- 8th day of Hanotë

Part 4 - Making Mistakes

They stopped at midday like always and Elipson quickly started unpacking since it was her turn to prepare their meal. The others went about their other tasks, like caring for the horses or looking for fresh water to refill their flasks. Lamar came back not long after with a few dry branches to start a fire.

“Need any help?” he volunteered and she smiled back at him.

“No need, thanks. Thanks to Mahel we’ll be having roast meat. So it’s no trouble at all,” she added, wishing Mahel would challenge his brother for hunting contests more often, and Lamar looked at the scenery around them.

“Have you noticed all these abandoned fields? And how all the doors and windows close when we pass by? I don’t mean to sound negative but this doesn’t look good. It’s like everyone is really scared of something.”

“Felt the same all morning,” she agreed with a serious expression. “Just didn’t want to say anything to Elian. There’s no need to worry him even more.”

“He’s been kind of … gloomy, hasn’t he?” Lamar asked and Elipson shrugged.

“We all make mistakes, thinking we’re doing the right thing. And it’s never pleasant when we finally see it, want to correct them and it is too late. On the other hand mistakes help us grow up. Elian is not a boy anymore. He’s a grown man with big responsibilities. Besides, he’s smart and sensitive. I’m sure he’ll be all right,” she added with a confident smile and Lamar sighed

“The way I see it he is just … too complex. I’m glad he has someone like you who understands him.”

“Complex? Very. But more than understanding I simply trust him. And if anyone can change the world we live in, that’s him for sure.”

* If you want to know more about this book or simply access earlier updates, please visit the official site at http://carpersanti.net/arnae/