Hale sat with his back against the rocky outcrop sucking air from his precipitous dash from the hall. Around him was the soft scent of the loam of the woods that he was in. He didn’t recognize where he was, but he was sure that it wasn’t Arizona. Both the trees were wrong and the cooler temperature told him that. The forest didn’t appear to be all that thick and there were plenty of low bushes and ferns. Overhead, the branches creaked lightly in the breeze. It all seemed very peaceful. A welcome change.
As he sat there gathering his wits, Hale wondered what the hell the purpose of the weird hall was. It didn’t seem like it would ever be a major tourist attraction and nor did the creature, whatever it was, seem to be the kind to welcome troops of kids. Hale shook his head wearily, it already seemed like a long day. Nothing was making any sense. What was important right now was to find his way back to civilization. At some point, he would need to eat and drink. Not to mention a nap would be very welcome.
Hale stood up slowly and adjusted his pack and then slung his duffle over his shoulders. It looked like he would be hiking some more and this time with out his guide. From what he could see of the light between the spread branches above, he thought that it was before noon where ever he ended up. He turned and glanced back at the rocky outcrop. There was some sort of symbol etched into the stone, but there was no opening or crack that showed that there ever had been a door. He shook his head, there didn’t really seem to be a point in getting back through at the moment. Another encounter with what ever had chased him in the hall didn’t seem to be wise.
Hale set out stoically into the woods. The ground seemed soft with a layer of moss, grass and crumbly soil. Much different than Arizona and Hale guessed that he was some how further north. There were definitely more pines and firs here. As he walked, Hale kept an eye out for any signs of trails, houses or something indicating that there were inhabitants nearby. Feeling in his pocket, Hale grunted in satisfaction. At least he had some money in case he came across a store or tavern. Not that it was likely out in a forest, but having some cash did make him feel slightly better.
There wasn’t much of any incline in the woods here, all was level and even. That was fine with Hale as the night’s misadventure wandering through the back country of Arizona was still fresh in his mind. Hale hoped that some how he would be able to prove his innocence eventually. As he thought about his situation, he let his feet carry him through the trees. Here and there he stepped over ferns and shrubs. He did keep half an eye open for any deer path that would make his going easier. Sometimes he was in luck and was able to follow fairly open paths, but they tended to trickle out quickly forcing him back to sidestepping undergrowth.
At one point, Hale forded a small crick. He groaned as he went across feeling the chill water enter his boots. On the other bank, he stripped off his socks and replaced them with dry wool ones from his pack. He also dug into his duffle and filled his old sun-cracked water bottle to stave off his thirst. Hale wished that he had some granola bars or a candy bar or two, but he hadn’t had the opportunity to pick any up. After he put back on his boots he continued on through the forest.
Finally, when it was early afternoon, Hale came across a wheel rutted dirt trail. He smiled. Hopefully it would let out onto a bigger road soon. He was starting to get hungry and he was now tuckered out. He took another sip from his now depleted water bottle and stepped out onto the path and selected a random direction. He silently voiced a prayer to Lady Luck and proceeded onwards. It did look like the trail had been used recently and there were horse droppings. That surprised Hale, he was thinking that this was some sort of forest service road, although the wheel tracks did seem to be a bit narrower than your average jeep tire.
