The hours wore on, the sun mounting higher in the sky as it approached its peak. Gradually the men began to rouse themselves, preparing for their departure. News of the elfling's accidental overdose filtered through the camp, concern rapidly mounting over the possible failure of their plot. Like moths to a forbidden flame, the men were uncontrollably drawn to the area designated for the captives, each attempting to appear nonchalant in their passing, yet hoping to steal a glimpse of the sleeping child.
Orders were given that the two healers maintain constant vigilance over the elf's condition. Periodically one of the two leaders would venture over to ask them for an update on the boy's status, inwardly willing the elfling to recover quickly. It was everyone's deepest fear that the excessive medicine would cause the boy to succumb to the sleeping death. With each hour that passed, it appeared such a prognosis was increasingly probable.
Weary limbs lifted the seemingly weightless form onto the cart prepared for it as the group prepared to move on, the despondency of the situation deadening the hearts of the members as they moved mechanically about the vestiges of the site. The solemn entourage departed just as the sun crested, its radiant glory passing unnoticed by the morose company.
Little was said the remainder of the day, as the disheartened men continued their travels, their hope diminishing with each successive step. Only the knowledge that they were not yet safe from their potential pursuers drove them to continue, for it appeared evident that their plot had failed.
"We are making good time," Jarek observed, glancing around at their surroundings.
Beside him, Prevos snorted contemptuously, casting the shorter man a sharp look that wordlessly rebuked him for interrupting his internal contemplations. "Better than anticipated," the scowling commander agreed, his mood sourly accentuated by his irritation at having been disturbed. "It has been a most peaceful journey thus far," he added bitingly, purposefully avoiding eye contact with the other man.
For hours the sloshing of feet through the river's shallow bed had provided a steady accompaniment to their marching, accented occasionally by a gust of wind in the treetops, or the call of a random bird. The overall effect was very soothing to the nerves and numbing to the mind, creating the perfect atmosphere for allowing one's focus to be redirected to internal matters.
The stocky lieutenant ignored the surly tone of the reply, indifferently gazing up at the golden sphere that had gradually been descending the sky. "You still intend to continue through the night, as we discussed earlier?" he asked, more as a diversion from his growing boredom, than any true need for clarification.
"That is what was decided ere we departed," the dark haired man hissed through gritted teeth. He turned an annoyed glower on his companion, violent images flashing through his mind as he momentarily entertained thoughts of forcefully silencing the pointless exchange. A brief smile flickered over his features before vanishing, replaced by the dangerous countenance of one who is at the end of their patience. "Have you reason to suggest we do otherwise?" he snapped.
"Nay," Jarek responded mildly, unconcerned by the ire seeping out of his companion's every pore. "I simply thought you might have considered altering our earlier time schedule, given the circumstances and our current progress."
The shorter man's unresponsiveness to his growing frustration caused Prevos' blood to steam. He let out an exasperated groan as he fought to contain his fury. "I have not seen a need for such action to be taken, therefore we shall continue on as planned," he answered in a harsh tone. He rigidly wiped at the beads of sweat that had accumulated in the hairs of his mustache. "Furthermore, I do not feel anything has changed regarding our situation. Unsettling as it may be, the healers have yet to decree that the elf-child will not awaken. Until they do, I see not reason to believe it shall be otherwise. None can say how long it may take for them to reach such a decision, and that is certainly not just reasoning for remaining idle in the meantime," he barked, nostrils flaring as he ranted, his volume steadily increasing as his tirade continued. By the time he finished, it had raised to such a level that the entire band was staring at him, eyes wide in surprise at the unexpected outburst, as well as the vehemence contained within the austere words.
"Captain!" an urgent voice cried out from the rear of the caravan, interrupting the deadly silence that had fallen prior to the fiery declaration.
All heads snapped in the direction of the call, a sudden surge of anxious anticipation descending upon the band.
"Captain!" the voice cried again, slightly louder than the first time.
"Go see what this is about," Prevos commanded in a low voice, grateful for the opportunity to be rid of the incessantly talkative man, if only for a short period of time. Loathe as he was to admit it, his outburst had unnerved even himself, and it also was a relief to have the attention of the group directed towards something else.