Constant

Chapter 2

(PETER)

Peter was just beginning to nod off after Jericho had just taken over for his shift of the watch. His head dropped down on his chest and Jericho reached down to tap Peter's knee making him jerk awake. He blinked sleepily at Jericho knowing that there was no way that it was time for his watch again. Jericho motioned down the hallway. There was a sound down the hall and Peter jumped up with Jericho at his side. They grabbed the bedroll and hauled it into the room and closed the door behind them. The fire had died down to just a few glowing embers. Peter could see Ryah's outline in front of the fireplace. Peter went over to Ellie and placed a hand on her shoulder. Her eyes opened and she emerged from her cloak that she had wrapped around herself to keep warm. 

"What is it?" She whispered.

"Someone is here," Peter whispered in reply. 

She went over to Anna to wake her up. Ellie held a finger at her lips indicating that Anna should be quiet. Anna didn't make a peep as Ellie walked over to Ryah to wake her up as well. Ellie motioned for Ryah to go over by Anna. When she obeyed Ellie went for her bow and crouched by the fire waiting for whoever was coming up the stairs. There was a glow of a torch out in the hall that could be seen underneath the door. Jericho went and stood next to the door and Peter moved over to stand next to the bed in front of Anna and Ryah. They were ready for whoever was coming through the door. 

The door swung open and a figure stepped into the room. Jericho was lifting his sword to cut down the man when Ellie yelled "Down!" Immediately their weapons hit the floor. Peter watched as Ellie ran forward and launched herself into the arms of the man in the doorway. 

"Ellie?" Peter heard Ben ask as his arms wrapped around her holding her close. 

"What are you doing here?" Ellie asked.

"What are you doing here?" Ben replied.

"You could have gotten yourself killed," Peter said as he leaned down to pick up his sword. 

"You couldn't shoot me if you tried." Ben replied and Peter reached for the bow that Ellie had dropped and drew back an arrow. 

"Peter," Ellie warned and Peter lowered the bow with a frown on his face.

"What are you doing here Ben?" Peter asked. 

"I saw the light from your fire and I came to kick out whoever was inside the castle. I noticed your horses down below. What about you?" 

Ellie motioned over to Ryah and Anna. "We found them at the edge of the forest and we needed a place to stay for the night."

"Of all places, this is where you decided to stay?" Ben said his voice rising slightly with each word. "You shouldn't even be traveling... "He started to say and Ellie pressed her lips against his cutting him off. "This isn't over," He said sternly when she pulled away from him. 

"Are you pregnant again?" Peter asked as he imagined the other four children at home. 

"Maybe," She replied playfully. 

"Congratulations!" Peter said and hurried over to wrap both Ben and Ellie in a large hug. "If it is a girl will you please consider Peterina as an appropriate name? Or Petera? I could come up with something else if you would prefer." 

"Will you let go of that awful name already? We already have little Petey," Ellie said as she shoved his shoulder away. Peter laughed as he held his hands up in a surrender.

"Just consider it, that's all I'm asking." 

"We are being rude," Ellie said looking back at Ben. "I didn't even introduce our traveling companions."