Wild Desperation

Chapter 31

                                          Sang

I woke early the next morning to get started on my breakfast plans and after inviting Luke along to help we were off in search of everyones breakfast. I had been watching the ducks and geese coming and going from different places around the bank and considering the time of year I knew they probably had nests somewhere. "What are we doing Cupcake?" Luke's whisper cut through the silence of the pre dawn light. "Finding breakfast, I think the birds have nests over here somewhere." I answer on a murmur as I push aside branches and check bushes. 

"You mean we might find some omelets out here?" He seemed hopeful at the thought. "Well eggs to make omelets but yeah pretty much, it's been forever since I've had eggs for breakfast." I can't help but sigh at the memory of finding a turkey nest a year ago, it had best a tasty and extremely lucky find. I give Luke a quick description on what to look for and soon we're both rooting through the bushes by the bankside. I get a lucky find with ten duck eggs in one nest, and eight in another, Luke even finds a nest of six goose eggs after Arrow chased off the angry parents. 

Having the eggs cook over the fire with some herbs has everyone waking at the smell of food, praising our goldmine of eggy goodness. We pack everything up quickly when everyone has finished eating, then it's time to head out as I mount up and urge Nightmare to the lead. I wasn't entirely pleased with our set destination but with all the guys on foot we could only cover so many miles and there were no decent woodsy parks to stop at along our immediate route. I had compromised with the guys about staying at a school we found on the map and they agreed it sounded like a decent plan, so here I was headed for Screven County High School. 

The trip was a good 25 mile walk and I was still unsure how Luke and Sean would handle that with their legs. They had been doing fine walking a few miles and moving around camp, Luke seemed to be entirely better besides some sore muscles every now and then but Sean who had a close call with some tendons started to limp on mile 4. Owen called for a break and I was quick to dismount and offer some assistance as Sean sat on a stump by the road. "You okay?" I frowned as I handed him some water, scanning the trees as Arrow ran the perimeter. 

"Yeah just sore, the leg hasn't gotten used to the walking so far yet after sitting around a few days." Sean groaned as he massaged his heel. "North can you help Sean get on my horse?" I call over to the broody boy who frowns my way but nods. "Pookie I don't need to ride, I can walk just fine." Sean is quick to object but I'm not about to tolerate it. "You were limping pretty bad, if you can get off that leg for a bit and give it a break then you can ride. I know you can walk, but you have to take more breaks that way and it could do more damage to your leg, not to mention we'll never make it to our destination if we keep stopping." I state bluntly as he sputtered in response before slumping his shoulders in defeat. 

"Alright Pookie, whatever you say." He sighs as I helped him stand and led him to Nightmare. I make sure to keep hold of my rope reins as North gives Sean a boost up, the stallion doesn't even flinch at the clumsy mount up. "Well lucky for you he seems to be in a pleasant mood today, just hold on tight, try not to fall off and things will be just fine." I hum out with a smile before moving on and leading the stallion along behind me. We went 8 more miles before Sean had to stop for a break from the saddle soreness and we rested to eat some jerky and drink water before walking on. I rode Nightmare until Sean started to limp badly again and had him switch places with me. That was how the rest of our trip went, the two of us switching spots when we needed a break from riding or walking while the others walked alongside us.