Whoops... not the weekend, but here is chapter 10! Also, would you guys pray? My dad has an infection of some sort and has been off work for a month now, and he went to see his doctor this afternoon and he's been told he can't work till the middle of October. Would you pray for healing? Anyways, here is chapter 10... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 10 Heather jolted out of bed, her heart racing and her breathing ragged. She rested her elbows on her knees and rubbed her eyes, inhaling deeply. Yes, a dream. Smalls was journeying through a forest with others, all looking healthy and glad. And… Mother, Father, and Jack’s were beckoning to me. When I reached them, I found Picket. As she recollected her dream, she got up and began to dress. She didn’t have to go find anyone to tell her what was to be done; she knew her work and skill was best needed in the hospitals as it is. Peering out the window, she could see the dark purple sky, gradually fading to pale blue. Heather smiled, breathing in the crisp, cool morning air that seemed to awaken her even more so. With one last look at the impending sunrise, she slipped on her satchel and exited her room. In the hallway, a few rabbits went this way and that, silently going about the days preparations for whatever had to be done. The city was looking much better then it had, but scars would remain, whether on the salvaged homes and stores, or in many rabbit hearts. One of these rabbits was prince Whitbie. He smiled at her and bowed his head. “Good morning, Miss Longtreader!” He greeted. She smiled back and curtsied. “Good morning, your highness. Surely it’s too early to be about your royal duties?” She asked. Whitbie sighed. “For me, no; there is much to be done. But what the council said the other day has been on my mind. And, of course, your brother. Has he recovered in any way?” As they conversed, they slowly began to descend the stairs. “Not in any way we can see.” She answered, shrugging. “His injuries have all healed, but he hasn’t woken up.” Whit grimaced. “I hope he wakes up soon. He is a great buck, and I’d like to get to know him more.” Heather smiled. “I’m sure he would like that.” A few minutes later, Heather entered one of the hospitals, looking about for someone. When she saw a tall, grey buck trying to get up out of a cot, she smiled and almost ran to him in her excitement. His back was to her when she approached. “Has the doctor given you permission to move about?” She asked. The buck slouched. “I was only-" he began, but when he saw who it was, he started to laugh. He succeeded in getting up and hugging her. “How are you, Heather dear?” He asked. “Quite well, uncle Wilfred. But what about you? I’m sorry I haven’t been able to come and see you until now.” Wilfred smiled. “Don’t worry about it; you’ve had plenty to do to keep you busy. And I’m so glad that Garten didn’t accomplish what Tameth Seer said he did; I don’t know what Pick and I would have done if it was true.” He admitted, looking sad and weary for a moment. But the moment passed and he smiled. “ Besides, your parents and Jacks have come to visit me a few times. What a lad! He’s grown into such a buck since we last saw them in Nick Hollow.” Heather smiled, feeling proud about her little brother. “Yes, he has.” Wilfred cautiously looked about, then whispered. “You don’t suppose they’ll let me out yet, will they?” Heather giggled. “Not yet. But Emma is hoping to have you released soon. She wants you to have your freedom!” Wilfred chuckled, putting his arm around his niece. “How is Picket doing?” He asked softly. “He is the same. Weezie thought he had moved, but we cant be sure.” She answered, frowning at the thought. Wilfred frowned too. “He will wake up soon. His friends have been asking about him, their own injuries recovered quick like. Cole and Jo have hobbled here nearly every day asking if I heard anything. I’ll just send them to you, now.” Heather smiled. She’d hardly seen those bucks since the final battle how many weeks ago and wondered how they fared. She quickly changed the subject. “Have you had any other visitors, uncle?” Wilfred smiled. “Yes. Smalls-I mean, his highness, has come a few times. Mostly to tell me what’s gone on with the council since I couldn’t be there. But he won’t let me join the scouting party.” He frowned as he said it, appearing like a child who cant have his own way. Heather smiled at her uncles disappointment. “He wants you to be as healthy as possible for more work, anyways. You know as well as I do that he wants your help. You’ve been there for him all his life, and he cares for you much like a father!” Wilfred smiled, and Heather could see a change in his eyes at this statement, like he was giving up a position of sorts. “Another has risen in his affections, however.” He whispered, a slight twinkle of mischief in his eyes. Heather blushed. “Uncle Wilfred! Are you feeling yourself?” She teased. Wilfred chuckled and hugged her once more. “I had better not keep your cheerful self all for me today. I’m sure you have much work to do, and I need to look for the princess to see if I may be released.” Heather laughed. “Another mission to accomplish already, captain Longtreader?” He smiled, but a cloud settled over his eyes. “More like fulfilling a promise for a friend.” He answered quietly. She nodded, sensing the change in mood. With one final hug and wave, she headed towards her domain of the hospital. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sorry for typos... also will try to upload another chapter tonight... but I have lots of school prep work, Bible quizzing, and cleaning to do. Besides, I smell rotisserie chicken! 😋 LOL! But I will try! Blessings and Bear the Flame, A. R. B.