It was as though she had been away for a long time and the entire town, her family, had come to greet her on return. Strangely familiar, every face rang loudly with recognition. Around mid afternoon, they’d reached the outskirts of the town where open fields, green and lush, were divided by the road that had become a dirt track. The sea breeze wrapped around, cooling her, energizing and refreshing, and though still unaccustomed to the salty moist air, Cara found herself ever grateful for its gentle touch. As they walked, leaving the town behind, she could now see the full size of her party of escorts.

There were five young ladies about her age, always ready to offer her a smile and it seemed that every time she glanced their way, they offered assistance. Cara felt the shame of pride at being embarrassed, and vowed to try to receive their gift of service. She understood what it is to be in servitude and therefore knew it was not a work or a job but a gift in which one flows. Beside her all day, an older woman walked, directing the younger women and to whom the town’s people greeted with obvious affection and respect. When she walked she glided gracefully and the love that radiated through her for each citizen caused Cara to feel ill equipped, gangly and unrefined but strangely, being in the lady’s presence, Cara also found - courage.

There were eight men, and Cara guessed they might be middle aged. Half walked before the party and the other half behind. The men ahead were leading to the mountains that rose up out of the earth; great walls of rock jutting out touching the sky reminding her of the sentinels that guarded the plains people. For the first time, Cara felt a pang of sadness, but shaking it off and gathering in her emotions, continued on.

The way was steep and slippery but the young women helped Cara enjoy the trek toward the great dark cave. She had grown up on the plains, and the mountain track together with the moist heavy air was no easy task, but her friends were ever watchful and tender towards her so she dare not give up or even show any reluctance during the journey. As they approached the great gaping entrance in the mountain wall, the girls quietened, the mood became noticeably solemn and Cara began to feel anxious. The sun was setting and the day light began to fade. They reached a level part of the slope where the men began putting up tent like structures and the women prepared the evening meal.

It happened slowly, quietly at first and not until she lifted her eyes did she notice every person motionless with their full attention on the cave entrance. The sound though muffled, grated on the nerve and as it echoed through the cave. Her blood ran cold, courage drained - yet deep within she quietly recognized a new beginning for this little girl from the plains…