Simply 6 Minutes: 5th July

Christine of Stine Writing is our host for the Tuesday Simply 6 Minutes photo challenge.
Image courtesy designyourway.net
Few knew of its existence now, but those who did remembered its importance.
For hundreds it was a means of escape from troubled times in a troubled land.
The carts were drawn by hand, no engines or horses, diligent men risking all to save their women folk and offspring through the night by torchlight.
The tracks were worn and lichen covered now, doubtful if the sleepers would hold the weight of such a precious cargo.
Isaac sat under the tree and closed his eyes.
He could hear the whispers of the elders, telling the children to hush and sleep, their journey would soon be over and they would be safe.
For Isaac and his sister, sleep was out of the question. They were the eyes and ears of the flanks whilst those pulling and pushing watched front and back.
Their journey was one of the last, the forest was their friend providing cover and hope for a new beginning.
The tracks ended some twenty yards on, discovered and removed by the enemy, but enough of them had crossed the border to freedom.
Every year, those left came to pay their respects to the ones who had given everything in order for them to survive. Sadly Isaac and his sister were the only ones of his family that made it.

219 words.