The next day, the party began to follow a road. For the past few days, they had all been staying quiet, as the dark forests could be hiding anything or anyone. Now that they were on the road however, everyone began to feel better and talk more freely, even thought Mr. Prince still warned them to stay alert.
Later in the afternoon, they were taking a break. Carly, who was feeling much better now that she and Carson had decided to take turns carrying the weapon, was talking with Issa. Issa still had her backpack inthe spot beside her.
"Hey, Carly! I just thought of something, come here." Carson called.
"No! Carly, don't!" Issa hissed as Carly stood up to leave.
"Oh, Issa." Carly laughed, "You'll be fine."
Eric, who had been waiting for just such an opportunity, jumped up and walked toward Issa.
"Hey Issa." He said, a little breathless, "Could I sit here?"
"Um, yeah, I guess so." Issa shrugged.
They sat awkwardly for a moment, listening to the conversation around them, then Eric tried to say something.
"Hey, Issa," Eric began.
"Shh." She hissed.
"Oh," he sighed, "Sorry."
"No, listen."
Mr. Prince had a hand to his ear, straining to catch the sound again.
Everyone sat in silence as the crashing sounds grew louder.
"Over there." Carson whispered.
The crashing noises were drawing closer, now joined by voices.
The bushes that ran along the road quivered, and a woman gasped as she pushed through.
"This is ridiculous! Three days, and we haven't even seen anyone, never mind getting anything!"
"I know sweetie," The man who was following behind her said, "But I'm sure we'll find someone soon."
"Yes but -" the woman began to argue, until she saw the party sitting not thirty feet away.
The two of them pulled out wooden swords, as they rushed forward.
"Ha! We've got you now!" The man laughed.
The woman glared at him, then assumed a professional air and said, "Please hand over your valuables, or we'll cut you to ribbons."
"You'll cut us to ribbons?" Carson rolled his eyes as he tried very hard not to laugh, "That kind of sounds like a threat."
"It is a threat, dummy." The woman snapped.
Carson snorted, "As if. You couldn't even touch us."
"Yes we could!" The man said defensively, "We once fought off four royal guards to get into a palace."
"Hmm. And what did you manage to steal?" Carson shot back, "Nothing?"
Both of their faces reddened, then the woman broke in, "Stop being distracting! Now, hand over what ever you have."
"Carly!" Mrs. Prince hissed, "Now." Carly was so busy trying not to laugh at Carson's ability to frustrate anyone, she had completely forgotten about the plan.
Carly jumped up and screamed, pretending to be scared, just like she and Carson had planed.
She threw herself behind Eric, and did a very convincing whimper. Eric was very confused, but he didn't say a thing.
While everyone was distracted by Carly, Carson swiped the weapon, sticking it under his leg.
"Ah, stupid girl. We'll get to you in a moment." Just then out of the corner of her eye, she saw Carson move.
"What have you got, boy?" The man snarled advancing on Carson.
"What are you talking about." Carson asked, without a twitch.
Carly was slowly inching towards Issa's backpack, and more importantly the swords.
"This isn't a game kid." the man thrust his sword close to Carson's face.
"Don't call me kid." Carson breathed.
The man laughed humorlessly, "I'll call you what I want, kid."
Carly seized the swords.
"Carson! Catch!" Amy called, as she jumped up.
Carson kicked the man, causing him to lose his balance.
Carson turned and caught the sword that Carly had thrown.
By that time, Carly was at his side. They turned to face the robbers together, perfectly in sync.
"If that's how you want to play." the woman said, but she looked unsure.
But after only a few moments duel, the two robbers fled up the road, leaving their swords behind.
Carly smiled at Carson, remembering how horrible it had gone when they tried to fight together last time.
"It's like we're a team now." Carson said, as if he had read her thoughts, "Maybe we have a chance at both making it home."
Hey all!
So this part was a little short, but I hope you enjoyed it anyway. :) Also my friend is coming to stay for the week tomorrow!
OK, love you guys! Bye!
~ Megan <3