Chapter 1 - Edited -

The sun falls behind the trees sending shadows dancing across the ground. Men emerge from the path and approach quickly….

A scream tore through Kayla’s lips as she awoke with a start. Shaking, she stared blindly around the room. The familiar wave of nausea smothered her, just as it did every other morning. The frosty dawn breeze blowing through the open window chilled her bare face.

Winter is coming early, she mused, suppressing her anxiety as she fruitlessly endeavored to separate herself from her tattered blankets. When she was finally able to stand she reviewed the supplies she would need for the approaching winter. Wood was plentiful in the forest’s heart but already the animals were becoming scarce.