The Path One Follows

Threads Of Fate

For a wagon, it was moving almost as fast as Crow. Grant kept a slightly more than steady pace. He knew if they lost the horses, Jolie would be the first to volunteer Frank being left behind. He wasn't sure why he was against the plan. Perhaps there were minute twinges of guilt left. They were constantly yelling him that all of this was his fault. It had become hard to see otherwise. Yes, Frank was a controlling man-baby, but would he have reacted the way he did if not for what he saw developing between himself and Jolie. Those thoughts needed to be stifled. Distraction would get a man killed.

Jolie scored ahead, following the tracks that were left behind from the rider that had taken Junior. He wasn't taken by a professional, that was certain. Even a farmer's child could hide a path better than this. It could easily be a trap. That didn't make sense though. How would anyone know that Jolie escaped and that they were being followed. Jolie rode back to Grant, "Whoever this is, they're either fearless or witless. I've seen animals grazing that have left less of a trail."

"I was thinking the same thing. If I had to guess, we can't be more than an hour behind. That mess their horse made was still steaming. We're also only half a day from the fort. I'm nervous at how convenient this is looking. That's when all hell tends to break loose."

"We're of like mind on that as well. Grant, do you reckon my boy will be OK. He's the only real thing in my life. I'm lost at the thought of coming across his body."

"Jolie, honey, they'd not have dragged him this far if they intended to kill him. We'd have found him miles back. No sense in working the horse to death. Somethin' feels off about this. It lacks reasoning. Flint's men never saw him, and there's no way he even knows I'm alive. I can't wait to give him that little surprise. It's almost as if he's hitched a ride from a complete stranger. That's a bit much to hope for. I think we'll find out in the next hour, especially if the rider was to stop early to rest."

"Alright. Thank you. You speak sense more than any man I've ever met.

Frank finally spoke, "Oh God, please put me out of my misery so as to keep me from having to listen to this sappy horseshit. Put a pillow over my face. I won't fight it. I'm done."

Grant cracked a small smile.

"I'd be careful what you wish for, Frank. You managed to make Jolie pretty angry. She might be happy to oblige. Once we find your boy, and get you to a village somewhere, you'll be free to do as you please. Until then, keep your belly aching to yourself."

Fiori had been asleep beside Grant. Stirring a little, she suddenly jumped up like a prairie dog testing the scent on the wind. "Are we ok? Should I run?"

There was a wild look in her eyes. It was a look that came from anguish. The type that torturers caused.

Grant wrapped his arms around her to assure her, "You're ok, Fiori. Just catching our breath. We'll be moving again shortly."

"Ok, Papa."

Fiori closed her eyes and laid back down.

Jolie managed a smile. "It seems completely out of place that you've been adopted while we are in such dangerous territory. It's adorable though. We best get moving. I'm ready to hold my son as well."

The wagon rolled forward. It wouldn't be long now. They'd get the boy and catch up with Tad. He hoped that they'd have a minute to rest after that.

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Tad made his way to the tavern to find Fevor. Nafke was still out looking for Grant he guessed. Being a big man, Fevor wasn't hard to find. Tad had come up with the beginnings of a plan. He just needed to talk to the other man about it. There was only one problem. Another man was seated with Fevor. He already knew who it was, but he hoped to be wrong. Fevor grinned big, "Hey, Tad. "

Turns out who could do more than grunt.

"This is our third companion Nafke told you about. Doc, meet Tad. Tad is a farmer trying to get to some village north of here. He says he lost his fighting men to brigands and was looking to hire some muscle. I told Nafke it wasn't your thing. "

Doc studied Tad for only a second, "Well farmer, he's right. I have no interest in a babysitting contract. Id rather hunt bandits for Jackal. It pays a lot better. Nafke and Fevor are bleeding hearts. They try to help everyone. I'm only in it for the gode."

Tad was confused, "I'm sorry, the what?"

"The gode man are you deaf? The money. The coin. Gode!"

"Oh. The gold. I'm sorry. My ears appear to have been painted in today. "

Tad guessed that was the way the man spoke. He'd have to remember that. Making fun of someone's speech wasn't really fun for him, but this guy seemed so full of himself.

"Ok, Fevor. I'm gonna find a place to have fun. Hit me up if anything exciting happens. I'm be easily found."

Doc left the tavern. Fevor waited for a count of ten before addressing Tad.

"I'm glad he finally left. He's a bit suffocating sometimes."

"Me too. I've got a new kink in the plans. Turns out that Jackal is the man that was leading the party that raided my farm. Flint is in the city, also. They will be watching for me to make a move. Getting all of us out of here together is impossible. Flint has around seventeen men in his camp. I've had someone check it out. I have set the foundation for an alternate path, but I'll need you to lead my people on without me."

"That's a lot to take in. I have no way to tell Nafke. What if they see through it and get to you?"

"If that happens, Grant will need to get them the rest of the way. He's knows enough to do the job, though he's lacking in people skills."

"Will he take the orders from me? We've never even met. "

"I have a phrase to give him. Tell him, "The moonlight shines on the pond tonight. Can you see it my love?". He's the only other person who knows its meaning. I'm trusting you with a lot big fella."

"Ok. I can do this. Doc will stay away I hope. He'll mess it up everything. The man is frustrating, but observant."

"Actually, I'm counting on that. Let's go over the details. "

The two men continued to talk as the sun began to offer up longer shadows. When everything was ready, Tad headed back toward the others. It didn't look like he's noticed the shadow following him down the street.