The sun crept through the stained windows, casting colourful shadows onto the floor. Grayson hadn't slept much that night, partly because of Jodie and partly because of the journey that lay ahead. They were running out of time and he knew it, but didn't want to worry anyone. If they could get to the port within two weeks, they stood a chance. The land beyond didn't bother Grayson, it was the journey to it. The Badlands were almost completely occupied; by the Empire, who want him dead, or Cultists, who want them all dead. Either way, neither are good news.
The Badlands were now mapped out, but occupied land was growing and growing every day, which meant they had no idea of how accurate the maps are anymore. The quickest way to the coast involved passing through a trade town, occupied by the Empire. That was what bothered Grayson. If something went wrong, then, well... you know the rest. There was no was around the town, and any other way would be through Cultist land, which would be way, WAY worse.
Grayson's thoughts were interrupted by noises coming from the crib by the table. He looked over at Mia, who was still asleep. He pushed the covers off gently, and sat up. Jodie was standing up in her crib, chewing on one of the toys that Drake made her. As soon as she Grayson, she giggled and threw the toy out of the crib. "Fine... I'm coming..." He said in defeat, getting out of the warm bed. "Do you want some breakfast?" He asked, scooping her up out of the crib, and holding her on his side. Jodie giggled excitedly, grabbing at Grayson's vest and beard. He smiled, "Come on, let's go upstairs." he whispered to her, not wanting to wake Mia. The place was looking pretty tidy now, but not too noticeable. The room which once held the diamond had been tidied up, and was where Grayson and Mia slept. Drake slept upstairs, in his room. The study was used to keep all the maps in order, and away from Jodie after she learned to walk. The courtyard, with the water fountain, that was left almost untouched, was now where Jodie played, and Drake practised his spells.
Grayson opened the concealed stone door, and round into Drake's room. To his surprise, he wasn't there. He sat Jodie down on the bed, and reached for the food cupboard. He opened the bread bin, and found some mutton from yesterday. While his back was turned, Jodie playing with the pillows, and found Drake's sword. She picked it up, and threw it on the floor. Grayson spun around, but Jodie was laughing and babbling happily. "What were you doing...?" he tutted, checking her leg for any cuts, and picking up the sword and putting on the table, where she couldn't reach it. "And you wonder why you can't play with sharp things..." He muttered, sitting down with her. He handed her the bread, while he cut the mutton down into bite-sized pieces on the plate. "So, we're gonna go on a trip today Jodie. How does that sound?" Grayson asked her. She kicked her legs excitedly as she ate, not giving a care in the world.
"Oh hey Grayson." Drake said, emerging from outside. "Oh, mornin' dude. You ready for today?" He asked. "As ready as I'll ever be. I packed up my stuff from the study, but left your maps 'cause you know the order they go in and stuff." Drake explained, looking for breakfast as well. "How's the little one doing?" Drake asked, looking at Jodie, who was eating her mutton. Grayson nudged her "Say good morning, Jodie.". She babbled some sound that remotely sounded like 'good morning'. "She'll learn to talk soon. I hope." Grayson said. "It will make knowing what she needs easier.". "Yeah, I guess her just pointing at something works for now." Drake replied, picking up the bottle of water Jodie was pointing at from the side. "So, what time are we heading out?" He asked. "Hmm... I'm not sure, hopefully before midday but it depends on when we're ready, and when Mia's awake." He laughed a little, before taking a sip of water from a second bottle. Jodie held hers very tightly, with both hands and tried taking a drink. "There you go, you got it." Grayson supported her, putting his hand behind her in case she fell backwards. "Hey Drake, do you mind watching her for a while? Just as I pack my the maps and stuff." Grayson asked. "Yeah sure. We'll go play some games, yeah?" Drake said.
The mountain was covered in a thin layer of mist, and the morning air was crisp. The place was quiet, except the waves crashing against the rocks below. They'd be leaving today, and never, ever coming back. The Empire are getting closer and closer to finding them, and they know that as well. Their only hope is to get beyond the Badlands, as the Empire have almost no power beyond the Red Sea. We'll have a chance to start over, no more running and hiding... He quietly made his was down the path to the study, watching his breath in the cold air. Grayson opened the door, and closed it behind him. He didn't want Jodie coming in and "playing" with his maps, or finding the Egg...
On the shelf on the wall were the maps, all nine of them neatly rolled up and tied shut with string. He got out his backpack from the cupboard, and dusted it off. This one, which he rarely used, had two inner pockets. One for the maps, and the other for the egg and supplies. It also came with two clips; one for his sheath, and the other for attaching a sleeping bag. Grayson began packing it, first the maps, and then the Egg. Drake insisted it stay in an enchanted bag he made, something about reducing the Magical Signature. Around the Egg, Grayson put the supplies; a pickaxe, flint & steel, some bandages and other items which would come in useful. He wanted to take everything, but that was impossible. Finally, he reached for the cupboard on the wall, which was tied shut to stop Jodie from opening it. Grayson untied and opened it. Inside was a collection of medicines; he picked as many health and painkiller bottles as he could fit in his backpack. I'll get the money from downstairs later... He picked up the now slightly heavy backpack, blew out the candles for the last time and walked out the door.
