Guardian's Redemption

Chapter Ten

Ben and Ashley stood just beyond a small fence staring at a rugged two-story home. The yellow paint scorched and peeling with the window shutters hanging. It was a lonesome home in the middle of this empty terrain. Even though there were marks of distress across the land this home didn't look too bad. Which is why Ben had tried to lead Ashley away from it.

A building meant a possibility of people and people were a threat. Starving, insane, or a mix of both was the reason he did not want to be around anyone. The two travelers had kept their distance from cities that used to be inhabited, maneuvering on the outskirts and yet Ashley was drawn to this home.

Their food was almost out except for a later meal in the day. Neither of them having sensed an animal for the past week. Both of them were hungry after consolidating their meals to once a day. Thirst was no problem with Ben being able to create water from the molecules around them. Ashley had spotted this home in the distance and had talked the man into looking inside.

He's years of being a lone had taught him to trust only his instincts. He could not sense anyone about the home, yet there was an uneasy feeling to it. His stomach knotting up when they approached to find an old man sitting within the window seal with a rifle in those old retired hands. Ben's hand stopping Ashley from opening the gate even though they could just go right around it for majority of the white picket fence was gone.

"This is a very bad idea." Ben stated to the woman as the door to the home slowly began to open. The old dirt covered human came walking slowly onto the porch. His hands gripping the rifle that was aiming at the two companions.

Ben hated going up against any kind of weapon that had distance on him. His ability to create water or ice was very fast but when to create the element was a whole other level. Humans were unpredictable when it came to fear.

In unison the two travelers slowly raised their hands to show no sign of threat to the fearful man. Sunlight hitting the porch just right to hide majority of the old man, and that would be shaky trigger finger. "Come here to rob us!?" the old man spat. Ben could hear the animal in the tone.

"No sir," Ashley stated quickly. There was hope in her voice as she spoke, "We were just passing by and noticed the home. Just looking for food."

Ben kept his visage stern. His hair was rising each second that this came about, and his mind was fighting the urge to just kill the old bastard and continue on. "Aye we got some food, me wife and I. Only one of yeah can come in. Don't trust that fellow you are with miss." Ben thought he could hear a slight shakiness in the old man's voice. Fear could easily do that to a man. "Your man stays outside."

What had this old couple done to have survived out here like this? Certainly the pair had come across demons and other humans, yet here they were still alive and in their home. Ben quickly using his mana went to judging their mana levels. Normal, just two average people. Odd.

A red flag flying up in Ben's mind. "Thank you." Ashley replied. She opened up the waist high gate and took a step.

Ben's hand flashing out to grab the woman's shoulder halting her motion. The woman looking back at him in a puzzling look. "Ashley," he meant to whisper but it came out in a growl.

"Look we need food and if they can spare some why not. I won't be but a moment." Ashley said with a smile.

"I said no." It came out too fast. His filter not working on his instinctual motions. This was not the time to be taking a risk. No time now days was. He wanted her to trust him and to listen to his commands, but she was not a follower, at least not to him. She would do what she wanted and he could see that in those brown eyes of hers now. Her visage was a true glare for the days of old. If she only understood. Ashley pulled away from him walking slowly for the home.