The Only Shelter

The four had been traveling for days. Micah plowed on tirelessly, Sparrow seemed on the verge of giving up, Grace had been in a bad mood since their escape, and Jewel had been oddly silent. Watching the destruction of Grace and Sparrow’s village had shaken them all, and they needed to find sanctuary.

“I-I think I m-might see something.” Sparrow stuttered. He lifted a trembling finger to the horizon, shaking with hunger and exhaustion.

“That’s a village!” Grace cried, not wanting to let Sparrow get all the attention. Micah nodded and trudged forward faster. Sparrow stumbled after him, Grace and Jewel not far behind. They needed this village. A hiding place from Herobrine, if only for a day or two. Jewel used her wind-controlling ability to boost herself up on an air current, flying above her friends to get a better veiw.

“The sun’s setting. We better hurry.” She called down to Micah in a raspy voice that hadn’t tastd water for much too long.

They all ran to the village. Grace was the first to spot a stand selling fruit and quickly traded all their iron for a stack and a half of melon. They ate like they were starving, which, really, they were.

“Hello, travelers.” A voice called from behind her. It was a villager child, looking skinny and unfed. “Can I have some food please? You can stay at our house, if momma says yes.”

Micah quickly handed over an armful of fruit. The child scarfed down the food, gratitude clear on his pale face. He once he had eaten, he grabbed Micah’s arm and lead him to a nearby house. He pounded on the door and it opened.

“Back already? Is that food? And who are these users?” The woman inside spat the last word as if it were rotten flesh.

“Yes, momma. These nice people gave me food. Can they stay here? Please?” The boy said boldly. The woman sighed. “Fine but only if there’s food for me too.”

They stepped inside, safe for the first time.

 

To be continued…