should be sorry. I’m going to make it up to you. All of you, I promise.”

  “What are you talking about? “Raine questioned now fully awake. Worry filled Raine’s eyes at their brothers’ words.

  “Theres a way to heal her, it’s hard to explain but I need to leave before Taryn wakes up. “Aleksandr said returning to packing his belongings. Raine stood up also beginning to get dressed. They placed a violet blue robe over their nightgown before putting on their leather boots.

  “Raine, what are you doing?”

  “I’m coming with you. “Raine replied, running a comb through their long dark hair.

  “Don’t be ridiculous? Just go back to sleep.” Aleksandr said rolling his eyes.

  “How many times do I have to tell you? You’re not the boss of me. “Raine snapped raising their voice. Aleksandrs eyes widened, and he raised his finger to his lips.

  “Keep your voice down. This isn’t up for discussion.” Aleksandr whispered back harshly to Raine. He glared at Raine in disbelief. Out of all the times to pick a fight.

  “Either you take me with you or ill scream.” Raine whispered back returning their brothers eye contact. Aleksandr sighed, frustration rising inside of him.

  “Raine what don’t you understand? I must do this; I have to save her!” Aleksandr said in exasperation. Raine simply placed their hand on Aleksandr’s shoulder.

  Raine shook their head saying, “You don’t have to do this alone, please Aleks, she’s my mother too.”

  “...Fine, we don’t have long; I’ll explain on the way. Only bring what you can carry.” Aleksandr said finally relenting. He could see a slight smile wash over Raine’s face before they finished gathering their supplies. Together they made their way down the ladder into the main room of the cabin. There Ila lay on the futon near the chimney, the fire burning low.

  Isa was asleep next to the Ila holding her close. Raine motioned to the door leading into Taryn’s bedroom. One thing about Taryn was he is an incredibly light sleeper, and any loud noise would be sure to wake him. Aleksandr walked over to the front door while Raine filled the sack with food. Aleksandr found Taryn coat on the hook and searched its pockets. He found the map the old man had given to Taryn. Aleksandr carefully folded it up before putting it in his pocket.

  “Aleksandr? “Isa’s voice softly asked.

  Aleksandr eyes looked over to the chimney and he could see his little sister staring right back. He quickly rushed to her, kneeling next to her shared bedside with their mother. Isa’s small hand slowly reached out and softly caressed his face. Aleksandr held back his tears, trying his best not to disturb his mother.

  “What’s wrong?” Isa asked, removing her hand from Aleksandr’s face, and placing it back over Ilas. Aleksandr couldn’t help but notice how much Isa resembled their mother.

  “It's nothing Isa, I’m sorry for waking you, go back to sleep.” Aleksandr responded. He looked at his mother who was still asleep. Her breathing was just as shallow as before, but he noticed she was much paler.

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  “Where are you going?” Isa asked, her eyelids becoming heavier the longer she tried to fight her slumber. Aleksandr went to pat Isa on the head, but he hesitated before lowering his hand.

  Aleksandr sighed, “Raine and I have to go, but we will be back. okay?”

  “Okay,” Isa asked, her voice breaking slightly. "What about me and mama?"

  “I need you to stay here and take care of her, can you do that for me?” Aleksandr asked his sister who nodded sincerely.

  “I promise.” Isa said and Aleksandr felt his sisters shared sorrow.

  “Pinky promise?” Aleksandr asked. Isa smiled letting out a small laugh before lifting her hand to extend her pinky to his. Aleksandr wrapped his finger around hers and soon Isa began to fall back asleep. Aleksandr kissed her on the top of her head, before he stood up, and looked at his mother one more time. He leaned down to her ear and whispered, “I’m so sorry, I hope you’ll be able to forgive me one day. I love you.”

  Aleksandr slowly opened the front door and Raine and him took one more look at their family home before going outside and shutting the door behind them. He turned to Raine before saying, “Head to the stable, Harriet’s coming with us.”

  Raine shook their head before muttering, “Taryn isn’t going to like this.”

  “Well, that’s a problem for if we return. We’re not asking for permission and were certainly past forgiveness, now hurry up, I need to grab a few more things from the shed.” Aleksandr said, casting a glance at the house, making sure the lights were still out.

  “I’m sorry, if?” Raine nervously replied.

  Aleksandr walked to the shed and other than grabbing supplies for the road, he also packed along his bow and arrow. Finally, he squatted on the ground and used a hammer to pry open the floorboard near the work bench. Inside he found a small bag full of coins that his mother had hidden this away from Taryn before they married. Considering he controlled all the money in the house, what Taryn didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him. He scooped up the bag and noticed it was not very full before putting it in the bag with the rest of his belongings. He exited the shed and saw Raine waiting for him with Harriet. While securing their belongings to Harriet, Aleksandr noticed Raine looking at him like there was something they wanted to say.

  “What is it?”

  Raine asked, “Are you sure about this? Theres no turning back, aren’t you even a little bit scared?”

  “Of course, I’m scared, but Mother getting sick, it’s all my fault.” Aleksandr replied feeling the lump forming back in his throat.

  “Aleksandr no its not, we don’t know how this happened.” Raine reassured firmly grasping Harriets reins.

  “But I do know how to stop it, now get on, Taryn will be awake soon. “Aleksandr responded taking the reins from their hand and Raine hopped on the saddle. Aleksandr led Harriet away on foot from the house before he was sure they were far enough away. He climbed to the top of Harriet and ran away into the night. They rode for some time and Aleksandr could sense Raine fall in and out of sleep. He steered away from Kairin and headed north towards the mountains.

  Although chilly, Aleksandr pushed on through the darkness. By the time the sun began to rise, they had just passed the winding valley leading into the village. “Taryn must be awake by now, I bet he’s furious.” Aleksandr thought. He imagined Taryn waking up and searching for Raine, then Harriet, and finally himself. All he could hope was that Taryn wouldn’t be too harsh with Isa. His thoughts eventually turned to his mother, and Aleksandr couldn’t get the picture of Ila out of his head. Her once delicate features now as fragile as glass.

  “Where are we? “Raine asked.

  “Just passed the valley, we’ll stop soon to freshen up.” Aleksandr replied.

  “I’m hungry.” Raine complained placing a hand over their stomach.

  “We should wait a little while before eating, we have a long road ahead of us.” Aleksandr said.

  “Right, you never told me, where are we even going? “Raine questioned.

  “We’re traveling to the Tree of Eve.” Aleksandr replied.

  “The tree of eve? Well, why didn’t I think of that? “Raine responded sarcastically.

  “I’m not joking.” Aleksandr scoffed.

  Raine paused for a moment before saying, “Do you even know how to get to the Tree of Eve? It’s not like it’s just a day’s journey away.”

  Aleksandr replied, “I have a plan. First, we need to make it through Tenzin's pass. We will reach Avalorn in a few days, so we need to do our best to keep moving.”

  “And after we reach Avalorn?” Raine asked.

  “We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.” Aleksandr affirmed before turning his attention back to the long road ahead.