Warrior Priest of Dmon-Li - Brian Pratt [131]
James turns to the others as they settle in amongst the trees and says, “A short rest break will do us good before we try to cross the grasslands to the forest.”
Miko rests against the bole of a tree and says, “I’m for that.”
Jiron moves to the edge of the trees and looks out upon the plains, now currently devoid of any riders. James comes up beside him and asks, “What are you thinking?”
“Just that we have come a long way,” he says with a sigh. “I can’t believe all the things we’ve gone through since leaving the City of Light.”
“I know,” replies James. “If we make it back to Cardri, I’m going to find someplace and just rest for a month.”
Jiron looks sidelong at him and chuckles, “I doubt it. You don’t seem the type to just sit back and let the world go by.”
Shrugging, James says, “Perhaps not, but I do like to just have nothing to do once in a while.”
“What about Miko?” he whispers softly, nodding his head in Miko’s direction.
“He’ll probably stay with me, I like having him around,” admits James.
“He is a good kid,” Jiron adds.
“Yeah, he is,” agrees James.
“How long should we wait before we make for the trees over there?” asks Jiron as he points to the forest several miles away.
James glances to the setting sun and replies, “Probably a couple more hours, at least. Make sure we have the cover of night before we make the attempt.”
Turning back to the others, he says, “Then we should try to get some rest.”
They go back to where Fifer sits, sharpening his sword. Nearby, Miko has already fallen asleep, his snores sounding loud amidst the quiet.
“James, you go ahead and sleep,” offers Jiron. “I’ll keep watch until it’s time to go.”
“Thanks,” he says as he lies down. With the sun over head, it’s awhile before he’s able to fall asleep.
Jiron awakens everyone once night has fallen. Even though he hasn’t had much sleep, he’s still alert. He knows that when he finally gets a chance to sleep, he’ll be out hard. “Let’s get moving,” he says as everyone stirs groggily, trying to come awake.
“How long has it been dark?” asks James.
“A little over an hour,” he tells him. “Unless we run into someone, it’s unlikely we’ll be spotted.”
“Anyone out there?” asks Miko as he stares out over the plains.
“A lone rider occasionally, but that’s it,” Jiron replies.
“That’s good,” says Miko.
Once everyone is ready to move, Jiron leads the way as they leave the cover of the trees. James is glad the moon hasn’t risen yet to reveal them to any enemies who may be in the area. If they hurry, they can be to the trees in a couple of hours.
A half hour into their trek to the trees, they hear a horse approaching from the east. From the sound of it, it’s only a single rider but he’s moving in their general direction.
“I think he’ll pass fairly close,” Jiron whispers to James. “We should try to get the horse.”
“Why?” asks James, leery of giving away their position.
“We need horses if we’re going to break through the lines,” he replies. “This is a start.”
“Alright,” agrees James. “Just be careful.”
Jiron glances east toward the sound of the approaching rider. Taking Fifer with him, he positions them where he believes the rider will pass. Suddenly, the rider appears before them in the starlight and James watches as Jiron and Fifer jump him, pulling him down from the horse.
A cry breaks the silence of the night and is quickly silenced. Jiron and Fifer return with the horse.
Jiron again takes the lead, Fifer leading the horse as they continue across to the forest. Two hours later, they enter the outer fringe of the forest. Everyone relaxes now that they’re within the covering shelter of the trees. The density of the trees increases the further into the forest they move.
“How far do these woods go?” James asks Fifer.
“Not really