The Walks of Life

Chapter Two

"I'm going out, Dad," Haden informed, poking his head into his parent's bedroom.

"Okay?" Lloyd asked in confusion. "Why are you telling me?"

"I dunno. I'll see you by seven tonight," Haden put an emphasis on the word seven. Lloyd looked at his son shrewdly.

"Is there something you need to tell us?" Lloyd asked.

"I'm not sure yet," Haden said cryptically. "See you soon."

Haden turned and walked away before he father could ask any more questions. He had told his father what time he would be home for the sole purpose of an escape route. If for some reason something happened to him and he wasn't home when he said he would be, his father would know something was wrong.

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Haden flew quickly towards the Ashland forest. He had decided that a quiet entry would be prudent. His dragon disappeared from beneath him. He began to free fall quickly towards the trees. He somersaulted forward angling his feet towards the ground. Just as he was about to reach the tops of the trees, a strong gust of wind came up underneath him and he flew upward. The wind carried him back down gently towards a high branch in a tree below. He landed nimbly and jumped again onto the next nearest tree. He continued this pattern--using wind here and there to carry him to branches he could reach with his own strength. He eventually stopped to catch his breath and survey his surroundings. He could see the charred tree just ahead. He swung down to the lower branches of the tree he was in and surveyed the forest floor. He was high enough in the branches to remain hidden, but low enough in the branches to see anything moving below.

"Impressive," a voice said from behind him.

He jumped at the sudden sound and lost his balance. He yelped as he began to fall. He saw Delilah gasp as he grabbed at the branch. He had a sudden idea. He smirked and allowed himself to fall. He saw a look of horror spread across the woman's face.

Just before Haden hit the ground, he called up wind to carry him softly to the forest floor. Delilah sighed with relief and swung down from her perch.

"You deserved that," he smirked as she landed beside him.

"I suppose I did," she acquiesce. "You didn't have to scare me like that."

"And why not? You scared me," he pointed out.

"I didn't think you would fall, Ungraceful Baboon," she rolled her eyes.

"So who am I supposed to be meeting?" Haden asked, ignoring her insult.

"Be patient," she chided. "The person wasn't going to meet you in such a prominent spot. I'll lead you to them."

"Ladies first," he said gesturing before himself.

"I would rather keep my eye on you," she said.

"You have nothing to fear from me," Haden said sincerely.

"Sorry, Sweetie," she responded. "I'm bringing up the rear."

Haden smirked and she rolled her eyes. His confidence made her more than a little nervous, but she didn't want him to know that. Besides, he was in for the shock of his life soon.

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Haden looked around cautiously. They had walked through the forest and towards the Vampire Crags. He didn't like his vantage point. He couldn't see if anyone was lying in wait for him.

"So what do you do?" Haden asked suddenly.

"Huh?" Delilah asked in surprise.

"What do you do?" He asked again.