As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, I can feel the change of season settling in around me. The vibrant greens of summer have faded, replaced by the fiery hues of autumn. Yet, an unsettling chill lingers in the atmosphere, whispering of a terrible snowstorm that is said to be on the horizon.
Sadie and Jake Adler were unsettled, their faces etched with concern. They spoke of dwindling supplies and the uncertainty of how much longer we can rely on the harvest. Sadie fretted over the pantry, her brow furrowed as she counted our dwindling flour and sugar. Jake, ever the pragmatist, suggested we gather what we can while there is still time. It even taught me more about tracking and hunting our meals.
I cannot help but share in their worry. The thought of being trapped indoors, surrounded by a bitter cold and dwindling provisions, sends a shiver down my spine. We must prepare for whatever is to come, for I can hear the winds howling in the distance.
I hope we can huddle together by the fire, sharing stories and laughter, even as the storm rages outside.
With warmth in my heart, Alexandria.
Alexandria closes her journal as she hears the front door open. She can hear the murmured voices of Sadie and Jake. A smile formed on her lips as she tucked the journal away in her bag before descending the ladder to greet Jake.
"Alice," Jake calls out, his eyes weary from the day's toil. "We've brought back enough firewood to last us through the first few weeks of the storm. And Sadie's managed to get a few more supplies from town. We're going to need to be careful, though."
Alexandria nods solemnly, her hands already itching to help. She notices the tension in Jake's shoulders, his beard is stiff with frost, and the snowflakes that clung to this hat.
"I'll help you unload the cart," she says, grabbing her winter coat and following him outside.
The wind is biting, the air thick with the promise of the impending blizzard. The horses snort and stamp their hooves, eager to escape their burden and seek shelter from the cold. Together, they unload the cart, stacking the firewood neatly against the side of the cabin. The scent of pine fills the air, mingling with the faint smell of smoke from the chimney. Inside, Sadie is busy cooking a hearty stew, the aroma of stewing vegetables and meaty broth wafting through the room. She glances up from her pot, her eyes meeting Alexandria's with a look of determination once they had entered.
"We've got to make the most of what we have," she says, her voice steady despite the anxiety in her eyes. "We're going to need our strength to get through this."
Alexandria nods, her stomach rumbling at the scent. She approaches the table, her thoughts swirling around the idea of hunting. She had learned when she was younger and continued until she met them.
"I'll head out tomorrow," she says, her voice firm. "We need more meat before the storm hits. I'll set traps and see what I can find."
Sadie looks up, her eyes wide.
"But, Alice, it's going to be dangerous out there," she protests.
Alexandria's gaze is resolute.
"I know the woods better than anyone. I've survived worse," she says, her voice calm and yet firm. " We'll all be safer with a full larder."
Jake nods, understanding the gravity of the situation. He places a comforting hand on Sadie's shoulder.
"Alice is right. We need to be prepared."
He looks out the window, the shadows growing longer as the sun sinks.
"But we should get an early start. The storm could come sooner than we expect."
---
The next morning, Alexandria wakes up to the sound of the cabin door closing gently. Jake was already dressed and ready to go, his eyes fixed on the horizon. Alexandria rose from her bed. The cold in the cabin nipped at her exposed skin. She throws on her winter attire the fabric thick and coarse against her skin, and heads outside to join him. The sky is a dark, foreboding grey, the kind that seems to suck the light right out of the world.
"The storm's approaching," Jake says, his voice light with tension. "You need to be quick and careful out there."
He hands her a loaded hunting rifle and a knapsack filled with supplies. Alexandria takes the weapon with both hands, feeling the weight of the weapon ground her. She looks into Jake's eyes and offers a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry," she says, patting his hand. "I've faced harsher winters than this one. I'll be fine."
Jake's gaze lingered on her, his expression a mix of pride and concern.
"You're strong, Alice," he murmurs. "But be cautious."
Alexandria pulls on her gloves, the leather stiff from the cold.
"I will," she promises, her breath forming little clouds in the frigid air. "And if the storm does catch me, I'll find shelter and wait it out. I know these woods like the back of my hand."
She pats the necklace that hangs around her neck, a gift from her late father. It was a habit she had done since she was little, now it was for luck.
"I'll find my way back to you both, no matter what."
Jake nods, though the crease in his brow doesn't ease. He squeezes her shoulder.
"We're counting on you, Alice."
