Chapter Two
Sand, Spies and Encounters
The closer the small boat approached to the now visible sandy beach, the more anxious the Mall Rats became. Not a single one of them even ventured below deck in the last hour before their ship hit the soft glistening sand. Lottie was the first one over the railing, she splashed enthusiastically through the surf and plooped down onto the sand. Her laughter bubbled up out of her small frame and she turned towards the others, a bright smile on her face. "It's really here! We've really found land!"
The others back on the boat chuckled amongst themselves, but one by one foloowed Lottie's example, Amber and Trudy taking care with their children. They all took a moment to take in the reality of their find, wondering if the beautiful white sands, gently rolling tides, and lush vegetation further up the shore could really be there? Ebony stood next to Slade and turned to regard him. His face was thoughtful. "Something wrong?" She queried softly.
He turned and looked down at her. "No, just wondering how good our fortune really is.." She followed his gaze to the thick brush.
Amber stepped away from baby Bray, who was playing in the sand, under the watchful eye of Ruby. "What are you two looking so intently at?" She was a little breathless from splashing in the tides.
Ebony turned and locked eyes with her. "Something seems a bit strange. I didn't notice it right away, Slade brought my attention to it..." She turned back taking Amber's gaze with her to the lush underbrush near the beach. "I think we're being watched.."
They were indeed being watched, twelve pairs of eyes were hidden well within the thick foliage, one being the green pair that had marked their approach from the cliff. A slim gauntleted hand reached out to the side and gripped a slightly larger one. A grip was returned and down the ranks the silent command was relayed. Wait here. The figure crept closer for a better look at the newcomers.
Slowly the others wore themselves out and began to gather in a cicle on the soft sand. Amber, Ebony and Slade soon joined them. Amber motioned for them to gather in closer. "Slade thinks we may be about to have visitors. They may have been watching us this entire time."
"What? That's crazy we would have noticed them by now!" Lex snorted
Ram shook his head. "He may have a point Lex. That underbrush is pretty thick. It ought to provide great cover, and if there are indeed locals, they would be well-versed in using it." That brought several nods from the others.
Salene spoke up next. "Do you think the locals, as Ram put it, are hostile? We're really in no way prepared to deal with something like that." Trudy and Ruby shuddered slightly.
"We won't really know until we meet them, now will we?" Slade sighed. "I don't think it will be long before one..." A yelp from Lottie cut him off mid-sentence. She looked off towards the forest, white as a sheet. They all turned to see what had startled her.
The creeping figure had emerged from the brush. She stood about fifteen yards from them. Her attire marked her as a commander to her people, but to these newcomers, she was just a young woman in camo pants, soft leather boots, made for stealth, and assorted other equipment. The most noticeable, a silve pendant bearing the symbol of a tree. She raised her hands slowly. "Do not fear me, I mean you no harm. My name is Elyra. I only want to know why you have come to our island..." She wasn't afraid of this group, a slight motion of her hand and the odds would even up very quickly.