Writing Adventures

Flash Friday: Forest Bridge

12th February, 2010 - No Comments

She held the dagger out before her like a cross to ward off danger. The night was dark and full of noise. Insects filled the air with song and critters rustled in the brush. She imagined glowing eyes everywhere and had to remind herself to keep breathing. Her little brother was out here somewhere and she had to find him.

A stream crossed her path with no bridge in sight. She searched the bank for a footprint, but it was too rocky. He loved water, but there was no telling if he crossed it or followed the bank. She knew this stream and there was no way he could cross in the dark without swimming. Turning downstream, she hoped he had thought the same.

“Tegan, I’m going to kill you when I find you.” She muttered, but at least the bank was easy to follow.

She heard a wolf howl in the distance and gripped her dagger tighter. The soft rustling continued around her, but nothing of dangerous size. She gazed all around her, hoping for some sign, but found nothing. She wondered if he thought it all some giant game or if he was as scared as she was.

A small bridge ahead broke her revelry and she stared at it. She had never been this way before, had not even know there was a proper bridge in the forest. She approached with caution. There, in the center of the wooden planks, was her brother, curled up in a ball and fast asleep.

“Oh Tegan, you are such a strange child.” She stepped out on the bridge, and collapsed beside him, conscious thought slipping away faster than she could react.