With a final nod, Alexandria turns. She heads down and climbs into the saddle of her American paint horse, named Butternut. She turned the horse to face the impending storm. The wind has picked up, carrying with it a fine mist of snow that stings her cheeks. She pulls her scarf tighter and sets off into the woods, the hooves of Butternut crunching the frozen leaves beneath them. The woods are eerily quiet, the trees bowing slightly under the weight of the snow that's already begun to fall. Alexandria's breath is a constant plume of steam in front of her. She rides with purpose, her eyes scanning the underbrush for any sign of movement. The thought of being trapped out here in the storm sends a thrill of fear through her, but she quickly shakes it off. She had been in tougher spots before and had always come out on top. As the hours pass, the snowfall thickens, the flakes now sticking to her lashes and eyebrows. Butternut's breath comes out in a great huff of steam, the horse's breathing steady and strong. Alexandria knows they can't be far from the cabin now, but the storm seems to have painted everything in a monochrome white, making it hard to find her way back. She pats the horse's neck, whispering soothing words into its ear. Spotting a dense stand of pine trees, she decides to make camp for the night. The trees will provide some shelter from the storm. She dismounts, her legs stiff from the cold, and ties Butternut to a sturdy branch. The horse whines, softly, understanding the need to rest. With swift, practiced movements, Alexandria sets up a small camp. She unfurls her tent, the fabric snapping in the wind, and secures it with pegs hammered into the frozen earth. Next, she builds a fire, the flames licking eagerly at the dry kindling she's brought. The warmth is a stark contrast to the cold that surrounds them, she takes a moment to warm her hands, feeling the chill slowly leave her bones. The storm shows no sign of letting up. The snowfall is relentless, thick, and fast, reducing visibility to mere feet. She decides to stay put, to wait for the storm to ease before continuing her journey. Inside the tent, she shares her small space with Butternut. The horse's warmth is a comfort against the biting cold. They are both silent companions, sharing the fire's warmth and the occasional nibble of oats. Alexandria uses this time to sharpen her knife and clean her rifle, tasks that keep her mind sharp and focused.
---
The next morning, she unzips the tent flap to find the world transformed. A thick blanket of white stretches out before her, unmarred by any tracks saved for their own from the previous day. The snow is so deep that the tops of the pine trees are barely visible, and the weight of it bends the branches into arches that seem to touch the ground. The once familiar path home is buried under a sea of white. With a heavy heart, she mounts Butternut and sets off, her eyes straining to find any sign of the cabin through the swirling snowflakes. Hours pass, the storm is unrelenting, and she begins to fear that she has lost her way. Her eyes sting with cold and fatigue, her thoughts blurring with the drone of the wind. But she presses on, driven by the need to get back to her friends. The moment she crests a hill, her heart sinks. In the distance, she sees a flicker of orange light, the unmistakable sign of fire. Her cabin. Panic floods her as she kicks Butternut into a gallop, the horse's hooves thundering through the silent woods. As she draws closer, the reality of the situation becomes all too clear. The cabin is engulfed in flames, the heat of the fire a stark contrast to the icy air. Smoke billows into the sky, forming a dark plume that seems to reach out to her, warning her away. Tears freeze on her cheeks as she takes in the destruction. Alexandria's thoughts race. How could this have happened? Were they attacked? Her heart skips a beat at the sight of the wagon near the little shack with a white fabric over it, the body of Jake slumped inside, lifeless. A scream builds in her chest, but the cold air snatches it away before it can escape. The O'Driscoll boys. The name echoes in her mind, a terrible premonition that has become a horrific reality. Her eyes dart around the scene, searching for any sign of Sadie but it was clear she wasn't here. The horse, feeling her distress, begins to panic, its eyes wide with fear as three wolves loom out of the storm, their fur thick with ice. Alexandria's grip tightens on the reins, her heart pounding in her chest. The animal's eyes glint in the firelight, their growls low and hungry. Butternut rears, her fear mixing with the smell of smoke and burning wood. Alexandria's mind races, trying to think of a way out. Then she sees it- a set of tracks, barely visible under a pine tree a few feet away, leading up the mountain. They're fresh, horses and human. Her thoughts immediately go to Sadie.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
"Hold on," she whispers to the horse, her voice trembling. "We're going to find her."
