The Cabin- Book One- Chapt Two

As Mandy and I were heading to the fairgrounds, I was really quiet. I guess Amanda felt my mood and had not spoken to me or asked me what was wrong like she normally would have. I wouldn’t tell her anyway, I am not to tell anyone, and I intend to honor my word. And for now, I just have so much to think about now.

A princess, wow, and to find out my father who I already believed was dead is… Dead now.

I wish that I knew of him sooner and had gotten to know him. But I can’t blame my mother as she said it was to keep us safe from an evil ruler.

Other worlds? A Gateway portal to other worlds?

Suddenly I didn’t feel like riding anymore. “Hey Mandy, I am sorry I have a lot going on right now. I feel I need to be home. You go ahead and take Star and meet the others. Tell them I received some bad news and I will talk to you all Monday at school. Be sure to put Star away when through riding.”

“Are you sure?” Amanda asked as I was turning Eazy around.

“Yeah, I am sure. See you all Monday.” I said as I kicked Eazy in a gallop.

Well, I got through the rest of the day in a daze, and my poor mother is taking my father’s death hard. She keeps crying, even though she tries to act strong. Supper was a real quiet one, and I went straight to my room after doing the dishes and cleaning up.

My room is where I am now sitting quietly at my desk.

I opened my laptop to do some homework but only stared at the horse wallpaper on my screen.

I just can’t seem to focus with all that I learned.

All these years, then to learn I am an alien… And of another world, this is all just so overwhelming for me. I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I jumped as a sound blinged on my laptop; someone was messaging me.

I looked at the name before responding, “GalCain” I spoke softly out loud.

‘Hello Rayna, how are you feeling right now?’ The message said on my screen.

So I answered back, ‘Do I know you?’

‘It’s Galen. I was concerned about you; I know this was a lot to take in.’

'Galen? How did you get my username?' I asked him curiously as to why he would be contacting me.

‘You will learn I have my resources. Answer my question. I need to know, are you okay?’

‘Considering what I just learned today, and got the biggest surprise handed me. I’m still in shock.’ I answered.

‘I know this kind of news is never what anyone ever expects, and it's big news for one person to take in, if you ever need someone to talk to, I am here for you. Just message me.’

How thoughtful of him. It touched me how sincere his concern for me is.

‘Thank you, Galen. That is thoughtful of you.’

‘I will be around, that is a promise you can count on.’

Before he signed off I asked him, ‘Galen, why me? I mean why are you contacting me now?’ There was a long pause, and I thought he had signed off.

‘Because I care about you.’ With that, he did sign off.

I sat there and stared at the screen and the words still showing. Why? Why does he care? Now I am filled with so many more questions. Frustrated, I shut the lid to my laptop down with plans to do my homework tomorrow.

After a shower, I decided to help get my mind off the events of the day by watching a DVD on my TV. I turned off my overhead light after turning on my bedside lamp I put in the DVD and sat with my back against the head board on my pillows.

I must have fallen asleep because something suddenly woke me.

I sat up and looked around confused. In my foggy mind, I could swear Galen was standing next to my closet door in the shadows placing a finger to his mouth to shush me.

I frowned as I clicked off the TV and turned towards my closet he was still there watching me.

When I heard it, a loud noise out in the hall and somehow, I knew it was not my mother.

Galen rushed quietly over next to me and whispered, “Come with me now.”

He took my hand and led me to the window. He looked down; I could not believe what he must have been thinking. My bedroom is on the second story of our Yellow farm house.

There is an eve just below my window, but it was still too high to jump from. The noise in the hallway was getting louder and sounded like someone was scuffling out there, and I thought I heard a soft muffled cry.

I looked at Galen and mouthed ‘You got to be kidding?’

He smiled at me and climbed out on the eve and helped me out the window next to him.

“What about my Mother?” I whispered to him.

“We are doing our best to keep you both safe.” He said to assure me. “Now when I tell you, you jump down, and I promise you, I will catch you.”

“You will what?” As I was speaking, right there and before my eyes, he jumped, or should I say floated down to the ground like it was nothing.

Just then a loud crash and a bang sounded on my door as it flew open, I looked down in panic, just as Galen spoke, “Now!!”

I took a breath closed my eyes and jumped. I was expecting to feel hard ground engulf me, but instead, I felt strong arms.

