Robin Hood (Sequel To Hiraeth- TWD)

Chapter 9

As usual, Cailey woke up before dawn broke. She had fallen asleep in Daryl's perch, something she had begun to make a habit of doing. The older hunter didn't mind, she wasn't loud and there was plenty of room. Plus, Daryl wanted to see her off to Woodbury this morning. 

Cailey tried to remain silent as she climbed out of her sleeping bag to pack up, but the redneck sleeping in his sleeping bag next to her always slept incredibly lightly. Daryl was up within minutes of Cailey being up, and he was greeted by a lick to the face by Friar. 

"Didn't mean to wake ya," the girl mumbled, throwing on her soft poncho before slipping her arrow quiver over it. 

"Was gonna get up with ya," Daryl nodded. "Gotta make sure ya leave safe."

"You don't gotta take care of me." Cailey slipped a small book into her little battered backpack, a book Daryl recognized as the Robin Hood copy he had given her. 

"I'd do it for Rick, too. Don't matter who it is."

Cailey didn't offer a response, but instead tossed her water flask into her bag before slipping it on under her poncho. She stepped off and climbed out of the perch, wandering down the silent cell block. Daryl couldn't help but think the girl believed she had something to prove with this job. He silently stood, following her out of the perch and down the cell block, careful not to wake anyone. 

Rick was already outside, pacing around the courtyard with his hand on his pistol holster. Cailey nodded at the man, Daryl and Friar close behind. The sheriff nodded back, greeting her with a "You all ready?"

"Just 'bout," Cailey declared quietly. "Need you to tell me 'xactly what ya want me lookin' for."

"Anything," Rick shrugged slightly. "Weapons, resources they have, see if you can get a guess on how many people they have. Find any plans, find who is up there leading with the Governor. What their tactics are. Don't steal anything, we can't risk you getting caught."

Cailey nodded again, swinging her bow close to the ground. 

"Take a car or somethin', it'll probably get you there quicker."

The girl shook her head. "Whatever vehicle I take, I'd have to ditch it at least a couple miles from the place so they don't see, an' it ain't easy hidin' a car. I'll go on foot."

"Take my bike," Daryl drawled out, holding his keys up. "Hide it in one of them ditches out there, they won't see."

Cailey stood in thought for several seconds before she nodded. Daryl reached out to hand her the tiny silver ring of keys, and then held them in her hand. "Kill my bike, and I'll kill you, clodhopper."

The younger hunter gave a small snort, taking the keys in her little hands. "Wouldn't count on anythin' less, redneck."

There were some nods between the three, and Cailey pulled her bag farther up her back, straightening out her poncho. "I'mma go, then."

"I'll open the gate for you, so just be careful," Rick declared as he turned to step down the field path. 

Cailey left the older hunter to stay by the courtyard gate as she approached his bike against the wall, turning the key to start it loudly. She gave a quick whistle to Friar, snapping her fingers by the seat next to her. She helped the grey-brown dog climb up, making him sit in front of her so she could hold onto him. Cailey had to stare around Friar to see the road in front of her, but the dog wasn't overly massive. 

Cailey turned on the gas, slowly straddle-stepping towards where Daryl stood at the gate. She nodded at him, and the older hunter stood in her way.