"Well," he panted blowing hair from his eyes. "This is certainly invigorating."
"Sarcasm…not…appreciated." Faleron grunted from behind.
"Jolly." Owen chimed in. "This must be the tallest mountain in the area, and my feet don't doubt it's the widest as well." All of them looked toward their training master who plowed ever forward at a steady pace.
"Bet it's because he slept in a real tent." Grumbled Neal as the party dismally struggled to keep up with their leader. Chuckling inwardly, Kel followed.
Not long after the Squire's had finished throwing complaints about, Lord Wyldon announced a short break for the midday meal. "No fires." He told them, sternly. "This underbrush would have the mountainside up in flames from a single spark." He motioned toward a leather sack at his feet. "Grab some of this and you'll be fine." The squires, each in turn, ventured to the bag and collected their lunch. If you could even call it that. But then again, dried food was never a hit.
The rain, fog, and climb did nothing to lift Kel's spirits. Why did it have to be so...clamy? A booming voice that meant business stirred the girl from her thoughts. Again, it was Lord Wyldon, this time perched upon a fallen tree.
"I want you all to listen and listen well." He began. "I know this trip isn't at the top of any of your lists, but it is more necessary than you may think." He turned and looked at each of them in turn. "Parties of the Queen's Riders were up here no longer than one month ago. The truth is, Squires, that a new and horribly deadly form of immortal is rumored to have been created after the falling of the barrier. This type of thing is actaully quite common. When members of different species are found together for the first time, new creatures of combined species often...appear."
Kel stared. What had he said? A new immortal? *Well, at least we'll get a bit of exercise.* She tought to herself. But a new immortal? *We could have some problems on our hands.*
"There are going be a few things you'll need to know." Continued Wyldon. "His Highness is contacting me though a magicked mirror and he and I will be briefing you as soon as more information becomes available. In the mean time, stay on your toes. You never know when we could be called." This was obviously a dismissal.
"This could get a trifle interesting." Commented Merric, as the group of squires settled down on a few boulders to rest. "What do think we're in for?"
"No way to tell." Faleron replied. "It's just a matter of time."
Neal was having thoughts of his own. Lately, instead of thinking about himself, Kel came first in his mind. When it rained he found himself naturally wondering if she was comfortable. When meals were served he wanted her to be full, and when evening dawned he prayed for her to sleep peacefully. Would these so-called immortals prove to be as dangerous as Wyldon had predicted? Faleron was right. There was no sure-fire way to tell. No way to tell what the real threat would be. No way to know if she would be alright...
Kel sighed and drew her knees to her chest. She had finally been accepted as one of the boys. She had shown them all that she could fight and solve figures as well as any man. So why did she now have to go all feminine? *Neal...arggh! Why can't he just...* But there was no way to complete the thought. Neal wasn't doing anything, but on the other hand, neither was she. So why was everything so mixed up? It was this question that she pondered long after her friends had fallen asleep.
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