Tails of Sanctuary

                            The Great Race                                  Part Three About an hour after we had set out from Mr. Howell’s cave we were led off the path and began to make our way through brambles and thickets led only by the sounds of the crickets. The light from the Oak was at our back and what laid ahead of us was only darkness. The torch I held in my mouth gave off a little light but only enough to see a foot or two ahead of me. Not nearly enough to guide myself much less the group at large. I was placed at the back of the group so Hojan and Thomas’ eyes could adjust to the darkness we were walking into. *Crack* we froze. The crickets halted their song. My heart jumped into my throat and I nearly dropped the torch. Darkness consumed us as the fire was just an ember on the very tip of the torch. “Who’s there!” Hojan demanded from whatever presence was in the forest with us. “It’s just me.” A small Border Collie emerged from the other side of a decayed tree, he

                                                             The Great Race                                                             Part Two “The what?” I remember thinking I must have misheard him or been daydreaming. There was no way I was meant to be the, “Are you ready, fire bearer?” Hojan repeated.  I started to sway. “I’m not here to be the fire-bearer. That’s supposed to be you! You even have a coat of fire.” Hojan laughed and shook his head while he said, “It isn’t a choice we make Kalani. Neither Thomas nor I can carry the fire to the Elm. It must be you.” I nearly fell down, “No, uhm, no this is not right. This is some kind of joke.” Again, Hojan shook his head. “We’ll rest here for a while but you will be the one to carry the torch.” I got up and looked towards the oak which was still giving off a faint purple light and asked aloud, “Why me?” Mr. Howell tugged on my collar, trying to get my attention, “Look at the fire dear. See how it dances when you get near to it

                                         The Great Race                                Part One “The fire must be kept lit. It’s the only thing that keeps us safe from the darkness.” Hojan said, stepping out of a large crowd who had gathered to hear the council’s decision. Bailey’s glare met Hojan’s as she said, “We know but it is too great of a risk!” Hojan’s hackles rose and he barked out “It’s too great a risk?! You’re ensuring we will be overtaken!” Bailey shook her head stepping forward and placing her nose on Hojan’s before growling, “What would you have us do? Send you and a group of dogs out to keep the fire lit? Then what? Have the dark Sentinel either take you or lead him straight back here? No. We won’t do that. We stand the best chance of beating him here. With the Sentinels by our side. The messenger was clear. Do not race.” Hojan huffed, “Maybe, but no one else heard her, right?” Bailey’s hackles raised in response and her eyes narrowed, “What are you implying, Colli