Chapter Eleven

We all huddled close to the fire and told the horror as we recalled it.  The entire group had been brought back to Grandfather's estate and parents had beeen called.

No one wanted to leave, we were all in some stage of shock.  I felt so foolish for endangering my family and friends over some ice cream.  The whole trip to town had been my idea.  I never wanted to believe that someone or something would actualy harm me, or harm others trying to get to me.  Now two of the local kids were dead and guards were fighting for their lives.

Grandfather either read my mind or sensed my mood.  He came and sat down with me, pulling me  into him on the beige leather couch.  He smelled of cologne and salt water, and I inhaled it anxious for comfort.  It felt so good to held.  I put my head on his shoulder and let the tears flow.  I was trying so hard to be strong but with his arms around me I let down my guard and sobbed.