The World of Myth Magazine

"So where are Quinn and Matt?" Jen asked, affectionately nuzzling Enya's dark hair. The little girl giggled. "And Joey, of course." Joey was Matt's dog, the brave little terrier who had helped save Matt nine months earlier when he'd fallen into the rain swollen Willow River and nearly been crushed to death under the huge wheel of the grindstone at the mill.

Karen pointed out the window to the foothills rising toward the mountains. "The guys took Joey and went on what they called a nature walk." She smiled. "They love it here."

"And they love being together," Jen added.

Karen took Enya in her arms, "Yeah, they do. This has been good for both of them. Just what Quinn wanted."

"And more?" Jen asked pointing to Enya.

"And more," Karen grinned.

Suddenly, the sound of rumbling thunder caught their attention. Karen got up and went to the door of the small cabin and looked out over the valley to the mountains to the west. A wall of dark clouds was boiling over them and heading their way. Fast. Lighting was flashing like a strobe light.

"Looks we're in for some wicked weather," she said turning to Jen. "Might put a damper on your ceremony. No pun intended."

Jen laughed. "None taken. We've got the rest of the day until six tonight when it starts."

Karen turned to watch the approaching storm. "I'm getting a little worried about Quinn and Matt, though. They should be home by now."

"Where'd they go on their nature walk?"

"I think they were heading up Sandy Creek."

"That's on the other side of the river, a couple of miles away. They've got Joey with them, though, so they should be okay. Right?"

"Yeah…" She was going to comment more but instead said, "Oh, shit."

Jen hurried to join her at the door. "What?"

Karen pointed. "Something's wrong."

Jen took one look. "Damn."

Racing out of a grove of trees and crossing a small field on a dead run was Joey. He was all by himself, Quinn and Matt nowhere in sight. He ran up to where the two women were standing, slid to a halt and began barking frantically. Then he ran a few steps back to where he'd come from, and then ran toward them and then back, barking the entire time. Clearly, he was agitated and trying to get the two of them to follow him.

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