Where to camp...

The three of you find a large oak tree that will shelter you from the worst of the rain, and which is surrounded by sufficient undergrowth that any passer-by would have to come quite close to see you. You sit with your backs against the tree-trunk. You guess that it must be about midnight now. The gathering clouds have obscured the moon, and it is very dark. Soon you hear the pitter-patter of raindrops on the leaves above you. The storm may be weakening as it approaches though, as it's been some time since you heard any thunder.

You reflect on how Aaron's initial arrogance has melted away in the face of all the desperate events of recent days. Not only that, he has probably always previously had servants or soldiers at his beck and call, and has had to get used to having a companion (and a girl at that) of an independent frame of mind who demands to be treated as an equal. You wish that you knew whether he now feels about you the same way that you now feel about him, though.

To your surprise, you are tired enough that you are able to drift off to sleep, in spite of all that you have to think about and the hardness of the tree against your back (fortunately your wound seems almost totally healed). When you wake, feeling stiff, uncomfortable and hungry, it is morning. The rain has cleared away, and sunlight is filtering through the leaves of the tree. At least the tree has kept you almost totally dry. The others are still asleep, and you wake them, though feeling a little guilty for doing so.

Once Aaron has rubbed the overnight stiffness out of his ankle, it seems a fair bit better, though he won't be doing any sprinting for a while. You and Aaron discuss what you should do now. Sarah, seemingly rather out of her depth, merely listens, apparently willing to go along with whatever you and Aaron decide.

You yourself favour reverting to the original plan, and heading for the pass into Daria. That is likely to be what Samuel's men would least expect you to do now. Also if Samuel is heavily involved in Zendara, then his forces in Daria itself are likely to be reduced. And if his power base in Daria can be taken from him, then overthrowing him in Zendara should be comparatively straightforward.

Aaron wonders if he ought to try to free his father, assuming Samuel has him under his control, even though he has not forgiven Hengist for his sister's death or the deaths of the other New Amazons in the big battle. And heading back towards more populated parts would improve your chances of being able to live off the land. However, it would also make it harder to avoid detection, you point out.

With only three of you, remaining in this area and taking on Samuel's men doesn't seem to be a sensible option any more. Then Sarah unexpectedly intervenes, with what might be a better plan than any of these, that you go to her father, the Duke of Westham (see 90735). Whilst he had no love for the New Amazons, she thinks that if informed of what is going on he would be willing to supply men to try to free the king from Samuel's clutches.

All of the three main options would involve journeys of at least two or three days. The decision is:

1. To make for the pass.

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