Legend Chapter 9
"Are you sure you're ready for this?" Roxton asked as he helped Ned to his feet.
"I am not getting left behind," the journalist argued as they made their way to the doors. He didn't want to admit his fear of being left alone and Melos and his friends returning or his friends vanishing.
"Well, you can at least ride in the cart Adrik brought." Roxton's tone was stern and Ned really didn't feel like arguing further. The hunter helped the younger man out to the others and helped him into the cart.
Adrik had brought his horse along with a small cart. The animal was more a large pony than a horse but Adrik assured them she was a sturdy creature named Rasia.
"I've brought supplies as well," Adrik said. "There are food stuffs, water skeins." He glanced over to Ned before whispering to Challenger. "As well as medical supplies in case your friend isn't as well as he wants to be. I've noticed he is looking a little flushed yet."
Challenger acknowledged him with a nod. "I've noticed as well. Thank you for all of this but you don't have to accompany us, Adrik. The instructions you gave are more than adequate."
Adrik shook his head. "This is my city, my people. If I had had the text from the cave sooner, I would have acted. I truly don't understand why my ancestors did not. It is my responsibility and I admit, my curiosity is aroused."
Marguerite came up to them. "We're all set to go," she said, setting her hat on her head.
"Very well, then let's get moving," Challenger said as they made their way out of the city.
Just as they were leaving, the little boy with the curly hair ran up to Veronica. The child threw his arms around her. She returned the hug and he peered into her face. He held out his ball to was about the size of a baseball and made of sheepskin.
"No, that's yours," she said with a smile.
"You can give it back to me later," he told her then quickly ran off.
Adrik stared after the boy. "Graeme seems rather fond of you."
"That's the child the light tried to take when it took Zara instead. And he was the first person I met when I came through the arch."
"Perhaps, he'll be an ambassador one day," Adrik laughed.
The group of explorers and lone Edenite traveled several miles before calling a break. The path Adrik lead them on followed along a small stream that wound its way through gently sloping fields. A few small animals scattered away from them but there was little else.
"There are farms mostly to the south of the city," Adrik said as he took a drink from the stream. "Mostly because the soil is richer and better suited for growing. Our water comes from three reservoirs that collect from the streams and rivers that flow. We were blessed when we settled here that our water is fresh and pure. Our ancestors learned from communities they traveled through to preserve and care for our resources so they would last us."
Ned had climbed off the cart and was sitting with his back against a tree. He was beginning to regret his decision to come along. Although the fever was gone, he still felt weak and tired. Veronica came to sit beside him and offered him a canteen of water. As he drank she also wet a small cloth and dabbed at his forehead.
"Thanks," he told her.
"You should have stayed at the hospice," she said.
"I didn't want to miss out on this. Besides, I don't want to vanish without you."
Ned's cheeks flushed slightly when he realized he had said that last thought aloud. He looked into her face to see her reaction. She stared at him for a moment before smiling. She leaned in to give him a quick kiss on the forehead.
"Thanks, I think," she whispered.
Roxton's voice interrupted them. Both looked up at him with a start. Neither had heard the hunter approach and Roxton had a slight smile in his face.
"If you would be ready," he said as he helped Ned to his feet. "We're ready to move on. Adrik says we should reach the rock in about two days if we keep moving. Think you can make it?"
"I'll be fine," Ned said as he reached for the cart. Roxton caught him as he stumbled slightly.
The hunter helped him into the cart then sighed. "You really don't have anything to prove, Ned."
The journalist shook his head. "That's not what this is about. I just want to help."
"I know, just don't push yourself any more than you have to."
"You would."
Roxton shrugged. "You're right. I would."
The group traveled for the remainder of the day, stopping only one more time to allow Rasia to rest. Ned had fallen asleep in the back of the cart. When the group stopped Challenger felt the journalist's forehead and frowned.
"I thought you said the fever was broken," he said to Adrik. "His temperature is steadily rising."
"It has been over one hundred years since anyone has been sick from the spores," the councilman replied handing a wet cloth to him. "But as with any sickness, rest is needed after the fever. Your friend has done anything but rest."
As Challenger wiped the sweat from Ned's forehead the journalist's eyes suddenly snapped open and he sat up quickly. It took a moment for his eyes to focus on the scientist.
"Easy, Ned," Challenger said patting him on the shoulder.
"Challenger, where are we?" Ned asked. He covered his face with his hands.
"I think where we need to stay for a few hours at least," Challenger replied, rewetting the cloth as Ned sat back against the cart.
"It's going to be dark soon anyway," Adrik said. "Perhaps we should remain here for the night and start out fresh in the morning."
"Sounds like a good idea," Roxton said setting his rifle down. "Are there any creatures we need to be wary of, Adrik?"
Adrik shook his head. "Only a few wild pigs and a few reptiles. Most of the wildlife avoids humans altogether. There is a pack a wolves but they are usually to the north of the city."
"I hate wolves," Ned said.
"You were an ugly wolf, I have to say," Marguerite teased him.
Adrik stared at them. "He was a wolf?"
As a fire was built, Marguerite told Adrik of the time Ned was turned into a werewolf. Then the explorers related some of their other adventures since arriving on the Plateau. The Edenite listened intently about the dinosaurs, the Vantu, Tribune. He was sympathetic when they related how they had lost Summerlee.
"Our lives must seem rather dull compared to yours," Adrik commented as he ate an apple.
"It's actually nice to find a group not out for themselves," Veronica argued. "And not trying to eat us alive."
"Violence has no place in our city," Adrik shook his head. "Our ancestors often resorted to such means, either in defense or the times we strayed from Prester John's teachings of peace and coexistence. When we established Eden, we were determined to have no part of it."
"What happens if someone breaks the rules?" Ned asked.
"We have laws of course but have rarely needed to punish anyone. We've had no murder, very little theft. There is no poverty. Whenever anyone has disagreements or grievances, they come before the council and each side is allowed to argue their case. We try to be fair to each involved." For the first time, since meeting with Adrik, his voice rose. "Which is why I don't understand any of this with the vanishings. What started it and why?"
"Zara told us your ancestors built some sort of false mountain," Veronica interrupted. "How did they build all of this?"
"Much of this land was here already when we settled. I know the legend of the mountain." He sighed and shook his head. "It was the black arts used to create some sort of illusion to hide our city and all of this land. But I don't understand why we've never been able to leave. I, myself, have never had an interest in leaving. Until now."
"This light sounds like maybe your mountain has cracks and people are falling into them," Ned remarked.
The others looked at him making him wonder how stupid he had just sounded.
"That's exactly what it sounds like," Challenger agreed. "Somehow, this mountain, or black magic for lack of a better term is failing and what was intended to protect your city is now destroying it."
"Then we must reach the stone of John as soon as possible if there is any way to stop this and save what is left of Eden," Adrik said.
"We'll take turns keeping watch," Roxton added, picking up his weapon. "And leave here at first light."
(That's it for Chapter 9. I'll try to have more in a few days and I'll try to pick things up a little. I hope you are enjoying this so far and if you read please leave a review.)
