Rise From the Ashes: Lena's Story Read Online Free PDF Page A

take a break.
     
    “Don’t feel too bad, son. Even a good horseman would have some trouble with that one.”
    “I don’t really have the time to work on this Mister.”
     
    “Yeah, I knew that two hours ago.” While Mick rolled his eyes the old man coughed and laughed some more.
     
    “I guess I can put my supplies on the grey and get going.” Mick had in mind to still walk but even if a horse just carried his supplies, it would be a big help to him.
     
    “No. You’re taking the best horse ever. Hard times are coming, so I’m going keep that mean old grey and cook ‘em up when it gets to that. I have to keep something back for my old age.”
     
    Mick grinned at him, seemed a fitting ending for that mean old horse.
     
    Lady was a delight in comparison. While Mick was still struggling to keep his balance as they moved up the road, Lady would slow down on her own to let him settle back in the saddle. Mick waved as they moved out of sight. Patted a piece of paper tucked in his pocket. For what it was worth, he had promised to write the old man if he could to tell him how Lady was doing.
     
    As he started to make better time heading north, he thought if he should consider the dreams having gained another point on him. He was heading off on the brown horse, but he had a bridle and saddle – that hadn’t been in the dream. He had also not seen a house, barn or old man in his dreams. Also, he came across the horses much later than his dream showed him he would. Still, he was riding off on a brown horse after seeing the brown and the grey in the same positions as in his dreams. Mick decided to be generous and give the point to the dreams.

Chapter Four
     
     
     
     
    So there I was, strolling along the railroad tracks, enjoying the summer sun on my face and thinking about the world update Sheriff Edwards just gave me.
     
    I was sure that I was losing it now, because in the distance I could see someone also walking on the rails – toward me. A guy. A guy with blonde hair, an army tee-shirt and tan pants. Déjà vu ? Insanity? I stopped and stared. Thinking a few blinks may clear out my vision.

    Nope. He was still heading my way, but there was something different. He was walking in the afternoon sun with those awesome arms, but he was leading a horse. Now that was pretty cool. Still weird, he looked exactly like my dream soldier.
     
    I couldn’t help it, I just started running toward him. Like he was a long lost love. He spotted me right away and stood waiting for me.
     
    “Hi!”
     
    “Hi, yourself.” He was smiling when he said this. I almost got lost in his chocolate eyes.
     
    “I, um. Well, I suppose this is going to sound really weird, but I knew you were coming, knew you were coming up the tracks. You don’t have to believe me, I just had to say that.”
     
    He cocked his head to the side like a cute dog. Then he said, “Oh, I think I believe you. I’ll explain later. But start with your name.”
     
    “Lena.”
     
    “Lena, is there someplace safe we can stay for tonight?”
     
    “Sure. I’ve got a great place with lots of grass for the horse; the country club.” We both laughed. It was like we were long lost friends.
     
    We settled in that night and introduced ourselves and each told a little about our history. Mick said we would have to go back to Sheriff Edwards tomorrow to make sure he knew the overall plan. Then we started to discuss if I was going north with him or not. He said he thought he went hours out of his way just to get here – to me. He thinks this since I dreamed of him walking on the tracks. He said he was pulled, like guided, this way. Just like I felt I was.
     
    I think I am supposed to travel with him, I don’t know why. It just feels right.
     
    Sheriff Edwards passed the word around town for anyone wanting to travel north for the winter to get ready and that they could travel with Private Mick Buckner. It seems like a good plan, get a group together behind some