The Trial She Faces

Chapter 19

By the end of the second day of travelling, Eve was itching to stretch out her legs to rid herself from the cramps overtaking her calves and thighs. She was not sure that she would be able to cope with any more time coped up, driving down the same monotonous highways.

Had they had to spend another moment driving, Eve suspected that she would have ripped out huge chunks of her hair.

As soon as Curtis pulled over, Eve jumped out of the door and felt the breeze as it tickled her face.

'We will camp tonight and head off in the morning. With any luck we will arrive by mid-afternoon.' Curtis said as he hoped out of the driver's side door.

'Arrive where exactly?' Eve asked curious about their destination.

'Ha, I suppose I didn't really say did I. Currently, my mum and dad are living on the outskirts of the Silver Hill pack. Got a nice little house there.' Curtis informed her surprising Eve.

'From the look on your face I can see that you have heard of them.' Curtis said with a little laugh.

'Um yeah. They say that the pack is directly descended from the old royals. That's about all I know.' Eve said as she stretched her arms up to the sky causing her vertebra to pop.

'Yeah, not far off. Be prepared we will have to visit the Alpha and Luna to show our respects. They are not real keen on letting strangers wander around I suspect.' Curtis informed her.

'Oh. You haven't met them before then?' Eve asked him.

'Very briefly when I was basically a kid.' Curtis said as he began to unload their bags.

Together they gathered up their things and moved into the cover of the trees. After about half an hour, Curtis announced that they had gone far enough and that they would stop for now.

Eve began to set up a small campfire whilst Curtis slipped off into the trees in search of some small prey for their dinner. By the time Curtis returned with a rabbit hanging at his side. Quickly and efficiently, Curtis skinned and gutted the animal before putting it on a spit over the fire.

Eve's stomach grumbled at the site of the rabbit browning and becoming crispy over the fire. The scent invaded her nostrils, and she reached forward ready to remove it from its cooking position.

'Well, well. That seems mighty fine doesn't it boys.' A voice said from behind Eve.

Jumping up Eve turned to see a group of six men step out of the shadows of the trees. Definitely rouges Eve thought as she observed their dirty appearances.

'Y'all wouldn't mind if we joined for some dinner. Ya see we have been travelling a long way and we are sure hungry.' The leader of the group stepped forward closer to the light of the fire. Now that his face was illuminated by the flickering fire, Eve could make out the rotting teeth in his mouth.

Curtis stood up slowly and moved up behind Eve's back, giving her reassurance and slight comfort. The rest of the rouges slowly fanned out, half encircling the pair.

'Unfortunately, fellas, I did not realise we would have company, so we only have the one rabbit. I'm not sure that we would be able to split that between all of us. Do you?' Curtis said as he placed his hand on Eve's back.

'On the contrary, I think there is enough for us. It smells very tasty.' The leader said stepping forward as the other rouges fanned out further and fully encircled the pair.

'And you little girl... you look mighty tasty as well. Despite those scars you got there.' The rouge leader said.

'You can take the rabbit and move on. We don't want any trouble.' Curtis said pulling Eve closer.