Forever Land

Part 13

A small group of older children who had been there longest retreated to the tree for a brief battle plan meeting. Johnny stayed solid by Peter's side, taking the role as his general. Rufio had been the last person that held such a position, but Peter found great comfort in the boy's levelheadedness. It wasn't long before they they had their plan and were moving out with their chosen warriors. No children under seven were allowed along no matter how they complained. The Twins, whom were the only twins on the island, were left in charge of making sure no one tried to follow anyways. They had been around for a long time and were well respected among the younger children for their many nefarious schemes. They were also unwaveringly loyal to Peter.

Mitchel had been told in no uncertain terms that he was to stay behind. Exactly three minutes later they were heading out, with Mitchel. It took some time to make their way back. As much as Peter wanted to fly like his shadow, or sprint full force as Bella had done, he couldn't. Instead he led his army forward at a steady trot. They were armed with all manner of weapons, everything from swords and arrows to slingshots and boomerangs. Their armor was made out of whatever had been lying around and most of them had grabbed mud or berries along the way and streaked it across their faces like warpaint. They looked for all the world like children playing war. Except in Forever-land war was the one thing that wasn't a game.

Rather that traveling back through the dark woods to the beach, however, they skirted along the edge until thy reached the coast. There was a well hidden cave there that contained a number of small canoes. The local Indian village had assisted Peter in their construction and hiding of them long ago for Peter. A day such as this being the very reason for their existence.

"Remember everyone, be ready," Peter instructed as they began to paddle, "Hook's crafty and he'll be expecting us, so watch out for traps."

Hook would be at skull Island. It was their home of sorts when they weren't at sea or attempting to cause trouble for the found children.

Around the back of the rocky island was a small well hidden tunnel. Perhaps tunnel was something of an exaggeration, however, as it was mostly a series of openings between the rocks so small that a grown man could never fit. The pirates never took notice, but it would serve Peter and the children 's purpose perfectly.

The silence was  uncanny for such a large group of children, only the boats creaking as they clambered out onto the rocks. Peter slipped through the opening first. It way a narrow fit even for his slim build. Worry that some of the children wouldn't be able to fit briefly flickered through his mind but he didn't dare call out from inside the tunnel. Hopefully if anyone did get stuck they would be at the back of the line and wouldn't do something stupid like shout.

Peter had snuck in this way once or twice before, so he knew that the tunnel let out in a shadowy well concealed part of the cave. Clambering out into the cave his eyes quickly scanned about for pirates. The ship was docked in the mouth of the cave and most of the pirates were still on board. They went about their work giving the impression of normalcy, but Peter could tell they were watching for attack. Their shoulders were a bit to tense, and they kept their hands close to their weapons. The first mate, Mr. Smee whom appeared to be drunk, kept looking to the front of the cave.

Peter followed his line of sight. He was right, they had some kind of trap rigged up across the entrance.

Foolish pirates, He thought, As if I would ever just walk through the front door.

It did occur the him that there might be other traps, but none revealed themselves to his sharp gaze.

Soft shuffling sounds from the direction of the tunnel alerted him to the other kids presence. A hand gently rested on his shoulder.

"Do you see Wendi?"

He turned slightly to Johnny, "Not yet. She must still be on the ship though. Otherwise they wouldn't be sticking so close."

Johnny nodded thoughtfully.

Within minutes the entire group was out of the tunnel and crammed into the shadows behind some larger boulders. A whisper was starting to rise as different plans of attack were discussed.

"Ssshhh." Johnny suddenly hushed ducking tighter behind the rock. He clapped a hand over Mitchel's mouth with one hand and yanked Peter down by the collar of his shirt with the other. The rest of them followed suit.

A moment later Smee stumbled by. "Coulda sworn I hear'd voices," He muttered taking a swig from his flask, "Must be in me head. Cap's messin' with bad juju with that ghost girl. Es not natural she's not." He continued into another cavern still muttering to himself.

Mr. Smee never really did have what it took to be a ruthless pirate. Likely as not he'd stay in the back drinking himself to oblivion like he had preferred to do every time he felt his morals creeping in. Even after over two hundred years of semi-regularly fighting with the found children it still didn't quite sit right with Smee to attack children. It was a weakness that Peter had on more that one occasion exploited.

He wouldn't be much good for anything this time, Peter thought, Already to soused.

Peter swept his gaze across the cavern once more, his mind working furiously. His keen eyes missed little as he counted the pirates, noting their weapons, location, and who was missing. Any traps both obvious and potential were taken into consideration, along with the large shadow under the water that seemed to be slowly circling the boat.

Johnny watched both Peter and the cave he surveyed intently and patiently, picking up on many of the same clues he did, but not quit knowing what to do with the knowledge. The creative mind of a child combined with centuries of experience meant that the children only had to wait moments, however, for a plan to start formulating in Peter's mind.

He turned to them with a glint in his eye,"Here's what were going to do..." 

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It's been a long time but I'm back!!!!

I hope to break through that writing wall and get it finished soon.

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