Meadowcity by Liz Delton Read Free Book Online Page A

on a journey.  All of her training was to be put to work as they travelled to Lightcity—her first journey.  Her father was to lead and show her the path, as he would do for the next couple of months.  He showed her the many paths between the Four Cities: which ones to take during the spring, which ones were passable in the winter, and—most importantly—how to survive them.
    During her training, she had spent some time outside of the treewall, taking only short trips away from the city.  They began their first journey on a cool morning in the spring.  Lark had led the way up the wooden path exiting the city.  They reached the top of the incline and they turned back to look at the city.  It was an amazing sight in the early morning sun.  The city lay nestled in the huge forest covering several hills, fitting right into a dip in the land.  Sylvia surveyed the surrounding land, taking in every hill, every detail, as her father had told her to do. 
    As he saw her studying the land, he asked, “Now, what is more important than reaching your destination?”
    “Coming home,” she replied with a grin.
    “Very right, Sylvia.” 
    He reached out and ruffled her hair, which, back then reached her shoulders. 
    “Always take in the land and remember.  Always know where you are, and you’ll always find your way back.”
    They began their four day trek to Lightcity, every step Sylvia took making her heart lighter, filling her with an indescribable need to move.  She fell in love with the trail, the always changing landscape and the peace of the woods.  But on the third day, she found out first hand why so few chose the life of a Rider.
    They had just packed up their camp after having breakfast, and taken to the trail.  They were coming around a slight curve and entering a more wooded area.  Suddenly her father flung his arm out, softly smacking Sylvia in the chest, stopping her in her tracks.  His other hand held up the clear signal for danger.
    Immediately, she tensed into a low crouch, a small trickle of terror creeping up her spine.  A short spear was tied to her pack, and she slowly reached back to grab its smooth handle.  The whole thing had happened in mere seconds.  She could only guess what lie ahead—one of the many predators of the forest no doubt.
    Lark had fallen into a defensive crouch as well, the long blade he carried already unsheathed and ready in his hand.  Without looking at her, he slowly pointed to the right, just up ahead on the trail.  Peering from between the leaves of a short bush were two yellow eyes.
    A low growl began to emanate from the bush, but the animal still did not move.  Lark motioned for Sylvia to fall back. 
    Uneasy, she took several steps back, her leather boots silent on the forest floor.  To her left was a tall tree, its thick low branches perfect for climbing.  She motioned to her father that she was going to climb, and he nodded his head, always keeping an eye on those in the bush.  The predator remained unmoving during the entire exchange, still emitting a low growl, still staring.
    Not knowing if climbing would help or harm the situation, Sylvia planted one foot on the lowest branch and ascended a few feet into the tree.  Immediately guilt overtook her for leaving her father down on the ground to face the danger alone, and she hesitated in her climb.  Something caught her eye though, and she peered closer at the bush.
    The yellow eyes staring at them were attached to a huge cat the size of a man, which was what she expected, but next to its tan fur were several other smaller puffs of fur, each with its own set of ears and eyes.  She had cubs.
    The tiniest sigh of relief left Sylvia’s lungs, but they were not out of danger yet.  Lark had told her in one of the many lessons all about the predators of the wilds: mothers wouldn’t leave their cubs, but they would protect them to their dying breath if need be.
    She made a small sound to get Lark’s