Endfall by Colin Ososki Read Free Book Online Page A

wanted to speak. As he drew closer to her, the wind grew stronger. She had begun to climb an enormous hill with a layer of trees growing atop. The most snow had landed there, and it was difficult to travel through.
                  “Lyrah?” he asked, although he realized that his voice wasn't loud enough for her to hear. He began to shout into the wind, “are you sure you know the way?”
                  She didn't call back to him for a few moments, until she stopped on the top of the hill. She looked out over the Forest ahead, then turned back to Milo and said, “We're here.”
                  When Milo reached the top of the hill, he stopped to look out ahead. Lyrah was already at the bottom of the hill, running towards the striking sight of the rebel encampment. Interwoven through the small hills of the valley were bright orange lights that shined through the mist of the storm. Milo began to run down the hill, and swiftly entered the snow in a fall, and tumbled down the hill. He was now soaked in snow and cold, but he didn't care.
                  He called for Lyrah, but the wind was strong and covered his voice. “Lyrah, where are you?” There was no response. The snow was blinding him and it was difficult to tell which direction he was headed in. He tripped in the thick snow, falling in the bitter snow drifts. He looked up and saw the misty haze of snow in front of him revealed a stone statue of an animal. Milo squinted his eyes to see it better, making any attempt to block out flying snow and ice. The statue was that of a lynx, like the one Lyrah had showed him. But this lynx was different. The lynx wore armor of some sort, crafted of the most amazing art, and built for battle. It was strange to see an animal wear armor like this.
                  “Milo, over here.” It was Lyrah's voice, coming from the right. Milo turned and saw her there, motioning for him to come towards her. He stood, and ran over to her.
                  “I can't see anything in this storm!” Milo shrieked.
                  “I know, it's ridiculous! Follow me!” She ran into the snow. It was difficult for Milo to keep up with her. Every few seconds a patch of misty snow would cover her from Milo's sight, and he would lose track of her. “It's just up ahead! Follow the lights!” There was something in the distance that took the shape of a house, with bright orange lights all around in some sort of pattern. Eventually, they made it to the house, and it was lined with the brightest lights Milo had ever seen. Lyrah opened the door and they stepped inside, out of the storm.
                  Once inside, they stopped to catch their breath and focus on the sights in front of them. It was very unlike a house inside, despite its exterior appearance. The walls of the single large room were made of stone and rock, and there was a table in the middle of the room that was made of stone as well. It was dark, but lit by a single fire that crackled softly in the corner. Next to the fire sat a lynx that watched them intensely. Milo froze when he saw the great cat; he was frightened by the strange sight. Even stranger, the lynx wore a layer or armor on its body, much like the statue that he saw. It was beautiful and shiny like moonlit waters in the night. The creature just sat there in the corner, staring at them.
                  “Milo,” Lyrah spoke, slightly more than a whisper, “there is someone I would like you to meet.” She took a step back, slowly, keeping her eyes on the lynx. She didn't seem nearly as frightened as Milo thought she would, if fact she began to smile. She looked at Milo and said, “This is Abraham.” The lynx still simply sat in place, keeping an intense eye on Milo. The fire grew brighter and crackled louder. Milo stood still; he was speechless. Suddenly, he heard a new voice, this time loud and