The lake's surface rippled under a gentle breeze. Alexander dipped the pail into the water, the cool liquid sloshing inside. But his mind wasn’t really on the task at hand. His thoughts swirled around the mercenaries, the missing woman, and Tori.
"Why would the woman leave her child behind? What did she steal, and why do they care so much?"
The questions were like an itch he couldn’t scratch. His eyes darted to the forest edge. He let out a sigh, the pail heavy in his hands, and began to turn back toward the path home.
That’s when he heard a muffled voice coming from the nearby trees.
Alexander froze, his heart quickening. Slowly, he crouched low and crept toward the sound, careful to stay hidden. He moved just the way his father had taught him during their hunting trips, his small
