Martin the Last Necron

Chapter 47 (Stranded)

The journey down Broken Wagon Pass had been a mild one thus far for the three companions. They made sure that they stayed hidden under their cloaks whenever sentinels would pass by and not do anything that would draw attention to themselves. They also did their best to blend in with all the people around them as they traveled the long an unforgiving road only stopping when it was absolutely necessary. 

"Up ahead there will be a road that splits off this one." Said Adal. "We will take that one because it is less traveled and there won't be as many sentinels to worry about."

"Sounds good to me." Replied Martin.

"Me too." Said Azura. "I could use a break from wearing this cloak."

"Agreed." Martin said adjusting himself in his saddle.

It had been many miles since they split off the main road and they still haven't run into anyone. Adal said that this road would be less traveled, but Martin is beginning to think that no one travels it. Just when he was celebrating in his mind that they wouldn't have to wear their cloaks anymore, he spotted a wagon up the road.

"Cover yourself, we've got company." Adal stated.

The three of them made sure that they hid their faces the best that they could. As they got closer they could tell that it was a young man and a woman cradling something wrapped in a blanket.

"Greetings." Said the young man. "We don't want any trouble."

Martin could see fear in the young couple's eyes. They were stranded out in the middle of nowhere with a baby and as far as he could tell they had nothing to protect themselves with. Still, he knew that you can't base a situation off of just what you can see alone. They needed to be cautious and ready for anything.

"Hello." Replied Martin. "What makes you think we are going to cause you any trouble?"

"My apologies." Said the young man. "I thought you were bandits. I didn't notice the young boy with you at first."

"Young boy! Who you calling a young boy?" Spat Adal as he removed his cloak.

"Ahhh... Oh god!" Screeched the young man as he stepped back and cringed.

"Well, so much for being discreet." Whispered Martin as he also removed his cloak.

"I am sorry. I didn't mean any offense." Pleaded the young man. 

"It's okay." Said Azura as she removed her cloak. "It was an honest mistake. I see you all have a broken wheel. Is there anything we can help you with before we head on our way?"

"Where are you guys headed? Do you have a spare wheel?" Asked Martin.

"We are headed to Feverbrook. Unfortunately, we don't. We used the last of our gold to buy rations for the trip and was hoping to not run into this problem."

"Have you traveled this route before?" Asked Adal. "Do you know what lies ahead?"

"I personally have never traveled this road, but my wife there has traveled it many times." 

"So she knows about the haunted forest and the fever bats that inhabit the area beyond?" Said Adal as he pointed in the direction they were headed.

"What?" Said Martin, clearly confused. "You didn't say anything about haunted forests and fever bats when you told us to take this route.

"There is an underground tunnel on the other side of the forest that will lead you safely past the fever bats." Said the young woman. I will be happy to show you where it is if you can help us repair the wagon."