Of Plots and Mischief

Chapter 13: The journey

They were silent companions, his fellow travellers, almost as though they were conserving their energy for the hike. Phyllon soaked in the early morning sun, watching as the landscape gradually changed from urban to rural. He subconsciously checked his sheaths for his knives, the ones that Sahorna had trained him never to go without, missing the familiar feel of wood in his hands. But as Sahorna had warned him, a sailor had little business with it, far less than with knives, which could be excused for one reason or another. He glanced at his companions and wondered how well they would be able to defend themselves.

The prince, at least, was openly armed, a jewelled dagger slightly larger than his forearm. He knew that he had been taught how to use it, though he suspected he was never truly tired. He turned to his other compatriot, the young scribe and his deceptively slighter form. He felt quizzical regarding the danger he sensed from him and wondered at the lack of any visible weapons. He watched him out of the corner of his eye, finding some similarities with an indigenous tribe known for living close to the parts. They were peaceable yet dangerous when aggravated, and Phyllon suspected that Sonaya wouldn't be any different.

They had caught up with Torynik some time earlier, just before they entered the forest, where he confirmed the location of the meeting. Despite the rivalry between him and Asmir, he had entrusted the latter with the information as he went ahead to scout for danger every once in a while.

He was starting to sweat by now, and his muscles had started to burn in protest. The sun had reached midpoint and was at its hottest, and it was heating up the open path they had been following parallel to the forest. It appeared that Asmir had the same misgivings he had, but even he looked longingly at the shade. Karriv, despite going on bravely, looked pale as though he would collapse, and the prince looked a little better. Even he was out of shape from lack of practice. Phyllon decided that once he got back, he was going for more strenuous hikes regularly to keep up.

Karriv faltered, and they stopped as he began to sway. Asmir swiftly caught him by the arm and lowered him by the side so that he would be under the shade.

"Didn't you have any water?" Asmir asked brusquely as he took out his bottle, which he carefully poured into his mouth, not letting him gulp more quickly than was good for him.

Phyllon had taken small sips through the trial, and so had Sonaya, having had experience in such excursions before. However, it appeared that Prince Karriv had not, and he had not brought any container for water. They decided to take a break just then and shared some of the fruit they had packed. Torynik had returned shortly,  guiding them back through the forest once they were feeling better.

Prince Karriv looked abashed at his weakness, causing the delay, and Sonaya took the opportunity to needle him. Predictably, Prince Karriv responded heatedly, forgetting all about his earlier weakness as the two of them bickered back and forth. Phyllon sighed as he looked up ahead at Torynik, who was leading the group, before eyeing the prince who was beside him. The prince had been surprisingly competent so far but for his earlier weakness, but it was clear he was unused to the conditions. Still, he bore it well despite his inherent immaturity, but Phyllon suspected this would change by the end of their task.

There was a brief moment of silence before Sonaya and the prince fell to their inevitable bickering. Somehow, Phyllon was not too surprised. The prince had a tendency to be ruled by his emotions, and Sonaya tended to be more straightforward and reserved. It only took a careless word by the prince before the two were at each other again, though there was no true malice Phyllon realised.

He had almost gotten tired of their constant bickering when Sonaya stopped, sending uneasy glances backwards.

Phyllon eyed him carefully. "What is Sonaya?" He asked softly. Sonaya did not reply before disappearing into the forest. He came back with his bag full of roots and leaves, exchanging a look with Phyllon. He did not say a word, and strangely enough, neither did the prince. Phyllon recognised what Sonaya had collected and could not help give a troubled glance. He wondered what sort of trouble he was expecting.

Sonaya disappeared again after a while. Phyllon was the only one to notice his absence this time until he came back, minus some of his collection. He eyed the young nomad as he settled to his pace beside him. Sonaya appeared a bit flushed, as though he had to hurry to catch up with them. He glanced at Phyllon, an internal struggle evident on his face. Phyllon waited for him, the silence stretching, adding to the eeriness of the forest.

"Can you..." he lowered his voice as he  tipped his head, indicating the trail they had left behind. "I need some help with something I found." Phyllon glanced at their receding companions before acceding with a nod.

He followed Sonaya and was curious as he watched him give a surreptitious sweep. They backtrail several times, and Phyllon noticed the meticulous attention Sonaya took to cover their tracks. It explained his disappearances along the trail. But why? Phyllon gave a suspicious glance as he followed him.

Sonaya did not say a word until he bent down to help him cut out some leaves. It was a curious tool, sharp, but not much use for self-defense. A tool for a gatherer. Phyllon eyes his companion, reevaluating his first impressions.

Sonaya bent his head forward, and Phyllon found himself mirroring as he muttered out of the corner of his mouth. "We are being followed."

Phyllon had to stay still and keep from reacting. "Who? How long?"

"Don't know. Since we left. Maybe before."

He straightened up, putting the root away. He paused before reaching back. "Here. I think you should have this." Phyllon glanced down, unable to hide his surprise at the precious gift. "You know how to use it. Be careful not to swallow before you spit it back out." At Phyllon' surprised glance, he shrugged. "You know what I am."

"Guessed."

Sonaya shrugged. "In any case, I was no warrior in my tribe. I had other strengths. But that does not mean I do not know how to defend myself." He nodded to the gift.

Phyllon looked at it, deep in thought. "How does it work?"

Sonaya mimed, brushing an edge. "Just a thin layer, on the edge. Remember, once to heal, twice to sleep, thrice to kill."

Phyllon could not help but raise an eyebrow. "To heal?"

"For numbness." He nodded back towards the trail before heading back.

Phyllon did not expect him to acknowledge his background, but then again, a lot of things had happened that he had not expected. He glanced back, troubled by his warning before he headed back.

The prince did not hide his relief when he saw them, though Asmir merely gave them a nod. He tilted his head towards Sonaya, and Phyllon understood. He could not help but frown at the smoky campfire, giving Asmir a quizzical look as he made his way to them.

"A signal fire?" He asked as he came up to them. Recognition dawned on Asmir, and he stood up to kick out the fire. Prince Karriv sprang up, confused.

"What is it? What is wrong?"

"Nothing, just that there were rumours of trouble hereabouts back in town." Torynik, who had caught up with them, gave a of approval nod before helping set up the camp.

"There is no point in hiding this, but I tried to confuse our tracks." Sonaya offered

"Whatever for?" Sonaya ignored the prince and looked at Torynik, who nodded in acquiesce.
Phyllon helped the prince up and passed on his bag. The prince looked at him in question. "I was less worried when you both found your way to rejoin us, but what has got you all so worried?"

Torynik looked at them very seriously. "The secessionists."

"We suspect they got some people following us." Sonaya added.

Torynik gave a hum of agreement. "They have been, for some time. I suspect some of the group might have gone ahead, but I did not see them when I scouted up ahead."

"Do you think we should get ready to attack?" Prince Karriv looked worriedly at the warning. Torynik shook his head.

"No, not yet. But I want everyone to be careful." He looked over Phyllon's shoulder and gave a nod to Asmir, who was just behind them. Phyllon felt a burst of resolve from him and knew that he was listening.