Goldentracks

Chapter Five

Summer was at its fullest, and all the plants, from the mightiest oak to the tiniest moss, were a lush, deep green. As Una followed Flynn, she watched a squirrel race up a tree, and plenty of bird and insect activity. He had led her through a couple of fields that she presumed were for grazing, given how low the grass was. But for the most part, they stuck to the forest, away from the beaten path.

They had been trekking for hours already, mostly in silence, and just as Una noticed their pace had begun to slow, Flynn stopped walking. It seemed to her that they were very deep in the forest, and the thought of being left alone there sent a chill down her spine. The light had changed from bright and crisp to mellow and ripe. It must be late afternoon, she thought. Turning her attention back to her guide, she wondered why he'd said so little on the way. He'd been very charming at first, but after they entered the thicker part of the forest, he'd only spoken to ask if she wanted to take a break, or if she remembered something new. But now his expression showed an alertness she hadn't seen before, and it intrigued her.

Flynn made slow movements toward her, and spoke in a hushed tone without looking directly at her. "The cottage is near." Extending his right arm in front of him and tilting his hand inward to face his chest, he waited. A small bird flew out of a nearby tree to land on his index finger. Its back and wings were a light olive brown. Its face, neck and breast were a bright copper-orange tinged with light grey, which was nicely accented by its crisp white belly. It sang a quick warbling song to Flynn and flew off again when he lifted his hand higher. Turning to Una, he said, "Unfortunately, the guards are already there. The good news is, only the lieutenant and a man are waiting. I know you can't see it from here, but trust me when I say it's close. To be safe, you'll have to come to it only after I've left."

"Wait! What just happened? Did you just talk to that bird?"

Flynn shrugged. "That was Sirilou. She was the one who heard your conversation with the guards earlier. She can be quite a useful friend."

Una only raised her eyebrows and stared at him. Undeterred, he continued. "Don't worry, they don't know you're here or that you're with me. Once we all leave, it'll be safe for you to enter. This cottage was where Seamus and I spent our happiest summers. This was when we were still very young and could be of no use to our father yet." He sighed. "Anyway, from this point on you'll have to be as quiet as you can. Follow me until I tell you to stop. Please stay put until the men and I are gone." Flynn looked at her, waiting for any questions, seeming confident he'd said everything that was necessary.

Una's head began to spin with questions. He really was talking to that bird just now. Does that mean everyone here can talk to animals? Is he really just going to leave me in the middle of the woods? And what if the men come back to the cottage after Flynn's gone? Her lack of response prompted him to turn away and continue moving in the direction they'd been heading in. She drew in a sharp breath. "Wait!" she called out as quietly as she could. "How will I know it's safe to go in? How will I know you're all gone?" Only half turning back and with an impish smile, Flynn said, "You won't know if it's safe to go in until I do. And I'll whistle a tune once we start heading back. If you can't hear it anymore, we will be far enough away to mean it's safe for you to come out of hiding. You should then be able to enter the cottage undetected." He moved forward again, so her other questions would have to wait.

As they made their way through thick underbrush, Una began to wonder if he was really leading her toward a cottage. More and more of the afternoon light was touching her skin again. Flynn stopped and motioned his hand for her to do the same. He then pointed to the ground. Seeing her hesitation, he pointed at her and then to the ground again.

Oh right, she thought sheepishly. He wants me to wait here. He pointed to his chest and then toward the clearing only a few paces ahead of them. She nodded. He smiled then continued on without her.