As Karen sat in church dreaming about the outside,
and the book she was reading, she relived how quiet it
was, even Father Mozy spoke quietly. She wondered why.
Normally the happy little priest was quite loud. Then
she relieved Father Mozy had lost his place in the
bible. Karen Mavanio fought back the urge to laugh,
but she couldnıt stop smiling. She hoped her mother
wouldnıt catch her smiling in church. As always her
hoping was useless, her mother glanced at her, and
scowled at her. Karen managed to tone down her smile.
She took the opportunity when some boy laughed out
loud, and turned around to look at the clock, that was
hanging on the back wall. Karen turned back to her
original position facing forward, Her mother hadn't
heard her. There was still an hour until church was
over. Karen's muscles were acing from lack of
movement, did people really expect a 12 year old girl
or boy for that matter, to sit quietly for three
hours strait? Unfortunately people did. "Why couldn't
I have been born into a family who doesn't go to
church?" Karen thought bitterly to herself.
Finally church was over and Karen walked down the
church steps into the open air. Her body resisted the
sudden movement. Karen stretched and yawned, right
after she made sure her mother, or father weren't
looking. The sun was almost a noon sun. Karen was
glade that it was overcast that day.
"All right Karen, into the wagon." Karen's mother
ordered. "I'm disappointed in you Karen, for smiling
at Father Mozy's mistake."
"I'm sorry Mother, it won't happen again."
"That's good to hear. Now into the wagon."
"Mother, may I walk instead? I need to stretch a
little."
"A little! It's 10 miles to the farm!" Mrs. Mavanio
exclaimed. "And to top it off, the Nosasis family got
raided by Indians yesterday! What if you should bump
into one!"
"One what? One Nosasis family member, or one
Indian?"
"Karen",her mother scowled, but amusement danced
in her eyes for a second.
"Hey that sounds great Mom, let her walk! With some
luck I might not have to see her again!" yelled Dave
from the inside of the wagon. Dave always blurted out
something rude about his sister every chance he got.
He also loved to get into someone else's conversation.
When the chance for both came, there was no hope he
wouldnıt take advantage of it.
"You watch your mouth young man!!! When we get
home!!!" Mrs. Mavanio was cut off.
"Even a better reason for me to walk, I wonıt fight
with Davy. Come on mom please.. I promise I'll be
careful! I know the way, I'll stay on the side of the
road, in plain view, and if someone grabs me I'll
kick, and scream, and try to get away. Just like we
practiced." Karen said in a hurry. Remembering their
practice on getting away from, what her mother called,
"Big Bad People". Karen gave her mother her classical
puppy eyes look, and as always, it worked.
"Oh all right, but only if I get someone to walk
with you."
As her mother turned to start walking in the other
direction Davy shouted "My name isn't Davy!" Their
mother gave them a disapproving look over her
shoulder.
That's all Karen needed, she really wanted to be
alone but she also wanted to walk. Karen watched as
her mother walked over to Mr.Jarunsta, and started
talking. Karen noticed a boy about her age was with
Mr.J. That was weird, Mr.J didn't have a son. Well
not that she new of anyway, but he did live next door,
so she would have known. Her mom returned with the
boy. Oh great Karen thought, I have to walk with a
complete stranger, and a boy too!
"Karen this is Robert, Mr.Jarunstaıs nephew. He
just arrived on the train yesterday. Mr.Jarunsta
thought it might be nice for him to see the country
side so he'll walk with you home," she smiled. Karen
didn't like the idea, it didn't seem Robert did
either.
Karen's mother left them, and they watched her
leave. Close behind went Mr.J. All sanity seemed to
have left them in a second. They just stood there
looking at each other. Both a bit uneasy, but ready to
face the horrible fate that awaited them.
Karen turned and started walking, she didn't really
wanted to talk, not yet. Karen wanted to saver the
availability of movement. She gazed at the rolling
hills of the valley that stretched out before her.
Farms dotted the landscape. A flock of birds flew
overhead, dancing in the wind. The noon day sun was
shining bright overhead. Karen felt the tinge of a
future sunburn on the back of her neck. Then the
clouds covered the sun once again and the valley
darkened once more.
After a moment Karen decided to attempt a
conversation.
"So how do you like it here so far?" Karen asked,
she hoped he didn't find her intrusive.
He thought for a second, "A good change from the
city." He smiled. "I like the openness, and the fresh
air. Things are a lot different in Boston."
"So your from Boston? That's neat. I have an aunt
who lives there."
Robert nodded.
They walked on in silence.
Chapter Two
The Walk with Beginnings
After about 15 minutes, there was some rustling in
the bushes near them. Robertıs eyes grew wide and he
jumped to the other side of the road. His brown hair
was standing on end, it was actually kind of funny to
Karen.
Karen looked over at the bushes and smirked,
"Stop it Marah, your scaring him." Karen said
amused.
A short native American girl jumped out of the
bushes, she was rather short, well very short about 4
feet tall and 4 inches, short back hair, and dark
eyes. She was wearing a deer skin dress, and was very
hype.
Marah and Karen looked over at Robert who was now
as white as snow, trembling and his blue eyes seemed
to have grown two sizes from theyıre original size.
Karen had never seen a guy of his stature so scared.
He looked like one of those guys who work out every
day.........and was tall about 5 feet and 9 inches.
Karen on the other hand had shoulder length really
light brown hair. She was about 5 feet and 3 inches
tall. She also had light brown eyes that almost
matched her hair color. She now was giggling along
with Marah at the look on Robertıs face.
Robert's heart had stopped as Marah jumped out of
the bushes. He was shocked when Karen and this girl
started laughing at him....he came to his senses.
"Stop laughing!" He yelled like a child. "Stop it,
that wasn't funny! Who are you!?" He continued yelling
but no one heard him as the girls burst out into right
out maniacal out burst of laughter.
After a minute of laughing and rolling around in
the dirt kicking the girls got up, dusted themselves
off, and then looked over at Robert. They started
giggling at his childish stance. His hands were rolled
into fists, and his face in a scowl that was too real
to look it.
"What's going on here?" Robert demanded.
More giggles followed.
"Sorry! I just couldn't resist!" Marah gasped
between giggles.
"Robert this is my friend Marah, Marah, Robert."
Karen announced.
"She's, she's, she's, and Indian!" Robert studderd.
Marah gave him a nasty look. "You got a problem
with that buster?"
"No." He squeaked as he turned white once more.
"Good." Marah smiled and then turned to Karen.
"What's his story?" She said jerking her head at
Robert.
"Well he can tell it better, but he came over to
visit Mr.J and he got stuck walking with me..." Karen
trailed off as the sound of wagons drew near.
Marah hurriedly dived into the bushes, just as
three wagons rounded the bend. The wagons we're full
of angry looking men, who were carrying fire arms at
their sides. One particularly large man who was
driving the first wagon, saw them and scowled.
