***
Daniel's troop followed Jeremy's track back to the curve just above the anchorage site. It took them almost three hours to arrive back at the point of the river for their planned release. They prepared a dozen strings of the devices, using two or three devices on each string. One of the Forest would wade out into the river, stretching the string tight, and only when all twelve strings were ready did Daniel begin lighting them. Jeremy directed their release at various distances from shore. The strings furthest out often required the holder of one end to actually swim out towards the center of the river before releasing the string. All twelve strings were released within a few minutes and the troop began their retreat. They had not traveled far when the first explosion was heard. Daniel tried to keep track of the total number, but so many occurred almost simultaneously that he lost count around twenty.
Heather's group had traveled several miles but could still faintly hear the sound of the explosions. Everyone stopped spontaneously and listened, but heard nothing but silence after the explosion stopped. Soon, one of the scouts returned and reported that from a hill he had seen evidence of a fire. Daybreak was almost upon them and Heather considered stopping to make camp, but decided increasing the distance between her and those of the Red was more important. They traveled on until almost midday before they found shelter and made camp. They were just finishing their travel rations when Daniel and Jeremy showed up, along with the others of the Forest. They were in high spirits and wanted to know if Heather's group had heard the explosions. After a brief celebration everyone sought out some shelter from the sun for the rest period. Daniel wished to discuss the attack further, but Heather was so fatigued she had no choice but to sleep.
One of the observers returned about dusk and Heather awoke long enough to hear his report that three of the ships had been set afire by the explosions and others appeared damaged. Her fatigue was so obvious that Daniel asked, "Are we far enough removed that it would be safe to rest a day?"
Heather responded, "I would we could move faster but I think you are right. It seems those of the Red have not penetrated much into the countryside and I think it's safe to travel during daylight. We will leave again at morning light. I would the sentries and scouts continue their work and all others rest."
Daniel lay next to Heather, who was soon asleep, but his mind wanted to rest not. It was long into the night before he finally fell asleep. Heather and Betty had already completed their morning ritual before Daniel arose. The remaining observers had returned and reported that two of the ships had sunk and several had been cast free and drifted downriver. Three of the ships had burned to the water line. Apparently the attack had caused the army of the Red to pull back in order to protect their ships from further attack. Heather was well pleased with the report.
They broke camp and traveled hard, reaching their prior campsite before nightfall. The scouting reports were favorable with no evidence of enemy troops. Once the sentries were posted, Heather held counsel with those that accompanied her. She told them, "The war being waged is of a siege and is not a war that the skills brought by those of the Forest can contribute to much. I need to meet with King Jason and plan a strategy. I would expect we will continue our fight outside of the city walls. For now we will secure our camp and send a message to Jason."
Much discussion ensued about how the message should be delivered. Finally it was decided that as before, they would meet in secret by having Jeremy scale the wall of the castle and deliver Heather directly. Jeremy suggested that maybe he should check out the taverns by the western gate to make sure nothing had changed, but Heather figured maybe just scouting for the best smuggler’s tunnel would be more appropriate. Jeremy and a few others left soon after on their scouting mission.
Sacred Water, Book 2, The Time Before Page 25
