Dianthe's Awakening Read Online Free PDF Page B

smiled weakly at him and he returned the look with a pathetic wag of his tail. I think we both recognized this was a bad idea but we were both committed to trying it. Me because I really had to get back to my family, and Caomhnóir, because he was desperate to keep me in one piece.
    I opened the door and peeked out. "So far so good," I whispered. Tiptoeing down the stairs, we made it to the entranceway before pausing. A quick glance and I began to walk to the door. "Caomhnóir, let me know if anyone is coming all right? You are the lookout guy…umm dog." He cocked an enquiring ear at me but raised his head in agreement. Yes, I am talking to a dog that understands me. Totally normal, I shrugged to myself.
    The door was in front of us and it was just as intricately carved on this side as on the front. I could not help myself; I reached out and caressed the beautiful artwork. Heat seeped into me. Comforting, loving, embracing warmth worked its way from the tips of my fingers to the soles of my feet. A sensation of belonging seeped into my core. I wanted to settle in and never leave. The urge to cozy into an inviting chair and just touch the walls filled me.
    A moment later, I shook the lingering sensation away. Caomhnóir stood patiently waiting, an almost hopeful look on his face. "Wow that packs a punch, but no time to stick around. We have to get out of here, boy, you ready?" He let out a breathy "Woof" and followed me when I opened the door and walked through.
    The forest stood before us a majestic gathering of ancient trees and flora. I'm sure there was fauna in there as well... But we won't think about that right now. "This is it, puppy, you're in the lead. Can we get out without going through the village?" I asked. He looked in the direction I spoke of, then turned his head into the forest. He took a couple steps into the wood before turning to wait for me. I took a deep breath and told him, "Alright, Lassie, take me home."
    We had been walking around half an hour or so before the lack of food and water began to wear on me. My head was pounding and my mouth was so dry. I tried to lick my lips but it just made it feel worse. "Hey," I called Caomhnóir. "I need a break." I sat down heavily and leaned my head against the nearest tree. "I'm so tired, boy, and thirsty. I would kill for a cuppa right now. Just give me a few minutes and we will head out, okay?"
    What a good dog I had. He came up, nudged me with his nose, and settled beside me to wait until I was ready. I placed my hand on his head and rubbed an ear. "Just gonna close my eyes for a minute, boy…" Several hours later, I woke again. Caomhnóir nestled against me keeping me warm. The sun was already setting and fear settled like a hard rock in my stomach.
    Pain slivered down my throat and I had to swallow several times to be able to speak; it was like I had swallowed jagged shards of glass. A whispered croak made its way out. "We have to go. I don’t want to be in the forest when it's dark. Are you ready?" He looked at me with big doggy eyes and I'm sure he had several things he would like to say. I didn’t have the energy to listen. "Help me up, boy," I croaked. "As soon as we are back the boys will make us a beautiful cup of tea and something to eat." I stumbled to my feet with Caomhnóir never leaving my side.
    We stumbled down the path but I had no idea which direction we were going. It all began to swirl in my mind. Thoughts, conversations, even the scenery around us. Everything became muddled and I couldn’t concentrate on our surroundings anymore. I shook my head trying to clear my thoughts, but it just made me dizzier. My heart beat so loudly in my chest, it was all that I could hear. The roar of the blood rushing through the organ was deafening. "One more step, Dia. Come on you can do it. Just one more step and Robin will be waiting," I chanted to myself. A motion in the distance caught my eye and I turned quickly to see. I caught myself against