Keith Rogers, the newly elected leader of the group that lived in the big cave close to the river, was standing just inside the cave entrance taking in the fresh air that was gently wafting up from the forest floor. He could smell damp dirt and some pollen from the grasses and trees. There were no wildflowers, yet, but the promise was there.
“How many winter casualties did we have?” he asked as Clifford Reed came up behind him.
“We had no casualties from exposure, but we did have one from the fight that broke out,” Reed reported.
“Cabin fever can really get to some people. How are you feeling, Cliff?” Rogers asked as he looked down and toward his back.
“I’m glad it’s spring and let’s leave it at that.”
“How’s Hornsby doing?”
“He has some scars from his winter trek, but overall he see
