As they set off once more, they followed a dirt track, which wound through the forest. It took a while to get through, but following the path, they weren't easily misled and soon found themselves emerging at the other side, this time faced off by mountains on their left and rolling hills on the right. Gone was the distant view of ocean and distant horizon where sky met sea. Stealth led them on an invisible trail through the valley the hills and mountains created. Fields stretched out before them, cordoned off into individual sections by long decrepit old walls, or rickety fences.
Coming to one of the walls, they climbed over a stile and were faced by several sheep, all dozily chewing at grass or roaming around, a few perking up nervously on the arrival of the visitors.
"Not far now," said Stealth, "This is Kes' Land."
She lifted a hand and pointed into the distance, where a building could be seen.
"There's the farmhouse."
"So how much of this land does this Kes own?" asked Jay as they made their way across the field to a large gate, sheep scattering with nervous bleats as they walked past them.
"All of it," replied Stealth, unlocking the gate and pulling it open for the others to walk through.
"All of it!" exclaimed Ellie, feeling a few butterflies at the feeling of being back on farmland once more. "That's some farm they're running."
"Willowmere has always been a thriving farm, even before the virus," said Stealth, as she locked the gate behind her and they came onto a dirt track, which would lead them to the farmhouse. It wound around other fields; some filled with cattle, others having been toiled for new crops to be planted.
"The tribe is mostly made up of farm hands, there were farms around this area, over the hills and if you walk further past Kes' land, there the old Parklands farm. When the virus hit, the kids of the farmhouses seemed to be drawn here and they formed a tribe. Been together ever since, pooled their resources, made it work."
As they followed the dirt track, the farmhouse started looming bigger in the distance. It was painted a deep forest green, with white washed windows standing out in stark contrast of the walls. Out buildings were dotted roundabout and an old barn stood nearby. Behind it, a small stable enclosure could be seen, and horses were in the field by it, grazing. Farmhands could be seen at their chores, although a few paused as the word started to spread that people were approaching.
The farmyard before the house, with chickens pecking at the dusty ground, was starting to fill with tribe members as they all came to see who the visitors were. A figure came out of the farmhouse and stood on the porch watching with a scrutinising eye. After a few moments, they moved down the porch steps and walked across the yard, moving a little quicker in their step as they approached. Stealth also quickened her pace and smiled as Kes walked towards her.
The two shared a brief but welcoming hug and stood back, taking each other in. It had been well over a year since they'd met up. Usually Kes sent other of her tribe to the market to trade.
"Well this is a welcome surprise Stealth," grinned Kes, her blonde hair was swept up into a bandanna, and she wore cut off dungarees and a small vest top under it. Sturdy boots donned her feet and a healthy looking tan gave her a glowing complexion. "You look well; it's been too long since we last saw you."
"Yes I know, I'm sorry," agreed Stealth with a smile. "But you know how it is Kes."
"Well we have plenty of time to catch up, but first things first." Kes motioned with her head towards the crowd standing behind Stealth.
"Oh right," said Stealth turning and motioning to the Mallrats. "Kes, these are the Mallrats. Well most of them anyway, you'll hear their story properly later, but we're here on business actually. We were hoping you might have some information for us, and put us up for the night."
"Sounds ominous." smiled Stealth before nodding in a welcoming pose to the tribe. "Welcome to Willowmere Farm. How about we get you folks settled in and you can explain what this is all about."