THE CHOSEN ONES ( PART NINETEEN )

Back at the cave, all was quiet, sleep had come
quickly, Meradith was the only one awake, she was
watching out for the others, but finding it extremely difficult to stay awake.

As she sat, her head would keep nodding forward, as
her eyes closed. She decided to go down to the waters edge and put some cold water onto her face.

As Meradith got up, Bella awoke, "mother where are you going?" she whispered.
"Shhh!" said Meradith, "I'm just going down to the
waters edge, I need some fresh air." Meradith kissed her daughter and told her to go back to sleep, but Bella had now woken up.

As Meradith left the cave Bella lay awake to wait
for her mother's return.

Meradith walked to the entrance of the cave, she
shivered as she felt the cold night air. Every muscle in her body clenched tight, she could see
nothing but darkness.

She thought of Ivan, a sudden overwhelming desire
to cry came to her, she wondered where he was and
wanted to be with him so badly.

The hoot of an owl brought her to her senses. The
darkness, the chill of the cold night air, let her
know this would not be a good idea, to go walking
down to the waters edge.

Meradith turned and walked back inside, she was still tired, she knew sleep would take her soon.

In the darkness, she heard her daughter's voice,
"are you okay mother?"
"yes," whispered Meradith, "just very tired."

Bella was concerned for her mother, she stood up
and with her bear skin wrapped around her for warmth, she went over to her mother.
"I'm wide awake now mother, you go get some sleep
and I will watch out."
"Are you sure?" whispered Meradith.
"Yes ofcourse," replied Bella.

"Well," said Meradith, "whatever you do, don't go
outside the cave."
Bella had no intention of leaving the cave, it was
far to dark and creepy. "No I promise, now go to
sleep."

Prince was laying in a corner of the cave, Bella
nuzzled into the horse, "you really are a handsome
Prince," she said and smoothed down his silky, long mane. The horse stirred slightly, he too was
tired, Bella really wanted to ride Prince the next
day.

To be continued .........