Chapter Seven

The people of Zarkaria took a week to clean the mess left behind from the flood. Houses were also being looked at and anything wet and muddy cleaned out. New things were being made and installed in the homes.

The days turned to night until one night when through the crack light shone brightly. It remained bright for days turning the darkness bright. Beyond the walls there was light. Though Zeal and Casper saw nothing just a blinding yellow light.

The light finally began to get dimmer and dimmer until one day the light went out. The festival was scheduled for the day the light went out. The darkness returned and the sun shone when it was supposed to.

"In the morning the festival of new beginnings will begin." Elder Quinton called out. The people of Zarkaria cheered and whistled in joy. Finally the day of new was upon them.

Zarkaria headed to bed. Only the guards were left awake.

The night turned to day once again and as the rays of light danced over the edge of the mountains the festival began.

~~~~~

Navaeh ran and ran fearing the bullies were after her the darkness surrounded her as she ran through the tunnel. The light at the end got closer and closer until finally she broke through the darkness into the light. Navaeh had to shield her eyes from the light to allow her eyes time to adjust. Dropping her hand Navaeh looked out at the brightly decorated building, streamers hung down from light posts. Beyond the decorations and buildings giant trees stood guard, mountains covered in a fine layer of white casted their shadows across the sparkling blue rivers. And beyond the mountains a giant stone wall that held the darkness at bay.

Navaeh smiled as she finally realized where she was. ... "Home."

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