To Walk

Defeat

Hullo

So...if y'all were reading Fallen Honor, then you'll know that I'm moving in like a week....aaaaand I got back into reading Hero's Bane (which is THE most legendary Minecraft book on the FRICKING planet GO READ IT ASAP when you're done with this. It's by Blackdragon41) so I'm really hecka busy.

So YEAH...Here's the new chapter

Vote, comment, and ENJOY!

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RECAP

          I was the last to make it to the camp. Candra had already dismounted and was up on the hill near the cave, talking urgently to Damon, who was stroking his chin, covered by the scarf, thoughtfully.

          Wearily, I swung down from my horse and smiled at Sandy, who was standing nearby, hands on her hips, looking quizzically at Candra. She gave me a puzzled expression. I chuckled tiredly, "I'm sure Damon will announce it later." Stifling a yawn, I stuttered, "Could you, ah...do you mind...we've been riding for three days and-"

           Sandra took the reins and shooed me towards the cave, "Yeah, yeah...I get it. Sleep."

          Nodding my thanks, I climbed up the hill, dirt and leaves tumbling down the hill in my wake. Giving a tired smile to Damon and Roarn, who were looking tense, I ambled into the cave, which was a bit warmer, thanks to the second, crackling fire at its mouth. I realized I forgot my bedroll on my horse's saddle. Shrugging, I grabbed an extra one, not caring whose it was, curled up, and abruptly fell asleep.

          Damon would take care of it.

          He always did.

END RECAP

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DAMON RIVERS' POV

          "Food...on the way... yes, extra weapons are necessary...no...ugh can't forget the blankets...need to know formations..." I was muttering like some deranged madman, shuffling through the supplies for the third time that day. It was well into the night, and I hadn't stopped going, going going, all day. I had been all over the campsite, organizing the younger recruits, giving a word of encouragement here, an instruction there, checking our supplies, crunching numbers, and estimating our time of arrival.

          I couldn't let my carefully constructed wall crumble. Keeping busy was the best thing for me. I couldn't succumb to fear...to the memories...not now...

          I shook my head and growled inaudibly, forcing those thoughts from me, mentally rushing through my checklist. I had sent Bryce off to scout the best routes and to ensure our arrival would be undetected and un-ambushed. The work had been exhausting, but I couldn't sleep, at least not yet.

          Not when HE was so close.

          Most of my team were asleep in the cave, while Roarn and Sandy were up on watch. I had been persuaded...scratch that, commanded to not take a night watch, by Gad, Candra, and Roarn. I hadn't let them win easily.

          I stood, straightening my back with my left hand, hearing my spine pop. A light, early snow dusted our packs and was still falling lazily. It would melt in the morning, but it reminded me of how close winter truly was.  I looked, peering through the light snowfall over our pile of supplies, "One more look won't hurt..."