With a kick of her heels, she urges Butternut forward, the wolves snapping at their heels. The horse's muscles strain, but it's as if she understands the urgency. They break into a gallop, the wolves giving chase, their eyes never leaving the fleeing figures. Alexandria's heart pounds in her chest, her eyes focused solely on the tracks ahead. The prints in the snow are small, almost delicate, and she knows they possibly belong to Sadie. The snow is coming down harder now, threatening to erase any trace of her friend's escape. She leans low over the horse's neck, whispering words of encouragement as they navigate the treacherous terrain. The wind screams in her ears, the cold biting through her clothes like a thousand tiny knives. The tracks lead them to a mining camp, nestled in the crook of the mountain. The buildings are rough and unkempt, but the sight of smoke rising from the chimneys is a beacon of hope. The wolves are still behind them, their hungry eyes never leaving their prey. She keeps her rifle close, her finger on the trigger, ready to protect herself and Butternut from the beasts if they dare to come too close. Alexandria clutches the rifle tightly as she and Butternut race towards the mining camp, the wolves' howls growing fainter with every passing minute. They reach the mining camp. The sudden appearance of a figure in the doorway of the largest cabin breaks the silence. The man, burly and bearded, squints through the snowstorm before shouting something unintelligible. His call is met with a cacophony of voices, and soon, the camp is alive with activity. Figures emerge from the buildings, their curiosity piqued by the sight of a lone rider and her steed, both half-frozen and desperate. Alexandria's eyes scan the group, searching for any sign of hostility. The men and women huddled around look weary but not unkind. She sees the glint of a rifle barrel and feels a momentary pang of fear before realizing it's not aimed at her. They're on edge, but they don't appear to be the O'Driscoll boys. Suddenly, a figure bursts from the crowd, a flash of white in the sea of dark wool and fur. It's Sadie, her eyes wide with shock and relief.
"Alice!" she screams, her voice raw from the cold.
She runs to Alexandria, her bare feet leaving prints in the snow.
"Alice, you've come."
Alexandria slides off Butternut, her legs shaking. She wraps her arms around Sadie, the warmth of their embrace a stark contrast to the biting cold.
"I had to," she says, her voice thick with emotion. " I couldn't leave you out here."
Sadie's eyes are red with unshed tears.
"They came in the night," she whispers, her voice shaking. "The O'Driscoll boys. They took everything."
Alexandria's heart clenches in her chest.
"Jake?" she asks, fearing the answer but already knowing.
Sadie nods, her eyes brimming with tears that freeze on her lashes.
"They came in the night," she repeats, her voice quivering. "The O'Driscoll boys. They took everything. They killed him."
The words come out in a rush, tumbling over each other like a dam that's finally given away. Alexandria's stomach dropped, the weight of the news hitting her like a sledgehammer, Jake, who had been so kind, so fiercely protective, was gone. She can't believe it. Hosea, the man who stepped out of the cabin, his face etched with lines of time and hardship, steps closer. His eyes widened with recognition, and for a brief moment, she saw a flicker of something that might be hope.
"Alice?" he says, his voice gruff but filled with warmth. "Alexandria?"
Her heart skips a beat as she looks into his eyes, the same eyes that had looked out for her all those years ago.
"Hosea," she says, her voice choked with emotion.
The burly older man's face cracks into a grin, the lines around his eyes deepening.
"Well, I'll be," he says, his voice gruff but warm.
He steps forward, his hand outstretched.
"It's been a long time, kiddo."
Alexandria's heart swells at the sight of Hosea. He had been a mentor to her in her younger, more reckless days. He had taught her to shoot, to survive, and most importantly, to stand up for herself. The years had not been kind to him, his once-black hair was now streaked with silver, and his eyes had the haunted look of a man who's seen too much. But the warmth in his voice was unchanged. He ushers them inside the cabin, the heat from the roaring fireplace washing over them like a warm embrace. The smell of coffee and baked bread fills the small space, and Alexandria feels a sudden pang of hunger. She had forgotten how simple comforts could feel. The other inhabitants of the camp watched them curiously, but they made their way as Hosea led them to the table piled high with blankets and furs. He pulls a chair out for her, his movements gentle despite his rough exterior. Sadie collapses into a chair, her body trembling from the cold and shock. Hosea's eyes flicked to her, filled with fierce protectiveness that Alexandria knew all too well.
"Tell me everything," he says, his voice low and serious.
Alexandria takes a deep breath, her eyes never leaving Hosea's. Her throat tightens as the memories flash before her eyes.
"Where do you want me to start?" she asks softly.
