Chapter Four
Honor Guard
The Mall Rats followed Elyan up the beach towards the forestline, she pushed a few branches out of the way and revealed a well-worn trail. The trail was dirt, barely wide enough for three people to walk next to each other. "Follow me." She slipped through the opening in the brush. Each slipping through in turn followed suit, Gel began complaining furiously when the branch smacked her, leaving a jumble of leaves and twigs in her hair, no thanks to a smirking Lottie. "Ohh! Someone help me get them out!" Sammy of course came to her rescue.
Elyan watched all of this with a sigh. This was probably going to be the longest trek of her life. "Come on. You'll all need to stick close together. These woods aren't exactly safe." One of her comrades tossed her a crossbow. She had unslung it previously so as not to alarm the newcomers. Catching it deftly with one hand, she slung the leather strap over her shoulder.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Ram snorted. "And what's with all the artillery, do the big bad forest creaturse scare you?" He laughed loudly, Lex joining in heartily.
"They don't scare me, I respect them. After all the panthers around here, while they do keep their distance, can be a tad frisky in mating season." With that she turned and issued a silent command to her troops. "Pair up and stick close. I'd rather be safe, than sorry." She led off down the trail at a brisk, but easy pace followed by Jay and Amber, who was craddling Bray, Ebony and Slade, May and Salene, Darryl and Trudy, Brady clutched to her side, Gel (still fuming about her hair) and Sammy, Ruby and Lottie, Jack and Ellie, finally Lex, Ram, and the Trader.
"You think we should really trust them?" Ellie whispered.
"Yeah, I mean, why not? They have already had enough chances to take us out and they haven't." Jack replied. "Anyways Elyan seems to be the honorable warrior-type."
A snort from Ram caused him to turn around. "You really do take everything at face value don't you? I thought you were smarter than that Jack, you dissapoint me."
Ellie rolled her eyes and Jack just kind of gave a helpless shrug. "Gotta give people a chance once in awhile."
The Tree Guard fell into position around them, walking in a staggered pair formation, with two guards bringing up the rear. Ebony looked around at the guards's formation and then turned to Slade. "What is this? It's like they're hemming us in so we can't escape."
Slade looked around at the guards. "Their bows are down, so I don't think it's a hostile formation..." He didn't get to finish, Elyan cut him off.
"Think of it as an honor guard of sorts if you will. It's best to bring you to the camp in one piece, looks better for the competence of my guard." She chuckled and moved a few more paces up the trail. Ebony frowned darkly at her back. Amber turned around and gave her an exasperated glare.
"Can't you just let it go for awhile? They haven't done anything to cause concern. Just calm down." Jay tried to reassure her.
"Calm down! They're armed, we're not. How can you be calm about that." Ebony countered.
Just then they all caught the sound of rushing water, Elyan came back down the trail from around a bend. "Come on everyone. We've made it to the stream. Our supplies are here, so we can break for snacks and refreshing water. You can all claen up a bit if you like as well." To which Gel cried a heartfelt "Finally!"
They were greeted by an amazing sight as they rounded the corner and the source of the noise came into view. Crystal clear water rushed musically over an outcropping of rocks, making a small waterfall. The little stream ran past them and on into a small recess to make a wading pool, and then on into the forest beyond. The tree guard began opening up the packs they had left earlier and pulled out blankets to sit upon as well as fresh bread and fruits from some bags and dried meats from others. "We had originally planned to be gone for a week, so our rations should make a fine meal. We will be returning tonight so eat all you want." Finally, not a single protest. The option for food other than fish overcame all boundaries. "We'll stop for about and hour, so if you wish to clean up in the water, help yourself." reclining against the trunk of an ancient tree Elyan smiled and watched the newcomers.
Amber came over and sat down next to her. Bray was covered in the sweet juice of one of the native fruits. "Thank you so much." Taking a bite of bread she smiled. "It's amazing what you miss after a week of fish." Jay joined them, mouth full and both hands full. He spread the fare out before him and Amber. Soon trudy and Brady joined them.
"So what happens after this Elyan?" Trudy asked, breaking up some meat for Brady.
Elyan thought for a moment. "Well, you'll come to our main settlement and meet with our leader, Ghost. From there my job is done and it's all up to Ghost's decisions." She smiled comfortingly. "Don't worry, she is fair and wise beyond her years. You will be in good hands, I give you my word." The rest of the hour was spent chatting idly, and splashing about in the cool water of the spring.
A/N Thank you for the reviews. I am truly pleased you enjoy my tale. I was pretty nervous about doing this as I am unused to anyone really reading my tales. You have boosted my confidence greatly, and for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Keep reading, this tale is far from finished. With Love, SpiritChild.