| They began their overland journey and soon found themselves being followed
by a band of unruly teen boys who were in awe of the soldier-woman and
in a state of extreme excitement over the very nude Astra. Quite easily
the soldier Anina scared the bejeebers out of the teenagers and soon the
princess Astra found a nearby cottage, a washing woman and some clothing.
"My thanks to you, m'lady," exclaimed Astra as she left.
"The thanks be all mine, m'Lady," responded the washer woman. "It be
a rare circumstance that bring royalty to m'gates and the gods smile upon
builders of peace."
Astra had also asked for a broom and had cut off the bristles. With
the stick in hand she felt at a better advantage – though not the quarterstaff
she had trained on at an early age, the stick was still a weapon.
They traveled far that first day, and by nightfall they made camp at
the edge of a small wood. They built no fire for they were still wary of
all the evil that had brought them to this time, to this place. They did
not wish to bring on any unwanted attention with a bright burning fire
in the night. Taking turns the warriors stood watch and the night soon
passed to dawn.
The second day found them in high country. The rolling hills afforded
them a view that stretched for many kilometers and in the distance the
high tower of some keep could be seen. After some discussion the duo decided
to steer away from the keep; it could be a border watch for the Great Kingdom,
or it could be under the command of others less welcoming. Soon the night
advanced again. This second night, however, visited upon Princess Astra
the pounding hooves of the night-mares.
Astra stood at the edge of a pool of dark chocolate, and within bobbed
the form of Lord Fred. "Hiya, Astra-lastra!!" yelled Fred. This name she
hadn't heard for many years. "Come on in, the chocolate's warm and the
crowds haven't arrived." Astra thought nothing would be better than a nice
swim in the chocolate waters, yet as she was about to dive in she saw a
sign posted by the chocolate's edge. It read: "No one under ten may swim
without supervision of lifeguard." She looked about, there was no lifeguard.
"Sorry, Fred. I'm only nine and there aren't any guards." "That's okey-dokey
with me. Besides there seems to be a big lizard in here. I think that wyrm
just ripped my back off. Ouch! Yep, he sure did!" Fred began to bob wildly
and the chocolate turned a reddish hue. "Sorry you can't come and play
with me right now, but don't worry, I'll see you in your dreams!" With
that Fred sank into the chocolate while Astra began to vomit. Then
she woke up.
Though the sun had not yet arisen Anina took Astra by her shoulders
and their journey began anew. Soon they had traveled many kilometers and
with the sun beating down upon them they decided to take a rest near a
rock outcropping.
-
 There suddenly came the
sound of yelling that seemed to come from beyond the next hilltop....
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