THE CHOSEN ONES ( PART THIRTY FOUR )

Joshua had decided to travel with Ivan back to his
family, on the way...Ivan explained about Nathen
being captured by some hunters.

As soon as Ivan mentioned the name, Joshua knew that was the man that was thrown in the pit. Joshua
explained to Ivan what had happened to Nathen.

Ivan felt sad, "so Nathen could be dead, for all we
know?"

"I really don't think he could have escaped from that pit," said Joshua... "it was far too deep."

They were getting close to the cave now. As the two
men approached, Ivan felt apprehensive, he did not
know why.

As they walked to the entrance, Ivan entered the cave. Fern was sat in a corner with Jay, Neona the
goat was curled up against Fern.

"Where is everyone?" said Ivan.

"I have some very bad news for you Ivan." said Fern
coming to standing.

"What bad news, what has happened?" demanded Ivan.

"I'm afraid Bella rode off on Prince, we think she
was taken by some hunters, you see Prince could
smell danger and Bella wanted to get away from the
cave, I think she was feeling...Um! what's that
word, when everything is closing in on you?"

"You mean claustrophobic," said Ivan.

"Yes that's right," replied Bella.

"She never did like being in enclosed spaces." Ivan
said scratching his head.

"Mother and Meradith have gone to search for Bella,
I'm afraid Meradith is in a bad way, although she
did manage to catch a fish," said Fern pointing at
the fire, where some of the fish lay.

Ivan turned to Joshua, "will you help me?"
Joshua didn't know what to say, he did not fancy the idea of going back.

Ivan understood and asked Joshua if he would stay
with Fern and Jay, incase Meradith and Evelyne should return.

"No I don't mind staying here, it will make a nice
change from running...a nice safe haven, you have
here and only children to contend with, yes I think
I will enjoy my time here."

After explaining to Joshua about their hidden wagons and showing him where everything was, Ivan
said his goodbyes and thanked Joshua.

"Well children!" said Joshua, "it looks like it's
just you and me and this menagerie of animals you
have here."

Fern and Jay smiled, "will you tell us a story?"
said Fern. Jay's eyes lit up, when Joshua agreed,
that he would love to tell them a story.

"Dragons!...dragons!" said Jay excitedly.

"Okay dragons it shall be."

Ivan left the cave very determined. "Come Shadow,
we have another journey ahead of us."

The horse neighed, as Ivan jumped up on his back,
then he thought of Prince, "I wonder where Prince is Shadow?"

Shadow looked around at his master, as if he almost
understood.

To be continued ........THE CHOSEN ONES ( PART THIRTY FIVE ) | ABCtales