Free After [A Journey of the Twins Novel] by Janet Durbin

on him as they went through the door. They crossed the clearing and entered the woods by way of an animal trail. The burbling stream was close, like Drizzle had said, but it was still far enough for Shyanne to be worn out by the time they arrived. She plopped down and panted like a gymnast after a grueling workout.
    "Phew, I didn't realize how weak I was,” she managed to say after several deep breaths to help slow down her rapid heartbeat and feed her oxygen deprived lungs.
    "I told you,” the cat said with a satisfied look on his face. She gave him a dirty look and stuck out her tongue.
    After a few minutes rest, she walked to the stream's edge. Fortunately, it was not too deep. Rocks of various sizes were visible throughout. Shallow pools swirled behind some of the larger rocks. The current was lazy, not rushed. From the looks of things, she would not have to worry about being carried away when she entered in her weakened state.
    She undressed carefully, making sure not to open the partially closed shoulder wound, and eased herself down into one of the pools large enough to submerge completely. The water was tepid. Fall may be around the corner, but the water temperatures had not dropped yet.
    "Oh my, does this feel wonderful. You're missing out, Drizzle."
    Drizzle watched her from the shore, disgusted. “How can you stand having all that water on you? I just don't understand the fascination."
    "It's better than all this dirt I have on me now."
    Shyanne scrubbed her body with as much vigor as she could muster. There was not a soap bar to be found, but the mere act of scrubbing the head and body made her feel better. Closer inspection of her wounds showed that the thigh had closed nicely. The shoulder still had a few open areas. After completing the scrub down, she stretched her arms out and floated with her nose barely out of the water.
    After resting, she sat up. “Boy, do I feel better."
    "You smell better, too,” Drizzle said under his breath. She heard his comment, though, and splashed water all over him. He leapt back, a look of shock on his face.
    "How could you? You know I hate water!” he snarled as he walked away in utter disgust, shaking his legs alternately to rid himself of the excess fluid.
    Shyanne laughed so hard her sides hurt and tears streamed down her face before she managed to sputter, “How could I resist? Especially with such an inviting target?"
    "Great ... Are you happy now?” He shook his droopy, wet face, flinging water everywhere. He looked like a spiky, wet mop when he finished.
    This brought on another bout of gut wrenching laughter.
    Once she was under control again, Shyanne said, “Thanks Drizzle. I needed that."
    "So happy I could oblige."
    She crawled out of the stream and lay on a bed of soft grass in a small clearing to dry. The sun beamed down through the trees, making the job faster. Once dry, she dressed in the same dirty clothes.
    "I can't wait to get some clean clothes on."
    Shyanne checked on Jack upon their return. He stood in the field surrounding the building, grazing. As she walked up, he greeted her with a soft nicker. “Nice to see you too, young man.” She gave him a pat on the neck, then ducked inside. Seconds later, she emerged with two handfuls of grain. Jack munched on this special treat like it was chocolate to a chocoholic.
    She changed as soon as the horse finished, pulling a fresh blanket out of her pack afterward. The soiled items were tossed into the furthest corner to reduce the torture of having to smell them any longer.
    "Tomorrow, I'll take the blanket to the stream and wash it. Right now, I need something to eat."
    Shyanne made sure the fire was still burning strong before sitting down. Her strength and endurance were returning, but she still tired easily. She reheated the leftover meal from the night before. After she ate her fill, she curled into her blanket and was quickly asleep. Drizzle sprawled out next to her, content to stay in for the