Tori's Misfits

Chapter four

Tori’s POV

I notice it is harder to get from tree to tree and begin looking for a place to drop into the water. We are still several miles from town and can’t let our scents give us away. We have now been traveling for about three hours and want to be there before dark.

“Tori, we need to take a break and see where we are and when to turn towards the town,” Jaccia says from behind me.

“We will get a drink when we enter the water and then keep going. When we reach the fork of the river, we will travel straight between the two. This will lead us to the far side of the town. We are to meet Jace in the woodshed at the edge of town.”

“What if we don’t make it before dark, going the long way?” Carli asks, shivering at the thought.

“We will do it, we have to,” I replied.

I motion the girls to stop, and I have Tia listen to make sure it is safe before motioning them to drop into the water again. We walk for a while then decide to stop for a drink and eat a piece of the jerky we have on us. We stand with our backs to each other so we can watch in as many directions as possible. Jace has taught us this so no one can sneak up on us.

After about five minutes, we walk to the center and start swimming upstream, knowing this will be the most tasking part of our day. We are progressing in good time while staying close together when suddenly Carli stops. I watch as she ducks her head under the water, and a school of fish swims over surrounding her. Jaccia looks at me with a confused expression on her face.

“They are talking to her, one of her abilities is to communicate with animals and nature,” I inform her, and she nods her understanding.

Carli raises her head from the water and states, “To the bank now,” beginning to swim towards the bank. We quickly change direction and follow her, wondering what is wrong. Upon getting to the bank, Carli starts pulling mud from the side and covering herself with it, motioning us to do the same. With a look of disgust, Jaccia looks at me and I nod.

When we are covered, Carli turns and starts running. We follow suit, trying to keep up. I am not used to Carli taking control but trust she will explain why when she can. Jaccia follows because I am not as trusting of others. Suddenly, we are no longer in the trees but standing at the edge of a large open field. We quickly stop, dropping down, and look around to make sure no one saw us.

Seeing no one in the vicinity, Jaccia says, “why did we leave the water?”

“The fish told me that the trackers are following the river and making better time than us. The trackers were talking and said that was the only way our scent could disappear. They have a group following each section of the river. Going through the trees didn’t help, since we still traveled by the river. The mud will cover our scent and allow us to travel away from the river.

“How do we get to town now?” Jaccia asks.

We all look at each other and decide we must go east for now and that means across the open field with nowhere to hide. If we wait for dusk, we lose any head start we have, but if we go now someone might see us.

“Carli, can the animals suggest something? '' I ask hopefully while linking Tia for her ideas at the same time.

“I will try to ask,” Carli says, dropping down and placing her hand on the earth.

Jaccia and I know that she is trying to communicate with nature in full, not just the animals.

JACE’S POV:

I am loading the supply wagon, biding my time. I hate waiting, but I know it is best. I want to leave just when I see someone from the orphanage arrive. If the girls made it out, they would show up and start asking questions. That is my cue to leave. I must get out and get where I am to meet the girls with no one the wiser. I haven’t told the girls I must go back after supper and stay at the warrior camp. As I am loading the last of the crates, a commotion behind me causes me to turn.

It’s a tracker from the orphanage, he is yelling at the warrior in charge of the supplies. It is finally time. I drop to the side of the wagon and walk calmly toward the back of the store. I turn into the trees as if I am going to relieve myself. Instead, when I am out of sight, I shift into a hummingbird. I will fly to where I am to meet the girls, so no trail is left.

I fly over and watch the scene taking place with the tracker and driver yelling at each other. People are standing around watching, careful to stand back in case a fight starts. This is what I was hoping for, knowing it will be a while before I am noticed missing. Since I am done loading the wagon and the driver will want to visit his friend at the bar, this is my free time.

Deciding to look along the planned route for the girls, I fly into the woods, feeling the sun on my back heading towards the river. I then follow the course of the river, seeing the water rushing and listening to the crashing of the waves. I dive into the river letting the spray of the water cool me down, and drink to quench my thirst. Not seeing the girls, I decide I need to head to the agreed-upon meeting place.

I am becoming worried as the sun is starting to drop towards the west and I know I must return to the wagon at dusk. The girls need to make it here within the hour, so I can get them settled before heading back.