The One Who's Fallen

Chapter 67

"I already regret this." I groan.

Lexa gives me an amused look. After we finished breakfast, we packed everything into the backpack, which I insisted on carrying. I made sure to draw a map and marked where the bunker is. Now we're hiking toward the road.

We're only going slightly uphill and I'm already getting tired. I guess I'm weaker than I thought after being unconscious for a week.

"We can rest anytime, Clarke." Lexa says.

I let out a breath. "I'm fine. I'm just looking forward to getting to TonDC and sleeping."

Lexa chuckles at that and slows slightly so that she's walking next to me. She takes my hand and squeezes it, but doesn't let go. So we walk, hand in hand, toward the road.

The land gets much steeper and we have to let go of each other's hands so we can climb. We grasp onto slim trees and roots springing from the ground to haul ourselves up. By now, we're both sweating heavily and panting with exertion.

"Do you know how much farther it is?" I ask, making Lexa pause. Grateful for the time to catch my breath, I stop moving too.

"The road should be coming up soon." Lexa promises. "It is right at the top of this hill."

I glance up and fight the urge to groan. It looks so far away. The undergrowth and trees stays pretty heavy, so we can use that to pull our exhausted selves up.

"What then? Do we just start walking down the road?" I ask as we start moving again.

"Yes." Lexa says in an apologetic tone. "There will most likely be patrols going up and down that road searching for us, if I know Anya. They will be on horses, and in groups of two or more. Then we can ride back to TonDC."

"I hope they're okay." I murmur.

"They are." Lexa says confidently, but I can tell she's worried too. "I did not see anyone who was with us in the cages. As far as the others could tell me, only you and I came in that day."

I can see how her expression darkens and how her muscles go slack for a moment. "Hey. We'll get them back."

Lexa takes a deep breath and slips back into her calm facade. "Yes, we will."

We continue climbing, stopping occasionally when there's a good spot to rest. We packed some old bottles (after we cleaned them) full of water. This is sucking up almost all the energy I have, and it feels like we're not getting any closer to the top. I can't even see the top anymore, a dense fog that thankfully isn't the acid fog, has rolled in and I can barely see ten feet in front of me.

Lexa looks just as tired as I feel but she soldiers on. I know she's determined to get back to TonDC and to help get our people from the Maunon. I think she hopes the hundred can help her do that.

I nearly cheer when the ground starts getting flatter. We're not quite at the road, but it's proof that we're getting there. It gets to the point where we can actually stand and walk without having to hold onto something. We weave through the trees and reach the edge of the dirt road.

"We can rest here for a moment." Lexa says, sitting on the grass next to the road.

I take off the backpack and set it down. I sit next to her, leaning against the backpack.

We wait there for a while, catching our breath and drinking water. The road is silent until we're getting ready to start moving again. Of course that's when we hear the sound of hooves hitting the dirt. Lexa takes out her dagger and I put my hand on my sword. It's probably just some guards, but it's better to be safe than dead.

The noise gets louder and two guards on horses appear, trotting through a curve that obscured our view. They slow when they see us standing here, shock and relief on their faces.

They slow their horses to a stop and get off. They immediately bow to Lexa.

"Heda," one of them says. "It is good to see you. Everyone has been worried."

Lexa gives the woman a quick smile in acknowledgement. "How far are we from TonDC?"

"Not very far, Heda. We are just passed where you and Clarke were captured."

Lexa nods in understanding and then studies the horses. "Can they carry us back to TonDC?"

"Sha (yes). Anya made sure the guards searching would have the largest, best steeds. You and Clarke can share mine." The other responds, gesturing to their gray horse with white spots. It whinnies at us.

"Mochof (thank you)." Lexa says. "Clarke, you can get on first."

I nod and give her a reassuring smile. "Alright, but you'll have to wear the backpack."

She's no doubt even more exhausted than I am, so it's no wonder she doesn't want to be the one guiding the horse. Knowing her, Lexa will use the time during the ride to gather herself. She can't show our people how weak she feels.

Lexa takes the backpack from me and puts it on. She looks so ridiculous and cute in it that I have to purse my lips to keep from laughing.

The guards are back on the other horse and are waiting patiently for us. I get up on the horse easily. It huffs and shakes its mane. I hold out my hand and help pull Lexa up. The guards will probably see it as a courteous offer instead of what it really is, assistance.

Lexa sighs quietly in my ear and rests her chin on my shoulder. I wait for her to wrap her arms around my waste before I click my tongue to get the horse to move. It moves more slowly than earlier, seeming like it's being careful as though it knows how precious the person on her back is.

I steer the horse in the direction of TonDC, the guards in front of us and leading the way.

Well, we got farther than I expected this chapter... Next chapter, they're heading back to TonDC! Thank you all for reading and for your lovely comments! Stay awesome!