The Secret Sisters of Finnley Forest

Friendly Guides

“Captain.”
“Yes, Johanan.”
“Have you noticed anything strange today?”
“What? Something strange in this forest, whatever could you mean?”
“I am in earnest. It seems as if … well, I don’t know. Oh, never mind.”
“He speaks of the movement overhead,” Albert interrupted, cutting his eyes upward.
“So you noticed?” Brin answered. He then turned to Dawn and asked, “And what say ye, our young scout?”
Dawn calmly answered, “We are not alone, but I know not yet what it is.”
Johanan continued, “I couldn’t be sure what the movement was. I thought maybe there was some strange bird about, but I haven’t seen or heard any unusual birds.”
“We have had company all morning,” Brin said, his voice calm and calculated. They seem to be before and behind,”
“Could it be Lucian has overtaken us already?” Johanan asked.
Brin shrugged. “Well, it certainly could be, but I don’t believe it is. First of all, the sorts of men who ride with Lucian are not exactly what one might call skillful. Granted, he does have a few good soldiers on his side, but the greater part of his men are better suited to stealing some poor farmer’s pig than moving stealthily through the forest. Whoever or whatever we have encountered here today possesses a greater skill than I have learned,” Brin added with admiration in his voice.
Albert joined in and said, “Gentlemen, I am inclined to believe we shall soon meet the famous Bear King of Wilderland.”
At that, Johanan dropped his pack and drew his sword.
Brin laughed and said, “Sheath your sword, my friend. If battle was what it sought, it would have been joined before now.”
“I agree.” Albert continued, “Whatever it is just seems to be watching and following us. It has made no attempt to stop our passage or even slow us down. It feels more like a guide than an enemy.”
“Which is exactly why we shall continue onward,” Brin said. “But to be safe, Ladies, stay close at hand.”
Eve answered, “You don’t have to warn us twice, Father!”
They walked on slowly till nearly midday, each in great anticipation as to what would happen next. Outwardly Brin and Albert were both solid as a rock, aware of things happening around them yet calm and in total control. Johanan kept turning this way and that, sweating, heart pounding, more uncertain than he had ever been. Johanan was no doubt a capable and valiant young man and what he lacked in experience, he more than made up for in raw courage, but something about all this was tormenting to him. He could meet nearly any foe, face to face, but the unknown and the unseen nature of this encounter, was driving him, with each passing moment, to the edge of madness. Yet amidst the inner turmoil the calmness and assurance of his superiors spoke volumes to his soul. He was accustomed to facing an opponent he could see and predict. Here he knew not who the enemy was, and, even worse, what it was. There was so much he didn’t know, but he knew he was blessed to be in the presence of two great men.
Eve stayed so close she almost walked on Brin’s heals, afraid to look up, terrified what she might see. Dawn walked close behind Albert. Her choice crushed Johanan, yet he understood. He knew she was happy to be close to her father.
She was in fact happier than she had ever been. She was wanted, even loved, and off on a grand adventure. What more could a little girl ask for? She had of course spotted the movement overhead but had chosen not to say anything because she knew how her sister mourned in her heart for Magi. She also saw the fear in her face and didn’t want to frighten her anymore than she already was.
Finally, it happened. The figure of a man dropped from a tree directly in front of the company not 30 feet away.