Chapter 9

Se-le-ni

“Me-la-ni!”

She folded and sank to the ground, and I only just managed to get hold of her before she hit the ground.

“She’s getting too weak, we can’t stay here,” Ka-ma-la said.

I took Me-la-ni’s unconscious body in my arms and glanced at Ka-ma-la. She gestured for us to form a circle and, still holding Me-la-ni, I took hold of Joshua’s sleeve. It was difficult to travel this time, not only because of Me-la-ni’s weight, but also because she couldn’t control her travel herself. I knew Ka-ma-la was doing her best to stir us where we were needed, and I only prayed we would land somewhere where Me-la-ni could rest.

“Almost there,” I heard Ka-ma-la say through the void.

The moment I felt solid ground under my feet, I knelt down and put Me-la-ni on the ground.

“We can’t stay here for long, but it should be enough to wake her up.”

I peered around. I didn’t know where we were this time. It seemed to be another forest, but it was so dark, I wasn’t sure. I turned back to Me-la-ni, lying limp in my arms. I quietly stroked her cheek, and Ka-ma-la came over and crouched down next to me.

“It’s not as serious as it seems. She’s just weak.”

I glanced at her, hoping she would do something to help her, but I knew she needed to save her own strength. She got up and walked over to the others. Me-la-ni stirred and opened her eyes.

“There you go,” Ka-ma-la said and smiled.

“Se-le-ni…?”, Me-la-ni whispered.

“I’m here”.

“I…”

“Shh…” We’re not in the Dream any longer, it’s okay.

She glanced around and then gingerly tried to sit up. I helped her, and when she was sitting up by herself, I sat down next to her.

“Are you okay?”

She nodded weakly, and I could see she was already getting her strength back.

“Thank you, “she whispered.

Maybe I was more worn-out than I’d thought, because without thinking, I leaned into her, putting my arm around her.

“We need to go soon. How are you feeling?,” Ka-ma-la asked.

“Better.”

“Can you travel?”

Me-la-ni nodded weakly, and I wanted to protest, but I knew it was futile. She knew her own strength, and Ka-ma-la wouldn’t let us travel if it posed a real danger.

“The travel will be rough, but once we’re there, you should start to heal.”

Me-la-ni nodded. I helped her stand, and she hobbled over to the others. Ka-ma-la laid a hand on her as she halted next to her, and smiled.

“It will pass. You’re strong.”

The others gathered around us, and once again I took hold of her sleeve. I felt the ground disappearing, and once again, we travelled.