A very small chapter to supplement the previous post...and since we haven't heard from this side in a while!
The man walked along the dirt driveway cautiously, his companion following close with ears alert to any suspicious noises. The two were tired from the nearly non-stop pace they'd kept, dirty from the mud and the blood they'd had to trek through, and so very hungry –food hadn't been easy to come by with the hordes of dead wandering around what seemed like every corner. Both were hoping the mailbox near a strongly fenced parcel of land meant maybe the home hadn't been totally ravaged. Even with the possibility of food looming in the distance, the two couldn't bring themselves to pick up their pace. Their muscles cried for rest with every step. Maybe…even if there weren't rations available…it would be nice to have a place that wasn't crawling with corpses and stinking of the dead to catch a few hours napping.
Two hearts sped in confused fear and joy when a number of voices called out: "Stop right there", "Who the hell are you?" and "What do you think you're doing here?" The man stopped in his tracks and his friend followed his lead. He laid his weapon on the ground slowly, hoping to show these people with their guns aimed carefully upon the two that they meant no harm. Perhaps they understood, as a group of three came forward with guns held steadily.
"Please," the man started hoarsely from the lack of liquids, "we mean no ill will. We've been traveling so long-"
"Tell us who you are," a dark-haired man said as the other two stood back to either side "and how you found this place."
His back up consisted of an older, graying man, and a tall, muscled man with a shaven head. Both had untrusting eyes, but the second seemed more on his guard.
"We were just passing down the road and saw the mailbox and fence. Didn't know anyone was here, and thought it would be safer for a time. Name's Liam," the man explained. The trio glanced at one another.
"Herschel, they don't look like much trouble," The leader spoke quietly to the older of the three.
"Rick, what are you saying? We've got enough on our hands with that kid!" The tall one started. Liam decided he didn't much like him or the way his dark eyes were narrowed in anger.
"Shut it, Shane. We could maybe spare a meal from our camp, if you're not opposed to them staying…a day?"
There was silence as the man pondered it.
"He stays away from the house and my girls. I'm leaving him to you, Rick."