Four Countries

Chapter Three

A couple days pass. Zach and I make our way across Silarba, warning the villages and asking for men to be sent North. All was going well.

Zach and I had made conversation, but it wasn't much. We both seemed to be the quiet type. He never spoke of family or friends, or a home. But only of the forest that he lives in. I mentioned Father a few times, but never did tell him of Mother's death. I really wished to more about him; but being who I am, I didn't ask. It was only a matter of time though before things would be made clear.

"So," Zach says, putting down his bowl of soup. He leans back on a tree and gives me a small smile. "I think it's about time you tell me about yourself."

I raise an eyebrow, "Oh, really? How about you go first." 

"Oh, no. I asked you first," he says shaking his head and pointing a finger at me.

"Good luck with getting anything out of me." I say taking a bite of my supper.

He glares at me for a moment before rolling his eyes, "What do you want to know about me?"

I consider the questions that had been swarming around in my head, and choose one. "Why do you prefer the forest for a home over a village? With people." 

He looks at the ground for a moment before replying, "I'm not really the type of guy to fit in with crowds. It's just not me."

"So, what kind of guy are you?"

He smirks, "Not the kind to fit in with crowds."

I huff, "Well obviously." I roll my eyes. 

He laughs, "I'm just that boy who tends to get in trouble."

I furrow my eyebrows, "What kind of trouble?"

He shrugs, "I don't really want to talk about it."

I raise my eyebrows, "If you have people tracking you though..." I trail off.

"No," He says quickly. "I don't. I'm safe for you to have around."

I nod, "Okay, good."

"So do you like my company?"

I lightly laugh, "It's nice. I'm not alone, which is good."

He smiles and continues eating his food. I do the same, taking a quick glance at him.

The next morning, at dawn, we gather our things and head out. It was the same routine: Travel to multiple villages, ask for help, move on. We hit four villages that day, with no problems. As the sun was setting, we searched for a place to camp. I return from gathering water at a nearby river, to find Zach working on a fire.

"Any luck?" I ask setting the pot of water on the ground, next to him.

"Yeah, going well." I watch him scrape two rocks against each other. A couple sparks fly off, landing on the firewood set out. He lightly blows on it, trying to get it to flame up. I give him a small smile and help him get the water pot onto the wooden poles that stand over the fire. 

I lean back against a tree and watch Zach make the soup. It's all we had been eating for the past few days. It was good, nothing to complain about, but I was starting to get tired of it. Oh well, I better get used to it. 

Zach had been cooking every night. I felt bad for not taking a shift, but every time I tried he just shooed me away. I had tried again tonight, with no success. So now I lean against a tree, watching him. 

I watch as he concentrates on the food. His hands working the knife over the meat, chopping it into tiny pieces. His brown hair swings over his eyes. After a moment he flicks it to the side. His blue eyes dart from growing fire to the food he is preparing, to put in the water pot. His muscles suddenly tense up and he slowly turns to face me.

"Are you watching me?"

"Oh, um," I say, trying not to blush, "Just watching you make the food. What else do I have to do?"

He raises his eyebrows and shrugs, "Not sure."

I nod, "Okay."

He turns his attention back to making supper.

Author's Note: Sorry this is short! I just wanted to get a little something up. I hope you liked it!