The trees were rustling suspiciously as I walked on. If you didn't know where to go one could get lost in this forest, fortunately I knew almost exactly where I going. South to southwest.
The sky was coming into view, finally, as I broke away from the crowd of trees. And what did mine eyes behold? a vast army of…kids. Well, I suppose I qualify as kid now, so what am I saying? Still, it was enough to pique my interest, so I spied on them. It's only fair seeing as they were spying on me.
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"Boss! Boss!"
Commander Jeri Snak turned, coolly, as a lower rank private came running up. He came to attention quite smartly, looking ready to burst with the news he had to report.
"At ease, Lowell, you may proceed."
Lowell gulped and nodded before delivering, "Boss, the fifth rank scouts saw a man approaching from the north through the trees."
The Commander raised an eyebrow, "Is it so unusual to see a man, Lowell?"
"A young man, Boss. You heard what those herders said. Only old man Kohtoc lives up thissaways." He scratched his head in a puzzled sort of way, "Thing is, the scouts, they found this creature and they don't know what the hell it is. Problem is, young Victore is in love with it and won't let anyone take it, thinks it's cute." All of this said with a pained expression.
Commander Jeri sighed and said patiently, "The man, Lowell, the man. I don't care about the local flavor, what is so special about the man?"
"Well, sir, shortly after they spotted him, he left the shelter of the trees and vanished! They all swear he didn't know they were watching him. Sir."
Jeri rubbed her chin and sighed, 'Why does this happen to me?' "A mystery man, huh? Well, keep an eye out for him. If you spot him don't make a fuss, come quietly and calmly and tell me.
"Yes, sir." He came to attention, saluted, and left.
Jeri sighed once more. 'They're all so young, am I really doing the right thing?'
Jerione Snak is a woman no man would want to anger. At six foot two in her socks, you'd think she wouldn't have much left over for looks, you would however, be mistaken. Flowing locks of ash blonde, coupled with brilliant blue eyes, made her the toast of the party more than once. A delicate nose, full lips and a lovely hourglass figure got her the title 'Barrack Beauty'.
But looks are not the only things that one must have to lead a rebellion. She hit top marks for tactical and field formations, breaking the record for most battles won with low casualties. She beat the University's champion in boxing, she won the men's fencing with a brilliant parry, thrust, disarm move. All in all, she is not someone you'd want to start a fight with.
So, what is this apparently successful woman doing out in the middle of nowhere with a bunch of untried kids? I was about to find out.