Dutch, a tall, lanky man with a scruffy beard, stomps into the cabin, his boots clomping heavily on the wooden floor. The room seems to hold its breath as he looks around, his eyes finally landing on the two women. Recognition flits across his features, and his expression darkens. The room quickly empties only leaving Sadie, Alexandria, and Hosea.
"Alexandria," he says, his voice gruff.
He walks over to her, his gait surprisingly gentle for a man of his size. He doesn't reach for her, but she can feel his presence like a warm blanket.
"What in tarnation are you doing here?"
Alexandria's eyes were welled with tears of the moment and everything else that had happened.
"Dutch," she whispers. "They...They killed Jake."
Her voice trails off, the words too painful to say aloud. Dutch cast a glance towards Sadie before looking at her.
"We thought we had lost you ages ago. Assumed you were dead," Dutch murmured, his voice gruff but almost soft.
Sadie's eyes widened, looking from Alexandria to Dutch and back again.
"What do you mean?" she asks, her voice small and fragile in the face of their shared history.
Dutch clears his throat, his gaze lingering on Alexandria for a moment too long.
"You know how it is with the O'Driscoll boys," he says gruffly. "They don't leave witnesses."
He pours a cup of coffee from a pot on the stove and places it in front of her.
"Drink up, you're half-frozen."
Alexandria nods, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. She takes a tentative sip, the warmth spreading through her, momentarily dispelling the cold that has settled in her bones. She nudges the mug towards Sadie.
"You too," she says, her voice gentle. "You need to keep your strength up."
Sadie looks at the steaming cup, her hands shaking as she wraps them around the warm ceramic. She brings it to her lips, her eyes never leaving Alexandria's. The coffee is sweet and bitter, a comforting taste that she hadn't had in what feels like an eternity.
"Thank you," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the crackling of the fire.
Alexandria turns to Hosea and Dutch.
"After everything that happened," she began, her voice trembling. "I thought I'd never find my way back here. After I was taken... I searched for you both, but it was like you vanished into thin air."
Hosea's expression darkens at the mention of her kidnapping.
"The O'Driscoll's," he says, his voice tight. "They've always been trouble."
She was unsure who it was that had taken her. Alexandria nods, her eyes searching Hosea's face.
"It was because of what you taught me that I was able to escape," she says, her voice steady despite the emotions roiling within her. "And I lived free because of it until I stumbled upon Jake and Sadie."
Dutch's expression turns solemn.
"We know about the Adler place," Dutch says, his eyes flickering to the fire. "It's a damn shame."
Susan, a kind-faced woman with a strict maternal figure attitude, enters the cabin, her arms laden with a pile of clothes. She crosses the room and sets the items down in front of Sadie.
"These should fit," she says gruffly, her eyes assessing the younger woman. "We need to get you out of that nightdress before you catch your death."
Sadie nods, her teeth chattering from the cold. Sadie slips behind a blanket hung to give privacy. As she begins to change, Susan turns to Alexandria, her expression softening as she remembers the girl she had once known.
"You've grown," Susan says, a hint of a smile playing at her lips. "You're a woman now."
Alexandria nods, unable to meet Susan's gaze. The memories of her youth flood back, the countless times Susan had scolded Hosea and Dutch for teaching her things she "shouldn't know." But she had never been one to listen to such warnings.
"I've learned a thing or two," she says with a smile, a sad smile.
Susan nods, her expression understanding. She reaches out to pat Alexandria's hand.
"You've always been a survivor," she says, her voice gentle. "Now, has one of these men given you a warm drink or some food?"
Alexandria shakes her head.
"I couldn't," she says, her voice thick with emotion.
Alexandria looked around the cabin, her gaze lingering on the sparse shelves and what little supplies they had.
" You need it more than I do."
Sadie returns to them after finishes getting changed. Colour had returned to her cheeks as she sat back down in her seat. Sadie's eyes are wide with shock.
"Alice, you're half-frozen," Sadie protests, her voice shaky. "You must eat and warm up."
Alexandria shakes her head firmly.
"Later," she says. "I need some rest. It was a long ride."
Hosea nods.
"You both do," he says.
He motions to the bed in the corner of the cabin, which is piled high with furs.
"Get some sleep. We'll figure out what to do in the morning."
Alexandria and Sadie share a look, the weight of their loss heavy between them. They crawl into bed together, their bodies curling into each other for warmth and comfort. Despite the exhaustion that threatens to pull them under, sleep is elusive. The crackling fire and the low murmur of the men's conversation are the only sounds that fill a cabin, a stark contrast to the howling storm outside.