The closer the companions came to Henry’s Crossing, the sparser the land became, and the more signs of death and destruction they saw. At one farmhouse, on their second day out from Selma, they were witness to a horrible sight. Three bodies, male by the look of it, were crucified against the barn, while two more petite bodies, the mother and what looked like the daughter, and were lying in the dirt next to the well in the center of the yard. The group stopped and buried the family of five before moving on.
At another farmhouse a few miles down the road, they found the doors and windows barricaded and two young boys sitting atop the roof. As the group neared, the boys began clanging what sounded like cowbells and several men ran out of the house a few moments later, carrying pitchforks, bows and axes. There were at least six men. Four men slowed as they neared the group. The last thing Dawyn wanted was to scare the folks, but they were running low on supplies and he had hoped to be able to purchase some.
One of the men, a tall, muscular fellow with long, brown hair and a beard that went down to his chest called out, “That’s far enough, strangers. Take another step and we’ll pepper you with arrows. By the Founders we will!” The man raised his bow, an arrow ready to be loosed.
Dawyn stopped Shadow and the others reined in as well. They were a hundred feet or so from the farmers. He raised his hands, palms facing the men to declare that he was unarmed. “We come in peace. We are looking to buy some food from honest folk such as you. Please, we will not harm you.”
The man didn’t lower his bow. “These are dark times. We don’t know who to trust. I’m sorry, but we cannot help you. Please leave now, before things get messy.”
Dawyn sighed, but saw the resolve in the eyes of the man and his companions. He turned to the others and said, “I think we should go. We’ll get nowhere except risk being wounded and hurting or killing these men. A bit of food isn’t worth bloodshed.”
The others nodded. “I concur,” said Alivia. “These men are just honest farmers seeking to defend what’s theirs. I would do the same in their position.” Her tone told Dawyn that she had never been in their position, or any position even close to that of these men, but he appreciated the attempt at sympathy. Alivia could be arrogant, bull-headed and fiery tempered sometimes, but no one could say that her heart didn’t beat.
That settled, the companions turned their horses around and, with one last look at the farmers still standing strong, rode back the way they had come toward the king’s road. They had not spent a great deal of time with the farmers.
The day wore on and, as night fell, the group decided to rest in the woods rather than attempt to find man-made shelter. They followed the sounds of running water to find a fresh stream, so they could wash themselves and have clean water for cooking. The spring night was mild enough to sleep under the stars with little more than their cloaks, so the group made a small fire to cook some of their rations and warm up before settling in early to sleep.
They split up the responsibility to stand guard over the camp. This close to a stronghold of underworld activity, a sentry was critical. Dawyn took first watch but found it to be uneventful. He awoke Alivia with a gentle touch on her shoulder and went to lie down. Within minutes, he was asleep.
Dawyn was awoken by the early light. Ashes were all that remained of the cook fire and Anwyn was still awake, seated on a large log and gazing westward into the forest. Brushing off the dirt and grass from his clothing, Dawyn walked over and sat down next to her.
“Did you have any trouble?”
She glanced at him and smiled. Dawyn could tell she was tired. “No, I haven’t seen any indication of human life at all during my watch. A few animals came by, which I was tempted to chase.”
“Are your animal instincts that close to the surface?”
Anwyn looked thoughtful for a moment. “They’re no closer than if you saw a deer and were hungry. You would be tempted to attack and kill it if you had the means. Humans are just as much carnivores as other animals. But I do seem to be hungry more often.” She shrugged. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe the animal side of my nature longs to come out more than my human side.”
Dawyn eased his arm around Anwyn. “It matters not to me, Anwyn,” he began. “You are a beautiful woman that any person would be honored to call a friend. Some little quirk is not enough to change that. In fact,” he said, as he turned her face toward his, “I actually like your quirks. I think they make you more interesting.” As Dawyn spoke, he leaned in and kissed her on the lips. For a moment, she was surprised and Dawyn feared she would pull away, but then he felt her relax and she returned his kiss with passion.
After a few moments, they ceased kissing, but huddled close until the others began to stir. Then they separated and went to make preparations for the day’s travel.
The group set out after a quick breakfast of now-stale bread and dried meat. They estimated they had three more days before reaching Henry’s Crossing.
The remainder of the day passed with the group of companions making small talk as they rode, looking around at the landscape. Any travelers they saw on the road either did not make eye contact at all, or did so nervously before looking down and hurrying on their way. The closer they got to Henry’s Crossing the worse things got, which dampened the mood of the companions.
Chapter 14: Henry's Crossing
Blood and Shadows Page 14
