Jaybird's Flight

The Trek

If camp was slightly unorganized when I left, then it is in utter chaos now. Sheila is shouting and, with a potted plant in one hand, waving her arms in the air. I soon realize why. Dark shadows are forming in the sky and I can smell the moisture in the air.

Personally, I'm thankful for a bit of disarray, it gives me something to do. The walk back to camp was full of awkward silence, and Ridley always kept four paces ahead of me.

"It's going to rain." I almost jump out of my own skin when Sierra materializes beside me. "You and Ridley must prepare for the move. Gather your weapons," Sierra mutters and before I have time to respond, she glides away. Ridley, who is a few yards away, turns to me.

"I'll find some daggers, you talk to Paramine," she says

"Why don't we both talk to Paramine?" I suggest.

"I'm going to get my daggers." And she runs off before I can protest. All of the canvas tents have been taken down, but I spot Wilbur and Paramine talking in low voices while stamping out the fire. Fenrir, a young boy from the Vestis clan, is trying to haul two spears with little success. It's been a while since I've fought with a spear, but my sword and daggers have become dull.

"I'll take one of those, Fen," I say, reaching out my hand.

"Thanks," he exclaims and shoves a hasta spear into my arms.  "Carrying two was harder than I expected."

"Who is the other one for?"

"Me, of course!" Fenrir has been begging for weeks to carry a weapon. My guess is that Paramine finally gave in and humored him.

"Won't you get hurt?"

"Not while I have this!" He proudly brandishes his weapon. Not what I meant, but okay. I just nod like it's sensible. This appears to appease Fenrir and he confidently saunters off.

I proceed to Paramine and Wilbur's place at the dying fire.

Still talking in whispered tones, Wilbur says, "There rumors, Paramine."

"I'm aware, Wilbur Callisto," Paramine says grimly.

"Emery is sayin' it would be better if we just went back?"

"Emery," Paramine sighs. "Emery's existence is a burden upon my soul." At that statement, I can't stifle my laugh and they notice my appearance.  "Ah, Landon, what did you decide?"

"I think we're going to stick with what we've been doing." I hand him the maps so he can lead the group to the lake.

"Right, excellent," Paramine claps his hands. "Round up the troops, we depart immediately."

Easier said than done. People are flustered and disheartened. It's similar to calming a child who awoke from a nightmare.

First, I find Sierra and Ridley in a dispute. Probably debating whether or not Sierra should have told me about Ridley's plan, and I am not on Ridley's side. I inform them that we are leaving. The three of us continue to get everyone moving. Dominic is napping, Fenrir is trying to steady his new spear, and we find everyone else sitting in a large circle sharing some fruit.

We are running low on rations. Sheila is trying her best, but finding anything edible in these badlands is near impossible. Naturally, "hanger" is common at the moment. Everyone is used to large, home-cooked feasts.

I assume that is one of the reasons Emery and others want to return.  I don't blame them, but they don't care that the original Rotunda is withering away, that the mission has changed. We were comfortable and comfort triumphs any morals in people who don't know hardships. Yet, I can only guess what Pollux has instructed the mercenaries to do.