I opened my eyes to see Galen’s gray ones smile down at me. He gently placed me down and took my hand as we both ran, and I cried out in pain as I stepped in a sticker patch, as I was barefoot. Galen lifted me in his arms and ran into the barn. I noticed the horses were already saddled. I grabbed my rubber boots that I kept in the barn, then we mounted the horses and took off just as I heard excited voices.

“There they go!”

“You were supposed to grab the princess.”

“She was gone by the time I found her room...”

That was the last thing I heard as we rode hard on the backs of the horses.

It was still nighttime, and I figured it had to be well after midnight. It was so cold, and I had my sweats pants on and a tee shirt that I put on after my shower.

I so wished I had my coat. Once we got a safe enough distance away from my house, Galen slowed down and took off his jacket, and helped me put it on.

I tried to shake off his offer, but he was insistent. It was almost as if he read my thoughts. I zipped it up, and again he led the way. I have no idea where he was leading me, and for some unknown reason, I knew I could trust him. After all, my mother did say they are to protect us.

“Tell me Galen, who were those men?” I finally broke the silence between us.

He looked over at me, “They are from Kaihu. Somehow they discovered where you two are hiding. We were informed in time to get to you before they did.”

“And my mother?” I asked remembering the soft moan outside my bedroom door.

“Bryden went to get her. I am sure he made it out with her before the men broke in.”

I nodded hoping he was right. “Can you tell me more about this union thing? I feel there was more to it, but I needed to adjust to the news I just received. I had planned on asking my mother later.”

“The union huh?” What is with the look he gave me? It was strangely exciting, almost like desire. I never had a man look at me in that way. And why did he say ‘Union’ that way?

“Well, are you going to answer me?” I asked looking straight ahead, so I don’t have to see that look. He took forever to answer, so I chanced a look in his direction, and he was studying me carefully with a sideways grin. “Okay, I assume you won’t tell me. And can you please stop looking at me like that?”

I heard him make a sound and noticed he was softly laughing. “I am glad I amuse you,” I said feeling angry as I kicked Eazy into a gallop. I know it was dangerous to ride like this at night in an unknown forest, but he frustrated me so much.

“Rayna!!” I heard him yell my name, but I didn’t stop. I saw a log ahead and took Eazy over the jump but the landing was harder than expected and I slipped and fell to the ground. “Rayna!!” Galen ran over to me. When he saw I was okay, he grabbed my arms in his hands. “Why did you run off like that? You could have been severely hurt.” He sounded almost concerned, he then took me in his arms which surprised me, but I was still angry and pushed him away and ran to Eazy and mounted up. I was so confused about this man’s behavior.

He rode up beside me on Star, and we just rode on in silence.

After what felt like hours and before dawn, we finally slowed the horses, and I saw lights up ahead through the pine trees. “Where are we?” I asked looking around.

“The cabin where we live,” He dismounted and took my horse reins, and finished leading them to the lights of the cabin.

It was a small cabin snuggled deep against a big hill. He helped me down, and after tying the horses to a post, he walked me inside.

As we entered we walked down a long flight of stairs, there was another door at the bottom, and as soon as Galen opened the door and let me pass through, I gasped. The living quarters were huge. There was a circular fireplace, in the center of the room, and it was lit up with a warm, cozy fire.

Off to the left side of the room were a kitchen and dining area. The place is built with light color logs as a log home. I looked up and noticed skylights on the ceiling.

The ceiling itself was at least fifteen feet high and lined with log beams. It was spacious and stunning. I would never have expected this from this family who dresses like nature-loving people.

“Your Highness!” The daughter of about my age came towards me and bowed before throwing her arms around me in a hug.

“I’m Kieran. Welcome to our safe place.” She said with a big smile.

Galen looked around the room then at his dad saying, “Weren't you able to get her?”

His dad looked at me and shook his head slowly, “We were too late. They have her.”

“Have who?” I asked feeling I already knew the answer.

His dad looked at me, “Your mother. I’m sorry Princess Rayana. We didn’t get there in time to get her safely out.”

My legs felt as if they were going to give out. I slowly lowered myself onto the nearest chair and put my head in my hands. I could feel someone walk over to me and kneel next to me. I looked up and saw it was Galen.

“I’m sorry Rayna, we did try, and we failed; But I assure you that whatever it takes we will rescue your mom and bring her back safe and sound. That is our job, and we will succeed.”

He took and held my hand, again the spark was there. And seeing the look in his eyes, I believe he meant what he told me. I gave a weak smile to assure him that I believe and trust him.