The Long Road Home

Chapter Forty-One

Leaving Connor behind in Sader had been harder than Page had thought it would be. The man's calm demeanor and laid back attitude had been welcome. He and his sister were going to head back to Treetop with a trade caravan that had come onto town just after they had arrived. Even Kidd was subdued and looking a little depressed.

Romeo popping out of the woods alongside of the road was the only thing that shook them out of the funk. The behemoth followed them to the edge of his territory. Even as they moved on into another behemoth's area, Romeo's song followed them for hours.

They did not see Daisy, but they did hear her singing from time to time. Her song was much higher than Romeo's and louder as it echoed throughout the whole area. Between the safe zones and the good weather, the small group made excellent progress.

Page chuckled shaking her head as Ty told her about how he accidentally locked himself in the holding area of the bunker.

'Anyway.' He said amused 'The streets topside are clear and we are going to move out tomorrow. Theo figures he has everything he needs from the computers.'

'What was he looking for?' Page asked. 'Every time I ask him he changes the subject.'

'He doesn't want you to worry.' Ty sighed. 'He found something off about the blood samples that dick Burk took from you and two others. The germ, virus, or whatever you want to call it that changed the rippers is in your blood. It's not reacting the same as the stuff in the rippers though.'

'Oh,' Page said leaning against the tree behind her. 'Must be because I am a tracker.' Ty was quiet for a long moment.

'I heard Mouth talking about them on the radio.' He said worried. 'I thought they were just in the south.'

'There are a few of us up north.' She confirmed. 'Just don't tell anyone about me. We have enough trouble without people finding out.'

'Your secret is safe with me.' Ty promised. 'Is Kidd around? I want to tell him what I found on one of our trips into the city.'

'He is out hunting.' She chuckled looking to the woods that ran on the other side of the road from their camp. 'Wait until you catch up with us and see what that boy can do with furs. I talked for him on the ham with Floyd yesterday, and even Floyd who has been at it for years says Kidd has amazing talent.'

'He still isn't talking?' Ty said disappointed.

'No, but it think he will soon.' Page assured him 'He spoke in front of Conner last month when we ran into that mess with Romeo. I,' Page stiffened hearing what sounded like a gun shot off in the distance.

'Was that close?' Ty asked worried

'Yes, but we are still in a safe zone.' Page told him getting to her feet 'I am going to call you back Ty. I want to check on Kidd.'

'Be careful.' Ty pleaded before hanging up.

Page went into the woods and followed the yellow strips of cloth Kidd used to mark his trail. She was a little annoyed to see how far he had gone from camp. Page had warned him to stay close. They did not know this area and she did not want to trespass on a settlement's hunting grounds.

'Page.' Came a low whisper off to her right. He heart jumped to her throat and she felt weak when she saw Kidd hiding near the path. The child was clutching his right arm and blood was pouring from between his fingers. The tears in the child's eyes burned her down to her soul. Page fell to her knees before him and coaxed him to move his hand. A deep trench had been ripped through the flesh of is upper arm. Page took off her jacket and quickly tied a makeshift bandage onto the wound. The boy winced and started to go limp.