To the Pass

"You're right," Aaron says. "We'll just have to hope that my father's all right." He sighs. "If he's not, then it's probably too late anyway."

Sarah says nothing. Something you have said has driven her back into herself.

So, the three of you stand and start toward the pass once again.

You've been travelling for a few hours now. Fortunately, they've been relatively uneventful hours, giving you all the physical and mental rest you've needed.

Aaron has lightened up a bit. Now that you've figured out approximately where you are and where you're going, and now that you've hopefully gotten out of range of Samuel's soldiers, he has been more relaxed. HEe seems to have resigned himself to his fate, whatever it may eventually be, because he can't control everything in Zendara and Daria.

Unfortunately, his ankle, though better, hasn't fully healed yet. Occasionally he has had to stop to rest for a few minutes. That and the still-muddy ground have made your journey a slow one.

Sarah has grown worse, though. The trauma of the past few days has worn on her; she has barely spoken since last night. It's understandable, you suppose, considering what you've all been through, but you're beginning to be concerned.

You, on the other hand, have come to terms with recent events. Like Aaron, you have accepted your fate. Whatever is to happen, you will do your best to overcome it, but you realize that you're all in a bit over your head, and you've prepared yourself for whatever may come.

Unfortunately, the death of the Amazons -- all of the death you have witnessed in the past few days -- is beginning to weigh heavily on you. You've begun to realize just how serious this is, and just how much you're dealing with. You've realized how ruthless Samuel must be, and you've rededicated yourself to stopping him.

"Stop," Aaron says suddenly. The three of you all stop walking, and Aaron points through the forest ahead of you. "There's a village ahead." You squint your eyes and see a distant cluster of buildings. "We may want to stop there," Aaron says. "Maybe we can get some supplies, and gather rumors. If nothing else, I think we all need some human contact soon."

"Are you sure?" you say. "It could be risky to go into society. Remember, we need secrecy. Besides, we don't have any money."

"I do," Sarah says.

You and Aaron turn to her, surprised to hear her speak. "You do?" Aaron says.

Sarah shows you and Aaron a small pouch. "It's not much, but it might get us some food."

Aaron takes the pouch and opens it. "A few gold coins. We could use this to buy a few days' worth of provisions, maybe a week's worth." He looks toward the village. "But you're right; it might be risky. Maybe we could come back at night and see if we can steal anything. Some food, or horses, maybe." He looks up at the sky. "It's probably early afternoon now; a few more hours to nightfall, and at least another hour or two until the villagers go to sleep. We might not want to waste that much time."

1. You decide to wait until night, then go into the village.

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